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Deliverance: Everyday investigations into poltergeists, ghosts and other supernatural phenomena by an Anglican priest
I turned towards the door. It was closed, but I sensed there was something - someone - standing on the other side, staring straight at me. A prickling sensation ran through me... I was absolutely terrified, rooted to the spot and unable to breathe.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
His name is Jason Bray. He's your quintessential vicar: that guy in the long dress and poncho who stands at the front of the church and tells you God loves you. He's the person who will baptise your children, take your wedding, and conduct your Auntie Beryl's funeral.
But then he's also the person you will call in when Auntie Beryl still keeps appearing on the landing in her nightie, or when things go bump and rattle and your shoes start moving on their own, or when you think your mother-in-law might be possessed.
Jason is a deliverance minister, and this is a story of oppression and possession, of ghosts, poltergeists and other paranormal phenomena, and how to deal with them. He is the first Anglican deliverance minister to write a book about this ministry for the general reader. A warm, sympathetic and humorous character who sees it as his mission to serve the community and help families in distress, each true-life adventure is like a detective story. At times, it's a case of mental illness. At others, an energy or memory that has latched itself onto a place or property. At others, he's even encountered fraud!
Welcome to his world.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
His name is Jason Bray. He's your quintessential vicar: that guy in the long dress and poncho who stands at the front of the church and tells you God loves you. He's the person who will baptise your children, take your wedding, and conduct your Auntie Beryl's funeral.
But then he's also the person you will call in when Auntie Beryl still keeps appearing on the landing in her nightie, or when things go bump and rattle and your shoes start moving on their own, or when you think your mother-in-law might be possessed.
Jason is a deliverance minister, and this is a story of oppression and possession, of ghosts, poltergeists and other paranormal phenomena, and how to deal with them. He is the first Anglican deliverance minister to write a book about this ministry for the general reader. A warm, sympathetic and humorous character who sees it as his mission to serve the community and help families in distress, each true-life adventure is like a detective story. At times, it's a case of mental illness. At others, an energy or memory that has latched itself onto a place or property. At others, he's even encountered fraud!
Welcome to his world.
304 pages, Hardcover
Published February 18, 2021
37 people are currently reading
74 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
February 21, 2021
Poltergeist activity, place memory and ghosts!!
A fabulous and sensitively written book about the paranormal and the previously little known work of the deliverance ministry within the Church of Wales. I am really very easily spooked however this book was heart-warming and intriguing.
A fabulous and sensitively written book about the paranormal and the previously little known work of the deliverance ministry within the Church of Wales. I am really very easily spooked however this book was heart-warming and intriguing.
February 14, 2022
Boring. The theme is fascinating, particularly for the Anglican Church but the experiences of this priest where boring. I was expecting some spine chilling events but the chapters rolled from one in to another boring event. Two interesting facts learnt;
1. The Anglican Church does have ‘deliverance ministers’.
2. Poltergeists do occur and are caused by people, not spirits.
Great cover image and book title but ‘Deliverance’ didn’t deliver for me.
1. The Anglican Church does have ‘deliverance ministers’.
2. Poltergeists do occur and are caused by people, not spirits.
Great cover image and book title but ‘Deliverance’ didn’t deliver for me.
February 10, 2022
3.25🌟
A quick read. Interesting, engaging but slightly repetitive and mundane at the same time.
A quick read. Interesting, engaging but slightly repetitive and mundane at the same time.
August 2, 2023
A very interesting read, particularly if you're a fan of the Merrily Watkins series; in fact, Phil Rickman and Jason Bray are friends, which is apt and pleased me greatly! Unusual subject, and well-worth exploring. I'd love to see another book from Bray. Oh, and loving the nod to Max von Sydow and The Exorcist on the front cover!
