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Demons, Deliverance, Discernment : Separating Fact from Fiction about the Spirit World
What are these evil spirits we call demons? How can we recognize when and how they are influencing us? And most importantly, how do we fight back?
In Demons, Deliverance, and Discernment, Fr. Mike Driscoll answers all these questions and more. Drawing on his experience as a priest and counselor, and on his research with exorcists, Fr. Driscoll clears up many popular misconceptions about demons and the spirit world and offers sound information and pastoral advice rooted in Catholic tradition, including:
��What we know about demons from history, Scripture, and Church teaching
��How to tell whether personal problems come from mental illnesses or demonic attacks
��What exorcists actually doand don't dowhen they help people suffering possession
��Why homemade "deliverance ministries" are not a truly Catholic way to counter the influence of demons
��Authentic prayers and practices that will make evil spirits fleeand invite God's grace into your heart
The devil has designs on our soul and hosts of wickedness who want to win it for him. Know your enemyread Demons, Deliverance, and Discernment and prepare yourself for the fight.
In Demons, Deliverance, and Discernment, Fr. Mike Driscoll answers all these questions and more. Drawing on his experience as a priest and counselor, and on his research with exorcists, Fr. Driscoll clears up many popular misconceptions about demons and the spirit world and offers sound information and pastoral advice rooted in Catholic tradition, including:
��What we know about demons from history, Scripture, and Church teaching
��How to tell whether personal problems come from mental illnesses or demonic attacks
��What exorcists actually doand don't dowhen they help people suffering possession
��Why homemade "deliverance ministries" are not a truly Catholic way to counter the influence of demons
��Authentic prayers and practices that will make evil spirits fleeand invite God's grace into your heart
The devil has designs on our soul and hosts of wickedness who want to win it for him. Know your enemyread Demons, Deliverance, and Discernment and prepare yourself for the fight.
199 pages, Paperback
First published April 30, 2015
70 people are currently reading
147 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
June 1, 2015
This book takes a different focus then other books I have read on the subject. Often even when there is a serious look at the subject there can be more sensationalist elements. Not surprising since elements such as those fictionalized in The Exorcist are a draw for many. I found the treatment of the subject in The Rite to be rather balanced, but its main focus was just on exorcism and the training of a priest as an exorcist.
One of the points regarding exorcism that I have heard stressed multiple times in Catholic circles is that the Exorcist has to be the greatest skeptic. That every possible cause must be investigated first and that many seemingly apparent cases may well have a psychological or material foundation. This is a focus of this book as Fr. Driscol is a counselor and has a doctorate in the area. He did his doctoral dissertation on the area of possession and exorcism and came to do many interviews with exorcists concerning this. The Church has long made such distinctions throughout history and he points out that even in the Rite of Exorcism published in 1614 distinguished between demon possession and psychological disorders.
The books first chapters investigate possession and exorcism in cultures through the ages and then their history in scripture. This is built on with information on the theology of Demonology and the various classification used as to levels of Demonic attack from temptation, oppression, up to possession. As discernment is a major focus of this there is much information regarding how these diagnosis are made. I actually found this whole process of discernment to be quite fascinating regarding how much rooted in a psychological problem can be taken for possession. The authors review of such discernment is totally in agreement with what the Church officially teaches regarding this. He is also very careful to identify these areas with his own opinions.
I really found his chapter on two approaches to exorcism as a classification of Exorcists to be very informative. He classifies two basic styles in what he calls narrow approach and wide approach exorcists. These are his own classifications which he developed after all the interviews he made with Exorcists. I won’t go into the details of these classification, but again I found the distinctions made to be useful. He has some skepticism to wide approach exorcists which from the little I know I am inclined to agree with.
One aspect of this book not normally seen is a look at deliverance ministries. While I was aware of this growing trend in Protestantism, I did not realize how much it had come into Catholic circles. This is an area of “ministry” that is not officially sanctioned by the Church for the laity and so it is an area with little oversight. He offers plenty of caveats regarding this along with what would be the actual role for the laity here.
Along the way I found plenty of questions addressed that either I had previously wondered about or that I had just never considered. Really so much about this subject is shaped more from Hollywood then from the Church’s careful teaching on the subject.
Overall I found this to be a very useful book on the subject that makes necessary distinctions. That while there are actual possessions and other forms of Demonic attacks, that is much to learn about other causes of such traits. Also while this book does not concentrate on the more sensationalist aspects of actual exorcisms, there are stories peppered throughout regarding such phenomenon.
The first appendix includes prayers for protection and the second appendix includes advice for pastors and ministers.
