The Exorcism of Gottliebin Dittus

Between 1842 and 1843, a young woman named Gottliebin Dittus in the German village of Möttlingen underwent what her pastor Johann Christoph Blumhardt believed was genuine demonic possession. The case would spark a religious revival and influence Protestant theology for generations.

The Affliction

Gottliebin, a member of Blumhardt’s congregation, began experiencing violent episodes, seizures, and what appeared to be multiple personalities. She vomited strange objects, including pins and broken glass, and exhibited knowledge she could not have naturally acquired.

The Struggle

Pastor Blumhardt, initially skeptical, became convinced of the supernatural nature of her condition after witnessing inexplicable phenomena firsthand. He engaged in what he termed spiritual warfare, praying over Gottliebin for nearly two years.

The case escalated dramatically when voices speaking through Gottliebin identified themselves as demons and eventually declared their defeat with the words that would become famous in German pietist circles.

The Victory

On December 28, 1843, the possession ended with what witnesses described as a dramatic spiritual breakthrough. The final demon reportedly cried out its defeat before departing.

The Revival

Following Gottliebin’s liberation, Möttlingen experienced a religious awakening. Villagers confessed sins and reported healings. Blumhardt’s account of the case influenced German theology and the later Pentecostal movement.

Assessment

The Gottliebin Dittus case remains significant not for its phenomena alone, but for its lasting impact on Protestant approaches to spiritual warfare and healing ministry.