#141 Father Dan Reehil - Inside the Demonic World with an Exorcist
In this episode of the Shawn Ryan Show, Father Dan Reehil, an exorcist priest, shares insights into exorcism ministry and the demonic realm. Reehil recounts personal experiences with supernatural manifestations during exorcisms, including disturbing attacks. He explains the Catholic Church's protocols surrounding exorcism, the distinctions within deliverance ministry, and the growing post-COVID surge in exorcism cases.
Reehil links the rise in modern demonic activity to disrupted spiritual lives and widespread sinfulness enabled by technology. He warns about the potential for occult practices and emerging technologies like AI to facilitate deception. While acknowledging the challenges, Reehil underscores the power of confession, prayer, and renouncing sinful behaviors in combating demonic oppression.
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Father Reehil's Exorcism Experiences
Father Dan Reehil, an exorcist priest, shares insights into spiritual warfare and exorcism ministry. After a spiritual calling, Reehil began encountering cases of possession, recounting his first exorcism of a demonically influenced Mexican woman. Reehil emphasizes the demonic ability to manifest with supernatural strength, knowledge, and aversion to holy objects.
Exorcism Challenges and Attacks
Reehil details a disturbing attack when a possessed woman choked him with unnatural force during an exorcism. He was also warned of the devil's attempts to undermine him. Demonic harassment is increasingly aggressive, claims Reehil, necessitating establishing order in victims' lives.
Church Protocols on Exorcism
The Catholic Church has stringent procedures for exorcisms, says Reehil. Priests must undergo training, evaluation, and obtain authorization. For efficacy, the possessed must renounce enabling sins and desire liberation. Sacraments like confession and prayer are vital, often resolving cases without formal exorcism.
Distinctions in Deliverance Ministry
While any priest can offer deliverance prayers for oppression, only appointed exorcists can perform the formal Rite of Exorcism for severe possession cases, explains Reehil. He notes differences between newer and traditional exorcism rites.
Modern Demonic Activity Surge
Father Reehil cites an alarming post-COVID rise in exorcism cases requiring multiple sessions, linking it to disrupted spiritual lives. He ties rampant modern sinfulness enabled by technology to heightened demonic influence, warning of occult pursuits and AI's potential for deception.
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Counterarguments
- The experiences and beliefs of Father Reehil are subjective and may not be universally accepted, even within the Christian community.
- The concept of demonic possession and the need for exorcism is not recognized or supported by all denominations or religions, and some may view these practices as outdated or superstitious.
- The increase in exorcism cases post-COVID could be attributed to psychological or sociological factors rather than an actual rise in demonic activity.
- The idea that modern technology and AI contribute to sinfulness and demonic influence could be seen as a moral panic or technophobia, rather than an objective assessment of these tools and platforms.
- The effectiveness of exorcisms and the role of sacraments in resolving cases of possession have not been scientifically validated and rely on faith-based beliefs.
- The distinction between deliverance prayers and formal exorcisms may not be meaningful outside the doctrinal context of the Catholic Church.
- The narrative of a surge in demonic activity could be challenged by those who interpret such phenomena through the lens of mental health issues rather than spiritual or demonic causes.
- The emphasis on renouncing sins and desiring liberation as prerequisites for successful exorcism could be criticized for potentially blaming individuals for their afflictions.
- The claim of supernatural strength and knowledge manifested by the demonic could be contested by skeptics who demand empirical evidence of such phenomena.
- The aversion to holy objects as evidence of demonic influence may be seen as a psychological reaction ingrained by cultural and religious conditioning, rather than proof of the supernatural.
Actionables
- You can enhance your spiritual well-being by establishing a daily routine that includes moments of reflection, meditation, or prayer, tailored to your beliefs, to foster a sense of peace and resilience against negative influences.
