Redacted: The Secret History of Exorcism

Redacted examines the evolution of the ministry of deliverance, tracing its roots from the Gospels to the twentieth century.

This in-depth exploration reveals the contours of Jesus’ and the apostles’ ministry, and how their practices influenced the fervent exorcisms of the pre-Nicene Church, igniting widespread revival. From there, Redacted follows the decline of exorcism from the fourth to the eleventh centuries, where it almost entirely disappears. When it is brought back during the High Middle Ages, the practice takes on a highly ritualized form that departs from the Apostolic model. The Reformation saw exorcism’s contentious duality between charismatic and ritual forms, before they were both entirely snuffed out with Protestantism. Yet, the twentieth century witnessed its resurgence, beginning at Azusa St. and growing within the Charismatic movement. Redacted identifies the historical connection between deliverance and revival and makes the case that deliverance ministry is essential for revival today.