Begone Satan: A Soul Stirring Account of Diabolical Possession in Iowa

by Carl Vogl

Famous 23-day-long exorcism case of Erling, Iowa. Incredible and frightening. We have received several letters from Iowa verifying that this exorcism really occurred. Probably the most famous exorcism ever performed in the U.S.

Genres: Nonfiction, Religion, Faith, Catholic

48 pages, Paperback

First published June 2, 1973

About the author

The Rev. Father Carl Vogl was a German priest and author of the twentieth century. His Begone, Satan! A True Account of an Exorcism in Earling, Iowa in 1928 was first published in the early 1900s by the Rev. Celestine Kapsner, O.S.B., with the Nihil Obstat and Imprimatur. It recounts an extraordinary and disturbing exorcism which took place in 1928 at Iowa, involving an intense twenty-three day period during which a Father Theophilus ardently exorcised an unfortunate woman who had been possessed from her youth. Father Vogl's work was printed by TAN in 2010.

Reviews

[Joseph Wetterling · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is not a "blow-by-blow" of an exorcism but more of commentary and highlights. That isn't necessarily a negative. The events surrounding the exorcism become a series of short essays on the reality of Satan, the effectiveness of saintly intercession, the need for ongoing spiritual grown and sanctity, and the power of the sacraments - especially of the Eucharist.

[Terri · Rating 2 out of 5]

An account written by a priest who "exorcised" demons from a young woman at he turn of the century in Iowa. Not a detailed account and among the "demons" possessing her was her father (who had cursed her for what is implied but not really detailed as sexual desires - a big no-no then) Since Psychiatry was in its infancy, when they claim no medical reason for the "possession", one can assume that they would likely not have accounted for many mental illnesses. This is also the days of treating hysterical women with vibrators to relieve their symptoms. Regardless they refer to other smaller exorcisms afterwards too, so one cannot really believe it took. It IS a fascinating glimpse into Catholic exorcism beliefs at the time though.

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing. I kept going back to look at the publish date, in the 1930s. This really happened. This isn't fiction. We are so numb these days and I honestly think most people think movies in the 70s and 80s like "The Exorcist" are as real as it gets. No way. This actually happened before horror movies were common fare. We are talking 89 years ago, people. And the things you read in the book - horrifying and gruesome.

[Tim · Rating 1 out of 5]

I had high hopes for this book, but was very disappointed. First, I didn't like the dramatized version with the reader attempting to interject demonic voices and such. Just my preference, but I thought it tacky and unnecessary here. Second, it's loaded with Roman Catholic doctrine injections, many of which are demonstrably unbiblical and false. At one point the priest uses the "name" of the so-called "immaculate conception" (an unbiblical and false doctrine created by a medieval pope) to control one or more demons. The claim in the book is that the 4 most powerful demons inhabiting the girl are Beelzebub (whom the priest falsely equates with Lucifer. Even the demon says this isn't true), and the "ghosts" of Judas Iscariot, and the girls dead father and his mistress who claim they were sent to hell after their deaths, but for some inexplicable reason have been allowed to come out in order to possess this girl. The priest believes Beelzebub is Satan himself possessing the girl. All this is based on what the demons are telling the priest during a 23 day exorcism. Despite multiple times in the book where the fact that the Bible refers to Satan and his angels as liars with no truth within them.

Many statements of the author and recorded conversations with the demons are based on the idea that Satan, fallen angels, and demons have been cast into Hell and are tormented there. This is a common belief based on medieval fiction authors such as Dante, Goethe, and others, however the Bible states no such thing. Certain angels were cast into the Abyss and are chained there until the final judgment (so they're not free to afflict girls in Iowa), and the rest will not be cast into Hell until the Battle in Heaven with Michael during the End Times. The Demons claim to be averse to being sent "back" to hell with the expectation of spending eternity there. However, Hell is not the eternal state of the damned, it is the Lake of Fire that even Hell will be cast into at the final judgment.

