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Interview with an Exorcist
In today’s culture of scientific enlightenment, many consider belief in demonic possession and exorcism to be superstitious remnants of the Dark Ages. Even many Christians, contrary to the clear words of Jesus in the Gospel, scoff at the notion that the Devil and demons really exist. Is demonic possession real? Are believers really in any danger from Satan and his crafty minions? What is the truth about exorcism? This book has these answers, and much more! 100 questions and answers!
139 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 25, 2006
75 people are currently reading
771 people want to read
About the author
José Antonio Fortea
37 books71 followersA priest and theologian who specializes in demonology. He studied theology for the priesthood at the University of Navarra.
His father was a businessman and did not expect him to become a priest, but to take charge of the family business since he was his only son. Father Fortea acknowledges that up until his adolescence, religion lacked importance for him and that the concept of sin seemed to be an anachronism. He valued the Church on the same level of Greek Mythology. During that period of time, he had in mind to pursue studies in Law School. However, when he turned 15 years old, his perspective had a radical change and, in his own words, he understood that “he was a sinner and that the Church was the truth.” He attributed this change to a grace from God. The same year, he finds himself considering the possibility of becoming a priest. After looking for guidance into this new path, he took the advice of a priest who told him to join the seminary, just to rule out any doubt. Upon entering the seminary, he clearly understood that the priesthood was his calling. He then got a bachelor’s degree in Theology at the University of Navarra and his master’s degree in the University of Comillas. Even though his specialty in Theology was on History of the Church, his licentiate thesis was about the topic of exorcism, hence the title “Exorcism in the Present Age.” The result of those investigations was published under the titled “Daemoniacum.” This publication made him known for the first time in Spain. Years later, and with a greater scope of knowledge in the topic, “Summa Daemoniaca” was published. This book presents the themes of demonic possession, exorcism and demonology from a Catholic perspective. Subsequently, “Summa Daemoniaca” was followed by a supplemental publication called “Exorcistica” which provides new theoretical resources and practical cases.
He is currently preparing his doctorate in theology in Rome.
His father was a businessman and did not expect him to become a priest, but to take charge of the family business since he was his only son. Father Fortea acknowledges that up until his adolescence, religion lacked importance for him and that the concept of sin seemed to be an anachronism. He valued the Church on the same level of Greek Mythology. During that period of time, he had in mind to pursue studies in Law School. However, when he turned 15 years old, his perspective had a radical change and, in his own words, he understood that “he was a sinner and that the Church was the truth.” He attributed this change to a grace from God. The same year, he finds himself considering the possibility of becoming a priest. After looking for guidance into this new path, he took the advice of a priest who told him to join the seminary, just to rule out any doubt. Upon entering the seminary, he clearly understood that the priesthood was his calling. He then got a bachelor’s degree in Theology at the University of Navarra and his master’s degree in the University of Comillas. Even though his specialty in Theology was on History of the Church, his licentiate thesis was about the topic of exorcism, hence the title “Exorcism in the Present Age.” The result of those investigations was published under the titled “Daemoniacum.” This publication made him known for the first time in Spain. Years later, and with a greater scope of knowledge in the topic, “Summa Daemoniaca” was published. This book presents the themes of demonic possession, exorcism and demonology from a Catholic perspective. Subsequently, “Summa Daemoniaca” was followed by a supplemental publication called “Exorcistica” which provides new theoretical resources and practical cases.
He is currently preparing his doctorate in theology in Rome.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
October 23, 2017
What I expected: A book of personal experienced that illuminated the role of demons and exorcism in real life.
What I got: Dry, preachy, catholic propaganda in a Frequently Asked Questions form.
What I got: Dry, preachy, catholic propaganda in a Frequently Asked Questions form.
March 29, 2016
No busquen este libro por sus historias terroríficas de exorcismos, aunque algo hay. No la busquen por su mérito literario, aunque un poco encontrarán. No la busquen por controversias litúrgicas, pero se encuentran algunas. Búsquenlo si necesitan un testimonio cotidiano, un relato ameno y a menudo, demasiado íntimo sobre la fe y el camino; sobre la edad y las decisiones de la vida. Búsquenlo si desean convencerse que la diaria lucha por la salvación y la gracia está presente en cada vida, en distinta medida y con distinto grado de éxito; pero que todos tenemos nuestra propia lucha. Y sobre todo, si buscan un cabo del que atarse para meditar sobre sus dudas y desalientos. Yo encontré eso, aunque dudo el autor tuviera ese propósito.
