Arcadia Discussion Zone

So there are professional vampirologists ? I wonder what the going rate for the job is ?

On that subject, and since you're an archangel, and bearing in mind the political complexion of Highgate Cemetery's most famous interee, I'm reminded of a song my auld fella used sing:

"I'm Harry Pollitt, please,
I'm Harry Pollitt, please.
I wish to speak to Comrade God,
For I'm Harry Pollitt, please.

And he went up unto Heaven,
The hymns he didn't like,
So he organised the angels
And brought them out on strike ! "

Archy,



No, no it's not. Not when there's a context for such things. Vampires are not merely demons. They are demon-inhabited corpses. That drink blood. And infect others, in kind.

Your idea of an exorcism, in this case, is driving stakes through a corpse's heart. I maintain that this is not exactly a Scripturally-based way of exorcising people.

Let me ask you this though, Arch, is it necessary for a Christian to believe in the existence of vampires? How integral is the belief in such beings for one's own salvation?



Yes, and history is a testament to how "traditional" many Christians have been over time. I will not deny, however, that the (Christian) belief in the supernatural is slowly being eroded through liberalism. I, personally, do not side with that camp. Nor do I believe that others need to label themselves as "traditionalists". If that's the case, what does it make of fundamentalists, etc.



Yep, and I've mentioned a few names along those lines, too. Calmet, Davanzati, Prospero Lambertini, all highly-regarded Catholics - all critical of vampire belief.



Traditionalist...what, exactly? Are you saying you, Archangel Michael, have more "experience and expertise" than myself? What are you getting at here?

If you're gonna throw it back to the vampire thing, then, by all means, reveal some names and writings that show them endorsing the vampire belief.



Wow, a dig at me being Baptist. How transparent!

If I'm not mistaken, you seem to be dismissive of these "insignificant sects" because...they don't tend to uphold vampirism for the masses? Are you kidding me?

But since you're trying to assert superiority over my branch, then, by all means, what church do you belong to, Arch?



Um, hypocritical much?



I'll let the irony of your comments sink into your noggin for a bit.

At least keep in mind, Arch, that I've provided a few sources. You haven't really extended the same courtesy.

What you've done, instead, is latch onto Caled's responses like a lamprey. Also, your demeanor is hardly as angelic as you make it out to be.

Which brings me to a question you've conveniently dodged: why have you named yourself after an archangel?

Archy,



So, let's get this clear here: you're saying that Christians who don't believe in vampires are...wrong? Even if they do believe in demons?



Yeah, but exorcism does have a Biblical basis. That's a hell of a difference. Explain how using pagan-based methods like staking, decapitation, cremation, garlic, et. al. are within this same context.



I'm not exactly sure why you've raised homosexuality here, unless you're alluding to a rumour about me that the Bish tried to stoke, but yes, within context, I do recognise that homosexuality is verboten. Among a myriad of other things.



Oh really? Like what?

Two things I'll note about your post, in the meantime: 1) your condescending tone regarding sources on vampires has dissipated (unsurprisingly) and 2) you're yet to reveal why you use the name of an archangel for your posts.

Care to explain that one?

Oh, and 3) since you attacked the Baptist church as being an "insignificant sect", then would you care to share which church you belong to?

And last, but not least, would you care to explain, O defender of the faith, why you've listed an angel pic as your website...even though it happens to come from a pagan source?

Tony, who is the half-brainer yer conversin' with, in their own terms no less. This response is another that makes me wonder what folk think..."It could be argued that the exorcism rite is not found in scripture. Yet Anglicans, Catholics, Orthodox and some others use a specific formula that is found to be effective in casting out demons.

How else can ya describe what jesus did when he cast out demons from possessed folk? The more formalized trappings were finalized a the Last Supper when Jesus instructed the Apostles on how to do what was expected of them, in conformance with the new Christ-instituted religion He created.

Folk tend to forget Jesus put Judaic-Talmudic practices aside. They were history. He modified them to synch with a bloodless sacrifice we witness in a Mass in Church, especially when folk receive Communion. A careful reading of all of the preparatory phases of a Mass requires a Priest to be cleansed of any impurities in his own soul, a mini exorcism, yes? prior to this cleric consecrating a Host that is being made worthy of accepting the presence of Jesus.

IMHO, Highgate Cemetery some where along the line became defiled, lost its hallowed status and now is an abode of evil. Maybe the expression, diabolical anarchy reigns there. No wonder susceptible folk get haunted.

Dave,

Are you being critical of Christian views, Dave? If so, I find it funny you don't attack Barbara's for hers.

I guess you're content with your "magic circles".

Hugo,

I see what you're saying there, but I can't totally sympathise with the Catholic side of things on this matter. Exorcism, to the best of my understanding, is the casting out of demons. I know some churches mingle this rite with baptism, even with children.

Scripture gives no formalised prayers for exorcism, to my knowledge. Instead, the guiding point is the use of Jesus' name: "And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils . . ." (Mark 16:17). You can read corresponding verses here. The trappings later associated with exorcism (holy water, purple stoles, etc. etc.) have their origins with the Church, rather than Christ Himself. Of course, I'm sure this can be debated.

You can read more about the importance of Jesus' name in exorcism, here.