The author seems to have an agenda of propagating (false) Catholic doctrines concerning things like Confession, Extreme Unction, the Immaculate Conception, the Deity and power of Mary, holy relics (such as pieces of "The True Cross"), and the idea that only Roman ordained priests have the ability to cast out demons - which is extremely unbiblical and a dangerous idea to propagate. The Bible (even Christ Himself) teaches that ALL believers are given authority to cast out demons as is evidenced by hundreds (if not thousands) of such ministries around the world that are not Catholic and are typically much more efficient.

The propagation of these Roman doctrines along with the reliance on numerous (and obviously false) statements and "reactions" from the demons involved unfortunately, call into question the veracity of ANYTHING stated in this book.

[Gabriel Benitez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Leí este libro animado por la película "The Ritual" de David Midell con la actuación de Al Pacino como el padre exorcista Theophilus Riesinger y Dan Stevens como el padre Joseph Steiger. "Begone Satan!" es el relato de los 23 días que duró este exorcismo en Iowa en 1928 donde una congregación es elegida por un exorcista para llevar a cabo su trabajo sobre una mujer de 40 años, poseída desde los 14 años por una gran cantidad de demonios y espíritus que había convertido su vida en un verdadero infierno. Sin embargo, la gente, las monjas y el padre encargado de la congregación no están listos para la lucha que se desatará en aquel lugar. La película es una buena adaptación pero, obviamente, no es el libro y se tomaron libertades con muchas cosas: en primer lugar Al Pacino interpreta a un padre Riesinger más viejo que el que se tuvo que enfrentar a los demonios y en el libro hay mucha más información que es pasada por alto en la película y nos explica mucho de lo que veremos en la pantalla. Se trata de un libro cortito, pero no por eso menos impactante.
Muchos de los tropos que conocemos sobre los casos de posesión que aparecen en las películas de Hollywood se desprenden de este caso: levitaciones, transformaciones brutales, fuerza inhumana, vómitos y escupitajos constantes se dieron en este horrible caso.
El libro está escrito por el padre Carl Vogl sobre su investigación del caso y fue publicado en 1935.

[Andy · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is a short overview of an exorcism. It doesn't go day by day through notes. It is a quick read that will make you think. It also bypasses the preliminary medical screening they would've done with the woman. Take this book as it is, a short story to get you to think, not the Gospel truth on demons or exorcisms.

I like how the author says multiple times to not believe everything said by the demons. He reminds the reader that they lie and twist words for their own gains. He also says at the very end that the Catholic Church has no official stance on this exorcism, so take the events at face value. This a great welcome from other people who speak of angelic powers and prophecies as something to live and die by.

That said, the book will make you think. I want to say I recommend it, but only if you are someone with a solid foundation in doctrine. It can be easy to get carried away with demonic/angelic obsession. As a practicing Catholic, I found it enticing and I read it all in one go. It may have also made it slightly difficult to sleep. It's like getting a small blurry glimpse into a world we know exists but never get to see.

If you are a non-believer, this will still be entertaining for you. It is short (1-2 hours) and will read something like a horror movie if you have a good imagination.

[Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

When people are possessed...

...they seek out Catholic priests. There is a reason for that. Only validly ordained priests who wear the black because they are dead to the world have the authority to cast out demons. The minions of the evil one will destroy or at the very least temporarily unhinge a Lutheran or an Anglican who attempts exorcism, or fool him/her into believing that they were successful.

This is an amazing yet thoroughly believable, to the believer, account of a pre-consiliar exorcism. The sad fact is, the possessed was in such a terrible state because of her own father.

Is it possible that many who have suffered abuse at the hands of a parent/parents and who have undergone years of therapy aren't healing because of spiritual sickness of some sort? The Catholic should answer "yes."

[matthew fitzpatrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating read couldn’t put it down very frightening.