March 25, 2017
This book very interesting to me. I knew so much things about demons and I am very happy to have book. It gave me great knowledge. It is hard to find books about demons or angels in Lithuania, but I found this translated and bought it. It was worth reading.
September 7, 2017
2.8 Stars
This was interesting and kept me flipping the pages. There were some clever moments where the author recounted a real story to aid his explanation.
However, my biggest issue with this book is that there were some instances where I found that the theology did not ring completely right. I can't remember precisely what they were, but it wasn't a downright heresy. It was more an oversimplification that when read by somebody who never came across any real theology before could easily be understood completely falsely.
But I'm being a bit too harsh on this book and overall I did learn a new thing or two and enjoyed it. I just believe that this topic and style could have been executed better.
This was interesting and kept me flipping the pages. There were some clever moments where the author recounted a real story to aid his explanation.
However, my biggest issue with this book is that there were some instances where I found that the theology did not ring completely right. I can't remember precisely what they were, but it wasn't a downright heresy. It was more an oversimplification that when read by somebody who never came across any real theology before could easily be understood completely falsely.
But I'm being a bit too harsh on this book and overall I did learn a new thing or two and enjoyed it. I just believe that this topic and style could have been executed better.
May 13, 2021
Interview With An Exorcist by Father Jose Antonio Fortea is a series of questions and answer style writing, by Father Fortea. It is quite thorough and answers everything anyone would have always wondered about. Father Fortea was an exorcist for many years but is not any longer. Now he writes novels. He thinks he will have more influence with novels to get people to come to God through his stories.
Actually, that is the reason I read "Interview with an Exorcist." I have a Spanish friend who is hooked on Fortea's writing and loves his novels. I would like to read them also but they're not translated into English. The only book in English is "Interview With An Exorcist." The stories about real exorcisms and explanations were thrilling enough! Fortea's novels must be good, too.
Actually, that is the reason I read "Interview with an Exorcist." I have a Spanish friend who is hooked on Fortea's writing and loves his novels. I would like to read them also but they're not translated into English. The only book in English is "Interview With An Exorcist." The stories about real exorcisms and explanations were thrilling enough! Fortea's novels must be good, too.
June 26, 2019
Veracity or belief aside, I thought this was a very effective book. The format of it made it easy to understand. There were some minor places where I felt the author contradicted himself, but by and large I thought this was a great introduction to demonology as it is believed by the Catholic Church.
November 9, 2023
It was very interesting to learn about exorcisms and how they happen. Also, about demons, sin and evil from the Catholic's perspective. What I really wanted was to read more stories about the exorcist's experience during those exorcism sessions.
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September 29, 2022dałabym -5 jednak nikt nie przewidział że książka może być aż tak chujowa
November 7, 2023
“We need always to remember that Jesus has already triumphed over Satan and sin in His passion, death, and resurrection.”
May 5, 2019
"How many angels can dance on the head of a pin" - that is the feel of this whole book.
Stuff like:
One thing that got me - two things, really, the first being the common idea that God 'allows' things to happen (i.e., "it is true God could restrain the demons so they would be unable to interfere in the history of humanity, but He allows their diabolical work so that it can be an occasion of virtue for us" [pg 52]), but the second thing bothered me the most. Yeah, I can see it as a 'logical' outgrowth of some basic religious tenets; but to profess it as something worth believing is quite another job altogether. It comes most into focus in the section "Why does hell need to be eternal?" (pg 56)
So, according to Catholic belief, the only reason there are demons is because God has not sent them the grace to repent. God was so angry that demons rebelled that he permanently cast them out, and though they lead an eternal life of suffering, to the point of wishing to commit suicide [pg 59] (though they cannot because they have no physical form), God will never forgive them enough to send them grace for them to repent of their decision.
I just want to repeat it over and over. According to Catholic belief, God is in such a tiff that no matter what, he won't send them the grace to realize they've done wrong and want to fix it. Lucifer made his choice as an angel, without "a weakened will or darkened intellect. He knew full well the consequences of his rebellion against the divine will" [pg 58]. This choice/rebellion/failed test happened at the beginning of eternity, however many billions of years ago that was, and even through until the end of our world, hell will still be waiting for them to encircle them for the rest of eternity.