One of the points regarding exorcism that I have heard stressed multiple times in Catholic circles is that the Exorcist has to be the greatest skeptic. That every possible cause must be investigated first and that many seemingly apparent cases may well have a psychological or material foundation. This is a focus of this book as Fr. Driscol is a counselor and has a doctorate in the area. He did his doctoral dissertation on the area of possession and exorcism and came to do many interviews with exorcists concerning this. The Church has long made such distinctions throughout history and he points out that even in the Rite of Exorcism published in 1614 distinguished between demon possession and psychological disorders.
The books first chapters investigate possession and exorcism in cultures through the ages and then their history in scripture. This is built on with information on the theology of Demonology and the various classification used as to levels of Demonic attack from temptation, oppression, up to possession. As discernment is a major focus of this there is much information regarding how these diagnosis are made. I actually found this whole process of discernment to be quite fascinating regarding how much rooted in a psychological problem can be taken for possession. The authors review of such discernment is totally in agreement with what the Church officially teaches regarding this. He is also very careful to identify these areas with his own opinions.
I really found his chapter on two approaches to exorcism as a classification of Exorcists to be very informative. He classifies two basic styles in what he calls narrow approach and wide approach exorcists. These are his own classifications which he developed after all the interviews he made with Exorcists. I won’t go into the details of these classification, but again I found the distinctions made to be useful. He has some skepticism to wide approach exorcists which from the little I know I am inclined to agree with.
One aspect of this book not normally seen is a look at deliverance ministries. While I was aware of this growing trend in Protestantism, I did not realize how much it had come into Catholic circles. This is an area of “ministry” that is not officially sanctioned by the Church for the laity and so it is an area with little oversight. He offers plenty of caveats regarding this along with what would be the actual role for the laity here.
Along the way I found plenty of questions addressed that either I had previously wondered about or that I had just never considered. Really so much about this subject is shaped more from Hollywood then from the Church’s careful teaching on the subject.
Overall I found this to be a very useful book on the subject that makes necessary distinctions. That while there are actual possessions and other forms of Demonic attacks, that is much to learn about other causes of such traits. Also while this book does not concentrate on the more sensationalist aspects of actual exorcisms, there are stories peppered throughout regarding such phenomenon.
The first appendix includes prayers for protection and the second appendix includes advice for pastors and ministers.
October 30, 2021
D-3 (as I affectionately referred to this book) is a dense read that takes a sober and reasoned look at how the Catholic Church defines, and responds to, cases of demonic possession, as well as how an exorcist may discern natural causes of troubling behaviors that require medical attention from supernatural causes that require spiritual remedies. I appreciated Fr. Driscoll's studious approach to the topic--and understand why he encourages a similarly dispassionate (though not lacking in compassion) approach among his fellows. He over-corrects for the sensationalistic ways in which the subject is explored in popular media, however, and sometimes the writing is very dry, indeed. There's quite a bit of (IMO, unnecessary) repetition in some places and not enough exploration of particular themes in others. As well, there were one or two times I couldn't quite follow his logic, but I acknowledge that the flaw in that could well be mine. These criticisms notwithstanding, this is a solid primer for those wishing to get some straight answers on a challenging subject.
July 16, 2015
I've read my fair share of books about exorcisms and demons. This was by far my favorite. The main point I got out of this book is that when discerning whether somebody is possessed, start with the presumption that the person is likely mentally ill. Even if you start seeing "signs" of possession, still assume the person is mentally ill. The person is likely mentally ill. Possession is very rare, and some exorcists might only perform an exorcism on a possessed person, only a few times in their life.
But that doesn't mean demons or the devil do not play a role in our world.
As a person of faith, when I see those in the Catholic Church as well as other Christians who are downplaying the role of the devil in our world or even denying that he exists, it makes me worry.
But that doesn't mean demons or the devil do not play a role in our world.
As a person of faith, when I see those in the Catholic Church as well as other Christians who are downplaying the role of the devil in our world or even denying that he exists, it makes me worry.
July 20, 2016
A superb write-up with good evidences and really gives great insight on recognizing demonic possession or distinguishing it from mental health issues. Having worked in hospital where I encountered the potentiality of dealing with this issue a few times, I feel good that I am better equipped the next time I run into this type of issue. I'd really like to rate it a 5 as it is a great read. There were just a few areas I wish the author had gone into great depth, but still I give it my highest recommendation.
January 21, 2016
The best and most useful explication of Church teachings regarding these topics I have found (and there are lots of junky or even hazardous books out there). This is clear, concise, and practical, with a "what you really ought to know" (and frankly, what you don't need to meddle with, as well) orientation.
