In this episode, I have the great pleasure of talking with Dr. Richard Gallagher, Psychiatrist, Professor of Psychiatry, and Author of “Demonic Foes: My 25 Years as a Psychiatrist Investigating Possessions, Diabolic Attacks, and the Paranormal” who not only serves as a scientific advisor but is also the longest standing American member of the International Association of Exorcists! We talk about how he started off as a skeptic but after witnessing, evaluating, and documenting various paranormal cases as a psychiatrist, he became convinced by the available data and information. In fact, he has seen more cases than any physician in the world and probably in history, and he is visited and consulted by leaders from various major religions. However, he explains that demonic possessions tend to be relatively rare and ought not to be confused and confounded with mental illness. Moreover, we discuss Hollywood’s most famous and widely known example of diabolical attacks, the popular “The Exorcist” itself based on a true story. Dr. Gallagher points out that there are some discrepancies with real-life cases of exorcism but that, in fact, people can be liberated after doing important and essential soul work themselves in addition to spiritual help, guidance, and prayers. Finally, we are not left at the whim and mercy of evil spirits but in many cases, we inadvertently and foolishly invite them into our world. At the same time, there are Satanists who worship evil and use evil spirits for nefarious and selfish purposes. Yet, as human beings, we have free will and have been given the freedom to choose between good and evil.

Ask this episode

“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.

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