Interview with an Exorcist

Interview with an Exorcist

by Fr. Jose Antonio Fortea

(Ascension Press, 2006)

Review by C. Pak, AC USA Founder

"What can be done against temptation?

We must immediately resist it with the help of God's grace. A temptation is harmless if we resist and do not entertain it. From the moment we begin to dialogue with a particular temptation, though, considering the pros and cons of what it offers, our opposition to it begins to weaken, and it is far more difficult to resist succumbing to it."

In this book, Fr. Fortea, a priest of the Diocese of Alcalá de Henares (Madrid) and expert in demonology, answers questions about the nature and activity of demons in a simple, easy to read format: a Q&A session.

Fr. Fortea dispels myths about demons (e.g., they can't have human children, read our thoughts, cause disasters and accidents at will, or possess a human soul) and confirms what they can do and have done, like cause nightmares, act on physical objects, inhabit human bodies, unite and concentrate their efforts to influence society, hear us when we direct our minds and wills to saints, angels or demons, and obey orders given mentally.

The purpose of this book is to enlighten readers on the topic of the devil, demonic possession and influence, and the path to deliverance, without engendering an unhealthy curiosity in such matters. Bishop Aquila (Fargo) wrote the forward, and with the author warns all Catholics that we should have a basic understanding of the reality of evil but avoid being overly preoccupied with the topic of the devil (pgs. 3, 5). "The Evil One," he says, "is capable of using such a fascination as a means to ensnare us - with despair, fear, or discouragement. We need not fear!" In the call to holiness, we are encouraged to keep our focus always on the love that Jesus Christ had for us (3).

That said I recommend this book for the spiritually mature and disciplined who understand the balance needed when engaging such subject matter.