Thesis (Ph. D.)--Trinity Theological Seminary, 2005. / Includes bibliographical references.

Demon possession and exorcism are major themes in the gospel of Mark. Since the Enlightenment, Mark's Western audience has often found them to difficult to interpret, especially in the case of possession itself. The author of Mark assumed that his audience would understand the idea of possession, an assumption that does not necessarily hold true for modern audiences. This study aims to provide some idea of what possession means in Mark. It proceeds with exegesis of Mark's possession pericopes and situates them within the context of ancient beliefs about demons and possession. Critical consideration of modern cross-disciplinary research related to possession is important in this task. So too is the history of modern interpretation and exegesis of Mark, which has offered insights as well as misapprehensions. The weight of evidence supports the conclusion that part of the spiritual importance of possession for Mark is its disorienting, frightening, and ultimately incomprehensible nature.

Thesis (M. Div.)--International Christian Graduate University, School of Theology, 1987. / Bibliography: leaves 49-55.

Thesis (D. Miss.)--Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, 1995. / Abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 110-114).

Thesis (M. Div.)--International Christian Graduate University, School of Theology, 1987. / Bibliography: leaves 49-55.

Thesis (M.A./Missions)--Columbia Biblical Seminary and Graduate School of Missions, 1999. / Abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 70-71).

Inaug.-diss.--Münster. / Published in full in: Religionsgeschichtliche Versuche und Vorarbeiten, Vol. 7, pt. 3.

Thesis (M. Div.)--International Christian Graduate University, School of Theology, 1987. / Bibliography: leaves 49-55.

No description available.

Abstract This study was a case control field investigation of a special population. The psychodiagnostic and personality correlates of 40 Christian Charismatic exorcism-seekers were compared to the correlates of 40 matched c2ntrols and 48 randomly selected controls. The study was guided by a central research question: how do exorcism-seekers differ from similar individuals who do not seek exorcism? Two theoretiäal approaches to demonic possession and exorcism anticipated different answers. A mental illness approach anticipated the report of certain forms of clinical distress among exorcism-seekers. A social role approach anticipated the report of certain personality traits that would facilitate the effective enactment of the demoniac role. Results supported the mental illness approach to demonic possession inasmuch as numerous between-group diagnostic differences achieved statistical significance, especially mood disturbance. The exorcism-seeker’s group produced a modal dependent-avoidant personality disorder profile, although schizoid features best distinguished between exorcism-seekers and control subjects. However, half of the sample did not report significant psychological distress. A cognitive-behavioral model of demonic possession of relevance to both distressed and non-distressed exorcism-seekers was therefore proposed. Treatment implications included a discussion of special treatment problems and collaboration between members of the clergy and the health care professions.