Reformed churches abandoned exorcism

Reformed churches abandoned exorcism as part of a sixteenth-century reaction against what they considered superstitious medieval practices.[1] The rejection reflects distinct theological convictions rather than mere skepticism about demonic activity.

Calvin’s Theological Objection

Calvin believed that ceremonial additions to baptism arose from human presumption that water baptism alone was insufficient, and he condemned the “abominable abuse of God’s name” in “unlawful exorcisms and other wicked incantations.”[1] His concern centered on reverence for divine speech—the tongue must account for the “loftiness of the sacred name.”[1] Speaking of exorcism as used by Roman Catholics, Calvin insisted it was lawful to “reject everything that men have presumed to add to the institution of Christ.”[2]

A Paradoxical Consequence

The Reformed position created an unexpected theological problem. Calvin’s reserve about invoking God’s name made him reluctant to honor saints traditionally revered, and Protestant tradition further developed this by eschewing invocation of saints in prayer as an abuse of worship due to God—which paradoxically led to a refusal to address demons directly in exorcisms.[1] In other words, the very principle protecting God’s name from misuse also prevented direct confrontation with demonic forces.

Doctrinal Divergence

Most Calvinists believed exorcism was valid only in the early days of Christianity,[3] viewing it as a sign accompanying apostolic authority rather than an ongoing church practice. The question of exorcism became a test distinguishing Lutherans from Calvinists,[2] with secular authorities favoring the Calvinist view of exorcism as a relic of “papal superstition.”[1]

This theological inheritance persists in Reformed traditions today, where the emphasis falls on prayer, faith, and pastoral care rather than formal exorcistic rituals.

[1] Fintan Lyons, The Persistence of Evil: A Cultural, Literary and Theological Analysis (London; New York; Oxford; New Delhi; Sydney: T&T Clark, 2023), 255–256.
[2] John M’Clintock and James Strong, “Exorcism, Exorcist,” in Cyclopædia of Biblical, Theological, and Ecclesiastical Literature (New York: Harper & Brothers, Publishers, 1891), 3:418.
[3] Francis MacNutt and Bill Johnson, Deliverance from Evil Spirits: A Practical Manual (Chosen, 1995). [See here.]