Last Podcast On The Left
Last Podcast On The Left
"Well, one of the things that is sort of contentious in this case and in pretty much every exorcism case is what is real and what is a false memory? Exaggeration, yeah. Exaggeration." — Marcus Parks
"The problem is that magic should never be used to replace actual medical attention. What physical or mental?" — Ben Kissel
"And the congregation, as they sang the closing hymn, not 15 minutes later, they were interrupted by a familiar, good or roll, growl, and scream." — Henry Zebrowski
This installment continues the investigation into the Annelise Michel case, focusing on the escalating exorcism rituals and their devastating impact. The episode highlights the profound difficulties in distinguishing between Annelise's severe epilepsy and perceived demonic possession, with medical interpretations suggesting her symptoms were exacerbated by stress, lack of proper treatment, and psychological factors, while the priests and her family attributed them to supernatural forces. The narrative details the extensive and prolonged nature of the exorcisms, the challenges faced by the priests in interpreting Annelise's actions, and the gradual decline of her physical and mental health due to prolonged starvation and the intensity of the rituals. The episode also touches upon the religious and cultural context of the time, exploring how Vatican II reforms and broader societal shifts may have influenced the perception and practice of exorcism.
The legal ramifications are explored, detailing the negligent homicide charges brought against the priests and Annelise's parents. The defense's argument centered on Annelise's right to refuse medical attention, framing her death as a consequence of her own choices, while the prosecution argued that the defendants fed into her delusion and had a responsibility to intervene. The verdict and subsequent probation sentence are presented, alongside the lingering convictions of the involved parties that demonic forces were responsible for her death. The episode concludes by reflecting on the enduring fascination with exorcism and the recurring theme of supernatural beliefs potentially overshadowing critical medical needs, questioning the efficacy and ethical implications of such practices when they supersede conventional medical care.