May 9, 2021
In modern times, it seems the clergy's role is to be the resident sceptics with regard to manifestations of the supernatural. As a teenager in Catholic Ireland in the 1980s, I remember a sudden rash of claimed supernatural phenomena occurring from 1985 onwards, involving the famous (or infamous, depending on one's view) moving statues of the Virgin Mary in Cork and Kerry, as well as various claimed apparitions of the Virgin Mary that seemed to have parallels with previous manifestations in places like Fatima and Lourdes. Generally speaking, it was the bishops who were urging caution as the crowds gathered in these places, hoping for further manifestations and miracles. This showed something of a divide between the Irish folk religious sensibility and the perceptions of the church hierarchy. It was also indicative of a rural/urban cultural divide; these sightings tended to occur in economically depressed rural areas of the country.
It has seemed to me for a long time that there was little sense of an in-between position: between clergy who are often reluctant to acknowledge the existence of supernatural phenomena, to the point where they can seem to resemble militant atheists like Richard Dawkins, versus those who are all too eager to see miracles and supernatural phenomena in the slightest thing. Jason Bray's book has shown me that there are those in the world who do have an in-between position on these issues.
Bray is a highly educated Anglican clergyman, working (partially) in what is called 'deliverance ministry' in Anglicanism, with a doctorate in theology, who wears his learning lightly, so that despite the subject matter, Deliverance somehow manages to be a fascinating, educational, and at times, extremely humorous book. I learnt much that I had not known before from reading it, including the fact that the word 'Anglican' covers a broad range of theological positions; I had not, for example, been aware that there were Anglicans who acknowledged seven sacraments, as Bray does. Another compelling aspect of the book is Bray's love for his native Wales and its people, which shines through the pages.
Despite what some might see as potentially serious and depressing subject matter, it is clear that Bray loves his ministry and has a lot of compassion for the people who seek his help; even and especially if some of them are suffering from ailments that would be better treated by healthcare professionals. The book is hilarious at times, though, about some of the queries he regularly receives, such as a request from a person to exorcise her mother-in-law and somebody asking whether he has ever encountered the Lough Ness Monster.
It is clear from the book that the popular image of clergy brandishing crucifixes while dealing with levitating teenagers with spinning heads, foaming from the mouth, is somewhat of a misconception. Bray is clear that actual exorcisms are extremely rare; he is also clear that those who seek help in the belief that they need an exorcism almost always do not need one. Much of his work involves blessing people's homes and praying with them, as well as occasionally saying requiem masses in buildings that seem to have a lingering presence.
Bray appears to believe there is most likely a basis to some human experiences of the supernatural, and yet, he is also realistic about the human tendency to attribute to the supernatural events that are more reflective of the vicissitudes of life and/or psychological and emotional turmoil. Many people with emotional problems seek help from deliverance ministers, it seems.
Bray touches briefly on the nature of evil, but this is not really a work of academic theology (though it is informed by it). He seems to regard evil as something he has encountered, albeit not as part of his deliverance ministry, but more as part of his working life as a clergyman in individuals with dodgy motivations who seek to undermine or run vendettas. Years ago, I read M. Scott Peck's People of the Lie, which takes a rather extensive look at what Peck felt was the nature of evil. While fascinating, I find Bray's perspective a little more realistic and less full of somewhat off-putting certainty (Peck seemed to have a huge amount of trust in his own judgment as to who was evil, and I wondered about his judgment of individuals being taken over by evil, in relation to at least a couple of his case studies from his psychiatric practice, though others seemed more convincing.)
While clearly this book will not be everybody's cup of tea in our largely secularized world, and may appeal mainly to those who have a natural interest in theology or the paranormal (in my case, theology as lived), it is definitely a fascinating read that kept me up late into the early hours of the weekend mornings. It's an intensely refreshing reading experience from a clergyman who seems to know that people are hungry for meaning and will try to find it in the strangest of ways, if deprived for too long; but who also acknowledges that there are 'more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, than are dreamt of in your philosophy.' This is an acknowledgement that is sadly lacking in many clergy today, yet so many of them wonder why there are so many nominal Christians, and agnostics/atheists in the world lately.
It has seemed to me for a long time that there was little sense of an in-between position: between clergy who are often reluctant to acknowledge the existence of supernatural phenomena, to the point where they can seem to resemble militant atheists like Richard Dawkins, versus those who are all too eager to see miracles and supernatural phenomena in the slightest thing. Jason Bray's book has shown me that there are those in the world who do have an in-between position on these issues.
Bray is a highly educated Anglican clergyman, working (partially) in what is called 'deliverance ministry' in Anglicanism, with a doctorate in theology, who wears his learning lightly, so that despite the subject matter, Deliverance somehow manages to be a fascinating, educational, and at times, extremely humorous book. I learnt much that I had not known before from reading it, including the fact that the word 'Anglican' covers a broad range of theological positions; I had not, for example, been aware that there were Anglicans who acknowledged seven sacraments, as Bray does. Another compelling aspect of the book is Bray's love for his native Wales and its people, which shines through the pages.
Despite what some might see as potentially serious and depressing subject matter, it is clear that Bray loves his ministry and has a lot of compassion for the people who seek his help; even and especially if some of them are suffering from ailments that would be better treated by healthcare professionals. The book is hilarious at times, though, about some of the queries he regularly receives, such as a request from a person to exorcise her mother-in-law and somebody asking whether he has ever encountered the Lough Ness Monster.
It is clear from the book that the popular image of clergy brandishing crucifixes while dealing with levitating teenagers with spinning heads, foaming from the mouth, is somewhat of a misconception. Bray is clear that actual exorcisms are extremely rare; he is also clear that those who seek help in the belief that they need an exorcism almost always do not need one. Much of his work involves blessing people's homes and praying with them, as well as occasionally saying requiem masses in buildings that seem to have a lingering presence.
Bray appears to believe there is most likely a basis to some human experiences of the supernatural, and yet, he is also realistic about the human tendency to attribute to the supernatural events that are more reflective of the vicissitudes of life and/or psychological and emotional turmoil. Many people with emotional problems seek help from deliverance ministers, it seems.
Bray touches briefly on the nature of evil, but this is not really a work of academic theology (though it is informed by it). He seems to regard evil as something he has encountered, albeit not as part of his deliverance ministry, but more as part of his working life as a clergyman in individuals with dodgy motivations who seek to undermine or run vendettas. Years ago, I read M. Scott Peck's People of the Lie, which takes a rather extensive look at what Peck felt was the nature of evil. While fascinating, I find Bray's perspective a little more realistic and less full of somewhat off-putting certainty (Peck seemed to have a huge amount of trust in his own judgment as to who was evil, and I wondered about his judgment of individuals being taken over by evil, in relation to at least a couple of his case studies from his psychiatric practice, though others seemed more convincing.)
While clearly this book will not be everybody's cup of tea in our largely secularized world, and may appeal mainly to those who have a natural interest in theology or the paranormal (in my case, theology as lived), it is definitely a fascinating read that kept me up late into the early hours of the weekend mornings. It's an intensely refreshing reading experience from a clergyman who seems to know that people are hungry for meaning and will try to find it in the strangest of ways, if deprived for too long; but who also acknowledges that there are 'more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, than are dreamt of in your philosophy.' This is an acknowledgement that is sadly lacking in many clergy today, yet so many of them wonder why there are so many nominal Christians, and agnostics/atheists in the world lately.
April 4, 2022
Great book. I love Bray’s authentic voice. My only critique is that in trying to appeal to a wide audience of readers, he downplayed some aspects of faith and the clerical office. This downplaying stripped some of the reverence in the divine calling he has.
September 15, 2024
This was a joyful read and interesting insight into what every day life looks like for an Anglican vicar in Wales. The stories were handled with compassion and care. I liked that it was cautionary when it came to the deliverance ministry. So much of it has been glorified in the media and Hollywood in recent years that I think Dr Bray was right to encourage logical thinking and a human approach with the book and his cases.
Having said that, I felt that at times he was dismissive and didn’t give enough credence to the description of evil outlined in the bible or how this can affect people in a real and tangible way. I would’ve liked more background on that from a Christian perspective but I understand that he was writing for a much wider audience.
I found it slightly odd that a deliverance minister seemed to have very little knowledge in the way of demonology and the markers for oppression or possession seemed to be based on some very basic criteria and outlines. I’d be curious to hear about more cases where he suspected there may be something more in it, rather than having them all be attributed to mental illness, although I do recognise that the vast majority of cases will be related to that.
Overall an enjoyable and easy read, I was just left wanting that bit more depth from a theology point of view and perhaps a more open attitude about how evil works today.
Having said that, I felt that at times he was dismissive and didn’t give enough credence to the description of evil outlined in the bible or how this can affect people in a real and tangible way. I would’ve liked more background on that from a Christian perspective but I understand that he was writing for a much wider audience.
I found it slightly odd that a deliverance minister seemed to have very little knowledge in the way of demonology and the markers for oppression or possession seemed to be based on some very basic criteria and outlines. I’d be curious to hear about more cases where he suspected there may be something more in it, rather than having them all be attributed to mental illness, although I do recognise that the vast majority of cases will be related to that.
Overall an enjoyable and easy read, I was just left wanting that bit more depth from a theology point of view and perhaps a more open attitude about how evil works today.
January 20, 2025
I've given Deliverance three stars, but I feel I did so generously.
My initial thoughts were to give it two stars, as unfortunately, I did find the vast majority of the chapters repetitive and anticlimactic, however, in fairness, I can say I have read other non-fiction accounts from deliverance ministers. It is also worth bearing in mind, that this is indeed a non-fiction book, so I can't really thing of how any non-fiction can be anything other than a slap bang in the middle three stars. Yes, you still need to write well and draw in the reader, but at the end of the day, non-fiction books are true/historical/educational works and can't be judged in the same way as creative fiction can. You either find the content interesting or you don't, but that can't be a reflection on the book itself.
I did find aspects of Deliverance interesting, but I was hoping for perhaps more creepy tales and perhaps a few twists along the way, but I personally found none of those. There were a number of teasing moments that resulted in very little, but again, this is a true account. If I want scary and horrifying, I perhaps need to return to Stephen King.
I would add that I found Jason Bray's writing voice welcoming and comforting. Then again, one would hope for such coming from a vicar.
My initial thoughts were to give it two stars, as unfortunately, I did find the vast majority of the chapters repetitive and anticlimactic, however, in fairness, I can say I have read other non-fiction accounts from deliverance ministers. It is also worth bearing in mind, that this is indeed a non-fiction book, so I can't really thing of how any non-fiction can be anything other than a slap bang in the middle three stars. Yes, you still need to write well and draw in the reader, but at the end of the day, non-fiction books are true/historical/educational works and can't be judged in the same way as creative fiction can. You either find the content interesting or you don't, but that can't be a reflection on the book itself.
I did find aspects of Deliverance interesting, but I was hoping for perhaps more creepy tales and perhaps a few twists along the way, but I personally found none of those. There were a number of teasing moments that resulted in very little, but again, this is a true account. If I want scary and horrifying, I perhaps need to return to Stephen King.
I would add that I found Jason Bray's writing voice welcoming and comforting. Then again, one would hope for such coming from a vicar.
July 17, 2021
Dr Jason Bray is a High Anglican vicar based in Wales. As well as carrying out normal vicar duties, Bray also works as a deliverance minister; blessing houses and investigating the paranormal.
If you're after major exorcisms and things that go bump in the night then this book really won't be for you. The book consists of people contacting him, him visiting them, their story summed up in about a page and then Bray flinging holy water everywhere. Nothing dramatic happens and nothing scary happens at all.
Alongside this, we have some history and literary references and Bray goes off-topic a number of times. Bray also seems to need to use an exclamation point at least once a page which is irritating to say the least.
An easy read, but nothing I will remember in a week's time.
If you're after major exorcisms and things that go bump in the night then this book really won't be for you. The book consists of people contacting him, him visiting them, their story summed up in about a page and then Bray flinging holy water everywhere. Nothing dramatic happens and nothing scary happens at all.
