An Exorcist Explains the Demonic: The Antics of Satan and His Army of Fallen Angels

by Gabriele Amorth

From Fr. Gabriel Amorth, the renowned exorcist in Rome, comes this powerful, eye-opening book on the deadly antics of Satan and his fallen angels, as well as spiritual remedies for each. These pages provide a basic orientation in the dark phenomenology, succinctly explaining Catholic doctrine on the fallen angels and the innumerable manifestations. Among the many questions Fr. Amorth answers in this book Where does the Evil One dwell in the human body? How does the Devil appear and what does he look like? What are the powers that comes from Satan? Do the sins of ancestors influence our life? How are spiritual evils contracted? What is the state of souls in purgatory? What is the role of sacramentals in fighting off temptation? When should exorcisms and prayers of healing be performed? What happens during an exorcism? What you should do when a family is being attacked by a demon?

Genres: Religion, Catholic, Nonfiction, Christianity, Theology, Christian, Paranormal

143 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 20, 2016

About the author

Italian Roman Catholic priest and the senior exorcist of the Diocese of Rome.

Amorth authored two books specifically on exorcism. The publications marked a defining moment in literary history, being the first public documents to treat this subject.
The two books An Exorcist Tells His Story and An Exorcist: More Stories are not official Roman Catholic documents, rather personal accounts of his office as Exorcist. The books use witness accounts and personal experience as evidence.

-Wikipedia

Reviews

[Murray · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve read it but I tend to read most books that treat the phenomenon at least semi-seriously. I’m curious. Naturally this volume takes it seriously. Fr Amorth’s two books of case histories are the basis of the new Russell Crowe film The Pope’s Exorcist.

It’s always best to read such volumes, if you’re at all interested in what they describe, and make up your own mind about it all. You would want to balance that by reading those who reject it. Clinically, the phenomenon falls in the area known as dissociative psychology.

Btw this phenomenon is not just found in the Christian faith movement but in Judaism and Islam and other religious groups as well such as paganism and animism. Or even non-religious groups.

[Hee-jung Cranford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating. I remember spending hours in front of the Blessed Sacrament for reparation for souls of satanic black mass in Oklahoma City. That there are satanist who willingly damn others’ and their souls for eternity. Satan is real, hell is real. Magic, spells, charms, occult, astrology, horoscopes, spiritism, fortune telling, witch craft, sorcery, wizardry all originate from the Devil. The author, a renowned exorcist and a holy priest, warns us of the dire consequences of often irreversible or very difficult to reverse selling of one’s self to the devil. And sometimes it happens even without us knowing about it. Fr. Gabriele Amorth points out baptized Christians are called the children of God. Satanists, on the other hand, don’t call themselves children of Satan because Satan doesn’t want children. They desire only slaves. Consider the 3 rules of satanism Fr. Amorth mentions: 1: you may do all that you wish. 2. No one has the right to command you. 3. You are the god of yourself. Just like the serpent and Adam and Eve. Look around you and will find that mentality/culture permeating all around us. No wonder Planned Parenthood is so obsessed with abortion. If they are not working for the prince of darkness, they’d be doing everything to save babies and keep families together. Highly recommend this book. It will deepen your prayer life and your relationship with Christ.

[Steven Ramirez · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an author of horror, I am fascinated by demons—especially as portrayed in movies like ‘The Exorcist,’ ‘The Conjuring,’ ‘The Conjuring 2,’ and the more comic ‘Supernatural’ television series. But as a Catholic, I am in truth terrified of the demonic. I believe they not only exist but are striving every day to win over our souls. Strong words? Well, we’re talking about the ultimate battle between Good and Evil, after all.

Fr. Gabriele Amorth, who died in Rome this past September, was an exorcist and author. An Exorcist Explains the Demonic is the first book of his I have read, and I intend to read more. I found his words to be both direct and comforting. Direct, because he doesn’t mince words when it comes to Satan. And comforting because, in the end, he offers hope for those suffering from ailments such as Possession, Vexation, Obsession, and Infestation.

For authors interested in true stories of the paranormal, I can highly recommend this work. Movies and television may exaggerate some of what happens during an exorcism, but apparently, they get a lot of it right. And I believe that if you’re going to write about something unfamiliar, you should research the hell out of it. For believers, Fr. Amorth offers advice on how to keep yourself safe from the forces of Evil. And for nonbelievers, the book is a fascinating read.

