Adam Blai on “The History of Exorcism,” Part One – Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor

In Part 1 of this conversation, Adam Blai discusses with Kris McGregor the history and practice of exorcism. Adam Blai emphasizes the importance of understanding the context and history of exorcism to demystify misconceptions often perpetuated by media. He explains that exorcism has been a part of human history since ancient times and that it involves a range of prayers, with solemn exorcism being qualitatively different from deliverance prayers.

He shares his journey into this ministry, highlighting his background in psychology and how his curiosity about spiritual phenomena led him to work with exorcists. He clarifies that as a layperson, his role is to train and coach priests, not to perform exorcisms himself. The conversation covers the development of institutes like the Pope Leo XIII Institute, which train exorcists and their teams, emphasizing the need for proper order and protection in this ministry.

He touches on the use of Psalms in exorcism rituals, the distinction between possession and other forms of spiritual oppression, and the rigorous process required to determine if a solemn exorcism is necessary and of relying on documented signs of possession rather than subjective discernment to ensure the appropriate response and the crucial role of the bishop in granting permission for solemn exorcisms.

You can find the book here.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

1. Understanding the Historical Context of Exorcism How does knowing the history and context of exorcism help demystify common misconceptions about the practice?
2. The Role of Exorcism in the Church In what ways does exorcism contribute to the spiritual life and mission of the Church, both historically and in contemporary practice?
3. The Importance of Proper Training and Authority Why is it essential for exorcists to be properly trained and authorized by the Church? How does this safeguard the integrity of the ministry?
4. The Distinction Between Solemn Exorcism and Deliverance Prayers What are the key differences between solemn exorcism and deliverance prayers, and why is it important to understand these distinctions?
5. The Role of Scripture in Spiritual Warfare How does the use of Psalms and other Scripture passages in exorcism highlight the power of God’s word in combating evil?
6. Personal and Community Protection in Spiritual Ministry What steps can laypeople and clergy take to ensure they are protected when involved in spiritual ministry, especially in deliverance and exorcism work?
7. The Discernment Process in Identifying Possession How does the objective process of documenting signs of possession before requesting a solemn exorcism from the bishop reflect the Church’s careful approach to spiritual matters?
8. The Balance Between Charismatic and Institutional Responses How can the Church maintain a balance between the charismatic expressions of faith and the structured, institutional responses to spiritual phenomena?
9. Trusting in God’s Sovereignty Over Evil In what ways does recognizing Jesus’ ultimate authority over evil influence the approach to exorcism and deliverance ministry?
10. Personal Reflection on Spiritual Readiness Reflect on your own spiritual practices and readiness. How can you ensure you are spiritually prepared to face challenges and assist others in spiritual battles?

From the book description:

“Due to the advancement of observable evil in our society, the topic of exorcism has increasingly come to the forefront in the West in this century. In Hollywood movies, exorcism has often been sensationalized and misconstrued. Although volumes have been written about demons and exorcism, little has been explained about what solemn exorcism really is within the larger context of deliverance ministry. But now, Church-decreed expert on demonology and exorcism Adam Blai thoroughly explores the roots of exorcism and breaks open its significance for you.

You will find answers to wide-ranging questions such as: Is possession an exclusively Christian phenomenon, or is it a universal problem? Did exorcism exist before Jesus, or did He introduce it? If it predated Christianity, how did other cultures see it and deal with it? How do other world religions view the phenomenon of possession and exorcism? Are there other methods of confronting it besides the Catholic rite?

Blai lays out how exorcisms were performed in the earliest days of the Church. Ove...

Dr. Peter Kreeft – Practical Theology on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor

“Practical Theology: Spiritual Direction from St. Thomas Aquinas” by Dr. Peter Kreeft is outstanding! An incredible work that transforms the potentially intimidating Summa Theologiae into a vital life-giving, soul-nurturing work for the pilgrim soul. Dr. Kreeft offers us the religious wisdom of Aquinas in 359 bite-size pieces that can aid our growth in holiness. He has framed these readings as answers to questions that people actually ask their spiritual directors. Each answer is taken word for word from Aquinas. So many topics are covered. You’ll be returning to this book over and over again throughout your spiritual journey. An excellent gift to give yourself and those you love! Highly Recommended!!!

You can find the book here

“Its notoriously difficult to synopsize Aquinas on anything. However, if I were to choose someone to do the job well, it would be Peter Kreeft. Many will find this presentation helpful to develop their own replies to the questions that bother the minds of today’s searchers.”
– Romanus Cessario, O.P., Saint John’s Seminary, Brighton, Mass.

