Bob Cranmer's book on his house in Pittsburgh

[Path_Finder]

I heard Bob Cranmer interviewed on a Catholic radio show the other day on his book “The Demon on Brownstreet”, very interesting. The book came out in August, at amazon it has over 100 reviews, not all positive but a high number showing it is being read. I’m under the impression that putting the evil entity into the title of threads here is not really a positive but I’ve got to believe this is a fairly successful book on where he seems to talk about a house he purchased being possessed or haunted.

Recent news story (by the way, I question the use of “Catholic exorcist” in the first paragraph here, I would think only a Priest, someone authorized at a minimum could actually be a “Catholic exorcist” but as the first paragraph states, they basically were able to quash this evil spirit but still with “issues” from time to time I understand).:

McMURRAY – Bob Cranmer is a former Protestant politician turned Catholic exorcist who says he battled a demonic presence in his Brentwood home, eventually quashing it after a final Mass in the basement.

Cranmer documented his experience in the book “The Demon of Brownsville Road,” which he retold in part to a group of 50 gathered at Peters Township Public Library Monday.

observer-reporter.com/article/20141021/NEWS01/141029853#.VFKyV2csHdU

The book at Amazon: amazon.com/The-Demon-Brownsville-Road-Pittsburgh/dp/0425268551

 

[Path_Finder]

Every Hail Mary said in a Rosary is a blow against the Devil, a Demon actually reputedly said that. Time to get the Rosaries out. It’s a weapon against the dark forces.

 

[Bonnie]

Former residents of the house say nothing happened - Cranmer made it up.

post-gazette.com/local/south/2014/10/26/Former-residents-of-Brentwood-demon-house-dispute-book-s-claims/stories/201410210213

Also this from the article:

In the book’s epilogue, Mr. Cranmer says Ms. Valenti told him he was chosen to fight the evil** because she believed from her visions that he was a reincarnated child who died in the home after an illegal abortion**, a procedure that also ended in the death of his mother.

And they are supposed to be Catholic?

 

[Path_Finder]

Former residents of the house say nothing happened - Cranmer made it up.

post-gazette.com/local/south/2014/10/26/Former-residents-of-Brentwood-demon-house-dispute-book-s-claims/stories/201410210213

Also this from the article:

And they are supposed to be Catholic?

What’s wrong with that quote? Cranmer didn’t say that.

In the book’s epilogue, Mr. Cranmer says Ms. Valenti told him he was chosen to fight the evil because she believed from her visions that he was a reincarnated child who died in the home after an illegal abortion, a procedure that also ended in the death of his mother.

Most of the allegations against Dr. Mahan Sr. are based on Ms. Valenti’s visions, which were passed on to Mr. Cranmer by Father Lengwin.

Apparently Cranmer was told some of these things by Father Lengwin.

Apparently Cranmer made enemies fighting corruption in the city. Part of the book is about that.

 

[Path_Finder]

Bob Cranmer worked with Father Lengwin who became spokesman for the Pittsburgh Diocese. Are we to doubt him?

Look, Father Lengwin actually has a thread on Catholic Answers when he had to go for heart surgery:

forums.catholic-questions.org/showthread.php?t=648432

** Please pray for Father Ron Lengwin **

the spokesman for the diocese of Pittsburgh when he was recovering from heart surgery. He’s a very good priest and my wife and I love to attend Mass when he is the celebrant.

Interesting.

Another article featuring Father Lengwin: pittsburghcatholic.org/newsarticles_more.php?id=2094

 

[Bonnie]

What’s wrong with that quote? Cranmer didn’t say that.

The “Catholic” visionary said it, he apparently believes it. From the comments here, I guess reincarnation is now Catholic.

 

[Path_Finder]

I believe part of the story goes that they think an abortionist, “Mr. M”, not identified by name lived there. What I heard on the radio did not talk about this Ms. Valenti. I’m not sure who this is. It’s unfortunate that I can see the relatives of “Mr. M” being upset even if he is not actually named. Maybe they should have called him “Mr. D” or “Mr. S” or something.

