Terror of Demons: Reclaiming Traditional Catholic Masculinity

by Kennedy Hall

“Effeminacy is a plague, and it must be eradicated.”

Families are being destroyed and souls are being cast into hell because of soft and effeminate men. In Terror of Demons , Kennedy Hall provides the traditional Catholic masculinity.

Drawing on centuries of Catholic wisdom from Scripture and the saints, Hall provides the tools for the reader to conquer effeminacy and be a man of God. This book is not for the weak-hearted but will strike every man with the sharpness of iron—he who has ears to hear will receive strength herein. The world is in desperate need of such men. Let the men of God arise.

St. Joseph, Terror of Demons, pray for us! 

Genres: Catholic, Christianity, Religion, Nonfiction

208 pages, Hardcover

Published January 18, 2022

Reviews

[ChristineK · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terror of Demons caught my eye on the pew in front of me at Mass recently, belonging to a man in his early 20's. It is a good read for the category "Reclaiming Catholic Culture " alongside books by Anthony Esolen and William F. Buckley Jr.

If this book was required reading for high school seniors before graduating, it would improve society. Until the requirement goes into effect, it would make a good high school or college graduation gift.

[Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every Christian man needs to read this book. Satan doesn’t just want your souls. He wants the souls of your family and only Christ can stop him. As the priest of your domestic church it’s up to men to defend them. This should be required reading for marriage prep and every man should share this with another father. This is a quick read and will give you specific tools to help you be the man God created.

[Kami S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book for young men. I read this with my husband and we both agreed that there are parts that just weren't pertinent to an older man, already invested in his faith and family. However, for any young man just starting a family, or even a little younger, this is a super good resource. The last few chapters on imitating St Joseph were our favorites! Mr Hall has a very poetic way with words and it especially showed in those last chapters. We own the book and hope to have each of our boys read it when of age. I highly recommend!

[Almachius · Rating 3 out of 5]

The messages here are very good, and I suppose I would align myself with Kennedy Hall's worldview completely, but it's a messy book. The editing has been rushed, the style is inconsistent; there are several errors. Sometimes I found myself cringing a bit.

Improved (and perhaps shortened), this could be really good for older teenagers and college age men. It could be a great go-to book for priests to recommend during confession or in catechesis. I'm not sure I would recommend it to a non Christian or to a modernist who was already hostile to tradition or, in fact, to anyone until it has been proofread a few more times.

[Bob Tunney · Rating 5 out of 5]

As others have alluded to, this short book should be a requisite read for Catholic men navigating the waters of modern society. Short in duration yet far-reaching in breadth, Mr. Hall proclaims the often difficult message we all succumb to as human beings, that is, falling short in our pursuit of the Heavenly reward. Mr. Hall guides us in our identification of these shortcomings and proposes viable remedies rooted in Mary's Immaculate Heart and the quiet strength of St. Joseph. The epilogue serves as a crown jewel of sorts as a devotional to St. Joseph himself.

This text is self-effacing and engenders an unparalleled introspection on the part of the reader. Furthermore, it would serve as a tremendous companion to men participating in Exodus90 or another analogous spiritual journey.

For those so inclined, I would encourage tuning in to the Monday morning podcasts on "The Meaning of Catholic" YouTube channel which features Mr. Hall speaking among others as part of a lay apostolate.

[Stephen · Rating 3 out of 5]

The title begs five stars alone; much of the content is vigorous, pointed, and useful. The author's passion needed more direction, though. I was reminded of C.S. Lewis' recollections of his father, subjecting his young boys to Ciceronian denouncements for small errors like tracking mud into the house, as Hall would sometimes deliver full-scale broadsides against topics that didn't merit the least amount of attention, like Harry Potter -- which, we are told, uses the spells of "real witches", at which point I almost regretted buying the book. I can understand crusader-esque passion levied against pornography, abortion, and men who refuse to grow up -- but meditation and Harry Potter?

[Vagabond of Letters, DLitt · Rating 3 out of 5]

6.75/10

[Jed Pieniadz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book

Husbands and fathers must read. Short easy to read . with the state of the world this book is needed

[aj · Rating 2 out of 5]

While this is an interesting read regarding the nature of Catholic masculinity, the context is largely rhetorical and relies on a “take my word for it” mindset. This is not to say that there is no use in this book, only that it must be read cautiously since it does not use any references or outside sources (except the Bible). Further, I do not know enough about the author, but I could have done without some of his sell-aggrandizing and preaching what he would do in certain circumstances. The extent of sexist rhetoric is also quite off putting, as I understand women are believed to serve a role assigned by God, but in certain passages, Hall simply comes across as believing women are not as intelligent as men. This book had so much more potential, I think, and did not deliver.

[Joe Musarra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written and effective for encouraging Catholic men to stay close to the sacraments and take responsibility for their family and community. My only (minor) criticism is related to the pacing of the book. The chapters are focused on particular subjects and kept me engaged, but the Epilogue makes up about a quarter of the book and is broken down by subheadings in a sort-of article format which I found somewhat repetitive and drawn-out. This is a small nitpick that does not detract from the content of the book itself which is very good and appropriately challenging.

[tom summers · Rating 5 out of 5]

We need more "Joseph's" in today's world.

It is the first book I read completely on my phone. If I reread it, it will be in book form.
I liked it because Kennedy gives practical suggestions for strengthening your faith and manliness. I'm 79 but found Kennedy's book to have much practical advice.
I plan on sending an email to my son's, son in laws, and grandsons suggesting they get this book.
Thanks Kennedy, great job.
Tom Summers

[David Chan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for Catholic men

This book offers practical advices for the modern catholic men. They may come across as rigid rules but they are very relevant to counter the current permissive culture.

[Kate Dyson-D'Onofrio · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely an amazing read. So good that I want to read it again and pass it on to all the men in my life! (My husband and 3 sons and 5 brothers!) Thank you Kennedy Hall, for sharing your insights; your strengths in fighting this battle against the evil in our world.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book with interesting perspective. I will personally begin implementing a bunch of the recommendations...overtime, perhaps all of them.

Great work, Mr. Hall. This will be a reference guide in many catholic homes to come.

[JR Eftink · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved reading this book about how to properly live your life according to God's will bc the man is the head of his family and household and is required to defend them against the devil!!!

[Daniel J · Rating 5 out of 5]

A helpful guide for men and fathers who want to build up the domestic Church in the likeness of St. Joseph. It also discusses the importance of staying in the state of grace and praying the rosary daily. Will read again.

[Michael Cates · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good Read

Kennedy has written a motivating book about how to live as a Catholic man. I highly recommend this book to all men.

[Lorinda Dubay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must read

I enjoyed this book tremendously and every Catholic man should read this. I gave this 5 stars because it was well presented.

[David Pike · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a blunt call to simply what scripture calls a man, father, and husband to be. A must read for any Catholic father who wants to get their life in shape.

[Chris S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phenomenal insights that were beautifully articulated. I am very thankful for having kicked this one up. Well done Kennedy. Well done TAN books. I read this one slow as a daily journey.

[Nguyen James · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great book for masculine Catholic me.
Sancte Joseph, Ora Pro Nobis!

[akk_88 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Important contribution to today’s spiritual warfare presented from an orthodox catholic point of view. Contains not only theological insights drawn from the Magisterium of the Catholic Church but also quotations and examples in the life of saints and venerated people. The Author shares also his personal struggle and warfare advice. Included is an essay on the litany to Saint Joseph.

"I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercy of GOD, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, pleasing unto GOD, your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world, but be reformed in the newness of your mind, that you may prove what is the good, and the acceptable, and the perfect will of GOD."
Rom 12:1