“How can we know the living God and attain to everlasting union with God? This is really the only question of life. Kreeft’s dialogue with Aquinas shows us what it means–existentially, not solely academically–to learn from a saint.” —Matthew Levering, Professor of Theology, Mundelein Seminary

The post Dr. Peter Kreeft – Practical Theology on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor – Discerning Hearts Podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Adam Blai on “The History of Exorcism,” Part Two – Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor

In part two of our conversation, Adam Blai and Kris McGregor discuss the nature of spiritual warfare and deliverance, emphasizing the central role of sacramental life and personal conversion. Adam Blai explains that 90% of the enemy’s actions are temptations, which can be effectively countered through the sacraments like confession, mass, baptism, and confirmation. Deliverance primarily comes through these sacraments and genuine personal transformation, rather than dramatic prayers or rituals. True deliverance requires a sincere turn towards God and away from sin, with the person actively participating in their spiritual growth and repentance.

Blai highlights that even in cases of possession, the goal is spiritual growth and conversion, not just relief from suffering. Exorcism is a liturgical act aimed at guiding individuals towards a life of faith, repentance, and forgiveness. Forgiving others and oneself is crucial, as demons can exploit unforgiveness to maintain their hold. And the historical context of exorcism in the church, noting that it evolved over centuries and has become more regulated to ensure proper and safe practice.

The importance of the church’s authority and wisdom in handling exorcisms, cautioning against individuals attempting exorcisms without proper authorization and training. Blai advises those facing spiritual issues to seek help from their parish priests or diocesan offices and stresses that the focus should always be on Jesus, not the devil. The ultimate message is one of hope and trust in God’s love and the transformative power of a life centered on Christ.

You can find the book here.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

1. Understanding the Enemy’s Strategies: How does recognizing that 90% of the enemy’s actions are temptations change your approach to spiritual warfare?
2. Role of Sacraments in Deliverance: In what ways have you experienced the power of sacramental grace in your life, especially through confession and the Eucharist?
3. Personal Conversion and Deliverance: Reflect on a time when personal conversion and repentance brought you closer to God. How did this impact your spiritual struggles?
4. Forgiveness as a Path to Freedom: How can you practice forgiveness towards others and yourself to prevent spiritual oppression?
5. Historical Context of Exorcism: How does understanding the historical development of exorcism in the Church deepen your appreciation for its current practice and regulation?
6. Authority and Wisdom in Exorcism: Why is it important for the Church to regulate who performs exorcisms, and how does this safeguard both the practitioner and the person in need?
7. Focus on Christ, Not the Devil: How can you ensure that your spiritual life remains Christ-centered and not overly focused on fear of the devil?
8. Seeking Help within the Church: When facing spiritual difficulties, how can you effectively seek help from your parish priest or diocesan offices?

From the book description:

“Due to the advancement of observable evil in our society, the topic of exorcism has increasingly come to the forefront in the West in this century. In Hollywood movies, exorcism has often been sensationalized and misconstrued. Although volumes have been written about demons and exorcism, little has been explained about what solemn exorcism really is within the larger context of deliverance ministry. But now, Church-decreed expert on demonology and exorcism Adam Blai thoroughly explores the roots of exorcism and breaks open its significance for you.

You will find answers to wide-ranging questions such as: Is possession an exclusively Christian phenomenon, or is it a universal problem? Did exorcism exist before Jesus, or did He introduce it? If it predated Christianity, how did other cultures see it and deal with it? How do other world religions view the phenomenon of possession and exorcism? Are there other methods of confronting it besides the Catholic rite?

Blai lays out how exorcisms were performed in the earliest days of the Church. Over time, a liturgical rite was developed and teachings were provided to safeguard the faithful in the practice of exorcisms.
In these pages, Blai reveals:

• • Twenty-one guidelines for exorcists, produced under St. Charles Borromeo
  • Fascinating examples of actual exorcisms (some made famous in movies!)
  • Astounding examples of how saints helped drive out demons (even from the gre...



What a delight to be joined by Fr. Thomas Berg to discuss Choosing Forgiveness: Unleash the Power of God’s Grace. Hands down, this is one of the very best books I’ve read on the subject of forgiveness. Practical, compelling, and needed today more than ever, Choosing Forgiveness is a must for every home and vital to every heart. Don’t miss this conversation!

“This work will stand the test of time as it is anchored in an authentic Catholic anthropology, psychology and spirituality. It is a complete and robust presentation on forgiveness. Every page invites realism and hope. This would be a useful book for pastors and clinicians and spiritual directors. The Church will be aided greatly by the authors’ insights and faith.” — Deacon James Keating, Ph.D., Professor of Spiritual Theology, Kenrick Glennon Seminary

For Part 2 of this conversation visit: IP#486 Fr. Thomas Berg – Choosing Forgiveness Part 2 on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor podcast

You can find the book here

To say that offering forgiveness is a challenge is an understatement. Forgiveness is tough! Forgiveness is often messy. Forgiveness doesn’t feel good to most of us. And when it comes to the biggest, deepest hurts in life, forgiveness can seem impossible.