And we think we have it bad. So much for God being 'all-forgiving': this loving Father will not welcome these prodigal sons.
It's just so gross. Makes you kind of feel sorry for them.
Stuff like:
"Even though both God and the devil are spiritual beings (and spiritual beings, due to their very nature, generally like to communicate among themselves), true conversations between them do not take place. This is because the devil has no interest in conversing with God, whom he hates with all his strength." (pg 41)
"A demon will never have the least amount of compassion or love toward anyone...a demon's heart only hates" (pg 18)
"Demons, as pure spirits, do not need a language to communicate with each other; they simply communicate at will through the power of thought" (pg 16)
"Every time we sin, Satan rejoices, and he never lets pass an opportunity for pointing out our offenses to God. ... Remember: when the devil wants to talk to God, he only has to direct himself to Him. God listens to everything the devil says to Him." (pg 41-42)
One thing that got me - two things, really, the first being the common idea that God 'allows' things to happen (i.e., "it is true God could restrain the demons so they would be unable to interfere in the history of humanity, but He allows their diabolical work so that it can be an occasion of virtue for us" [pg 52]), but the second thing bothered me the most. Yeah, I can see it as a 'logical' outgrowth of some basic religious tenets; but to profess it as something worth believing is quite another job altogether. It comes most into focus in the section "Why does hell need to be eternal?" (pg 56)
Repentance can be born only of grace. If God does not send grace to a spirit, making it understand the perpetrated evil, then there can be no supernatural repentance. [supernatural being defined earlier (pg 11) as being "proper only to God Himself"; dealing with "things or events beyond or above any created nature" as opposed to the physical realm] Without grace, a demon can understand that it was a foolish decision to have rebelled, a decision that has caused it suffering. But true repentance is qualitatively different from just mere awareness...rather it is a gift from God so that we might bend our knees before Him and humbly ask for His forgiveness. Without this grace, one may feel pain for making a wrong decision, but true repentance is beyond him. Demons can admit that their choice led to suffering, but this does not stop them from hating God.
The eternity of hell, then is not due to some arbitrary divine decision. Rather, its eternal duration is a necessary consequence of rebellion against God.
So, according to Catholic belief, the only reason there are demons is because God has not sent them the grace to repent. God was so angry that demons rebelled that he permanently cast them out, and though they lead an eternal life of suffering, to the point of wishing to commit suicide [pg 59] (though they cannot because they have no physical form), God will never forgive them enough to send them grace for them to repent of their decision.
I just want to repeat it over and over. According to Catholic belief, God is in such a tiff that no matter what, he won't send them the grace to realize they've done wrong and want to fix it. Lucifer made his choice as an angel, without "a weakened will or darkened intellect. He knew full well the consequences of his rebellion against the divine will" [pg 58]. This choice/rebellion/failed test happened at the beginning of eternity, however many billions of years ago that was, and even through until the end of our world, hell will still be waiting for them to encircle them for the rest of eternity.
"Without grace, repentance is impossible. The condemned will not receive this grace since they have already made their definitive decision: non serviam ("I will not serve"). Thus the circle has been closed around hell for all eternity." [pg 58]
And we think we have it bad. So much for God being 'all-forgiving': this loving Father will not welcome these prodigal sons.
It's just so gross. Makes you kind of feel sorry for them.
March 7, 2013
Honestamente comencé a leer el libro por morbo, pensé que vendrían los detalles sobre exorcismos y quería contrastarlo contra lo que presenta el padre Gabrielle Amorth en su libro, que curiosamente se llama igual (aunque algunas ediciones lo llaman "Habla un exorcista")
Lo que me encontré, sin embargo, terminó gustándome más. Es un libro autobiográfico con el que me sentí muy identificado. El padre Fortea nace en un pequeño pueblo español y las historias, con todo y sus modismos me recordaron algunos pasajes y personajes de mi propia vida. El padre Fortea es un poco mas grande que yo, así que también coincidimos en muchos gustos, como el cine.
El libro permite internarse en cómo funciona la burocracia de dentro de la Iglesia, cosa que es muy interesante, cuáles son los diferentes puntos de vista al respecto de un tema tan importante como es el demonio y como muchos sacerdotes piensan que no existe, le restan importancia o lo convierten en solo una figura para estudio filosófico. Por supuesto que él tiene una opinión muy diferente debido a su propia experiencia.