Alongside this, we have some history and literary references and Bray goes off-topic a number of times. Bray also seems to need to use an exclamation point at least once a page which is irritating to say the least.
An easy read, but nothing I will remember in a week's time.
July 4, 2021
Interesting insight into a Deliverance Minister's work..quite matter of fact in his description of the various phenomenon that he encounters during his day. One thing that did nark me a bit was during one visit to a young woman who had been experiencing poltergeist activity due to her mental health problems and was obviously in need of support and help, instead of offering that help he suggested she go back to her Doctor and get a prescription for stronger anti depressants...
Also surprised by his lack of knowledge of the occult and wiccan practices which I would have thought would have been useful to know in the circumstances. But still an interesting read.
Also surprised by his lack of knowledge of the occult and wiccan practices which I would have thought would have been useful to know in the circumstances. But still an interesting read.
August 15, 2022
There are good and funny bits, especially at the start. But I could not fathom how this author was actually a priest, as his Christianity takes second place in this book to his heterodox beliefs.
This is evident in the language he uses. He will state as a fact that (for example) things can be somehow possessed, but when it comes to Christianity, he will say 'Christians believe that...' (not 'We believe that...'). Maybe this is not to put off his readership. But all-in-all this made the book an uncomfortable read as you just can't tell where he's coming from. He seemed more a spiritualist than a Christian priest.
This is evident in the language he uses. He will state as a fact that (for example) things can be somehow possessed, but when it comes to Christianity, he will say 'Christians believe that...' (not 'We believe that...'). Maybe this is not to put off his readership. But all-in-all this made the book an uncomfortable read as you just can't tell where he's coming from. He seemed more a spiritualist than a Christian priest.
July 30, 2021
Interesting read
This book was an interesting read, although at times the author did go off on a tangent and tried to impose his opinions, beliefs and politics on the reader. He seemed to be in total denial that there are entities that at this moment in time are not totally or indeed partially understood i.e. Implying that almost everyone experiencing paranormal events is in some way suffering from some form mental health issue (which I'm sure is the case in a lot of situations).
This book was an interesting read, although at times the author did go off on a tangent and tried to impose his opinions, beliefs and politics on the reader. He seemed to be in total denial that there are entities that at this moment in time are not totally or indeed partially understood i.e. Implying that almost everyone experiencing paranormal events is in some way suffering from some form mental health issue (which I'm sure is the case in a lot of situations).
March 24, 2023
I loved every minuite in this book! Lots of short stories about who the priest has helped many people with there concerns about phenomena. Especially liked the way he told us about his practice and the way he woulf go about clensing a house. Would recomend to any curious folk wanting to know more about moving objects flying around, poltergeist activity and how energy manifests into actions. Lots of knowlege but put in a light hearted way that was easy to read. Will deffinately be reading this one again!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 15, 2022
An utterly fascinating account of one man’s experiences as a deliverance minister. I think that the thing that made this book so interesting was how normal and humdrum every setting was and yet he’s discussing such unusual matters.
Jason Bray is very much a cynic and down to Earth person who doesn’t embellish with fantastacism, he simply describes what he’s experienced and it’s this simple style that makes it so plausible and engrossing.
A great read! So glad my friend recommended it!
Jason Bray is very much a cynic and down to Earth person who doesn’t embellish with fantastacism, he simply describes what he’s experienced and it’s this simple style that makes it so plausible and engrossing.
A great read! So glad my friend recommended it!
February 19, 2021
Fascinating, down to earth and gently told.
I can recommend this book. It is very easy to read and quite enjoyable.
It treats the subject matter quite kindly. Though situations are sometimes amusing, there is no sense that the writer feels superior to the people "afflicted"- you can understand why do many feel able to confide their experiences readily.
A great read.
I can recommend this book. It is very easy to read and quite enjoyable.