- By dedicating specific times of the day to disconnect from technology and focus on spiritual or personal growth activities, you create a buffer against the stress and potential negative impacts of modern life. For example, start your morning with a short meditation or end your day by journaling about things you're grateful for, which can help maintain a positive and grounded mindset.
- Develop a habit of critical thinking when interacting with new technologies or exploring online content to safeguard against deception and negative influences.
- Before accepting information as truth or engaging with new platforms, take time to research, verify sources, and reflect on the potential impact on your values and beliefs. For instance, when you come across a sensational news article or a viral social media post, do a quick fact-check or consider the motive behind the information before sharing or endorsing it.
- Create a personal inventory of habits and behaviors to identify and address any that may be negatively impacting your life, similar to the concept of renouncing enabling sins.
- Set aside time for self-assessment, perhaps once a month, to review your actions and their consequences. If you notice a pattern that's detrimental to your well-being, such as excessive screen time leading to sleep disturbances, take proactive steps to change that behavior, like setting a nightly screen curfew an hour before bed.
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Father Reehil's personal experiences with exorcism and spiritual warfare
Father Dan Reehil, an exorcist for the diocese of Nashville, shares personal encounters and insights from his work in exorcism, revealing the intense nature of spiritual warfare and his ministry's profound impacts.
Father Reehil's journey into exorcism ministry
After a conversion experience, Father Reehil prayed daily for 18 months, seeking God's guidance for his life. This led up to a notable moment on November 5th, 2000, when after receiving communion, he heard an audible voice saying, "come follow me," to which he responded affirmatively, unaware of where it would lead. His path into exorcism ministry began after 9-11 when he moved to Boston and was introduced to deliverance ministry by a priest he was staying with. This place marked the beginning of his experiences with cases of possession, which sometimes involved disturbing behaviors like a woman slithering on the floor like a snake.
Father Reehil recounts his first exorcism case as a young priest
In his first exorcism case, which involved a Mexican woman manifesting demonic activity, Father Reehil followed the formal rite of exorcism. Despite performing the rite, the woman wasn't liberated until she prayed to the Blessed Mother. He recalls the woman's screams and contortions and the liberation that followed her calling out to the Virgin of Guadalupe in Spanish.
Challenges and attacks Father Reehil has faced in his exorcism work
Father Reehil describes an instance where a possessed woman physically attacked him during an exorcism
Father Reehil shares a harrowing encounter when a possessed woman with demonic strength attacked him, choking him with his stole during an exorcism. Although she was much smaller in size, her grip was unnaturally strong, exemplifying the supernatural strength often displayed by possessed individuals. His assistant initially hesitated to help, but upon Father Reehil's command in the name of Jesus, the attack ceased.
Father Reehil was also warned by a monsignor that the devil would come for him because of his conversion from a dark place. This was evidenced by incidents such as the time a well-dressed man aggressively invited him to drink in the morning and then mockingly laughed as Reehil walked away.
U ...
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Father Reehil's personal experiences with exorcism and spiritual warfare
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- The audible voice Father Reehil heard could be interpreted as a psychological phenomenon rather than a divine calling.
- The effectiveness of exorcism is not universally accepted and lacks empirical evidence; some may argue that the outcomes are due to the placebo effect or psychological factors.
- The idea that individuals exhibit supernatural strength or knowledge could be challenged by attributing such occurrences to heightened states of mental distress or other explainable phenomena.
- The warning from the monsignor about the devil coming for Father Reehil could be seen as a self-fulfilling prophecy, influencing his perception of negative events as spiritual attacks.
- The increase in aggression and boldness of demons could be perceived as a subjective interpretation rather than an objective change in demonic beha ...
Actionables
- You can deepen your spiritual practice by setting aside time each day for reflection and prayer, much like someone would train for a marathon, to build spiritual resilience and understanding.
- Start with just five minutes a day and gradually increase the time as you become more comfortable. This could involve reading spiritual texts, meditating, or praying according to your beliefs. The key is consistency and intentionality, aiming to create a habit that fortifies your spiritual life.
