The Shavian Hush: Protestants and The Exorcist Experience

Introduction

The question often arises within diverse religious communities as to how members perceive and respond to The Exorcist, a film that is often associated with intensely disturbing content and supernatural phenomena. While it is a widely-held belief that only demons are truly scared by exorcists, the experience of watching The Exorcist varies greatly among people of different faith backgrounds, including Protestants.

Comparative Experiences Across Faiths

Protestant Perspective: According to Margaret, a Protestant Christian from the United States, she viewed the film with a mix of fear and intrigue. She stated, 'I watched The Exorcist in 1974, and to be accurate, it scared the living crap out of me. Being an atheist, I didn’t believe a single thing I was seeing—aside from the extreme fear the film engendered. However, my youth and impressionable nature played a significant role in this emotional response.'

When Margaret shared her experience with colleagues from Portugal, a predominantly Roman Catholic nation, the audience’s reaction was quite different. A 2001 screening in Portugal revealed that while the film was certainly unsettling for some, many in the audience were laughing out loud. This contrast between fear and amusement highlights the significant impact of cultural and religious context on the experience of the film.

Other Protestants share similar experiences but with differing levels of fear and fascination. Some believers might argue that it is necessary to be prepared when facing the spiritual forces depicted in the film, while others might view it purely as entertainment.

Psychological and Cultural Impacts

Horror movies, including The Exorcist, are designed to create fear and suspense. This is a fundamental aspect of their appeal and commercial success. For many, the fear may be rooted in the unknown, the supernatural, and a sense of vulnerability. In the context of a predominantly Catholic country like Portugal, the film’s content might be perceived more as a comedic exaggeration rather than a genuine threat. This divergence in interpretation is a testament to the complex interplay between the psyche and cultural norms.

The experience of watching The Exorcist is not exclusive to Protestants or Catholics. For atheists who watch the film, the fear can often be a form of simulated experience, a way to engage with the concept of supernatural horror without believing in the reality of the phenomena. Such an experience can be both thrilling and enlightening, fostering a deeper understanding of various worldviews.

Conclusion

Whether Protestant, Catholic, or atheist, the experience of The Exorcist offers a unique glimpse into the human psyche and the cultural landscape. The fear, the laughter, and the various interpretations serve as a reminder of the diversity within religious and non-religious communities. As we navigate the complex terrain of faith and fear, films like The Exorcist provide a fascinating window into the human condition.