Posted on 11/22/2010 10:20:36 AM PST by null and void
Having just read Rev. Thomas J. Euteneuers's new book, Exorcism and the Church Militant, one of the first things I asked him was whether he was afraid of demons. I shivered more than once reading through its short chapters, arranged as basic questions about the devil, demons, possession, and the rite of exorcism.
"Not at all," Father answered with a smile. "God has given me the grace to remain unafraid."
When I expressed my surprise, he explained, "Demons are basically handcuffed, and they know it."
Father Euteneuer does not speak as a theorist. Since 2003 he's had extensive experience ministering to those possessed by demons. His introduction to the demonic world happened when a family asked him for help for one of their members, and he eventually asked for permission to perform the rite of exorcism. He has been doing them ever since.
Exorcism and the Church Militant is intended, in part, as a warning to parents who allow their children to be desensitized to "the dark world" by books and films like the Harry Potter series and the vampire books of Stephanie Meyer. Father Euteneuer told me possession is almost always a result of someone getting involved in some sort of occult practices, such as witchcraft, Wicca, tarot cards, and Ouiji boards.
"Harry Potter and these Twilight vampires glamorize the power of evil," Father Eutenener explained, "and this has lead to many, many cases of possession among young people." It may begin with a child or teenager simply "playing around" with the occult, but that seemingly harmless act is "opening a window" to possession.
Father Euteneuer emphasized this point, "Demons do not discriminate between intentions -- no matter how innocent -- and children lose the clear distinction between good and evil."
What makes the occult so dangerous is the fact that it is based upon something real -- the preternatural world of fallen angels, headed by Lucifer himself. Below him are the "choirs" of devils and demons who are a reverse mirror, in their fallen state, of the hierarchy of angels.
Yet, as Father Euteneuer made clear, this entire dark spiritual world "cannot operate without permission from human beings." He pointed out that the widely-seen film, The Exorcism of Emily Rose, based upon the actual case of Anneliese Michel, makes it seem like a possession can occur against a person's will.
Demons play by the rules, as it were. They can only enter a person when invited, and they will leave when subjected through the rite of exorcism to the authority of the Church. "All demons understand is authority," according to Father Euteneuer. He told me of a time he was with someone who was possessed -- not intending to do an exorcism because permission had not yet been given -- and the demon spoke to him saying, "The Church is not here."
Father Euteneuer reminded me that as fallen angels, demons are smarter than any human being. "The darkest demon is smarter than I am," he said. An exorcist must remain aware of the demon's ability to know everything about the person they are possessing, including family members, and those who may enter the room to cast them out.
One demon attempted to negotiate with Father Euteneuer, offering to help him with his Latin if he would let him stay put. That story prompted me to ask if demons had a sense of humor. "No," Euteneuer replied. "The demon was only trying to resist being cast out. They know what an exorcism is, what is going to happen to them."
Possession usually involves more than one demon. Father Euteneuer explained that when "one demon gets in it will help to create more invitations to other demons." The more powerful ones have biblical names, and he often runs into demons with the same name, as if they had a kind of demonic family name.
The possession of an individual person is a perverse imitation of the Incarnation. "They know they've lost the war in heaven, now they've come to earth and are doing all they can to exert their power and be an obstacle to heaven." That's why demons experience some form of pain when they are exorcised -- Father Euteneuer said demons will often complain that "It burns." They have been deprived of the satisfaction of entering a body in imitation of the Word made flesh.
By the end of my interview with Father Euteneuer, I realized my initial question about being frightened of demons had betrayed my misunderstanding of the limits of demonic power. Exorcism and the Church Militant is a book that should provide guidance to many for years to come, especially for parents who need a reminder that the occult is not innocent entertainment.
I just think we need better brooms.
You very clearly have NO clue about these books.
Since when did you get the right to rebuke me? You’re not my mother, who loves HP too by the way. We could call it free speech. Along with free speech comes freedom of the press. Rowling can write what she wants, just like you can try to be my mom.
And it only takes one individual to start. One individual says that the 10 Commandmants are offensive. Then the government steps in a bans the Commandments are removed from public sight. One individual says that there should be a gay pride parade, and others stand up with him and agree. But the 10 Commandments would never be removed from public sight, and there would never be gay pride parades.
“When you submit ideas that seem contrary to known facts, and cannot explain the inconsistency, you failed.”
I’m sorry, you’ve lost me.
If media had no power to influence then no one would spend money on advertising.
I disagree. The HP series has led to hours upon hours of deep discussion with both of my sons about loyalty, the corrupting influence of power, that the choices we make show us who we are, etc.
One of the things I enjoyed about the books is that there is a very clear distinction between the good and the evil (and BTW, it has nothing to do with wizard vs muggle). Evil is explained; we know what it does, how it acts, and what motivates it. The one character we were uncertain about led to spirited discussions about how we could discern if he was good or bad. What does he DO? Who trusts him and is THAT person seeing clearly?
The magic in Harry Potter is not real. It is just as fake as the fairy godmother in Cinderella. Even at 3 years old my kids weren't stupid enough to think that a pumpkin could really turn into a carriage. It's pretend.
If media has the power to influence, why doesn't reading about murder in the newpaper make you want to commit murder, if reading about it in a novel does?
You can't have it both ways, claiming the power of the media to influence you is absolute when you're reading a work of fiction, and indiscernible if you're reading a factual account, without explaining why they are different.
imho,
no door should be opened to the enemy.
Particlarly one involving
spells,
witchcraft of any kind.
incantations,
glorifying human ‘magical’ efforts etc.
And for all the Baptists, I will also be drinking a glass of wine while reading a book that will open up a hell mouth!
You can take it personally if you want. But all I'm doing is saying you're in error when you claim that opining on someone choice of literature is like Nazi Germany.
By your logic, an individual must not opine against a gay pride parade for that may open up Gov't intrusion against the gays.
We could call it free speech. Along with free speech comes freedom of the press
Exactly. Everyone is free to state their opinion. We state those opinions everyday on FR.
By your logic we should say nothing when the press is in error. You do not make sense, my friend. The written word is not sacrosanct. In fact, when one gets published one opens oneself up to all kinds of opinions...positive AND negative. As it should be in a free society.
If that’s what helps you sleep at night. . .
Yes, knowing we still have freedom to express our opinions as individuals does, in fact, help me sleep at night.
As long as it doesn’t contradict what you like to think.
As long as what doesn't contradict what I like to think?
And what do I like to think?
Your animosity toward fantasy literature: You don’t like HP and you have no problem with “rebuking” me for it. Going to give my son a bath now. Later, when I read HP during my bath, I will post if the gates of evil opened up in my bathroom. Have a good evening!
I’m nearly done with the Half Blood Prince audiobook. I *shudder* CLEAN while I listen to them. I love Jim Dale’s renditions.
I wouldn't classify a difference of opinion as a "rebuke" but obviously you can if you like.
You were the one that said I needed a rebuke. Just quoting the source. Good night, pouring a second glass of wine and watching the game with my hubby.
My dear, you totally need a house elf.
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