- Create a peaceful home environment that reflects order and tranquility to promote a sense of well-being and spiritual harmony.
- Begin by decluttering your living space, establishing a place for everything, and maintaining a routine that includes regular cleaning and organizing. This practice not only creates a pleasant physical environment but also can be seen as a metaphor for internal order, potentially making you feel more centered and less chaotic in your daily life.
- Engage in learning about historical and cultural aspects of spiritual beliefs and practices t ...
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Catholic Church teachings and protocols around exorcism and deliverance ministry
Father Dan Reehil discusses the intricacies of the Catholic Church's protocols and teachings regarding exorcism and deliverance ministry, focusing on the stringent processes required, the necessity of sacraments and prayers, and the distinctions between exorcism and deliverance practices.
The church's process and requirements for performing exorcisms
Father Reehil explains the rigorous screening, authorization, and training protocol the Catholic Church mandates for priests who wish to engage in exorcism. This includes psychological evaluations to ensure the soundness of mind, medical exams to guarantee the health of individuals who may undergo an exorcism, and specialized training for the priests involved. He notes that for the rite to be effective, the possessed person must renounce the sin that allowed the demonic presence and express a sincere desire for deliverance. In cases where the individual is Catholic, the process may also include absolution for sins confessed.
Father Reehil explains the rigorous screening, authorization, and training protocol
Reehil details that the traditional rite includes the priest asking the demon its name and the assigned date of departure. Only an "exorcist" priest, one delegated by the bishop, is permitted to perform the formal Rite of Exorcism following these strict protocols. For protection, physical and psychological assessments are prerequisites to ensure that the individual can safely undergo the rite.
The importance of sacraments and prayer in deliverance ministry
Sacraments like confession and an ongoing prayer life are critical components of the deliverance ministry. About half of all afflictions are resolved by adhering to these protocols alone, says Reehil.
Father Reehil emphasizes that exorcism and deliverance cannot be effective without the individual's participation
Father Reehil insists that exorcism and deliverance are rooted in the relationship with God, not magic. He states that effective liberation from demonic influence requires the individual to reconnect with the divine, confess their transgressions, and recommit to a life of prayer, thereby coming under God's protection. Dan Reehil underscores the role of personal will in the process, explaining that a person's genuine desire for the removal of the demonic, alongside sacramental life and prayer, is crucial in the triumph over these entities.
Father Reehil highlights the importance of embracing healing and love for deliverance
Dan Reehil also discusses the importance of the healing power of love and prayer in the broader spiritual context of deliverance. He suggests that healing is a process that must be embraced, ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
Catholic Church teachings and protocols around exorcism and deliverance ministry
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- The effectiveness of exorcisms and deliverance ministry is not universally accepted and lacks empirical evidence, which may lead some to question the practices as superstitious rather than legitimate religious rituals.
- The requirement for the possessed person to renounce sin and desire deliverance could be seen as victim-blaming, implying that possession is a result of personal failings.
- The emphasis on sacraments and prayer as solutions to afflictions might be criticized for potentially discouraging individuals from seeking medical or psychological help for issues that could have non-spiritual causes.
- The idea that half of all afflictions can be resolved by sacraments and prayer alone could be challenged from a medical standpoint, as it may not consider the complexity of mental health disorders or other conditions that might be mistaken for demonic affliction.
- The notion that only designated exorcist priests can perform the formal Rite of Exorcism could be seen as an unnecessary gatekeeping that could delay h ...
Actionables
- You can deepen your spiritual practice by setting aside a daily time for confession and prayer, focusing on personal accountability and connection with the divine. Start with a simple routine, such as a morning or evening prayer, and include a weekly self-reflection session where you acknowledge your shortcomings and seek spiritual guidance, similar to the practice of confession.