[Steve Wiggins · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm currently doing research for a book I'm writing on demons. I've known Amorth's name for some time and I thought this book might be a good entryway into his thought. He begins by discussing the origin of Satan and demons, which he unsurprisingly takes to be fallen angels. He also discusses his long career as an exorcist. The book didn't really cohere too well, in my experience. Part of that was no doubt due to the credulousness of his accounts. He believed in a literal Devil and literal virgin Mary, with no nuance. This may not be unusual for a priest, but many Catholics I know have some intellectual curiosity about the origins of these ideas. All of it is taken quite literally here.

The end result is that the reader comes away with the impression that if you're not Catholic you've got your theology all wrong. Add to that the rather simplistic equation of "drugs, sex, and rock-n-roll" with demonic activity, as well as the acceptances that you can be possessed because a witch has cursed you, make it a little difficult to take the book seriously. Amorth also classifies south Asian and African religions with the demonic, which is not in keeping with most current theological thinking. He's entitled to his opinion, of course.

The information about exorcisms was interesting and I will be curious to read some of his further works on the topic. This is not politically correct material, but it is informative. I wrote a bit more about it on my blog, where I document some of my own work on the demon book (Sects and Violence in the Ancient World). A few more book reviews on demons will be showing up, I have the feeling.

[Jules · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wouldn't be surprised to hear this book builds upon his previous books. Having not read anything by Fr. Amorth before, I can only say this one was great. Gave me a lot to think about.

[Henry · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is hard to write a review of this book without resort to my own personal beliefs which I do not want to do. So 3 stars. However if you’re a believer 5 stars. If you’re not then 1 star. If you just want to learn about the subject, this book is definitely worth reading.

[Chloé French · Rating 1 out of 5]

The sections on theology, eschatology, and angels/demons were interesting....but you can find all of that in the Catechism. The sections on possession and demonic activity....meh. It was unclear and poorly written - rather like a bunch of ramblings. Examples:
Harry Potter and marijuana can lead to possession.
Stay close to the Church and develop your faith and the Devil will leave you alone. But many of the great saints are used as examples of possession, so apparently that's not really the case.
The evil eye and spells and curses are the cause of possession and demonic influence but they are very rare....and yet everyone and their brother apparently is the victim of curses and under evil spells. Did your girlfriend break up with you?? It was an evil spell.

Read the Catechism....skip this book

[Leah Polcar · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5

This is an easy introduction to Catholic theology -- most particularly angelogy (which I did not previously know was a thing) and demonology. There are some true accounts of exorcisms, and that is interesting, but pick this up only if you are really looking for a Christian, specifically Catholic (man, I felt guilty almost the whole way through) take on possession and the whole demon thing. I thought the explanation of theology was concise and understandable. However, if you are looking for detailed case histories, this probably isn't for you -- see Martin or others.

[Philip Omdahl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eye Opener of the Evil One

Christians should consider reading this book for the care and well-being of their eternal life. Understanding how the Evil One works is absolutely necessary for eternal happiness.

[Michelle · Rating 1 out of 5]

If I could have given this book less than one star, I would have. It is so full of nonsense that I spent a lot of time laughing over it’s content. I’m sorry but was this meant to be serious? Harry Potter, celebrating Halloween, listening to heavy metal, swearing, and just about everything aside from going to church, does not lead to demonic possession. Also, gender identity is NOT demonic possession. 🤦🏻‍♀️ I read the book to get some actual information on exorcisms, I walked away with nothing.

[Jaris McClain · Rating 5 out of 5]

An outstanding, Christ-centered and hope-filled explanation of the ordinary and extraordinary workings of the evil forces that are "prowling around" looking for the destruction of our souls and, more importantly, the spiritual aids that are at our disposal to resist and defeat their attacks.

[Cecilia Cicone · Rating 2 out of 5]

The evil one is certainly active in our world and in our lives, but I have a serious concern that this book which focuses on spells, curses, and Harry Potter as an entry to the demonic sensationalizes the activity of the evil one, who St. Ignatius says thrives on having his presence unknown.