May 3, 2021
This book is direct in point. I'm glad that he mentioned this deliverance method among the Pentecostals was influenced by Charismatic Catholics. And this type of ministry isn't approved by the Church since I used to be a part of that Pentecostal church before becoming Catholic. I do see the danger that they do. Anyway, this book should be read by all Catholics to understand the correct meaning of exoticism and the right way to discern a real one vs. only mental illness. I said all because I notice most, if not all, misunderstood by the term and the methods, mainly how it works.
July 25, 2019
Low rating could be due to it not being what I expected. It was formulaic instead of dynamic. The author does a good job of explaining cultures and their varied beliefs on demons etc. he then explains mental disorders and their being diagnosed/mis as possession etc. In between he sprinkles stories of exorcists. Maybe I was expecting something more gripping.
April 5, 2025
Fascinating little overview of exorcisms, what they entail, how their varied practitioners go about them, and how they exist in other cultures. The author seems sincere, and he writes without that fake kind of flair that some do. I don't feel like I'm being sold something, basically.
it's good. Honestly, I can't imagine a better introduction to exorcisms.
it's good. Honestly, I can't imagine a better introduction to exorcisms.
February 27, 2020
a primer on the church's view of demons, spirits and how exorcists and their work is accomplished. Fr Mike does a very good job providing clear explanations of events and discerning spirit from natural occurrences.
June 6, 2017
What a great book full of no nonsense. If your looking to learn more about demons how they affect you and the Catholic Church teaching read this book!
May 25, 2019
This was a great book on the demonic. Probably the best I’ve read so far!!!
July 21, 2021
The book reads more like a textbook and puts facts out in a simple and ordered manner of what an exorcism is and what it’s not. There are no lengthy examples of exorcism, but it does give the reader the four main characteristics (language, knowledge, strength, aversion) to look for to distinguish between true possession and psychological problems. A must-read for anyone wanting to understand and protect themselves from the trials and temptations people face of a daily basis.
June 16, 2023
Great book, gives you a lot to think about!
January 1, 2026
An auspicious first book for 2026. “Get thee behind me” indeed.
August 8, 2015
Demons, Deliverance, Discernment : Separating Fact from Fiction about the Spirit World is a sensible, highly readable book about some complex and sensitive areas.
He writes in the book that he wants to write a “different sort of book” about this topic, and he succeeds impressively.
C.S. Lewis wrote in the preface to The Screwtape Letters, his book imagining letters between demons on how to tempt humans, “There are two equal and opposite errors into which our race can fall about the devils. One is to disbelieve in their existence. The other is to believe, and to feel an excessive and unhealthy interest in them.”
Father Driscoll’s book walks the line between these two extremes. As he writes, “Although we may not face the more dramatic demonic attacks, the devil tempts everyone—he even tempted our Lord.
We would be mistaken if we acted as if demonic possession were commonplace. We would be equally mistaken, however—as well as foolish—to ignore the presence of the devil, and to neglect the means of resisting his activity in the world.”
You can read more of my review here:
http://readingcatholic.com/demons-del...
And my Q&A with the author here:
http://readingcatholic.com/god-will-h...
He writes in the book that he wants to write a “different sort of book” about this topic, and he succeeds impressively.
C.S. Lewis wrote in the preface to The Screwtape Letters, his book imagining letters between demons on how to tempt humans, “There are two equal and opposite errors into which our race can fall about the devils. One is to disbelieve in their existence. The other is to believe, and to feel an excessive and unhealthy interest in them.”
Father Driscoll’s book walks the line between these two extremes. As he writes, “Although we may not face the more dramatic demonic attacks, the devil tempts everyone—he even tempted our Lord.
We would be mistaken if we acted as if demonic possession were commonplace. We would be equally mistaken, however—as well as foolish—to ignore the presence of the devil, and to neglect the means of resisting his activity in the world.”
You can read more of my review here:
http://readingcatholic.com/demons-del...
And my Q&A with the author here:
http://readingcatholic.com/god-will-h...
August 27, 2020
I enjoyed this book and its perspective until it became opinionated. Some of the names that were defamed were individuals who had an impact on my life and I didn't appreciate what was said about these individuals by name, with little evidence to back up the claims. This also led me to disagree with the author on some points because I realized reasons were not given. (I don't have the book anymore, otherwise I would give examples.) The first half felt solid and well researched. I have read better books about this subject.
August 20, 2015
Fr. Driscoll does an excellent job covering Catholic teaching, thought and his own beliefs in this simple book. He does so in a relatable way that addresses basic questions of practices and beliefs re. demons.
June 5, 2015
excellent read! very informative! it makes me want to be even stronger in my faith and also very grateful for the Catholic Church.
September 9, 2015
Good overview of possession and the work of exorcists. Not sure I learned anything new, however.
July 28, 2025
Underwhelming, but there is a helpful bit on understanding if it’s demons or just mental illness.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews