|
The Dark Sacrament: True Stories of Modern-Day Demon Possession and Exorcism | 
 enlarge | Authors: David M. Kiely, Christina Mckenna
Publisher: HarperOne
Category: Book
List Price: $25.95
Buy Used: $8.99
You Save: $16.96 (65%)
New (24) Used (9) from $8.99
Rating:  14 reviews
Sales Rank: 42464
Media: Hardcover
Pages: 432
Number Of Items: 1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 1.5
Dimensions (in): 9.1 x 6.3 x 1.4
ISBN: 0061238163
Dewey Decimal Number: 264.020099409415
EAN: 9780061238161
ASIN: 0061238163
Publication Date: October 1, 2007
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
| |
| Also Available In:
|
| Similar Items:
|
| Editorial Reviews:
Product Description
In The Dark Sacrament, co-authors David M. Kiely and Christina McKenna faithfully recount ten contemporary cases of demon possession, haunted houses, and exorcism, and profile the work of two living, active exorcists: Canon William Lendrum, a Protestant, and Father Ignatius McCarthy, a Roman Catholic. Kiely and McKenna conducted countless interviews with victims, families, witnesses, and clergy who assisted in performing multiple rites of exorcism. Many of the accounts are very recent and, in some cases, ongoing. Kiely and McKenna serve as trustworthy guides on this suspense-filled journey into the bizarre, offering concrete advice on how to avoid falling prey to the dark side. Exorcists Canon Lendrum and Father Ignatius reveal their fears, failings, and victories as they reflect on their forty years of service battling the Devil and his minions. The Dark Sacrament includes the following chilling stories: - A woman is tormented by her evil dead grandmother, causing her to coil like a snake, snarl, and be invaded by several demons.
- A housewife is haunted by the answers from her children playing on a Ouija board and by a historical character who sexually terrorizes her so much that she is too ashamed to admit it even to her husband.
- A young girl experiences astral travel when the Angel of Death enters her body and takes her along on a frightening journey.
- A boy's temperament turns dark as he is tortured by demons, causing him to become harmful to others—an unresolved 2007 case that is ongoing.
Thoroughly researched and impressively wide-ranging, The Dark Sacrament contains an appendix with detailed historical analysis, translated prayers of exorcism, and fascinating notes on important terms and practices.
|
| Customer Reviews: Read 9 more reviews...
 One of the Best Books Available on Demonic Possession and Exorcism December 12, 2007
J. Stephen Conn (Loveland, Ohio)
19 out of 20 found this review helpful
During more than 40 years as an ordained minister and pastor I have read and studied scores of books about the devil, demons and exorcism. "The Dark Sacrament" is definitely one of the best available on the subject and a most welcome addition to my library.
Speaking from my own experience in exorcism and deliverance, the stories which are reported ring true and authentic. Although the accounts of demonic possession may seem bizarre to the uninitiated, they are reported in a balanced manner, without being sensationalized. Also, the authors give the facts without imposing their own theological interpretations or pre-conceptions. I personally found the profiles of the exorcists involved in these cases, both Protestant and Catholic, very interesting and revealing, giving insight into the kinds of people God uses to cast out demons.
If you have already read many books on the subject, you'll still find new things to discover in this well-researched and easy-to-read volume. If demonic possession is an area about which you know very little, I cannot think of a better book that gives an understandable and accurate overview of this enormously fascinating subject.
J. Stephen Conn, Author
The Devil Called Collect: The Exorcism of Jessica Leek
 New and unnerving January 30, 2008
Jeffrey Leeper (Seattle, WA USA)
10 out of 10 found this review helpful
This book is more than just a collection of "scary stories." The authors have divided it into two parts: one includes the exorcisms performed by an Anglican minister and the other by a Catholic monk. All the instances of demonic possession are from Ireland and almost all are very recent (some instances started decades ago but written of only recently).
The most intriguing part is the stories are not just a quick narrative about what happened. We get the story, but we also get a kind of recap from the minister who performed the exorcism, or deliverance. This latter part provides an explanation of what the minister's thoughts were of the case. More unsettling that a minister's description of a particular spirit is that minister refusing to describe exactly what he saw.
