Pastor Kurt Lehman
Psychologist Janet Krause
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Rev. Harold Edwards
(orcism accepted in rare c
ases
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By Nancy Stohs
"And he appointed twelve,
that they might be with Him,
and that He might send them
out to preach, and to have
authority to cast out the
demons." Mark 3:14-15.
This is only one reference
the Bible makes to exorcism or
possession by the devil. There
are more. The question is,
should the words be taken
literally? On record the Roman
Catholic Church does. Many
Protestant churches, however,
do not and therefore have
never taught a rite of exorcism.
And, like trying to reconcile
Creation and evolution,
theologians today face
skepticism from psychology
and science.
The Rev. Harold Edwards,
Southview Christian Church,
said he accepts exorcism only
"in very rare circumstances."
"But I attribute it to a
negative energy or force a
person has attracted because of
his personality not necessarily
to a spiritual being," he said.
No clear stand
The Rev. Edwards has
studied psychic phenomena
from ESP to astrology and
teaches a parapsychology
course at the Nebraska School
of Religion.
As a denomination, his
Church hasn't a clear stand on
exorcism, he said, but tends to
ignore it out of disbelief.
He said he isn't sure he
believes the devil even exists.
"I don't rule him out, but
neither do I affirm him."
On this point, Christian
Scientists are clearer; there's no
such thing as a devil or as
demon possession.
The "exorcised" person is
suffering a mental condition,
their doctrine says, and is being
freed from false thoughts, not
"things" like devils. So
explained Arthur Danielson of
Lincoln, who chairs the
Christian Science Committee
on Publication for Nebraska.
Only extreme cases
Pastor Kurt Lehman said his
church, the Berean
Fundamentalist, has no doubts
Jesus cast out demons in his
day, but today he too accepts
exorcism only in extreme
cases.
According to Richard Thill
of Omaha, the "extreme case"
hasn't any meaning.
"A person may be angry
and out of control and vomits
lot," he explained, "but this
could be an extreme case of
mental illness, too, or a growth
exerting pressure on the
brain."
Thill is a German folklorist
and has taught a course at
UNO, "Things that go bump in
the night."
He said if a person told him
he was possessed by a demon,
he'd ask: How was it, if the
demon was in complete
possession, that person could
get to a priest in the first
place? What medical authority
certified it was not a
neurological, psychological, or
physiological illness? and, What
medical tests had been
performed on him?
"That doesn't mean I
completely reject it as a
.possibility," he said, "but to
date I have seen no firm
evidence proving( that
symptoms couldn't mean some
other condition than
possession by a demon."
Exorcism accepted
Pastor Charles Reimnitz of
Christ Lutheran Church said
his doctrine also accepts the
possibility of driving out devils
in people through Christ, but
added, "I wouldn't try it
myself."
Neither would Janet Krause.
But because of her Christian
upbringing, , she said she does
believe in supernatural forces.
And she doesn't think it
conflicts with her career, a
counseling psychologist at the
UNL Counseling Center.
CO-OPS COMBINE EXPERIENCE WITH COLLEGE STUDIES 1
Jeff Miller and Tom Grothe have a lot
in common.
They're both from Omaha and attend
the University of Nebraska at Lincoln.
Both are in junior standing, studying civil
engineering.
One more similarity: Jeff and Tom are
two participants in Valmont's Cooper
ative Education Program.
The plan, a work-study program with
time divided between college academics
and on-the-job experience with Valmont,
began in early 1974. Academic studies
relating to Valmont's needs, as
Engineering, Technology, or Business,
are encouraged.
The program seeks students from
midwest area colleges and universities.
Ideally, participants should be in junior
standing and will work through gradua
tion, applying their academic studies to
an actual job situation.
"This is a great beginning job," says
Jeff. "It really is a practical application
and a chance to become totally familiar
with engineering."
"Being a Co-op has reinforced my de
sire to become an engineer. And, it will
help me decide if I should specialize in
any one part."
Tom Grothe agrees that, 'The plan
coordinates and applies educational prin
ciples to work." Right now, I'm primarily
doing drafting, but I get to see the whole
engineering process."
Initially, students are placed in jobs
related to their college work. As
academic learning and job experience
increase, succeeding job assignments also
""nlk f J
" j " -
Both Tom U mod Jeff agree tht being a Co-op has many advantages.
increase in difficulty and responsibility.
"Although I'm doing drafting work, the
project still involves a certain amount of
money. That means trust has been placed
in me and it's up to me to show my
supervisor he can have confidence in my
work," says Jeff.
Upon completion of the program,
students enter the job market with a
4-year degree and over one year of job
experience. Even though there is no
guarantee of continued employment at
Valmont, the student's chances in the job
market are sharpened.
"The main reason I entered the Coop
Program was for the physical experi
ence. I plan to stay on at Valmont, if
possible. But, in looking for another job,
this experience will sure look good on my
transcript," says Tom.
"No question about it," says Jeff. "It
helps a great deal to have experience
behind your degree. Everyone wants
experience, which is a big 'plus' for the
program."
Jeff touched on an additional benefit. "I
have to pay my own way through school.
The money I earn in six months pays for
one year of school."
In addition to wages with regular
increases in pay, the Co-ops also partici
pate in the majority of the Company's
regular benefit program, Valmont benefit
coverage is even continued during study
periods.
"The advantages here are tre
mendous," says Tom. "And, if I ever run
into problems with my work, I'm readily
assisted by fellow employees."
Jeff adds, "The people here are so
helpful. Everyone is willing to answer
questions I might have."
Valmont Representatives will present a briefing Thursday, January 30 at 4 p.m.
In Room 192, Nebraska Hall. Additional information on the Valmont Co-Op
Program may be obtained from: Larry Kauffman at 472-3181 or write to Allen
Hunt, Valmont Industries, Inc., Valley, NE 68064.
Valmont Industries Inc.
An equal opportunity-affirmative
action employer
"As a counselor, I wouldn't
try to impose my own values
or beliefs on anyone who
believed he was possessed," she
said.
"The person could have an
enormous guilt complex," she
said, "a need to find an excuse
for a behavior that doesn't fit
his concept of himself.
Something like 'The devil made
me do it'," she said.
Schizophrenics are highly
susceptible, too, she said, as
they teter between reality and
unreality.
At any rate, people seem to
think the movie "The
Exorcist," overpublicized the
issue and created unnecessary
fear.
"People now seem to have
the idea the devil is behind
every bush, underneath every
chair, ready to strike them
anytime," the Rev. Lehman
said. "I've talked to many
people in recent months who
are fearful."
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regularly $3.23
now $2.03.
1. Steak
2. Potato
3. Salad
4. Bread
5. Vaitre
Service
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a.n - 9 p.m.
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page 8
daily nebraskan
Wednesday, January 29. 1975
