#224 Dan Schneider - U.S. Army Attack Helicopter Pilot Turned Exorcist Assistant
On the Shawn Ryan Show, former U.S. Army pilot Dan Schneider explains how Catholic exorcism and spiritual warfare are practiced in modern times. He discusses the Church's structured approach to exorcism, including how local bishops appoint exorcists and how priests operate during these ceremonies. Schneider shares his observations of supernatural phenomena during exorcisms and outlines the Church's view of demons as entities that operate within natural law.
The discussion covers Father Ripperger's three-phase protocol for exorcisms and the role of confession in the process. Schneider describes how demons create chaos and division, and explains various methods used to combat demonic influences, including Marian devotion, the Rosary, and traditional spiritual disciplines like prayer and fasting. He also details how the Catholic Church's approach to exorcism has evolved since the 1980s through the work of Father Gabriel Amorth.
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Catholic Exorcism and Spiritual Warfare
Dan Schneider provides insights into the Catholic Church's structured approach to exorcism and spiritual warfare, revealing how this ancient practice continues in modern times.
Church's Approach to Exorcism
Schneider explains that local bishops, who trace their authority to the apostles, are responsible for appointing exorcists. During exorcisms, priests act "in persona Christi" (in the person of Christ), using their consecrated hands and various religious elements like the litany of saints and religious imagery to combat demonic forces.
According to Schneider, the Church's view of exorcism has evolved over time, with Father Gabriel Amorth playing a key role in reviving the practice in the 1980s. The Church views demons as legal claimants to souls, operating within natural law and claiming authority through human sins.
Manifestations and Protocols
During exorcisms, Schneider has witnessed various supernatural phenomena, including levitation, physical contortions, and instances where possessed individuals display knowledge beyond their capabilities, such as speaking in ancient languages.
Father Ripperger has developed a three-phase protocol for exorcisms that emphasizes the importance of confession. Schneider illustrates this with a case where a trauma survivor was delivered from demon possession through confession, combined with family prayer and fasting.
Demonic Nature and Christian Response
Schneider describes demons as legalistic entities that require "legal permission" through sin to afflict someone. They operate by creating chaos and division, in contrast to God's order and truth. To combat demonic influences, Schneider emphasizes the power of Marian devotion, particularly the Rosary, along with traditional spiritual disciplines like prayer, fasting, and virtue. He advises that growing in holiness and maintaining strict spiritual practices helps combat demonic influences and builds resilience against spiritual attacks.
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Counterarguments
- The concept of exorcism is not universally accepted within Christianity; some denominations view it as a superstitious or outdated practice.
- The idea that demons are "legal claimants" to souls is a theological interpretation that not all faiths or philosophies outside of Catholicism would agree with.
- Supernatural phenomena such as levitation and speaking in ancient languages during exorcisms lack empirical evidence and are often viewed with skepticism by the scientific community.
- The effectiveness of exorcism and its protocols are not recognized by the medical and psychological fields, which typically attribute such manifestations to mental health issues rather than possession.
- The belief in demonic possession and the need for exorcism can sometimes lead to the neglect of appropriate psychological or medical treatment for individuals who may be suffering from mental illness.
- The emphasis on sin as a "legal permission" for demonic affliction can be seen as victim-blaming, suggesting that those who are suffering are at fault for their condition.
- The focus on traditional spiritual disciplines and growing in holiness as a means to combat demonic influence may not resonate with individuals who adhere to different religious beliefs or none at all.
- The reliance on Marian devotion and the Rosary is specific to Catholicism and may not be accepted as valid or necessary by other Christian denominations or other faiths.
Actionables
- You can create a personal "spiritual defense plan" by scheduling regular times for confession, prayer, and fasting in your weekly routine. For example, set aside a specific day for fasting, attend confession monthly, and dedicate a few minutes each morning and evening to prayer, focusing on themes of protection and spiritual growth.
- Develop a "virtue challenge" with friends or family where you focus on practicing a specific virtue each month to foster an environment of positivity and resilience against negativity. This could involve acts of kindness, patience in difficult situations, or truthfulness in all conversations, and you can share experiences and progress with each other for support.
- Engage in a daily recitation of the Rosary or a similar meditative practice to cultivate a sense of peace and order in your life. You can enhance this practice by creating a dedicated space in your home with religious imagery that inspires you, and perhaps keep a journal to reflect on the insights and feelings that arise during these moments of contemplation.
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Catholic Exorcism and Spiritual Warfare
Dan Schneider provides insights into the serious and hierarchical practice of exorcism within the Catholic Church and its approach to combatting demonic activity.
Catholic Church's Approach to Exorcism and Spiritual Combat
Church Exorcism Ministry Hierarchy and Exorcist Appointment by Bishops
Schneider talks about the structured process within the Catholic Church for dealing with spiritual warfare, particularly exorcisms. He indicates that local bishops, who trace their authority back to the apostles, are central to the appointment of exorcists, emphasizing the significance of the bishop's role as the "prince of the apostles" in the diocese. When an exorcist is mandated by the bishop, it symbolizes a commissioning that obliges the demon to recognize and obey the exorcist's authority because it reflects the bishop's power.