Habla de la crisis de vocaciones, no solo al sacerdocio, sino al carisma específico del exorcismo y de como hay muy poquitos en el mundo y como los laicos podríamos ayudar en esa labor.
Por otro lado, a pesar del tema que trata, en vez de ser un texto que produzca miedo, es todo lo contrario, llena de mucha paz y serenidad, al entender que el Demonio no tiene un verdadero poder sobre nosotros y no puede llegar sino hasta donde Dios se lo permita.
Desmiente muchas de las ideas Hollywoodescas que existen al respecto del exorcismo y como es una posesión demoniaca y la distingue perfectamente de las enfermedades psicosomáticas.
Una parte que me impactó muchísimo es que en algunos casos, la gente preferiría que le dijeran que está poseso, porque a través de un exorcismo podría "curarse", a que le digan que su problema en realidad se debe a una enfermedad mental, y como ésta gente en muchas ocasiones termina disgustandose con el sacerdote y la Iglesia en general, al considerar que no se atienden sus requerimientos, pero deja claro que una enfermedad mental no es posible curarla con un exorcismo y la importancia de distinguir entre una cosa y otra.
Lo que me encontré, sin embargo, terminó gustándome más. Es un libro autobiográfico con el que me sentí muy identificado. El padre Fortea nace en un pequeño pueblo español y las historias, con todo y sus modismos me recordaron algunos pasajes y personajes de mi propia vida. El padre Fortea es un poco mas grande que yo, así que también coincidimos en muchos gustos, como el cine.
El libro permite internarse en cómo funciona la burocracia de dentro de la Iglesia, cosa que es muy interesante, cuáles son los diferentes puntos de vista al respecto de un tema tan importante como es el demonio y como muchos sacerdotes piensan que no existe, le restan importancia o lo convierten en solo una figura para estudio filosófico. Por supuesto que él tiene una opinión muy diferente debido a su propia experiencia.
Habla de la crisis de vocaciones, no solo al sacerdocio, sino al carisma específico del exorcismo y de como hay muy poquitos en el mundo y como los laicos podríamos ayudar en esa labor.
Por otro lado, a pesar del tema que trata, en vez de ser un texto que produzca miedo, es todo lo contrario, llena de mucha paz y serenidad, al entender que el Demonio no tiene un verdadero poder sobre nosotros y no puede llegar sino hasta donde Dios se lo permita.
Desmiente muchas de las ideas Hollywoodescas que existen al respecto del exorcismo y como es una posesión demoniaca y la distingue perfectamente de las enfermedades psicosomáticas.
Una parte que me impactó muchísimo es que en algunos casos, la gente preferiría que le dijeran que está poseso, porque a través de un exorcismo podría "curarse", a que le digan que su problema en realidad se debe a una enfermedad mental, y como ésta gente en muchas ocasiones termina disgustandose con el sacerdote y la Iglesia en general, al considerar que no se atienden sus requerimientos, pero deja claro que una enfermedad mental no es posible curarla con un exorcismo y la importancia de distinguir entre una cosa y otra.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 5, 2012
I actually picked up this book after a fairly interesting discussion concerning exorcism in one of my classes. The range of opinions regard possession and exorcism in my class ranged from those who all suspected it was bunk to those who wanted to buy the whole Exorcist movie lock, stock, and barrel. I tend to fall somewhere in the middle. I do believe in demon possession although I do not believe the assertion that believers indwelled by the Holy Spirit can be possessed. I also believe that possessions can fall into the category of “self-inflicted” in that the more a persons believes it can happen to them the more likely they are to experience the symptoms.
Reading this book was an attempt on my part to simply learn more about possession. Of course, most books on the subject are written from the perspective of the Catholic Church while Protestantism tends to ignore the subject all together.
I found this book to be engaging and interesting. Of particular value was the author’s treatment of Angels, Demons, and the existence of evil. Also of interest is Fr. Fortea’s explanation of the difference between religion and magic:
"While religion is defined by adoration, magic is defined by dominion or control over supernatural forces or entities. It does not matter whether these forces are good or evil; a witch or sorcerer seeks to harness their power. In magic, one is not dealing with the transcendant, since God by His very nature is omnipotent and therefore unable to be dominated. As such, one is dealing with powers that, no matter how powerful that may be, can be dominated by a technique."
