Exorcism, anyone?

By Phil Lawler ( bio - articles - email ) | Feb 28, 2012

Before this story slips into the archives, out of active memory, could I ask everyone to pause for a moment and think about what happened?

An abortion clinic was closed. How? There may be many contributing factors, but it’s hard to overlook the fact that the abortionists’ business dropped sharply after priests began saying prayers of exorcism. Not just prayers, mind you; pro-lifers had been praying at that clinic for years. Prayers of exorcism.

Have you ever wondered why the media accept so many patent falsehoods from the purveyors of abortion? Have you wondered why ordinarily intelligent people accept nonsensical and contradictory arguments? The struggle over abortion is not like ordinary political debates. Something else is at work here: a process—perhaps a power--that confuses and clouds intellects. Now think about it: What power leads people astray? What power rejoices in the shedding of human blood?

We can and should pursue the political struggle to end abortion. But we should also recognize that this is not merely a political struggle. We’re engaged in a spiritual battle, and it’s foolish to leave our most effective spiritual weapons unused.

I am not suggesting that we organize a mass movement to exorcize abortion clinics. I am not suggesting that we summon crowds. That would be a mistake; we shouldn’t apply the techniques of a political mass-movement. Do it quietly. A few priests, a few prayers. Don’t tell anyone. See what happens.