Why All the Fascination With the Devil and Exorcism?

[Michie]

The curiosity exhibited by many Catholics toward demonic activity is real — and troubling.

I’m going to begin this article with a disclaimer. I am not an expert on demonic possession or the occult. In fact, one of my goals in life — and I’m willing to work very hard on accomplishing this goal — is to never become an expert on such matters.

Though I cannot point to a specific survey to support this assertion, my goal seems to be increasingly in the minority. Novels, non-fiction books, Russell Crowe interviews, Catholic podcasts, and films about demonic activity and exorcism are all the rage among many Catholics lately. (Even writing about this subject from the counterpoint position, this blog is likely to receive exponentially more views than anything I have written about Mary, grace, the sacrament of Penance or Matrimony in the past five years.)

The curiosity exhibited by Catholics toward demonic activity is real — and troubling. Why troubling? Because while occult activity does not always originate in curiosity of the occult, it often can. Many years ago, St. Augustine warned against the “curiosity” of “seeking knowledge from the demons.” And curiosity can quickly grow into fascination. That’s trouble. And I’m speaking here about those shows that are generally friendly toward the Catholic Faith.

Of course, my point will be countered by some of those who listen and view various media presentations on the subject — especially those conducted by fellow Catholics. They may argue that it is helpful to the spiritual life to delve into the topic of demonic activity because, after all, these presentations illustrate that the Church wins the battle through exorcism. And exorcism is good.

Continued below.

Why All the Fascination With the Devil and Exorcism?

The curiosity exhibited by many Catholics toward demonic activity is real — and troubling.

www.ncregister.com

 

[Mark Quayle]

The curiosity exhibited by many Catholics toward demonic activity is real — and troubling.

I’m going to begin this article with a disclaimer. I am not an expert on demonic possession or the occult. In fact, one of my goals in life — and I’m willing to work very hard on accomplishing this goal — is to never become an expert on such matters.

Though I cannot point to a specific survey to support this assertion, my goal seems to be increasingly in the minority. Novels, non-fiction books, Russell Crowe interviews, Catholic podcasts, and films about demonic activity and exorcism are all the rage among many Catholics lately. (Even writing about this subject from the counterpoint position, this blog is likely to receive exponentially more views than anything I have written about Mary, grace, the sacrament of Penance or Matrimony in the past five years.)

The curiosity exhibited by Catholics toward demonic activity is real — and troubling. Why troubling? Because while occult activity does not always originate in curiosity of the occult, it often can. Many years ago, St. Augustine warned against the “curiosity” of “seeking knowledge from the demons.” And curiosity can quickly grow into fascination. That’s trouble. And I’m speaking here about those shows that are generally friendly toward the Catholic Faith.

Of course, my point will be countered by some of those who listen and view various media presentations on the subject — especially those conducted by fellow Catholics. They may argue that it is helpful to the spiritual life to delve into the topic of demonic activity because, after all, these presentations illustrate that the Church wins the battle through exorcism. And exorcism is good.

Continued below.

Why All the Fascination With the Devil and Exorcism?

The curiosity exhibited by many Catholics toward demonic activity is real — and troubling.

www.ncregister.com

I'm not RCC but don't take this as anything against Catholics. It is apparently fascinating for just about everyone. Even fascinating for those who don't want anything to do with it.

The fact is, like it or not, we are in a spiritual war. We ARE involved, even when we avoid it. The fact it doesn't manifest the same in every case doesn't mean it is not there, perhaps in disguise.

I think there is a LOT of reason to believe that even possession can happen apart from the more obvious signs of possession. I certainly can't say that some of the things happening politically don't point at a purely evil source —witness the salivating of the press, and the demand of liberals, accepting nothing short of the death of Terri Schiavo, and nothing short of full-term abortion.

On the other hand, that does not mean that we can attribute every bad to the devil, (nor particularly, our own sin to the devil, though no doubt he would be proud to accept!)

 

[Erose]

Well, the Exorcist Files podcast, which has a real Exorcist discussing this topic, I must say is extremely informative and teaches a lot about the implications of Catholic Doctrine when it comes to this subject. Especially the importance of the Sacrament of Confession, which the Exorcist will tell you quick that this Sacrament is much more powerful than any exorcism.

 

[Erose]

I'm not RCC but don't take this as anything against Catholics. It is apparently fascinating for just about everyone. Even fascinating for those who don't want anything to do with it.

The fact is, like it or not, we are in a spiritual war. We ARE involved, even when we avoid it. The fact it doesn't manifest the same in every case doesn't mean it is not there, perhaps in disguise.

I think there is a LOT of reason to believe that even possession can happen apart from the more obvious signs of possession. I certainly can't say that some of the things happening politically don't point at a purely evil source —witness the salivating of the press, and the demand of liberals, accepting nothing short of the death of Terri Schiavo, and nothing short of full-term abortion.

On the other hand, that does not mean that we can attribute every bad to the devil, (nor particularly, our own sin to the devil, though no doubt he would be proud to accept!)

I agree, I think Christians, including Catholics, have gotten away from that narrative, and it is hurting us. Someone on Twitter the other day told me that I must be doing something wrong, because to her, being a Christian was easy, when I made the comment that following Christ is hard. Giving up sin is hard. I thought to myself, if she thinks it is easy, maybe she is doing something wrong herself.