Also, one of the articles or at Amazon say they were saying 3 Masses a day in the house, that’s a little hard to believe because that’s a bit excessive but perhaps something like this along with playing the “Passion of Christ”, the Mel Gibson movie all the time. That sounds a bit odd as well.

Apparently, Cranmer went to the Archdiocese for help; because he was a former politician, it sounds like as well that through the Mayor, he was able to actually meet with the Bishop. So the Diocese itself was helping and advising Cranmer. Surely there would be records of this; so this part couldn’t just be made up, a rather elaborate plot.

Thank you so much for your response.

 

[bob_Cranmer]

Former residents of the house say nothing happened - Cranmer made it up.

post-gazette.com/local/south/2014/10/26/Former-residents-of-Brentwood-demon-house-dispute-book-s-claims/stories/201410210213

Also this from the article:

And they are supposed to be Catholic?

Interesting conclusion Bonnie “Cranmer made it up”. I spent five months writing a book from my records of two years, seven years getting it published, spent over $20,000 in the process, and opened myself up to ridicule from people like you. Sounds plausible (?) - I made the whole thing up - to what end?. I guess you missed Cardinal Wuerl’s involvement, but then you never took the time to actually read the book before making your assertion.

 

[Bonnie]

but then you never took the time to actually read the book before making your assertion.

I don’t believe in that so-called “supernatural” stuff, but if you were to send me a free copy of the book, I might read it.

 

[bob_Cranmer]

I don’t believe in that so-called “supernatural” stuff, but if you were to send me a free copy of the book, I might read it.

I don’t believe in that so-called “supernatural” stuff…and you’re supposed to be Catholic? The New Testament is filled with such “stuff”. Instead of my book you should probably start with the Bible.

 

[Bonnie]

I don’t believe in that so-called “supernatural” stuff…and you’re supposed to be Catholic? The New Testament is filled with such “stuff”. Instead of my book you should probably start with the Bible.

Where in the Bible would I find hauntings and blood running down walls?

 

[bob_Cranmer]

Where in the Bible would I find hauntings and blood running down walls?

It is certainly replete with stories of full fledged possession of individuals. Catholic doctrine also clearly teaches the reality of “demonic infestations” - of buildings and items. Again, it’s in the book, documented and testified to by an expert on the subject who speaks on behalf of the Church. The blood substance on the walls is also a common manifestation in the more serious cases.

Return of an Evil Spirit

(Luke 11:24-26)

43When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none. 44Then he saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished. 45Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first. Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation.

 

[Bonnie]

The blood substance on the walls is also a common manifestation in the more serious cases.

Only in popular culture, aka fiction. I would suspect that it’s paint, theatrical blood, or an over-active imagination.

 

[bob_Cranmer]

Only in popular culture, aka fiction. I would suspect that it’s paint, theatrical blood, or an over-active imagination.

Well you certainly have an interesting way of skirting comments that you can’t respond to. Having this type of a dialog (for me) is like trying to herd cats… you’re all over the place.

 

[Bonnie]

Well you certainly have an interesting way of skirting comments that you can’t respond to. Having this type of a dialog (for me) is like trying to herd cats… you’re all over the place.

Huh? You didn’t reply to my question about finding hauntings or blood on walls in the Bible!

Could you repeat the comment to which you wanted a reply?

 

[Cone]

Where in the Bible would I find hauntings and blood running down walls?

There are many manifestations of demonic infestation that you won’t find in the Bible. Thomas Allen’s “Possessed” is a non fiction account of the alleged possession case that inspired The Exorcist. That case was pretty convincing, with credible eyewitness accounts of levitation, moving furniture, etc.

I wouldn’t be so quick to dismiss Mr. Cranmer’s story.

