I have read your paper on this subject and would concur with you.Rumpelstiltskin wrote: ↑September 14th, 2016, 10:48 am A few years ago, my bishop cast out several unclean spirits from me. When I felt them leave me, it changed my life. I spent the next three plus years researching the phenomenon of possession by evil spirits. When it came to possession, what I took for granted as “truth” melted away like the morning dew. Almost everything I thought was true turned out to be nothing more than belief in the wisdom of the world. What I did learn about evil spirits completely changed the way I looked at the world.
After all my research, I have come to the conclusion that possession by evil spirits is the single most common affliction of mankind. I wrote an extensive treatise on the subject of evil spirits based on what I found. It is heavily referenced with a couple hundred quotes from various prophets and general authorities starting with Joseph Smith and up to the present day. The treatise also contains an appendix of over 100 pages of quotes on the subject of evil spirits, inherited lies, and discernment.
Some of the things I learned is that possession is extremely common and that this was officially taught by the Church. I have copies of two Sunday school lesson plans for the Young Women that state this. I also have copies of Deseret News articles that talk about how to not become possessed. I also learned that a lot of our physical and mental illnesses are caused by evil spirits. Not all, but a lot. There are many members who say, “If you talk about evil spirits, you'll bring them about.” That is a total myth born out of fear. Evil spirits already surround us every moment of our lives. Talking about them won't bring them about; they are already here.
Before commenting on this subject, I would strongly recommend you read the treatise. You'll be very surprised what is in it. If you want to download a copy of the treatise, you can do it here:
http://www.ldsfreedomforum.com/viewtopi ... 26&t=43440" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
I would however suggest that priesthood authority is not always required in order to make unclean spirits leave. There are, I believe, two other ways this can occur.
1. A direct intervention by God through the Holy Ghost.
2. Personal righteousness which has the effect of rendering the host tabernacle unappealing to the unclean spirits so they will leave in order to pursue their lusts elsewhere.
I would also suggest that possession is not a 24/7 thing. The unclean spirits likely have a number of favourite tabernacles on their rounds, and flit from one to another as occasion requires.
This is why James spoke the truth when he said that if we resist the devil he will flee from us. They're not going to waste time and effort when they encounter fierce resistence if there is another willing host they can go to. The story of the herd of swine is a case in point.