[Opposing Views] Obscured by rumor and myth, and confused by exaggerations and outright falsehoods in popular movies, the Catholic Church's ancient rite of exorcism is not only still practiced today, but is needed more than ever, writes pro-life leader, Catholic priest and exorcist Reverend Thomas J. Euteneuer in his new book, Exorcism and the Church Militant.
"The Church has good reason to avoid popularizing exorcism, and affirming the sensationalist or dismissive accounts of the culture at large," said Father Euteneuer. "At the same time, this necessary discretion has led to the rite being neglected in many areas, at precisely the time when it is most needed to deliver those who have succumbed to the increasing deceptions of the devil in these troubling times."
Father Euteneuer, President of Human Life International, has conducted exorcisms in several dioceses around the United States and spoken to thousands of people on this subject. He seeks to build up the faith of people through accurate teaching on this controversial topic.
"With Exorcism and the Church Militant I hope to undo myths and misunderstandings surrounding exorcism, and issue a call to my brother priests and our faithful bishops," said Father Euteneuer. "Our culture is ever more saturated with enticements to the occult and other dangerous spiritual and moral choices. Clarifying what exorcism is and underlining the urgency for both clergy and the faithful is key if we're going to start confronting Satan where he is making so much headway, in our homes and communities."
With Exorcism and the Church Militant, Father Euteneuer is also releasing Demonic Abortion, the first of two companion works. This 120-page booklet is a meditation on the evil nature of the abortion industry, from the perspective of a priest and exorcist who has been fighting in the pro-life trenches around the world for well over a decade. With a release date of July 7, 2010, Demonic Abortion is now available for pre-order.
More information about both Exorcism and the Church Militant and Demonic Abortion can be found at www.exorcismbook.com.
About the Author:
Rev. Thomas J. Euteneuer was ordained a priest in 1988 for the Diocese of Palm Beach, Florida and served in parishes in that diocese for twelve years before being given permission by his bishop to work full-time in pro-life ministry with Human Life International, where he has served as President since December of the year 2000. Father Euteneuer has been performing exorcisms for seven years with approval from numerous dioceses in the United States. His interest in the ministry was a natural outgrowth of his work in the pro-life field, which deals with the organized power of evil on a global scale.Link to original...