Dan Schneider shares insights on joining the deliverance ministry, noting that those who actively seek to volunteer are often disqualified, as the ministry requires a feeling of being called to serve. He also mentions the spiritual growth or discipline one can experience through spiritual combat.
Priest's Hands and Church Sacraments in Exorcism Rituals
Schneider explains the theological concept that during an exorcism, the priest stands "in persona Christi," or in the person of Christ, giving them the power to act as His instrument on earth. The priest's anointed hands, consecrated during ordination, play a significant role in performing sacramental rituals. Lay people are present during exorcisms to offer prayers and protection, echoing the battle between sacred and demonic space.
During exorcism rites, the litany of saints, often in Latin, the official language of the Church, and religious imagery like the picture of the local bishop, are used to invoke the Church's authority over demonic forces. Schneider observed that demons distinctly recognize and react to religious figures like priests, consecrated virgins, and elements such as a priest's anointed hands.
Church's Perspective on the Devil and Demonic Activity
Church's Evolving Views on Exorcism and the Devil
Schneider discusses how, historically, belief in the devil and demonic activity has been challenged within the church and broader society, with Father Gabriel Amorth being a key figure in the revival of exorcisms in the 1980s. Amorth's interactions with a skeptical cardinal, who doubted the devil's existence, highl ...
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Catholic Exorcism and Spiritual Warfare
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Counterarguments
- The hierarchical structure of exorcism appointments may be seen as overly bureaucratic and not necessarily reflective of spiritual qualifications or effectiveness.
- The notion that one must feel called to serve rather than actively seek the role could potentially exclude dedicated individuals who are proactive in their desire to help others.
- The concept of spiritual growth through combat may not align with more pacifistic or non-confrontational spiritual paths that also aim for personal development.
- The idea of the priest acting "in persona Christi" could be challenged from a theological perspective that emphasizes the priesthood of all believers, suggesting that all Christians have the capacity to represent Christ, not just ordained priests.
- The emphasis on the anointed hands of priests might be seen as excluding the potential spiritual efficacy of laypeople's actions and prayers.
- The use of Latin and specific religious imagery could be critiqued as potentially alienating to those who do not share the same cultural or religious background, possibly limiting the perceived universality of the Church's power.
- The historical shift in the Church's views on exorcism and the devil could be interpreted as a reflection of changing cultural attitudes rather than a purely ...
Actionables
- You can deepen your understanding of spiritual authority by creating a personal space adorned with religious imagery and symbols. By doing so, you create an environment that reflects the power of religious figures and elements, similar to how they are used in exorcisms. For example, you might hang a crucifix or images of saints in your home, which can serve as daily reminders of the spiritual authority they represent.
- Enhance your spiritual practice by incorporating a litany of saints into your daily or weekly routine. This can be a way to connect with the historical aspect of invoking saints for protection, as mentioned in the context of exorcisms. You could set aside time to recite these litanies, perhaps lighting a candle to create a focused atmosphere, and reflect on the virtues of the saints you are calling upon.
- Educate yourself on the historical and cultural significance of ancient demons by reading up on their ...
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Specific Experiences and Phenomena Associated With Demonic Possession
Demonic possession is a topic that has intrigued and terrified for centuries, believed to manifest in various supernatural phenomena and challenging the very essence of human understanding.
Manifestations of Demonic Activity Observed During Exorcisms
Levitation, Physical Contortions, and Other Supernatural Phenomena
During exorcisms, witnesses like Dan Schneider have observed an array of otherworldly occurrences. Individuals believe to be possessed by demons have displayed levitation, such as one person who levitated to the extent that everything except their fingertips and toes were off the ground. In another instance, a possessed individual in a folding chair slid from one wall to the other in one leap, as if pulled by an invisible force. Schneider recounts witnessing severe bodily contortions, describing a person who resembled a spider attempting to scamper up a wall backwards. He also describes sensory blockages, where the possessed person's hearing is shut down, requiring the priest to command the senses to open up.
Demons Revealing Knowledge Beyond the Possessed Person's Capabilities
During an exorcism, demons may reveal their name, sometimes using an archaic Ugaritic name that is beyond the understanding of those present. Also, demons can respond to questions with information or words that do not originate from the possessed person, like the use of derogatory terms that are uncharacteristic of the individual.
The Process and Protocols For Conducting Exorcisms
The Three-Phase Exorcism Protocol Developed by Father Ripperger
Father Ripperger has developed a protocol for exorcisms that focuses on uncovering where an individual may have inadvertently given permission to a demon through sin. Schneider emphasizes the importance of a thorough confession in this process, as Father Gabriel Amorth famously said, "one good confession is worth a hundred exorcisms."
Thorough Confession and Healing Sin and Trauma in Possession
Confession is an essential step in the exorcism protocol. Schneider illustrates its significance with the case of a woman who suffered trauma from a date rape. The process of exorcism for her involved a thorough investigation of the Ten Commandments and understanding how to confess properly. This culminated in her deliverance from an obsession-level demon after a confession that was complemented by her family's dili ...
