My First Exorcism: What the Devil Taught a Lutheran Pastor about Counter-cultural Spirituality

by Harold Ristau, John W. Kleinig (Foreword)

What the scientific community dismisses as a mental disorder, Christians have often labeled "demon possession." While classifications may offer limited help in explanation, the Reverend Dr. Harold Ristau explores the nature and meaning of demonic activity by drawing from his own experiences with exorcism. Ristau shares life lessons, spiritual applications, and religious wisdom from his personal encounters with the dark realm. Primarily intended for clergy, his reflections offer a springboard intended to stimulate critical thinking, challenge metaphysical presuppositions, and inspire a belated conversation on a topic that has traditionally been avoided, not because of a lack of empirical evidence, but due to the fear that it incites inside of us. Yet if the claims of the historic Church are true--that demons do in fact exist and seek our destruction--then an honest examination of the phenomenon, and its impact on the ways in which we live and reason, is an essential endeavor for any practitioner of the ministry of deliverance.

"With the boldness to be expected of a military chaplain seasoned by a harrowing term of service in Afghanistan, Harold Ristau, fearlessly tackles an uneasy topic that most would rather leave on the backburner. I hope that his lucid and challenging work may foster prayer, study, and consideration, and make a worthwhile contribution to pastoral theology."
--John R. Stephenson, Registrar & Professor of Historical Theology, Concordia Lutheran Theological Seminary

"Harold Ristau offers his readers a glimpse into an area of ministry where angels may not fear to tread, but many pastors do. Here we have a candid and honest portrayal of the triumphs and pitfalls inherent in ministering to those under demonic influence. Firmly grounded in the Word and prayer, Dr. Ristau points us to the essentials needed in battling the one who rages like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour (1 Pet. 5:8)."
--Joel C. Elowsky, Author; Professor of Historical Theology, Concordia Seminary

"Harold Ristau brings to us an authentic account of his experiences with dark forces that oppose the Gospel, cripple, oppress, and seek to destroy the unwary and the damaged in this world. He has seen both the personal and worldwide expressions of spiritual chaos in his ministry as pastor and military chaplain. With learning, wit, and humble honesty, this is an important pastoral epistle to us and our time."
--Duff Crerar, Author, Padres in No Man's Canadian Chaplains in the Great War

Harold Ristau (PhD, McGill University), Lutheran pastor, Reformation scholar, military chaplain, and author of At Peace with A Chaplain's Meditations from Afghanistan and Understanding Martin Luther's Demonological Rhetoric in His Treatise Against the Heavenly Prophets (1525) has served in various multicultural settings providing pastoral ministry and crisis counseling in unique contexts.

182 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 19, 2016

Reviews

[Mary Moerbe · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book offers much to ponder. The subtitle is a tease, of course. This Lutheran man has learned a great deal, and it has been from Scripture and experience.

This was an excellent read! Enthralling and at times riveting. Very informative.

Now, this is not an exorcism to do list. This does not contain a prescription for people to follow when someone seems possessed or oppressed. It isn’t that kind of book. In fact, it strikes me as the kind of book in which a very insightful man weaves together words in a way that powerfully demonstrates how God’s teachings go together.

I can imagine a pastor pouring himself and the lessons he has learned into a book. This would be such a book. Reading it was a blessing to me. Much food for thought, some good cautioning, and a few things I’ll need to ponder again later.

Even several weeks after finishing the book, I think the book is granting me good.

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a rich and deep theological look at what some may label as spiritual warfare in modern culture. Pastor Ristau does an excellent job of pointing out the lies of the enemy woven into culture and pointing to the hope we have in Christ and the gospel message. I read the kindle version which made looking up the numerous "big words" that as a lay person I am unfamiliar with easier- since this book was primarily written for clergy as it states in the description.

[Thegildedrose · Rating 2 out of 5]

A Longggg Sermon

I bought this book in order to hear the author’s experience with his first exorcism. It was in there, but for every one paragraph of the story, there were 20 pages of rambling sermon.

The author seems like a sweet, gentle and good man so I feel bad writing this. But sad to say it’s a long pedantic read.

[russell l rudd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eye Opening Read

While the title is a little misleading, Dr Restaurant presents an unparalleled look and education into how we as sinful human beings interact with the spiritual world daily. His theological insights are amazing. While his book is generally written for the clergy, any layman would gain valuable insight from his knowledge and teaching. Highly recommended.

[Michael Podeszwa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Writing style

The author's writing style is a bit disjointed. I often had to reread sections in order to make out his point that he was trying to get across

[Debra E. Baldwin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thought-provoking

This Is hard reading as it is written at a level that is not easily understood. If I had not a strong background in the Teachings of the Lutheran Church lCMS, I wouldn't have been able to comprehend most of the book. It is more about doctrine, but does explain exorcism, why and how it is done. I enjoyed the book, but it . is serious reading