Observations from Life

In the final episode of this three part series on Demons, Ghosts, and Evil Spirits, I explore how different cultures and traditions view demons and spirits. I also examine alternative theories, like Carl Jung's concept of the shadow and how the collective consciousness carries forward myths and traditions.

In Part II of my series on Demons, Ghosts, and Evil Spirits, I discuss famous exorcisms, demonologists, and hauntings. This includes the story of the exorcisms of Anneliese Michel and Anna Ecklund. I also talk about famous demonologists Father Malachi Martin and Ed and Lorraine Warren. Finally, I'll cover two famous hauntings - The Enfield Poltergeist and the Smurl Haunting.

This is the first of three episodes covering demons, ghosts, and evil spirits. Do they exist? Can a person be possessed? How do our own fears shape our interpretation of events around us? Part I starts with The Exorcist and cultural impact it had on our beliefs in possession.

Dave Canfield, a former member of Jesus People USA, shares his journey from being a holiday Catholic to joining the Christian counterculture community. He discusses the vibrant music scene, the impact of Christian rock and roll, and his involvement in promoting concerts and working backstage. Dave also talks about his experience with Mike Warnke, a Christian comedian and author who claimed to be a former Satanist high priest, and the role he played in helping expose Warnke's fraudulent minist...

In this episode, I dive into fundamentalism and fear-based Christianity. This includes a revisit of the Satanic Panic of the 70s and 80s, Jack Chick, and movies like The Burning Hell and A Thief in the Night. What's it like to grow up in a church that uses the fear of Hell to convert lost souls? How does it impact people later in adulthood and what is the path to heal from it?