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The Sociopolitical Phenomena of Possession and Exorcism (Week 5)

Audience: Member of University - ALL Format: In Person
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We examine Joshua Gunn's work on how discourses of possession and exorcism informs contemporary political demonologies.

Thursday, 28 May 2026, 9am to 10am

Where: Kendrew Quad (21 St Giles'), Room G5

The Demonology in Society reading and research group will be continuing its nefarious ways in Trinity 2026. The group focuses on the social science, history, and theology of demons, the Devil, and supernatural evil as they relate to politics, identity formation, and social conflict. Each week we will examine one academic paper or book chapter on these topics, gaining familiarity with subjects such as: the psychology of dehumanization, the conceptual development of the term “demon,” and contemporary political demonologies like QAnon. This term our focus is on possession and exorcism, with special attention paid to the 1971 novel The Exorcist and its 1973 film adaptation.

Reading:
Gunn, Joshua. 2004. "The rhetoric of exorcism: George W. Bush and the return of political demonology." Western Journal of Communication 68 (1): 1-23.

Series: Demonology in Society

Venue: St John's College - St John's College St Giles' Oxford Oxfordshire OX1 3JP United Kingdom

Department: Theology and Religion (Department)

Organiser: Scott Maybell

Host: St John's College