What's your take on Father Gabriele Amorth?

[jtodisco]

I’ve always been interested in stories of possession and the process through which priests go in order to exorcise the demon inhabiting some poor soul’s body. I’ve read the book Possesed by Thomas B. Allen and found the whole thing quite unnerving but also uplifting to hear about the victory Christ had in the war over a young boy’s soul.

Anyway, I’ve heard of Father Gabriele Amorth and what I’ve heard seems to run the whole gamut of possible opinions. Some say he’s one of the best exorcists alive and that all his claims are true, etc. Others claim he is clearly exaggerating since if his numbers are correct he would have had to exorcise hundreds or thousands of demons a day since he was born. This has left me quite unsure of what to think of him.

So what I want to know is what you all think here on CAF? I am looking to read more about the subject of exorcism and Father Amorth has written a few books on the topic, but I don’t want to read something by someone who is untrustworthy. So if you think he’s honest and legitimate then say so and tell me why that is, if you believe he’s exaggerating in order to gain attention then say so and tell me why as well. Thanks.

 

[Dempsey1919]

I believe Father Amorth is the Chief Exorcist in the diocese of Rome. He is a world-renowned expert on the subject of possession and exorcism.

 

[Samuel63]

I just finished reading his latest book titled An Excorcist Tells His Story.

It is a good book and I recommend it to others. He writes in a very “to the point” fashion which I appreciate.

This book explains a lot that I have witnessed first hand. I have witnessed the utter destruction of an extended family about 80 people in number and spanning three generations - grandparents, parents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and siblings.

I have been searching for years to see behind the patterns of behavior to the real cause and effect. This book is like a key that unlocked some of the missing links.

The book contains nothing that I find contrary to church teaching.

 

[jbecknell]

I second dempsey. I’ve read both of Father Amorth’s fine books, and can tell you that while the counsel and stories may be harrowing, they are uplifting as well in showing the power of Christ and His Church. Be at ease.

 

[pablope]

I’ve always been interested in stories of possession and the process through which priests go in order to exorcise the demon inhabiting some poor soul’s body. I’ve read the book Possesed by Thomas B. Allen and found the whole thing quite unnerving but also uplifting to hear about the victory Christ had in the war over a young boy’s soul.

Anyway, I’ve heard of Father Gabriele Amorth and what I’ve heard seems to run the whole gamut of possible opinions. Some say he’s one of the best exorcists alive and that all his claims are true, etc. Others claim he is clearly exaggerating since if his numbers are correct he would have had to exorcise hundreds or thousands of demons a day since he was born. This has left me quite unsure of what to think of him.

So what I want to know is what you all think here on CAF? I am looking to read more about the subject of exorcism and Father Amorth has written a few books on the topic, but I don’t want to read something by someone who is untrustworthy. So if you think he’s honest and legitimate then say so and tell me why that is, if you believe he’s exaggerating in order to gain attention then say so and tell me why as well. Thanks.

I have read his book, and I do find him legitimate. He has been an exorcist of decades. Another book I will recommend is The Rite by Matt Baglio, I learned alot from this book. It was from this book that I learned of Fr Amorth.

And if you are following movies, there is a movie out now, The Rite, based on Matt Baglio’s book. I recommend watching it too. Search under “popular Media” and you will find threads regarding the book and movie.

This link will allow you to read the prologue…take note of the saints praying and assisting during an exorcism…

amazon.com/Rite-Making-Modern-Exorcist/dp/0385522703

 

[jtodisco]

Thanks to everyone for the feedback.

As for the movie The Rite, based a book with the same title, I have seen it. I didn’t mention having seen it on here initially because I didn’t want people to imagine that my interest in the rite of exorcism and posession was spurred by a film that (in my personal opinion) wasn’t very good. It wasn’t a horrible film, but I’d only be able to give it a 3 star rating at best. Hopkins of course was brilliant, but no one actor can save a film alone.

Anyway, film criticisms aside (since that’s not the point of this thread and I don’t want to begin a debate) again I appreciate everyone’s (name removed by moderator)ut. Does anyone know if Father Amorth’s books have been given official Church approval or not? I noticed that at least one of his books was published by Ignatius Press, which is a fairly reputable Catholic publication company so I would assume they would not knowingly publish anything that might be contrary to Church teachings.

 

[Joe_Kelley]

A local priest was acquainted with Father Amorth while he was studying in Rome. He said that his work is good and his writings accurate. His only caution was that Father Amorth’s field is exorcism. He may tend to overemphasize possession sometimes. I think this is probably a flaw in any specialist.

 

[Another_Mary]

A local priest was acquainted with Father Amorth while he was studying in Rome. He said that his work is good and his writings accurate. His only caution was that Father Amorth’s field is exorcism. He may tend to overemphasize possession sometimes. I think this is probably a flaw in any specialist.

I’ve read his books and found them very interesting and believable.

Another thing I have heard is that the Italian culture tends to have a lot of people who seem to want or “need” exorcisms. (Or something to that effect…can’t remember where I heard it.) So it may seem like he is doing an awful lot of exorcising since he is working in Italy.

 

[Victory9]

I’ve read both of Fr. Amorth’s books, and one of the things that I really liked was that he did not sensationalize anything. I don’t think he exaggerated at all, but rather kept things pretty low-key over-all. His point was that Satan exists, possession does happen, and battle indeed must be waged. There are those who don’t want to admit that such horror exists, but as he is the premier exorcist of Rome, it makes sense that he can be trusted. He has nothing to gain by exaggerating and remember, everyone is held accountable for what they say, either verbally or in writing, and every priest, exorcist or not, knows this. I thought his coverage of the subject was very well-rounded and orthodox. As for the numbers of demons that he’s dealt with, it doesn’t really matter ~ they are legion and I’m sure he has better things to do than keep an exact tally.