Võõrutused

Võõrutused, also known as "exorcisms," are religious rituals aimed at expelling demons or evil spirits from a person, place, or object, which are believed to be possessed or influenced by malevolent supernatural entities. These practices are found in various religious traditions worldwide, including Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, and indigenous belief systems.

In Christian tradition, exorcisms are rooted in biblical accounts, such as the Gospels, where Jesus is depicted performing exorcisms to drive out demons. The Catholic Church recognizes exorcism as a legitimate practice, conducted by authorized clergy, typically priests, following specific rituals outlined in the *Rite of Exorcism*. The process often involves prayer, scripture readings, and symbolic gestures to invoke divine protection and authority over evil forces.

Exorcisms are generally performed only after thorough investigation to confirm the presence of a demonic influence, as false accusations can cause harm. The Church distinguishes between possession, where a person is controlled by a demon, and oppression or infestation, where evil spirits affect a person or place without full control. In severe cases, medical evaluation is recommended to rule out psychological or physical ailments.

While exorcisms are most commonly associated with Christianity, similar practices exist in other faiths. For example, Islamic traditions include the concept of *jinn* (spirits) and rituals to ward them off, while Hindu and Buddhist traditions may involve purification ceremonies to remove negative spiritual influences.

Exorcisms remain controversial, with critics questioning their efficacy and ethical implications. Skeptics argue that cases attributed to possession may have psychological or physiological explanations. Despite this, exorcism continues to be practiced by believers as a spiritual remedy for perceived supernatural threats.