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Specific Experiences and Phenomena Associated With Demonic Possession
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- The phenomena observed during exorcisms, such as levitation and physical contortions, can often be explained by psychological disorders, trickery, or the power of suggestion.
- The knowledge revealed by "demons" during exorcisms could be the result of subconscious information or cryptomnesia, where individuals recall information they cannot remember learning.
- The effectiveness of Father Ripperger's three-phase exorcism protocol has not been scientifically validated and may not be effective outside of the belief systems of those involved.
- The emphasis on confession and sin in the exorcism process may not address the underlying mental health issues that could be causing the individual's distress.
- The high volume of inquiries for exorcisms could be indicative of a larger societal issue where mental health concerns are misinterpreted as spiritual problems.
- The liturgical nature of exorcisms and the emphasis on spiritual warfare may overshadow the need fo ...
Actionables
- You can explore the psychological aspects of belief in possession by keeping a journal to document any instances where emotions or thoughts feel external to you. This could help you understand the influence of belief on perception and behavior. For example, after feeling a sudden surge of anger, write down the experience, noting any external factors that might have contributed to this emotion, and reflect on whether it felt like it was coming from within you or as if it was imposed from an outside source.
- Develop a personal ritual for mental clarity that borrows elements from the idea of exorcism, such as using affirmations or meditation to 'cast out' negative thoughts. Create a quiet space in your home where you can sit undisturbed, light a candle or incense, and spend a few minutes focusing on releasing any negative thoughts or feelings, imagining them leaving your body and mind.
- Engage in ...
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Demonic Nature and Tactics: Christian Response
Schneider and other speakers discuss the Christian response to demonic activities and tactics.
Demons' Strategies and Weaknesses
Demon's Need for Legal Permission to Afflict Someone
Schneider reflects on a variety of demonic activities from temptation to possession. He explains that demons commonly afflict individuals through sin and false beliefs, and psychological trauma can leave one more vulnerable to their influence. Grave sins like incest or sexual abuse can create openings for demons, in what is referred to as diabolic accompaniment. The notion that demons require a form of permission to afflict someone is backed by Schneider's account that a demon did not obey an exorcist who had sin in his life. He also notes that without contention from those afflicted or representing the afflicted, the demonic presence is uncontested. Demons are described as legalistic, even setting specific dates for their departure during exorcism but not the year.
Schneider’s discussion underlines that demons need legal permission, symbolized by sin, to afflict someone, and they claim they have a right to a person, which they attain through sinful behavior. He adds that demons can only afflict if we give them permission through engaging in sinful actions. This divine permission is a theological "legal" framework where God allows any affliction by demons. Authority plays a crucial role, as without the "requisite authority," demons are not compelled to yield.
Demon's Chaos and Division vs. God's Order and Truth
Demons are said to sow chaos and division, in stark contrast to God's order and truth. Psychological trauma acts as a form of "legal permission" for them to afflict someone, sensing vulnerability much like coyotes are drawn to wounded prey. The adversarial relationship between demons and the divine order is highlighted through exorcism encounters. Schneider emphasizes that vice aligns humans with the demon's chaos, while God represents order, signified by the indelible mark of baptism.
Spiritual Disciplines Aiding In Spiritual Warfare
The Power of Marian Devotion and the Rosary
The hosts discuss the spiritual protection offered by the Rosary and Marian devotion. These are described as powerful spiritual weap ...
Here’s what you’ll find in our full summary
Demonic Nature and Tactics: Christian Response
Additional Materials
Counterarguments
- The concept of demons requiring "legal permission" to afflict someone is not universally accepted within Christianity or other religions; some theologians argue that this idea is not explicitly supported by scripture and may be an interpretation rather than a doctrine.
- The association of psychological trauma with demonic activity could be seen as stigmatizing to those who suffer from mental health issues, implying a spiritual failing rather than a medical condition.
- The idea that grave sins like incest or sexual abuse create openings for demons could be viewed as victim-blaming, especially for those who have suffered such abuses through no fault of their own.
- The belief in the power of the Rosary and Marian devotion is specific to certain Christian denominations, such as Catholicism, and may not be recognized or endorsed by other Christian groups or other faiths.
- The efficacy of prayer, fasting, and other spiritual disciplines in combating demonic influence is a matter of faith and personal belief, and there is no empirical evidence to support their effectiveness in this context.
- The notion that demons sow chaos and division while God represents order and truth is a theological interpretation that may not be shared by all religious traditi ...
Actionables
- Create a daily reflection journal to identify and work through potential vulnerabilities that could lead to chaos in your life. By regularly writing down your thoughts and feelings, you can pinpoint areas of emotional turmoil or psychological trauma that need attention. For example, if you notice a pattern of envy or anger, you could then focus on cultivating the opposite virtues, such as gratitude and patience, through specific actions like volunteering or practicing mindfulness.
- Develop a personal "virtue plan" that outlines practical steps to grow in holiness and virtue each week. This could involve setting small, achievable goals such as performing a random act of kindness each day, dedicating 15 minutes to silent meditation, or reading literature that inspires moral growth. Tracking your progress can help reinforce positive habits and provide a sense of accomplishment.
- Organize a "spiritual buddy system" with a friend or family member ...
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