I believe Fortea’s words are highly relevant in an age that has seen a renewed interest in New Age and Pagan faiths. He also admirably explores subjects such as sin and temptation with great eloquence and insight.
I found this book to be a wonderful resource and consider it a valuable addition to my library.
Reading this book was an attempt on my part to simply learn more about possession. Of course, most books on the subject are written from the perspective of the Catholic Church while Protestantism tends to ignore the subject all together.
I found this book to be engaging and interesting. Of particular value was the author’s treatment of Angels, Demons, and the existence of evil. Also of interest is Fr. Fortea’s explanation of the difference between religion and magic:
"While religion is defined by adoration, magic is defined by dominion or control over supernatural forces or entities. It does not matter whether these forces are good or evil; a witch or sorcerer seeks to harness their power. In magic, one is not dealing with the transcendant, since God by His very nature is omnipotent and therefore unable to be dominated. As such, one is dealing with powers that, no matter how powerful that may be, can be dominated by a technique."
I believe Fortea’s words are highly relevant in an age that has seen a renewed interest in New Age and Pagan faiths. He also admirably explores subjects such as sin and temptation with great eloquence and insight.
I found this book to be a wonderful resource and consider it a valuable addition to my library.
February 21, 2020
Having previously read Svmma Daemoniaca by the same author, I found this book very underwhelming in comparison. It is basically a very condensed version of that book, padded instead with theological discussion about the nature of evil and demons.
Right off the bat the author lets readers know he won't be providing any footnotes or references because that's "for academics" and not the average reader. I found that very off putting. If anything, he could have opted for adding a reference list or suggested readings at the end of the book. Oh, well.
The book is organized in a question and answer format, which is very convenient to avoid going too deep into certain topics and skipping ahead when the author sees fit. And, for a book titled Interview with an exorcist, it sure takes a whole lot of time to actually start taking about exorcising demons, which happens on section 5 (of 6 in the book), at page 65 (of 123). The rest of the book is a recount of how demons came to be according to the bible, differences on how they are depicted in the Old and New Testament, and numerous reiterations that the devil is real and that people that think he is a metaphor are ignorant, to put it mildly.
It is a very superfluous read that turns tedious soon after it begins. No subject is explored in depth. Say, the author mentions that a way of freeing someone from demonic influence is by "saying a deliverance prayer" and leaves it at that without explaining in what does said prayer consist or quote parts of it.
It's such a short book but it still took me three weeks to finish it because I found it so uninteresting and uninformative, having to force myself to read it in order to make some progress towards finishing it. I'm glad this is over.
Right off the bat the author lets readers know he won't be providing any footnotes or references because that's "for academics" and not the average reader. I found that very off putting. If anything, he could have opted for adding a reference list or suggested readings at the end of the book. Oh, well.
The book is organized in a question and answer format, which is very convenient to avoid going too deep into certain topics and skipping ahead when the author sees fit. And, for a book titled Interview with an exorcist, it sure takes a whole lot of time to actually start taking about exorcising demons, which happens on section 5 (of 6 in the book), at page 65 (of 123). The rest of the book is a recount of how demons came to be according to the bible, differences on how they are depicted in the Old and New Testament, and numerous reiterations that the devil is real and that people that think he is a metaphor are ignorant, to put it mildly.
It is a very superfluous read that turns tedious soon after it begins. No subject is explored in depth. Say, the author mentions that a way of freeing someone from demonic influence is by "saying a deliverance prayer" and leaves it at that without explaining in what does said prayer consist or quote parts of it.
It's such a short book but it still took me three weeks to finish it because I found it so uninteresting and uninformative, having to force myself to read it in order to make some progress towards finishing it. I'm glad this is over.
May 23, 2016
Possibly philosophical?
I did like this book. Even though it was a Q+A style similar to a !magazine or sponsored content from buzzfeed.
It felt philosophical in the way the exorcist gave his answers. It reminded me of the epistemology and metaphysics classes I took. Which to me makes this book worthwhile to read as it makes you not only think, but analyze what he is actually saying.
I did like this book. Even though it was a Q+A style similar to a !magazine or sponsored content from buzzfeed.
It felt philosophical in the way the exorcist gave his answers. It reminded me of the epistemology and metaphysics classes I took. Which to me makes this book worthwhile to read as it makes you not only think, but analyze what he is actually saying.
