He is possessed by demons that Jesus not only calls out, but also directs to their destiny. He actually prepares to get into the boat. Jesus, who does yet trust the disciples to go out alone to preach, not believing they possess the necessary faith, sends this man straight back home to preach the good news. I contend that this man has already been to the serious heart of gospel. In this exorcism, he literally dies and is risen a new creation.
Christian faith is serious business and always has been.
It is not about getting a religion we want, but rather is about our own conversion and transformation, if not exorcism. Precisely this is to cross over to the other side, to cross over from death to life.