 

[Akita Suggagaki]

I agree, I think Christians, including Catholics, have gotten away from that narrative, and it is hurting us. Someone on Twitter the other day told me that I must be doing something wrong, because to her, being a Christian was easy, when I made the comment that following Christ is hard. Giving up sin is hard. I thought to myself, if she thinks it is easy, maybe she is doing something wrong herself.

Dying to self, kenosis, self emptying, sacrifice ...is very hard. Many "Christians" have no desire to really follow.

And I saw that the original The Exorcist film was on so I recorded it. It has been so long. I would like to see how the priests are portrayed.

 

[WarriorAngel]

I'm not curious.
I'm more into the Hope and faith.

Jesus spoke more on Heaven than hell [or purgatory]
In keeping with that, He understands the mind is in need of love vs pondering the dark.

 

[Akita Suggagaki]

I think there is a LOT of reason to believe that even possession can happen apart from the more obvious signs of possession.

O yes, especially when people are so gripped by fear that they shoot anyone who rings the doorbell.
And I am convinced that anything contrary to the commandment of Jesus to love one another has demonic influence. That means fear, anger, hate, impatience, self-centeredness, "Me, Mine" thinking.

 

[Akita Suggagaki]

O yes, especially when people are so gripped by fear that they shoot anyone who rings the doorbell.
And I am convinced that anything contrary to the commandment of Jesus to love one another has demonic influence. That means fear, anger, hate, impatience, self-centeredness, "Me, Mine" thinking.

But that is not the same as a major possession. And I think most religions have ways of recognizing and dealing with it.

 

[WarriorAngel]

I'm not RCC but don't take this as anything against Catholics. It is apparently fascinating for just about everyone. Even fascinating for those who don't want anything to do with it.

The fact is, like it or not, we are in a spiritual war. We ARE involved, even when we avoid it. The fact it doesn't manifest the same in every case doesn't mean it is not there, perhaps in disguise.

I think there is a LOT of reason to believe that even possession can happen apart from the more obvious signs of possession. I certainly can't say that some of the things happening politically don't point at a purely evil source —witness the salivating of the press, and the demand of liberals, accepting nothing short of the death of Terri Schiavo, and nothing short of full-term abortion.

On the other hand, that does not mean that we can attribute every bad to the devil, (nor particularly, our own sin to the devil, though no doubt he would be proud to accept!)

Um....
Yeah no.

I agree with bits, but evil is cunning and most don't even realize they set up folks to traumatize children so they have a lifetime of issues but if the people try [and most especially truest regarding Catholicism] - to come to the Church he presses buttons and rings bells.
Every lie and garbage he goes after people with esp against the Church, is boggling.

Ok as an example, he creates youth to be attacked [temptations], which closes hearts, then they the closed hearted and without conscience.. seek a safe place of refuge to attend to troubled children. A la priesthood, then tries to use the confessional against the Church to deem it horrible, then sets up confusion in the good priests what to do with a troubling situation and often times [without judgment] feel empathy for said men without remorse.
So when folks want to come to the Church he pulls out the dirty laundry, attacks the Lord and why would He create people only to allow death etc. And or how the media focus is usually only on the Church.
And he has a host of arguments... and uses fear too. he uses threats.

Dude, people do not know the closer to prayer, the truth and love the more secure they are once they get past the spiritual warfare.

 

[JimR-OCDS]

I don't give the devil more time than just knowing he exists and leave it at that.

I'm more focused on the joy of my salvation than sin management and guilt.

 

[Mark Quayle]

Um....
Yeah no.

I agree with bits, but evil is cunning and most don't even realize they set up folks to traumatize children so they have a lifetime of issues but if the people try [and most especially truest regarding Catholicism] - to come to the Church he presses buttons and rings bells.
Every lie and garbage he goes after people with esp against the Church, is boggling.

Ok as an example, he creates youth to be attacked [temptations], which closes hearts, then they the closed hearted and without conscience.. seek a safe place of refuge to attend to troubled children. A la priesthood, then tries to use the confessional against the Church to deem it horrible, then sets up confusion in the good priests what to do with a troubling situation and often times [without judgment] feel empathy for said men without remorse.
So when folks want to come to the Church he pulls out the dirty laundry, attacks the Lord and why would He create people only to allow death etc. And or how the media focus is usually only on the Church.
And he has a host of arguments... and uses fear too. he uses threats.

Dude, people do not know the closer to prayer, the truth and love the more secure they are once they get past the spiritual warfare.

There's truth to that, but the spiritual warfare continues, even when one is past a certain part. This life is spiritual warfare.

 

[DarkForest]

I know an exorcist. Like, a real one, Catholic, Monsignor, all the fun stuff.

You wouldn't know it if you met him. According to media he should be yelling at people vomiting pea soup and yelling the power of Christ compels you while throwing holy water at them.

Exorcisms can be like confession, just really boring and uneventful. The reality is that people actually drive or are driven to their exorcist. They don't foam at the mouth or have their head turn around in circles while strapped down to a bed. It is very rare and only done with psychological analysis.