March 2, 2012
Being raised Catholic, I found some of this a bit spooky to say the least. The author explains that there are degrees to possession which I found extremely interesting. Ultimately the answer is always prayer, whether it is the intensity of the Roman Ritual or prayer on one's own depending upon the severity.
September 19, 2018
Very informative.
Book is written in a question and answer format.
In my opinion, the second half of the book was more interesting. With the State of the Church now, confessing to a priest who may have done horrific things himself, does not motivate me. I pray / confess directly to God.
Always went to Catholic schools, have two Aunts that are Nuns, but, do my own research.
Book is written in a question and answer format.
In my opinion, the second half of the book was more interesting. With the State of the Church now, confessing to a priest who may have done horrific things himself, does not motivate me. I pray / confess directly to God.
Always went to Catholic schools, have two Aunts that are Nuns, but, do my own research.
March 5, 2019
Interesting but quite short. Read it during the same day I got it from the library. The personal experience of the writer was good but I think there could have been some more historical and mythological perspective on the phenomenon of demons.
September 21, 2021
Super interesting book. Very insightful. I didn’t know much about possessions and exorcisms aside from what I saw in the movies. I can definitely say that Father Fortea seemed very knowledgeable in exorcisms and seems to have the blessing to do it correctly. Overall, a very interesting book.
November 13, 2017
Highly theological but pretty clear. Theological studies needed before opening this book
January 5, 2022
Espectacular!
April 8, 2023
Horrible libro. Super aburrido. Nada edificante ni entretenido.
June 28, 2025
Catholic Dogma
O wouldn't have bought this book had I known it was full of Romsn Catholic false teaching, too numerous to bother to mention.
O wouldn't have bought this book had I known it was full of Romsn Catholic false teaching, too numerous to bother to mention.
April 23, 2021
A lot of the info in this book is pretty basic 101 stuff; so if you're a beginner on the topic of exorcism in the Catholic Church, this would be a decent starting point especially since it's a short read.
I would have liked it better had this book been more in-depth. At many points throughout the book I felt that information was repeated over and over again. The questions are good to ask but some of them could have been condensed into others.
Overall, this isn't a bad book. It's not the best on the topic of exorcism. I would recommend reading one of Fr. Gabriele Amorth's books on exorcism instead of this one; there just wasn't enough meat or new information here for me.
I would have liked it better had this book been more in-depth. At many points throughout the book I felt that information was repeated over and over again. The questions are good to ask but some of them could have been condensed into others.
Overall, this isn't a bad book. It's not the best on the topic of exorcism. I would recommend reading one of Fr. Gabriele Amorth's books on exorcism instead of this one; there just wasn't enough meat or new information here for me.
August 17, 2016
This book was a very interesting read for me and unlike anything I have read before. The entire book reads like a magazine interview with a question followed by an answer. The answers are very well written and thought out. I found the entire book to be very informative and thought provoking. Many of the areas regarding demons, possession and infestation were especially interesting because of my deep fascination with these topics. I feel that I now have a better understanding of the difference between a possession and an infestation and how the two are treated in the religious community. In addition, the book also touched upon the link between demonic possession and mental illness. This section of the book really hooked me seeing as I have studied psychology and have a great interest in abnormal psychology. I feel that this book is a great piece of research and should be read by anyone looking to learn more about these topics. My one issue is that there are some sections in which the information cannot be fully proven. Although some may argue that demonic possession, demonic infestation, etc. are all impossible to prove, the topics regarding demons and angels and how they communicate and feel and think was most questionable for me. Overall, the book was interesting and kept my attention. It made for an informative, quick read.
August 7, 2011
I've read multiple books upon this subject matter as it really reinforces my beliefs as a Roman Catholic. However I never though this would be one of the best since it was short and in a question and answer format.
I was so completely wrong. This book tells everything in a clear and concise manner with information as to where he got the answer from (such as the bible and the Catholic Catechism). Before actually delving into the subjects of possession and such Father Jose Antonio Fortea gave ample knowledge not only about the battle of the angels and how the devil and demons came to be, but also how they use temptation to ruin our souls, but also that much of that temptation is brought on upon ourselves and our weaknesses. As a result of this I've started giving much more consideration to what I do or say before I actually act upon it.
This is an exorcist who knows very well what his subject is and I am so appreciative that he chose to share it with a world that needs it more than ever. I hope all pick up this book, especially Catholics as we need to prove to the world that these threats are real and we must always turn to God for his love and fear not the devil and his demons.