Some hurts are the everyday, garden-variety irritations we endure for having to live in the company of other human beings who lose their tempers, get up on the wrong side of the bed, say nasty things, are ungrateful, selfish, and irritable. Some hurts are of a magnitude that far transcend these — degradation, exploitation, abandonment, rejection, humiliation, racism, bullying, physical, sexual, or emotional abuse. But with God’s grace, even in those most difficult cases, forgiveness is possible.

In Choosing Forgiveness, Fr. Thomas Berg and Dr. Timothy G. Lock are your guides on the way toward forgiveness through the grace of God. This book will help you discover the pathway to healing, peace, and interior freedom, releasing you and those who have wronged you from the bondage of unforgiveness.

The post IP#486 Fr. Thomas Berg – Choosing Forgiveness Part 1 on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor podcast appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

Anthony DeStefano – 30 Days to Your New Life on Inside the Pages with Kris McGregor

In this episode of Inside the Pages, Kris McGregor interviews Anthony DeStefano about his book 30 Days to Your New Life: A Guide to Transforming Yourself from Head to Soul. Anthony DeStefano outlines how the book blends self-help strategies with Christian principles, aiming to provide a balanced approach to personal transformation. While secular self-help programs can be beneficial, they often fall short because they focus too much on self-reliance and neglect spiritual aspects.

This book guides readers through daily reflections over 30 days, starting with fundamental routines like tidying up and building momentum through small actions. This approach is meant to ease readers into lasting habits that foster both physical and spiritual well-being. The book moves through various levels of personal development, incorporating ideas like redemptive suffering and grounding one’s routines in faith practices. By combining spiritual disciplines with practical life skills, he aims to help readers face life’s challenges more resiliently, emphasizing that true peace and fulfillment require both effort and reliance on God’s grace.

Discerning Hearts Reflection Questions

1. Importance of God’s Role in Self-Improvement: How can you incorporate God’s guidance into your daily routines and personal development goals?
2. Balance of Prayer and Action: In what ways can you ensure both prayer and practical action are present in your approach to life’s challenges?
3. Personal Momentum in Faith: What small, consistent actions can you take to build spiritual and physical momentum toward positive change?
4. The Role of Suffering: How can you offer up your suffering and unite it with Christ’s, seeing it as a form of redemptive prayer?
5. Daily Prioritization of God: How can you make your first thoughts and actions each day a reflection of putting God first?
6. Physical and Spiritual Health Connection: What changes can you make to improve your physical health that will also positively impact your spiritual life?
7. Order and Discipline in Daily Life: How can you create a more ordered, stable daily routine that reflects a commitment to both work and prayer?
8. Seeing Mass as a Source of Grace: How does attending Mass help you connect to Christ’s sacrifice, and how can you better appreciate it as a source of strength?
9. Redemptive Power of Small Actions: What small, seemingly mundane actions can you offer to God each day to grow in holiness?
10. Sharing Faith-Based Self-Help with Others: Who in your life might benefit from an approach to self-improvement that includes spiritual principles, and how can you share it with them?

You can find the book here.

From the book description:

“Happiness. Everyone wants it, but not everyone has it–or knows how to get it. According to a recent Harris poll, only 1 in 3 Americans describes himself as happy. Researchers have dubbed this the “most stressed” of all generations, despite its economic prosperity and technological advances. Anthony DeStefano, bestselling author of A Travel Guide to Heaven and Ten Prayers God Always Says Yes To, addresses this problem head-on in his freshly rewritten book, 30 Days to Your New Life, by striving to bring the joy of Heaven down to Earth right now.

Many self-help books explore the subject of happiness, but one important ingredient always seems to be missing: God. In this no-nonsense, refreshingly direct book, DeStefano bridges the gap between personal development programs and Christian/Catholic spirituality. The result is a wake-up call to readers; an outcome-based motivational guide to living life to its fullest–and holiest. DeStefano’s practical, pull-no-punches, approach to popular theology has been described as “Tony Robbins meets Thomas Aquinas.”

With candor and simplicity, DeStefano presents an easy-to-follow framework for attaining lifelong peace and fulfillment, as well as (more importantly) eternal happiness in Heaven. The path proposed by DeStefano encourages consistent, purposeful and prayerful action on the part of the reader, and offers genuine hope to everyone, from ambivalent agnostics to engaged evangelicals to the most fervent of Catholics.

This is a book about getting results, about breaking out of self-delusion and taking small, practical steps to transform your life from head to soul. The author believes that as more and more people today struggle with depression and loneliness, self-help programs...