📖 Overview
Interview with an Exorcist presents a Q&A format discussion with Fr. Jose Antonio Fortea, a Catholic priest and experienced exorcist. Through direct questions and answers, the book covers theological concepts, practical aspects of exorcism, and the nature of demonic activity.
Fr. Fortea explains Church teachings on possession, demons, and spiritual warfare while addressing common misconceptions about exorcism. The text includes accounts from his years of ministry as an exorcist and provides context for understanding how the Catholic Church approaches cases of potential possession.
The book maintains a systematic approach to complex supernatural topics, moving from basic definitions to advanced theological concepts. Fr. Fortea addresses both theoretical frameworks and real-world applications of exorcism ministry.
This work serves as a bridge between ancient Catholic traditions and modern understanding of spiritual phenomena. The straightforward question-and-answer structure makes esoteric religious concepts accessible while preserving the gravity of the subject matter.
👀 Reviews
Readers describe this as a straightforward Q&A guide that presents exorcism information without sensationalism. The book answers basic questions about demons, possession, and the Catholic Church's approach to exorcism.
Readers appreciated:
- Clear, matter-of-fact explanations of complex theological concepts
- Fr. Fortea's calm, measured tone
- The organized question-and-answer format
- Inclusion of Fr. Fortea's personal experiences as an exorcist
Common criticisms:
- Some answers felt too brief or superficial
- Limited discussion of actual exorcism procedures
- Wanted more real case examples
- Translation from Spanish could be smoother
Ratings:
Goodreads: 4.17/5 (517 ratings)
Amazon: 4.7/5 (269 ratings)
Sample review: "Not sensationalistic at all. Very measured and careful in its approach. Fortea sticks to official Church teaching and his own experience rather than wild speculation." - Goodreads reviewer
"Wished for more depth in the answers and real-world examples rather than theoretical discussions." - Amazon reviewer
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The Rite: The Making of a Modern Exorcist by Matt Baglio The book follows an American priest's training in Rome to become an exorcist while examining the modern Catholic Church's approach to demonic possession.
The Dark Sacrament by David M. Kiely, Christina McKenna This collection documents contemporary cases of possession and exorcism through the experiences of two Christian ministers in Ireland.
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American Exorcism by Michael W. Cuneo This investigation examines exorcism practices across different Christian denominations in modern America through interviews and first-hand observations.
🤔 Interesting facts
🔮 Fr. Fortea completed the first thesis in Church history on present-day exorcism, defending it at Comillas Pontifical University in Madrid.
⛪ The book originated from actual questions posed to Fr. Fortea during his lectures and speaking engagements about exorcism around the world.
👿 According to Fr. Fortea's experiences detailed in the book, demons can understand and respond in any human language, though they prefer to use the native language of the possessed person.
📚 The book takes a Q&A format, addressing over 100 questions about demonology, possession, and exorcism, making complex theological concepts accessible to general readers.
🙏 Fr. Fortea emphasizes that authentic cases of possession are extremely rare, and many people who think they're possessed are actually dealing with psychological or medical issues.