Hauntings, Possessions, and Exorcisms

Since the advent of paranormal television programming that caters to all things that go bump in the night, there has been a nonstop saturation of all things ghosts, spirits, demons, hauntings, possessions and a whole litany of other things. You could be changing the channel, and, guarantee, no matter what time of the day it is, a show will be on that has to do with the aforementioned. People who normally do not have an interest in this subject matter will inadvertently get caught up in the paranormal craze just because it is so in your face; you can’t help but watch, if only out of sheer boredom. But with that curiosity can come danger. Granted, a majority of people who experience the unknown are more often than not innocent bystanders who are caught in the crosshairs of something outside of their reality. But from occult shops to divination practices, to the Ouija Board and a whole assemblage of other darker practices, people have been confronted by things of a lower quality level. In Adam Blai’s excellent book, Hauntings, Possessions, And Exorcisms, he covers a vast terrain of how these happenings can come about and what to do about them. Confirmed as a Peritus of religious demonology and exorcism by the Catholic Church (a legitimate expert and teacher on this subject matter for Catholic clergy), his acuity in psychology and theology gives him a unique insight into this subject matter, an area that I certainly would not want to mess around with. In his book, he addresses the importance of discernment, whether the issue at hand is medical oriented or a matter of mental illness. That is usually the case, but sometimes there is that percentage where something other is going on. Crossing that and other logical possibilities off the list, he focuses on the demonic and the manipulative tactics associated with it, the progress of infestation, oppression and possession. He writes about the doorways which can be opened that invited the demons into people’s lives, and the causes are not always what you think. The openness towards this realm surprisingly stems from human longings: curiosity, loneliness, powerlessness, revenge, companionship, and it can go on. There really is no singular reason, as there are many personal reasons why people open themselves up. But when the line is thrown into the water, what they get is often more dangerous and threatening than what they expected, for demons can manipulate how they are perceived, and they lie. They can show themselves as a human spirit and temporarily fill that longing that caused them to be brought forth in the first place. But that does not last long. With a bona fide human haunting, it is often a sprint in a state of purgation who is requesting prayer. There is no dark malfeasance or duplicity intended. When a case is certified as being demonic in nature, Blai then goes on to write about what the healing powers are; he writes about the importance of prayer, Scripture reading, the Sacraments and sacramentals. Confession is also key. Essentially, do what you can to move yourself to the light of Jesus Christ. Take preventive and corrective measures to heal and amend your life, for if you don’t, that is what the demonic feeds off of and also tries to heighten. It is easy because people, especially vulnerable people, seem more attracted to the darkness, and when they are thoroughly steeped in it, it can be like tar that sticks to you. Adam Blai goes into a lot more detail than what I can express. I think his knowledge, and that of any Catholic exorcist, is hard won. I certainly would not relish this kind of work. His own personal testimony of how he got into this work (at the end of the book) was especially interesting.

I found this book to be a really good resource on Hauntings, Possessions, and Exorcisms. It outlines how to avoid this and what to do if you do encounter these things. Stay away from Witchcraft is what I got out of it. The writer is intelligent yet clear to explain his experiences in a professional manner. In fact it would be really neat to have the author visit my church on this topic! Great read and spiritual tool to have.

I wanted to find out about the different types of ways that demons are dealt with, as well as what leads someone to become influenced by them. This book also details way to avoid problems to start with, including dedicating loved ones & possesions to GOD for protection. Definitely a page-turner!

arrived on Saturday , so engaged i kept reading and finished it by Sunday, recommend and will read again, very interesting and well written

This is an excellent introduction to demonology. Clearly and concisely written, and includes glossary of terms, a collection of prayers, references for further reading and more. Well done Adam Blai, your book is a tremendous consolation!

This book is written by Adam Blai, a clinical psychologist and peritus of the Roman Catholic Church in exorcism. The various classifications of demonic activity are covered (e.g. infestation, oppression, and possession) along with human spirit hauntings. The author’s personal journey into this vital ministry is also covered. Mr. Blai is in the Diocese of Pittsburgh and is a graduate of Penn State University.

Adam Blai, a layman who works in deliverance ministry and one of the few laymen to train new exorcists, has written a gem. Precise in his descriptions and well organized in thought, it is very clear to follow the area of study and gain a good grasp of the subject.

I was very pleased with this book. In these kind of topics, one must focus on the Light: our Lord Jesus Chris, and that’s precisely what this book is all about. This book is factual and barely touches on possessed phenomena (only on the last chapter/few pages). This is a book that explains what might lead to the different stages of possession, the impact of sin, along with incorrect ideas that deviate from the Truth. It highlights the importance of a strong spiritual life and surrendering it to Jesus Christ. Very glad I purchased. Hope you find this book as interesting as I did.