- Create a support network with others who share your spiritual goals to encourage active participation in your faith community. This could involve joining a prayer group or finding a spiritual mentor who can guide you through your journey, offering mutual support for staying committed to your spiritual well-being.
- Engage in educational activities to better ...
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The current state of demonic activity and possession in the modern world
Father Reehil notes a significant uptick in demonic possession and oppression cases in recent years, specifically after the COVID-19 pandemic. These cases, which were usually resolved in one session, now commonly require multiple sessions for resolution.
Alarming trends in demonic possession and manifestation
COVID-19 and the rise of exorcism booths
Father Reehil suggests that the increase in demonic cases may be linked to the closure of churches during the pandemic, which disrupted sacramental practices and spiritual life. In a telling example, he mentions the phenomenon of "pop-up exorcism booths" in Italy, signaling a high demand for exorcisms due to a surge in demonic activity.
Connections between societal and cultural shifts and demonic influence
Father Reehil ties the contemporary proliferation of sin to the modern world's spiritual crises. He perceives the current era as deeply sinful, even more so than in historical times of notorious immoral repute, such as the periods of the Biblical flood or Sodom and Gomorrah. This widespread sinfulness, attributed to the ease of global communication and dissemination of vices like pornography, has, in his view, opened doors to increased demonic activity.
Reehil remarks on societal indulgence in activities he deems spiritually dangerous, such as using Ouija boards or engaging with the occult—practices he compares to idolatry and the sin of seeking false gods. He emphasizes the importance of renouncing the sins that enabled demonic influences to enter an individual's life.
He also discusses contemporary instances that he believes indicate ongoing demonic influence, such as the prominence of the Old Testament demon Moloch in abortion-related scenarios, and larger national and global events that he interprets as signs of spiritual warfare.
The role of technology in facilitating demonic influence
Reehil warns that technology can be a double-edged sword, explaining how it offers immediate global connectivity that can perpetuate sin, especially pornography. He notes Los Angeles as the primary exporter of pornography, which he believes is a gateway to further demonic activity.
The use of technology to access and learn occult practices is also highlighted as a concern. For example, Reehil shar ...
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The current state of demonic activity and possession in the modern world
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- The increase in demonic possession cases could be due to a greater awareness and willingness to label certain behaviors as such, rather than an actual rise in demonic activity.
- The closure of churches might have impacted people's mental health and community support systems, leading to issues that are being misinterpreted as demonic oppression or possession.
- The concept of "pop-up exorcism booths" could reflect a cultural response to crisis or a return to traditional practices in times of uncertainty, rather than a genuine increase in demonic presence.
- The view that the current era is more sinful than historical periods could be challenged by the argument that every era has its own challenges and moral dilemmas, and it is a subjective judgment to deem one more sinful than another.
- The connection between societal and cultural shifts and demonic influence is not empirically supported and could be seen as a religious interpretation rather than a factual statement.
- The idea that engaging with the occult or using Ouija boards opens individuals to demonic influence is a belief specific to certain religious doctrines and not universally accepted.
- The association of the Old Testament demon Moloch with contemporary issues like abortion is a religious interpretation that may not be shared by all faiths or individuals within the same faith.
- The claim that technology facilitates demonic influence could be countered by the argum ...
Actionables
- You can create a digital detox routine to minimize exposure to potentially harmful online content. Start by identifying the times of day when you're most likely to engage with negative content, such as late at night. Replace these periods with positive activities like reading, meditating, or spending time with family. To reinforce this, use apps that limit your access to certain websites during vulnerable hours.
- Develop a personal inventory of your daily activities to identify and eliminate practices that may be spiritually harmful. Keep a journal for a week, noting down all your activities and how they make you feel, particularly those that might align with the concerns mentioned, like using a Ouija board or viewing pornography. After the week, review your journal and decide which activities to cut out or replace with healthier alternatives, such as joining a book club or starting a new hobby.
- Engage in regular self-reflection to strengthen your sp ...
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