This is a highly original study of demon possession and the ritual of exorcism, both ofwhich were rife in early modern times, and which reached epidemic proportions inFrance.Catholics at the time believed that the devil was everywhere present, in the rise of theheretics, in the activities of witches, and even in the bodies of pious young women. Therite of exorcism was intended to heal the possessed and show the power of the Church—but it generated as many problems as it resolved. Possessed women endured frequentlyviolent exorcisms, exorcists were suspected of conjuring devils, and possession itselfcame to be seen as a form of holiness, elevating several women to the status of livingsaints.Looking towards the present day, the book also argues that early modern conflictsover the devil still carry an unexpected force and significance for Western Christianity.Sarah Ferber is Lecturer in History at the University of Queensland, Australia. Sheteaches early modern history, and the history of modern bioethics. She is a coeditor ofBeasts of Suburbia: Reinterpreting Cultures in Australian Suburbs.
语言:
英文
格式:
pdf
作者:
(美)萨拉.菲柏
目录:
Part I1 Scepticism and Catholic reform: introductory remarks2 ‘Into the realm of the senses’: Nicole Obry and the Miracle of Laon3 Marthe BrossierPart II4 Priestcraft and witchcraft: introductory remarks5 The trial of Louis Gaufridy, Aix-en-Provence, 1609–116 Fighting fire with fire? Exorcism against ecstasy, Louviers, 1642–54Part III7 Ecstasy, possession, witchcraft: the will to hierarchy8 ‘God’s witches’: two possessed womenConclusion NotesSelected bibliographyIndex