Exorcism has returned to the political spotlight in the United States with Colorado Republican gubernatorial candidate Victor Marx asserting that his ability to perform exorcisms qualifies him for office. Marx claims to have expelled demons from various individuals, including cases involving confrontations by his dog and even performing exorcisms over the phone. Alongside these assertions, Marx also promotes credentials such as operating a Christian karate center in Honolulu and conducting private air strikes against Islamic State targets.

Marx’s claims have drawn attention not only for their unconventional nature but also because he identifies as a non-denominational pastor without formal accreditation or training from any recognized church. Experts emphasize that within established religious institutions, exorcisms—or “deliverance ministry”—are conducted with strict oversight and caution. For example, the Church of England entrusts deliverance ministry exclusively to specially appointed clergy within each diocese who receive specific training and usually collaborate with mental health professionals to rule out medical or psychological causes before proceeding.

Contrary to popular culture portrayals involving dramatic physical manifestations, many deliverance sessions focus on prayer and pastoral care, recognizing that most experiences described as possession resemble feelings of spiritual attack rather than the intense phenomena depicted in films. While some critics view all forms of exorcism as superstition, proponents argue that dismissing such practices outright overlooks the possibility of spiritual realities beyond human understanding, which are not always benign.

Despite Marx’s attention-grabbing claims, observers caution against trivializing or politicizing exorcism. In the United States, where constitutional provisions maintain a separation between church and state, religious practices can intersect with public discourse in ways less common in countries like England, where state and church relations are more intertwined. This separation has facilitated unconventional figures like Marx to bring religious rituals into political arenas.

In contrast, in England, formal exorcisms remain a practice reserved for trained clergy and are insulated from political use, underscoring the seriousness with which established religious communities treat the subject. The debate surrounding Marx highlights broader tensions about faith, authority, and the boundaries between religious belief and public life, underscoring that exorcisms are matters taken seriously within religious traditions and, arguably, too grave to become political talking points.