[Anita · Rating 4 out of 5]

After I saw Pope Excorist, I thought I would look more into Father Amorth past cases. I got this thinking it was a case study. I was wrong it talks about ways that we let the devil in. Included was countless sculptures from the bible. It was very enlightening.

[Verónica Fleitas Solich · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF at 50%
Offensive

[Aljan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not what I was expecting but interesting theology. I must admit, this sinner laughed right out loud a few times... as I turned up my Satanic rock music, while watching Harry Potter and swearing.

[Melissa Lee Alcaide · Rating 1 out of 5]

Let’s rate this 0 stars. Not spooky and self righteous. I couldn’t make it past 30 pages. I rather chill with Beelzebub and Asmodeus. I need to stick with my true father, Papa Emeritus.

[luna · Rating 1 out of 5]

At least it gave me character creation inspiration for antagonists

[Emiliya Ahmadova · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the course of two days I delved into a book composed by a priest who experienced demonic possession. With astonishing clarity he explains how demons operate in driving people away from their God. As for my conclusion, Satan himself began as a beautiful Angel who served on behalf of God at one time. However, his pride, intelligence, and self-love turned him away from God. Thus, he rebelled against our Lord, together with his followers. Other Angels chose to love and follow God. Therefore, when the fallen Angels led a revolt, the war between good and bad Angels was launched. However, the fallen Angels lost, thereby expelled from Paradise. As for Satan, he turned from a beautiful Angel into a hideous Beast because of his corrupt heart and mind. In fact, these creatures are highly intelligent and cunning, with Satan merely a huge liar. Their purpose on earth revolves around destroying Souls and creating suffering. How do they destroy Souls? First, somehow they push people to choose the wrong path in life. They encourage lust, anger, depression, hopelessness, and even frustration. Unfortunate Souls even become possessed by them, starting to behave abnormally. Some end up taking drugs, watching porno, and become so possessed that they end up ceasing their relationship with their God. A Demon is so cunning that it can appear to humans in any form, including an Angel, a beautiful woman, and even Jesus himself. Satan can promises wealth and success, yet those who embrace him by these empty promises gain only temporary relief that is followed by misery, hellishness, and the severance of the soul. Our world is so full of hopeless people looking for solutions, often instead turning from God to the occult, spells, fortune telling. They fail to realize that all of this derives from the Demon. Fortune tellers are themselves experiencing a variety of problems, even heath-related issues caused by dealing with the Demon. Some mediums even claim that they communicate with Spirits as guides to obtain answers, when in fact such Spirits are just another form of the Demon. No one can see into the future other than God, and indeed fortune tellers may have a gift but not from God whatsoever. They just tell people what they want to hear, thereby taking their money. In fact, one you go to them, you are building a bond with Satan because the gift is not from God. Instead of changing people's lives in a positive fashion, fortune tellers fling out false promises and predictions, making people lost their bond to their God. I myself have know acquaintances who consulted readers, with none of their predictions coming true. Hence, turn to God for answers, not to liars and moneymakers. Some even turn to witchcraft, of which there are two types, one black and one white. Those who use white magic believe it is normal, as it were, not realizing their neither black or white derive from God and ought to be stopped. There are also those people who use crystals, shoe horns, or other objects as signs of protection, thereby putting their Faith in inanimate objects not alive from God. Such practices leads to idoltery, inviting evil. Instead, holy water, blessed oil and salt, or even a cruxifixl are more useful to protect you from evil in your life or rid your house of rubbish. The best protection or omulets remain your relationship with God and prayers, especially deliverance prayers that chase Satan away. Yet, in the early stages of your prayers, you may experience negative events related to Satan persisting to remain in your life. Keep reiterating deliverance prayers, attend church services, and go to confession. Nonetheless, the conclusion of this book will open your eyes to many aspects of life of which you are unaware. It is a must read.
Emiliya Ahmadova Author of Broken Chains

[Fiza Pathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book deserves a 100 stars - IT WAS SO INFORMATIVE & WRITTEN SO HUMBLY.....I have decided to take certain things very seriously after reading this book about Exorcists. The book is easy to read but profound in deep spiritual & theological thought. I admire the writer, who is sadly no longer with us & really applaud this gift to us, the laity, about this absolutely intrinsic part of us being tempted & tried by the evil one. Please read this book & be enlightened. It's great spiritual reading & I am in owe of the translator who has done a marvelous job. God bless all who reads this holy book ! The humility of the author really shines through this book. God be praised !

