The horror-ridden stories of Ruby Franke and Lori Vallow Daybell share a common theme: demonic possession. The term “exorcism” conjures images of holy water, a brandished cross and stoic priests wearing liturgical vestments. Despite conventional ties to Catholicism, casting out evil spirits is also a Mormon doctrine.
As a child, I learned that in pre-Earth life, Satan was cast out of Heavenly Father’s presence, along with many other spirit children. These spirits desperately wanted bodies and would occasionally possess the bodies of Heavenly Father’s children on Earth. My mom read from Matthew to teach me about Jesus casting the demons from a man and into a herd of pigs. My dad taught me that church founder Joseph Smith outlined very specific guidelines for how to tell a devil from an angel. The trick? Ask to shake their hand.
The casting out of Satan is depicted in temple ceremonies of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. My husband recalls members of the church asking him to do the same while he was on his mission. As a woman, I was never personally allowed this authority.
In footage provided by Kevin Franke in the new Hulu series, “Devil in the Family,” we see a Latter-day Saint bishop visiting the St. George home of Jodi Hildebrandt to help cleanse her home of demons. He’s performing what is, in effect, an exorcism. Kevin Franke recounts spending hours attempting to cast the demons from Hildebrandt while living in Springville. His attempts at exorcism included listing every name of Jesus Christ he could remember.
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Ruby Franke wrote extensively about her own children’s possessions. In her diary, she wrote that her 12-year-old son “emulates a snake.” She said she made him stand for hours in the hot desert sun. She said she withheld food. She said she cut him and rubbed cayenne pepper in the wounds. Ruby said she did not believe she was abusing her kids — she thought she was saving them from the devil.
As Shari Franke writes in her memoir, “The House of My Mother,” Ruby drew significant insight from the book “Visions of Glory.” She writes that Ruby and Hildebrandt were “obsessed.” This book, written by a Latter-day Saint, was the same book Lori Vallow Daybell was reading by the pool when she was arrested in Hawaii. She said she believed the only way to rid her children of demons was to kill them.
It’s time for Latter-day Saint leaders to confront and reform the faith’s teachings on demonic possession. This doctrine has convinced many members there are demons in their homes, in their walls and in their children. These cases of abuse and murder can be directly attributed to this doctrine, and the perpetrators of these crimes have stated this time and time again.
Until the church addresses this doctrine, or, better yet, dismisses it entirely, more children may suffer. I urge the church to provide clear guidance and education to help members distinguish between metaphorical teachings and literal interpretations. Faith should support mental health and safety, not endanger it.
(Alyssa Grenfell) Alyssa Grenfell is the author of “How to Leave the Mormon Church: An Exmormon’s Guide to Rebuilding After Religion” and creates social media content about the church and religious transitions.
Alyssa Grenfell is a former member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who currently lives in San Antonio, Texas. She is the author of “How to Leave the Mormon Church: An Exmormon’s Guide to Rebuilding After Religion” and creates social media content about the church and religious transitions.
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