It treats the subject matter quite kindly. Though situations are sometimes amusing, there is no sense that the writer feels superior to the people "afflicted"- you can understand why do many feel able to confide their experiences readily.
A great read.
October 25, 2021
2.5 stars. This just took so long to read. The cases he went on were super interesting and enjoyable to read but all the other information, especially the religious details that weren’t relevant, just went on and on. I think that the author is a great person who I have a lot of respect for but I just wish it was primarily about the cases he’s been on.
February 20, 2021
A grounded view point
This is an excellent book for anyone who has even a casual interest in the paranormal. It gets rid of the silly stories and gives the reader a chance to get to the truth
This is an excellent book for anyone who has even a casual interest in the paranormal. It gets rid of the silly stories and gives the reader a chance to get to the truth
June 13, 2021
Easy to read
I really enjoyed this book as it was printed as if he was actually telling me his story. No fancy words, it was easy to read and I liked the fact he didn't just accept what these people told him, he always looked for a logical explanation first.
I really enjoyed this book as it was printed as if he was actually telling me his story. No fancy words, it was easy to read and I liked the fact he didn't just accept what these people told him, he always looked for a logical explanation first.
July 17, 2021
Fascinating!
A really interesting book about the reality of what we usually term an exorcism. Full of case histories and background of the Anglican church. Written in a friendly and approachable way.
Will be of interest to fans of Phil Rickmans Merrily Watkins series.
A really interesting book about the reality of what we usually term an exorcism. Full of case histories and background of the Anglican church. Written in a friendly and approachable way.
Will be of interest to fans of Phil Rickmans Merrily Watkins series.
July 10, 2022
An interesting read - not the mass of ghost stories I was expecting but great to learn more about the work they do. I liked how he didn’t preach too much and spoke about the rationality behind the work they do. The book itself was a little repetitive, not super engaging but still a decent read.
March 13, 2021
Good book
Thought it would of had more scary moments in it but a good book to read and to find out what a Anglican vicar does
Thought it would of had more scary moments in it but a good book to read and to find out what a Anglican vicar does
March 20, 2021
Ok read
I could not really get I to this book. It had I interesting stories in some areas, but it did not seem to flow
I could not really get I to this book. It had I interesting stories in some areas, but it did not seem to flow
September 17, 2021
First time I’ve read an autobiographical style book on this subject. Some parts were thought provoking and gave info on what these ministers actually do as part of their jobs however some chapters were irrelevant and seemed there to pad out the pages. Could have been better if more real life stories were included and less explanations of different areas.
November 25, 2021
Fascinating read about the reality of possession and the raise of understanding mental health conditions.
November 16, 2022
A very interesting book
I loved the depth this author went into about his life in the church. I found out so much about their beliefs, methods and gentle understanding of people.
I loved the depth this author went into about his life in the church. I found out so much about their beliefs, methods and gentle understanding of people.
December 31, 2022
Review to follow!
June 5, 2023
Well written insight into what deliverance ministers actually face in their work.
June 11, 2024
Fun and surprisingly level about supposed supernatural encounters. Showed the human side and acknowledged doubts and other explanations without ever apologising for his faith.
April 16, 2021
Entertaining and interesting. Completely devoid of projectile vomiting and pea soup, thankfully! Nothing particularly frightening or lurid; quite tame revenants really! Written with calm sensitivity and gentle humour, the faith of the man is a constant underlying thread.
If you want more spectacular poltergeists and spooks, try the Black Monk, This House Is Haunted, Colin Wilson's Poltergeist, or Mike Halliwell's account of the South Shields Poltergeist, which is particularly interesting.
If you want more spectacular poltergeists and spooks, try the Black Monk, This House Is Haunted, Colin Wilson's Poltergeist, or Mike Halliwell's account of the South Shields Poltergeist, which is particularly interesting.
June 29, 2022
Great book
Very interesting book, would love a follow up. Stories mixed in with a bit of history about the church and religion, found it fascinating.
Very interesting book, would love a follow up. Stories mixed in with a bit of history about the church and religion, found it fascinating.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews