scary

Fr. Gabriele Amorth's revealing portrait of demonic possession and exorcism casts detailed, spiritual light on this dark area of inquiry which is fraught--more often than not--with controversy and misunderstanding. It also supplements other pertinent texts such as Father Malachi Martin's classic study HOSTAGE TO THE DEVIL, and Bob Larson's IN THE NAME OF SATAN.

Fr. Amorth covers critical ground by exposing the dangers of magic and sorcery (namely spells, hexes, incantations and curses) and their ability to adversely effect a recipient individual psychologically, physically, and spiritually, even to the point of inducing demonic possession. Conversely, he details the various remedies that the Church offers to the afflicted--in the form of Sacramentals--such as blessed oil, water, and salt, that can supplement the solemn rite of exorcism, ensuring an easier liberation from the fetters of and shackles to the Devil.

He also examines those tell-tale, mental and physical signs (he calls them 'negativities') that often confirm the presence of a possessing demon. Attention is also paid to the numerous forms of bizarre behaviour that the unfortunate victims of possession exhibit--both prior to and during an exorcism--and how these capital signs authenticate the source of their existential torment as evil spirit, and not merely psychophysical malady as the genesis.

The author effectively concludes the book with a look at the new attitude (pastoral directives) of Vatican II toward possession, demons and--as the good Father says--'...the influence that they can exert on single individuals, on communities, on entire societies, or on events...(as)...very important...

In the final analysis, Fr. Amorth's objective, straight-forward presentation of the complexities of demonic possession and exorcism facilitates a terra firma of understanding--partially unravelling the ageless mystery of good versus evil--thereby, providing a solid addition to anyone's private library on the topic.

Fr. Gabriele Amorth's portrait of demonic possession and exorcism casts detailed light on this dark area of inquiry which is fraught--more often than not--with controversy and misunderstanding.

Though less poetic or descriptively-gripping than the late Fr. Malachi Martin's classic study on the topic HOSTAGE TO THE DEVIL, Fr. Amorth's book manages to patch up some of the existing knowledge gaps left in the wake of several other pertinent works like Dr. M. Scott Peck's THE PEOPLE OF THE LIE (a psychiatrist's view of evil based on the case histories of his patients), and Bob Larson's IN THE NAME OF SATAN (Tales of a Protestant exorcist).

Fr. Amorth covers critical, new ground by exposing the dangers of Magic and Sorcery (namely spells, hexes, incantations, and curses) and their ability to adversely affect an individual psychologically, physically, and spiritually, even to the point of inducing demonic possession.

Conversely, Fr. Amorth details the various remedies that the Catholic Church offers to the afflicted--in the form of Sacramentals--such as blessed oil, water, and salt, which can be effectively applied--in conjunction with the solemn rite of exorcism--to facilitate an easier and quicker liberation from the fetters of and attachments to the Devil.

Examination is also given to those tell tale, mental and physical signs (Fr. Amorth calls them 'negativities') that often confirm the presence of a possessing demon. Attention is paid to the various forms of bizarre behavior that unfortunate victims of possession exhibit--both prior to and during an exorcism--and how these capital signs authenticate the source of existential torment as evil spirit, and not merely psychophysical malady as the genesis of their suffering.

The author effectively concludes the book with a look at the new attitude (pastoral directives) of Vatican II toward possession, demons, and--as Fr. Amorth says--'the influence that they can exert on single individuals, on communities, on entire societies, or on events,...(as)...very important...for Catholic doctrine.' And how, by calling attention to the ever-present danger posed by these evil entities, the Catholic Church can better assert itself--in the name of Jesus--as the leading organization with the designated spiritual authority to most effectively route the wickedness and snares of the Devil.

In the final analysis, Fr. Amorth's straight-forward, no frills, 'meat and potatos' examination of demonic possession and exorcism succeeds where other fail, providing a terra firma of understanding and solid addition to anyone's private library on the topic.

When C.S. Lewis wrote "The Screwtape Letters" he wrote an extraordinary and literary account of Satan and his minions ordinary daily activity: temptation. Thus, temptation is with us all, every day. However, as the Bible and tradition teach us, occasionally, when the Lord allows them for the good of salvation, the Devil and Demons involve themselves in extraordinary activity. This activity includes, but is not limited to, Demonic Possession.

In this important book, and it's even better sequel "An Exorcist: More Stories" Fr. Amorth systematically outlines, defines, and explains this extraordinary demonic activity in an easy to read, yet scholarly way.

After reading this book, I was more convinced than ever that regular prayer and frequent reception of the sacraments (especially The Eucharist and Confession) are incredibly important. However, as other reviewers have noted, this book is not an effective "apology." If you do not believe in Satan, or evil, this book is not likely to convince you. For that I recommend starting with Lewis (Mere Christianity, Screwtape, etc.) and then moving on from there.

This book is highly recommended. For Christian warriors, knowing how the enemy works is a singular advantage.