Included with the stories (where the names have been changed to protect the victims' privacy) are some prayers at the back of the book. There are also notes on the text as well as an introduction talking about exorcism historically and recently. This is where I wish there was more. In the introduction, the authors mention the Mason murders and state "evidently the crime was satanically motivated." In reading transcripts from the trial, I see no mention of Satan. Granted, the crimes were heinous and depraved, but what is the evidence that shows this was satanic? Or, what does the author define as "satanic"? The notes don't tell us.
The book can be unnerving. The authors make a connection between materialism and an increase in demonic possession. This book does provide new material for readers on the subject.
Excellent and revealing case reports January 27, 2008
Battersea (Georgia)
6 out of 6 found this review helpful
This book is an extremely valuable addition to the library of anyone interested in demonic oppression, possession, and exorcism. At a length of 338 pages, the ten case studies offer detailed personal accounts in a variety of demonic manifestations: "generational" evil, oppressive human spirits, demonic use of the occult as leverage for oppression and possession, ancient dwelling of a powerful demon disturbed by a modern dwelling, puzzling and tragic possessions of children at early ages, the inevitable ouija board tragedies, plus others. Essentially, the cases are differing scenarios with the common thread of pastoral assistance. Some of the accounts are truly disturbing, and many don't have a "happy" or even a satisfying ending; like other books on this subject (Malachi Martin, Gerald Brittle/Ed and Lorraine Warren, John Zaffis), this is not for children. The case reports are well written and lead the reader through a process of discovery similar to that taken by the exorcists as they unravel the role of both humans and the demonic. One case study has some twists based upon the Irish tradition of prayer to help souls of the dead move on from the chains of their earthly sins, yet another fresh and challenging perspective. The dedication and personal beliefs of the exorcists also come through the text, which adds to the richness of the case studies. Never preachy or condescending, the authors and people who have shared their experiences have given us a true gift in illustrating the cold cruelty of the demonic as well as the greater power of God's love.
The book: an introduction and 338 pages in 10 case studies divided into those supervised by Anglican Canon William Lendrum and Catholic Father Ignatious McCarthy, plus appendices (history of exorcism, prayers to the archangel Michael, a prayer attributed to St. Patrick, and prayers of exorcism), a bibiography, and relevant notes for each case.
Well-written December 11, 2007
Samuel S. Frankel, Jr. (Fort Lauderdale, FL USA)
5 out of 6 found this review helpful
Well-written; details several recent haunting/possession cases from Ireland. Both Protestant and Catholic perspectives are reviewed. Authors do not impose their beliefs, merely discuss witnesses' and participants' beliefs.
Is the Devil Alive and Well? March 21, 2008
K.H.
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
The Dark Sacrament is well written and packaged. The paper on which the words are printed on alone adds a certain ambiance as it provides an older, traditional cut and feel. While in Christian terminology, sacramentalism is normally reflective on holy things bridging the nexus of heavenly realms into the earthly realms, the title here suggests the opposite is true as well - that the demonic world also can bridge that nexus with the right conduit or portal.
As has already been noted, the book focuses on several stories involving possession or oppression and possibly a restless spirit. The first part of the book primarily focuses on Anglican Canon Lendrum's accounts of battling evil spirits and demons. The second part deals with the Catholic Father Ignatius McMarthy's encounters with evil.
Each person interested in the subject should read the stories for themselves to determine the authenticity of these meta-natural events. The stories are well written and work even as fiction. I am, however, a little skeptical. It is not that I don't believe these things are possible - yes, I do. But I do not think they are normative and at times I questioned certain details and anecdotes (for example, one couple took pictures and recorded sounds of their encounters with an unwanted host, but why not video tape these happenings instead?).
All in all, even a skeptic can read this book for the engaging writing and entertaining read, yet, so to can the one who believes these stories are completely true. The book is absorbing in ever facet, even if I question its authenticity.
|
|
|
|
| |
