Asbury University Dean of the School of Christian Studies, Dr. W. Brian Shelton ’89, recently published a book titled: “Theology of a Diary: The 1949 St. Louis Exorcism.” This new book is part of the McMaster Divinity College Theological Studies Series, vol. 10 through Pickwick Publications.
The work is a fascinating retelling of a striking episode in the life of the church that intersects with popular culture.
“In an age when natural explanations seem to regulate discourse around the supernatural, some cases seem to resist naturalistic reasoning. Such is the example of the best-documented case of exorcism in the twentieth century that lies behind the film, ‘The Exorcist,’” Shelton said. “While the movie stands as a hallmark of cinematic and cultural history, few realize that its origin lies in a real story of the demonization of a Washington, D.C. boy and an exorcism delivered by St. Louis Jesuit priests. The case has received attention from social scientists, journalists, and paranormalists, all who explain the events with causal theories other than the preternatural (demonic) or supernatural (divine).”
The book examines historical events and theological descriptions primarily from the “Diary” of one of the exorcists, a daily record testifying to the priestly encounters with a supposed demonized boy. The “Diary” remained sealed for fifty years until its sudden release in 2000. Similarly, the identity of the demonized boy remained hidden for seventy years until his passing in 2020.
“This work analyzes the nature of the demonization, the rite, and the exorcism as it is recorded in the ‘Diary,’ Shelton said. “It analyzes the Catholic theology contained there: the pastoral intentions of the exorcist; the demonic aversion to relics, holy water, and the rite; the demonic response to the command to divulge its name and time of departure; and the power of God available to the church though means of prayer, sacraments, and sacramentals. The combination of interests makes for a captivating mystery that gets solved by the gracious power of Christ.”
Shelton’s book weighs the testimony of eyewitness and early news reports, as well as social and medical scientific experts, all who claim a range of causes to the event. By entertaining causes of the preternatural and supernatural, this work captures the enduring value of the 1949 exorcism and offers a theological explanation for all who wonder about the place of spirit beings in the world.
Asbury’s School of Christian Studies offers majors in Bible-Theology, Christian Ministries, Intercultural Studies, Online Leadership and Ministry, Online Ministry Management, Pastoral Ministries, Philosophy, Youth Ministry, and Worship Arts. The liberal arts-focused Master of Arts in Ministry Innovation is the first master’s program the University offers in Ministry and includes a hybrid experience plus a mentorship experience in which professional coaches guide each student on their path to ministry innovation.