I was so completely wrong. This book tells everything in a clear and concise manner with information as to where he got the answer from (such as the bible and the Catholic Catechism). Before actually delving into the subjects of possession and such Father Jose Antonio Fortea gave ample knowledge not only about the battle of the angels and how the devil and demons came to be, but also how they use temptation to ruin our souls, but also that much of that temptation is brought on upon ourselves and our weaknesses. As a result of this I've started giving much more consideration to what I do or say before I actually act upon it.
This is an exorcist who knows very well what his subject is and I am so appreciative that he chose to share it with a world that needs it more than ever. I hope all pick up this book, especially Catholics as we need to prove to the world that these threats are real and we must always turn to God for his love and fear not the devil and his demons.
July 8, 2011
The question and answer format made this book easy to read. The practice of exorcism has its roots in demonology and angelology. These two doctrines have been abandoned by the modern church and cast into the closet. With our advances in science and technology anything that can not be tested and proven is relegated to myth, or at best theory. The modern church has to a great degree lost its faith. As a result the church, has abandoned exorcism, demonology, and angelology as essential doctrines of the faith, and are content leaving the study of such things to spiritual quacks.
While the answers in this book that the priests gives do not always align themselves with the Word of God, it makes for an interesting read. It is best to keep in mind that any study in exorcism, demonology, or angelology are essentially a study of their creator, God. Therefore while these type of books can be informative and entertaining, the best place to go for accurate information is the Word of God itself.
While the answers in this book that the priests gives do not always align themselves with the Word of God, it makes for an interesting read. It is best to keep in mind that any study in exorcism, demonology, or angelology are essentially a study of their creator, God. Therefore while these type of books can be informative and entertaining, the best place to go for accurate information is the Word of God itself.
April 24, 2012
A very interesting look into the real world of exorcism and demonic possession. I was wary of this text at first because I was unsure of what Mr. Fortea's religious opinions/ background was, but after reading through the whole thing I find that I largely agree with him.
It has been a while since I have read this text, but to my memory Mr. Fortea uses an ideology based firmly on the text of the Bible and the teachings of the Church, and what's most important is that he de-glamorizes demonic possession... he describes how possession can really seem, and tears down the image we've been given of the pea-soup vomiting, scarred monsters that movies like The Exorcist has fed us. And he does all of this in very straightforward language, so this text is a quick and easy read as well as an interesting one.
It has been a while since I have read this text, but to my memory Mr. Fortea uses an ideology based firmly on the text of the Bible and the teachings of the Church, and what's most important is that he de-glamorizes demonic possession... he describes how possession can really seem, and tears down the image we've been given of the pea-soup vomiting, scarred monsters that movies like The Exorcist has fed us. And he does all of this in very straightforward language, so this text is a quick and easy read as well as an interesting one.
March 2, 2014
This is an easy book about a very interesting topic formatted in unique way. The author, Fr. Jose Antonio Fortea covers 110 questions that many have regarding not just demonic possession, but other related theological topics such as angels and demons, the reality of evil, demonic activity, temptation and sin, demonic oppression, and finally exorcism and the path to deliverance. Though I am not a Catholic and this book is written based on strict Catholic doctrine, it is useful and full of insight for Christians of any denomination and the general reader interested in the topic.
November 20, 2015
I picked this book up because, in researching Catholic exorcism for a book I'm writing, Interview with an Exorcist was listed in several resources online. I decided to go to the source and read it myself.
I found it a very interesting book and a bit of comfort for those with faith. For someone looking for sensational movie-like or fictional accounts of exorcism, this isn't the book for you.
It is written in an easy to read question and answer format...almost like reading a FAQ. I do recommend it.
I found it a very interesting book and a bit of comfort for those with faith. For someone looking for sensational movie-like or fictional accounts of exorcism, this isn't the book for you.
It is written in an easy to read question and answer format...almost like reading a FAQ. I do recommend it.
November 11, 2013
While most of my knowledge of exorcism has been limited to Hollywood portrayals, this short read gives a candid look into the ministry of the exorcists from a real one. I found it intellectually stimulating and refreshing to peer into the supernatural from such a perspective, especially amidst a world of unbelief. The author utilizes a question and answer format so you can skip around to that which particularly interests you.
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