An Exorcist Tells His Story Book

There can be no doubt that Fr. Gabriele Amorth was completely sincere in this book. An exorcist in Rome, he claimed to have performed thousands of exorcisms, but this book is mostly laying out his theology. The reader gets a full treatment of the role of God as creator, Jesus and redeemer, and Mary as the mother of God. He talks about angels and demons, but doesn't give much of his own background. The book is an unapologetic appeal to get the Catholic Church to appoint more exorcists.

If you're looking to learn more about demons beyond the standard fallen angel story, you won't find it here. You also won't find accounts of spectacular exorcisms. It is a bit preachy (of course Amorth was a priest, so this could be expected). My main concern with the book is how unquestioningly judgmental it is of lifestyles of which Amorth didn't approve, and also of other religions. There's no question in his mind that African religions are false and open people to demonic possession. He also very clearly believes in curses and magic. Again, this may not be unexpected for a priest, but it would help his case to show just a touch more skepticism.

Clearly Amorth wanted to help people. He performed exorcisms to do so. The result, as he hopes, is for a better Catholic life. Although he admits some Protestants are more inclined to fight demons than Catholics, he's rigid in the way that it can be done. Only a bishop or the bishop's priestly appointee can do an exorcism. Or a Protestant. He doesn't seem bothered by his own inconsistency.

The book is well-enough written, and with good motives. Nevertheless, one would hope for a bit more nuance in a man who had seen so much. One could also hope for a little more of his actual story. We learn little about him, but a great deal about his theology. Since the book deals wholly with religion, I also discuss it on my blog. The post is here (Sects and Violence in the Ancient World) if interested.