Fr. J. Godfrey Raupert. Christ and the Powers of Darkness. Manchester, NH: Sophia Institute Press, 2022. Paperback $17.95. 240 pages. Available from the publisher.
In the Bible, there are numerous examples of Jesus and the apostles curing the afflicted by casting out demons. Christ and the Powers of Darkness highlights writings from Church Fathers and early Christians about manifestations of evil, such as heresies, Church divisions, loss of faith, immorality, and persecutions, as well as appearances of the dead and consultations with oracles. Sound at all familiar?
Readers will also learn about New Testament teachings and writings of the saints on the existence of the devil and how Christ’s followers can overcome evil, by the power of His Precious Blood. They will also see how Christ’s victory over evil affirms that the Church is true; historically, many pagans were converted when they witnessed exorcisms.
Obsession and possession phenomena are increasingly occurring, and Fr. J. Godfrey Raupert explains the signs of each, according to the Church. Additionally, he documents cases of demonic activity and exorcisms. Fr. Raupert reflects upon how evil sometimes presents itself differently depending on the time period. In our age of science, readers will discover the testimony of those who — at first skeptical of the supernatural — were convinced by evidence.
Fascinating stories of house hauntings are also contained in these pages. This book includes gateways of evil to avoid as well, such as witchcraft and séances. Fr. Raupert further reveals what a priest should do to prepare to exorcise an evil spirit.
Above all, Fr. Raupert emphasizes the import of spending time with God and the greatest remedy in spiritual warfare. Readers will learn about authentic spirituality and the dangers of false mysticism.
“The demon, in our time, be it remembered, does not appear with horn and hoof; he is far too crafty to pursue so clumsy a policy. He adapts himself to the tendencies of the times and plays the part of the prompter who controls the situation, but who is well hidden from sight,” Fr. Raupert conveyed. “His trump-card is to create an impression in the world and in the minds of clever men that he does not exist, that such a notion is irrational and unscientific. And while they are disputing amongst themselves as to the probable origin of much that is so mysterious in nature and in the life and mind of man, he successfully carries on his warfare and wins his battles.”
It is clear that we live in turbulent times and there is, indeed, a spiritual battle waging. Still, as Fr. Raupert attests, in Christ we have the victory and these pages will help us to attain the triumph.
Members of the media may send an email to Sophia Institute Press’ Director of Publicity, Sarah Lemieux at slemieux@SophiaInstitute.com to receive a physical or digital copy of Christ and the Powers of Darkness, and/or to schedule an interview.
