It’s time for me to wrap up this strange little series in which I discuss the criteria Father Thomas outlines for diagnosing an instance of demon possession. In this final article I’m going to summarize and evaluate points 3, 4, and 5. 3. New Language We begin with the third point which involves the demoniac suddenly speaking […]
demon possession
How to tell if somebody is demon possessed: 2. hidden knowledge
In this article I’m continuing my modest series reflecting on exorcist and priest Father Gary Thomas’ criteria for distinguishing a genuine instance of demonic possession. In his Catholic Answers interview, Father Thomas describes the second criterion as follows: A knowledge of hidden things can be a sign. So people who know something they have no […]
Demon Possession: The book I should write someday…
Yesterday evening while waiting in a darkened car for my daughter, I took a selfie. (Actually, I took four.) Since at least one of them turned out rather well, I tasked my daughter with using it to produce a book cover. Given the dark theme, I suggested the title Demon Possession: A Theological Study. I […]
28. Robin Parry on demons
The ministry of Jesus was characterized by many miraculous signs, chief among them his victory over demonic forces. In one dramatic encounter in Mark chapter 5 we read of Jesus confronting a demon-possessed man living out among the tombs. “Then Jesus asked him, “What is your name?” “My name is Legion,” he replied, “for we are many.” […]
Randal’s Saturday evening movie recommendation: Requiem
Anneliese Michel was a young German Catholic who reported being tormented by demons. Initially she reported hearing demonic voices telling her that she would be damned. But it didn’t stop there as her behavior became increasingly bizarre: she reportedly ate pieces of coal and spiders and sunk into a world of depression and paranoid delusion. Then, after […]