Amazing story for this poor lady ,we should realise so much more to life than We understand, god is love and no amount of evil will ever Prevail against the all mighty spirit of the source of love Jesus our god .

[Isabella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. Short yet powerful read. Even though this book was written in the early 1930s it explains a lot about the evil our world is facing today. Has a Nihil Obstat and Imprimatur.

[Emmy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Utterly terrifying. This book is short, but not for the faint of heart, and even though I found it fascinating, it was hard to read.

[Zane Blevins · Rating 4 out of 5]

My family roots from earling so reading this about the chapel I have been in hundreds of times was super interesting, great book!

[Padraig Hoxey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I give this book five stars because it is a fascinating read from start to finish and it is a true story which although frightening also fills me with hope because it confirms the existence of God who loves and protects us. It is also a warning to all people to live good lives. I would recommend this book to everybody but especially those who call themselves atheists or modernists. This book should act as a wake up call. It is a wake up call for us all because we are all sinners. I bought this book on kindle for a very reasonable price and I was interested in reading about the true facts and details of this case and I was not disappointed. Although the story is disturbing, in the end there is a happy ending, thank God.

I give this book five stars because it is a fascinating read from start to finish and it is a true story which although frightening also fills me with hope because it confirms the existence of God who loves and protects us. It is also a warning to all people to live good lives. I would recommend this book to everybody but especially those who call themselves atheists or modernists. This book should act as a wake up call. It is a wake up call for us all because we are all sinners. I bought this book on kindle for a very reasonable price and I was interested in reading about the true facts and details of this case and I was not disappointed. Although the story is disturbing, in the end there is a happy ending, thank God.

[Jaime · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is riveting and detailed account of an intense Catholic exorcism by Father Theophilus Riesinger, a veteran exorcist. The case involved a long-suffering woman who was taken to a parish in Earling, Iowa in 1928 to be freed from demonic possession. Based on the account of the pastor, Fr. Steiner, the exorcism accounts that the woman was possessed by multiple demons (Jacob. Mina, Judas, and Beezlebub). The physical and emotional sufferings of the woman are graphic. But, also detailed is the power of Jesus' name, St. Therese, the archangel. Michael, the Holy Trinity, the Blessed Sacrament and holy relics. In addition to a vivid account of the rite of exorcism, Father Carl Vogl, the author also provides details about the devils tactics and nature during the 3 week exorcism. This is a key part of this intriguing mini-book. The book captures the success but continuing issues of the woman. I found it interesting that the author shared Father Theophilus' vision of the coming conflict between Christ and the Antichrist. This was a most illuminating and satisfying read. But, it is only for the mature believer in Christ and one who fully grasps the mission of spiritual warfare and deliverance!

[Ramona Wetzel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cover Art for the Book Inappropriate

Do not buy this book if you think it's about some scantily clad female floating in the ether awaiting her knight in shining armor.
Do buy and read and study if you are a student of Angeaology/Demonology, Christology and just what it means to be a part of the Kingdom of God.
Unless an individual has personally been face to face with Absolute Evil, has felt it in every cell of their body and soul this book could appear luridly curious to the average person. My own experiences have qualified to me the reality of Satan and all the evil spirits whose only desire is to kill, steal and destroy. Please be advised: even if you do not believe in the existence of the unclean spirits and Satan, your unbelief will not protect you. Just say the word and Christ will.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was very interesting. This is a very interesting story that I doubt many Iowans are even aware of. We've all heard about Villisca, but I think this story is just as interesting. Worth the quick read.

[ShepherdsDelight · Rating 5 out of 5]

88/100 (= 5.2/6) ≈ 5 Stars

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Wow! This is honestly incredible!! The movie "Exorcist" is based on these events. Boy! Judas and the Devil himself make appearances! 23-day long battle! A great read: definitely worth the tiny effort.

[Sarah]

Very chilling read

[Chris Montez]

Hmmmm...