 

[bob_Cranmer]

Huh? You didn’t reply to my question about finding hauntings or blood on walls in the Bible!

Could you repeat the comment to which you wanted a reply?

Once again:
It is certainly replete with stories of full fledged possession of individuals. Catholic doctrine also clearly teaches the reality of “demonic infestations” - of buildings and items. Again, it’s in the book, documented and testified to by an expert on the subject who speaks on behalf of the Church. The blood substance on the walls is also a common manifestation in the more serious cases.

Return of an Evil Spirit

(Luke 11:24-26)

43When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none. 44Then he saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished. 45Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first

 

[Bonnie]

Once again:
It is certainly replete with stories of full fledged possession of individuals. Catholic doctrine also clearly teaches the reality of “demonic infestations” - of buildings and items. Again, it’s in the book, documented and testified to by an expert on the subject who speaks on behalf of the Church. The blood substance on the walls is also a common manifestation in the more serious cases.

OK - I’m not sure which sentence you want a comment on, but I’ll give it a go.

#1 - There are a few, which can be interpreted in other ways, such as physical illness.
#2 - Again - where would I find - in either the CCC or the Bible - hauntings of buildings “and other items?” Not sure what you mean about haunted “other items.” Is it like the “possessed” doll on the X-Files episode? That was creepy! But fiction.
#3 - Again - I’m not going to buy your book! I’m not sure the “experts” in your book are actually speaking “on behalf of the Church.” They are, at best, stating their opinions.
#4 - I replied about the “blood” - paint, theatrical blood, or over-active imaginations.

Modern hauntings & such are delusions, wishful thinking, or cons. Period. I agree with St. Teresa of Avila: “I do not fear Satan half so much as I fear those who fear him.” In this Advent season it would be good to remember the message of the Angel: “Be not afraid.” There is no reason for a Christian to be afraid of the devil. If the hauntings are “real,” they are still nothing but illusions. The devil cannot create.

 

[patrickdengland]

I have read these post and am astonished at how much people talk but do not read the materials. I read the book, the reviews, the site that Mr. C. had made and a few sites that attacked the book and I emailed Adam Blai. First, the events about the Dr. was that he used the house as an office, not his home. His home was down the block. The facts are that the Bible does state many times about demons among us and how Jesus ordered them out with a thought or word. No, it does not say anything about blood on the walls etc., but the Bible was not focused on the investigation of Mr. C’s house now was it Bonnie? You do not have to believe what this gentleman has written. I know that when people are working to rid bad energies from a place, holy and gospel music sometimes is played. Using a movie of the Passion is no different. I have studied hauntings since I was in 4th grade. I am now 46 and am very skeptical when I view or read materials so I fact check all to heck. Mr C. checks out. Also, he did not say he actually agreed with the mystic telling him he was reincarnated. It was something for him to ponder. I suggest seeing the evidence that Ryan Beul collected from the case. You should be able to via their web site somehow. God has many mysteries about the next life and we are not to know until he allows each and everyone of us. Yes, people deny this happened to them that previously lived there or their family was involved. That does not mean they are being honest. How do you say they are telling the truth and Mr. C. is not? It look like a lot of you made several judgment calls with little or no information. This is not how being a Christian should be. Mr. C. is a Catholic who needs support not ridicule. Please search your hearts. No says you have to believe, but no one says he is not 100% genuine. God Bless and Vivat Jesus!!!

 

[bob_Cranmer]

Thank you very much for your support.

With the direct involvement of a Catholic Bishop, (who now happens to be a Cardinal of the church) you would think that would suffice for Bonnie. But finding her comments about my book on a site run by a woman who most likely is an atheist I question her interests and alliances.

You are correct, most answers skeptics are looking for are in the book. But then that requires the person actually read the book, and also possess sufficient cognitive faculties to facilitate understanding it (not intended as an insult), for it is not for the light of heart or mind… my regards.