[Luke · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm giving this book 2 stars because I felt it was packed with information, and written quite succinctly. It's not getting 5 stars because the content is batshit crazy, and it is irresponsible to be spreading such fearful and unfounded opinions as if they are fact. I read the book as a non-christian out of interest in the theology behind exorcism, and was left confused about how the author thinks he knows his wildly superstitious beliefs to be true.

[Katherine Marie Lozano · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Beautiful Insight Into God, Who Is Love

Once again, Fr. Amorth manages to discuss the horrors of evil and Satan through a lense of hope and assurance that Christ is the victor over sin and death. This is such a compelling and educational read.

[Frederick Dotolo · Rating 5 out of 5]

A simple explanation of how, and why to combat sin and the Devil. No glitz just an old priest telling Catholics to practice their faith.

[Denise Spicer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a mostly theological discussion of the subject and while the author talks about Satan and his activities he uses few actual cases as examples. There are chapters that explore Possession, Vexation, Obsession and Infestation, as well as a step-by-step description of exorcism and other means of struggling with the devil. True cases of possession are rare and most people are more troubled by the ordinary action of Satan -- temptation and sin. The author talks of using the help of angels, the intercession of saints, mediation or Mary, prayers and scared objects and blessings to aid in our struggles.

[Edmond · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good read. The book gives a good overview of why God allows evil. The book gave me more hope and faith in the Catholic Church. It gives hope for us pilgrims on earth, as we journey through the difficulties of life.

[Michele · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little dry, but interesting.

[Sarah]

Skimmed, but found no new info. No rating.

[Dorothy Claussen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I always learn something new. I will work hard to keep the devil out of my life.

[Colleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Admittedly, a bizarre thing to read. I saw it on a friend’s “read” list and I decided to read it as well, hoping I wouldn’t have to sleep with the lights on afterwards. I also figured I wouldn’t put it on my Goodreads list because it’s so out there, but here I am deciding to include it.
All I can say is that I think the author did a remarkable job of providing a straightforward and succinct account of a terrifying phenomena without sensationalizing it.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked the messages within and the flow of this book. Father Amorth's writing is methodical and deliberate, but without being overwhelming. The topic is honestly terrifying to read as a Roman Catholic and believer but it"s very important for us to understand and know. I appreciated Amorth's reinforcement of God in control over everything including Satan and the underlying current of hope in his words.

[Robert Lewis · Rating 1 out of 5]

One might expect a book in which "Explains the Demonic" is part of the title to be filled with real explanations of Catholic teachings concerning demonic activity. There are hints of that in here, but those are largely repetitive if you've read any other book on the subject (including Fr. Amorth's own books). Perhaps if you don't already know the superficial details such as classifications of diabolic influence (possession vs oppression vs obsession and so forth), this book might be interesting to you, but if you've read Amorth's other books or even scrolled through a few websites on the topic (or even seen some horror movies that borrow from Catholic teachings), there's nothing new for you here.

Those of us who wanted a bit more want to know about more detailed theological questions. Amorth asserts, in accordance with Catholic teachings, that demons are fallen angels and thus retain their relative ranking in the angelic/demonic hierarchies. Yet he immediately abandons that idea without further explaining doctrine concerning those hierarchies.

Worse, Amorth frequently confuses his own opinions for fact. Though he's reasonably careful not to go as far as to assert his opinions are spoken with the authority of the Church, he comes remarkably close to doing so when he goes on rants against Harry Potter books, rock music, and horror movies, none of which are condemned by official church teachings (some church officials have offered their private opinions opposed to and in favor of such artistic works, but none of these are binding on the Catholic faithful). Indeed, in those rants, he repeats a variety of debunked claims regarding satanic masses, subliminal messages, and more, and worse, is internally inconsistent--in one place he condemns horror movies while in another he praises The Exorcist for its accuracy.

With a word like "explains" in the title, we expect a nuanced and academic work that carefully dissects its subject in the interest of expanding or deepening the reader's understanding. What we actually get here is a book that at best is repetitive of Amorth's other works and at its worst presents information ranging from false to inconclusive as if it were fact.