Have you ever done an internet search hoping to find someone like the late “Ed Warren” and come across someone like “Aleister Crowley”?
(This can happen even when looking for “Demonology” course material too, be careful!)
Part of the problem is that the term “demonologist” can mean different things.
Consider that there IS a BIG difference between those who conjure demons and those who seek to rebuke them.
It is a professional courtesy to be clear about what you do and who you really are. Instead of labeling “Demonologist” and letting people take over.
But here we let you define those who are labeled as “demonologists”, by knowledge, practices, habits, affiliations … etc.
1) DEMONOLOGIST STUDENT – Whoever studies a form of “demonology” is a novice or apprentice to a form of demonology. A “demonologist” in the field is not “someone who just studies them”, avoid taking degrees so as not to confuse people. “Apprentice Demonologist”, “Student Demonologist”, and “Student Demonology”, for example, are appropriate labels. The ‘prefix’ is key so as not to confuse ‘apprentice’ with ‘Veterans’, people who consider themselves big names and experts in the field. The general public will come into contact with a guy who calls himself a “demonologist” without realizing that he is simply a “student”, “in training”, that he is NOT a seasoned veteran and that he bears that label improperly.
People are being misled and confused.
2) HISTORICAL DEMONOLOGY – A historian or a “scholar” of the subject. The historian is more the engineer “who does not apply knowledge to practical application and solution.”
Where the n. 6 and No. 7 are the “technicians”, encompassing both knowledge and practical application and problem solving. – Dr. William Bradshaw ph.d, could also legitimately be called a “Historical Demonologist”. My father Gerald retired from field work when I was in third grade.
3) BIBLICAL DEMONOLOGIST –
Typically those from Protestant denominations – This is one that you have learned primarily from the KJV Bible as your source of information on “Demons” – This knowledge applies more to “Spiritual Warfare” in the stages of temptation. Controversially, they often share the belief that “all ghosts are demons,” which they quote is based on scripture, though not shared with their Catholic and Orthodox brethren and others. These individuals often go on to study separately with a “Historian” and a “Religious Demonologist” or a “Catholic or Christian Demonologist”. In terms of better understanding the process and ‘ground work’ related to ‘field investigations’ for cases of paranormal activity, possible occurrences, infestations and possessions. This is essential because the Bible is vague on many facts in spiritual warfare. Many “biblical demonologists” are also considered “exorcists” by default, generally this is more common with people who do not belong to a valid and organized (larger) denomination of faith. As an “Independent” Christian Denomination, it is easy to grant yourself such titles without a supervisor or ecclesiastical hierarchy, since they are their own “Bishop” or “Pope” and can do whatever they want …
For Catholics / Orthodox: Along with your Orthodox Bibles, this also includes “Holy Tradition” and the writings of the saints for its resources. And that person is considered by the church as a “spiritual warfare advisor”, or a “spiritual warfare specialist” if he only works to educate the people. They don’t use the word “demonologist.”
John Labriola, author of “Onward Catholic Solder” is one example
4) NECROMANCER – Well, as you know, this is one that conjures demons to do their own orders, practitioners of black arts, etc. This is the most common definition of “demonologist” before the introduction of the title “demonologist” in the mainstream. 1990 in reference to a “Ghost Buster”.
5) “SOLOMONITES” – Be especially aware of the people who teach this material in your “demonology course”! OK “Solomonities is my own word for them, but these are the ones who consider the Gnostic text The” Keys of Solomon “, as legitimate, and hope to work in spiritual warfare calling the demons to fight the demons. Anything like” Aleister Crowley “, or” Goetia “associated with him is to be avoided. And they are regarded as number 4, as” Necromancers “. Fans and followers of Michael Laimo’s book.” These demonologists “, are not” To whom you go to call “? or do you want to call … There is a certain level of ignorance in people who learn this demonology from the perspective of the enemy. However, they believe that it applies to exorcism and liberation. Wrong!
“A house divided against itself cannot stand” “-Abraham Lincoln / Matthew 12:25
“How can Satan drive out Satan?” Jesus (Matthew 12: 25-referring to exorcism)
“You cannot appease one demon and hope to reprimand another”
The big note about these “Guys” is that some of them think they are doing “God’s Work”, but they are actually doing it from the enemy’s perspective.
6) RELIGIOUS DEMONOLOGIST – This is the most common title that people expect of a “demonologist”. This specific is the title that Gerald Brittle created to describe the unique work that the late Ed Warren did for his book “The Demonologist.” Ed, who was a “Roman Catholic”, had many roles, as he was an investigator, parapsychologist, phantomologist, demonologist, and was also adept at interviewing victims and witnesses. But he was also known to occasionally do “cleanings” of the house (ie forms of “liberation”). And practice a controversial tactic known as “religious provocation” in order to gather the evidence necessary to justify a church-sanctioned exorcism. This title has passed even more with Ed’s departure in 2006, however some people now tend to use “religious demonologist” to turn them into “non-denominational” Christians. A “Religious Demonologist” generally covers all aspects up to but not including the actual Liberation / Exorcism. This is where they normally enlist in the appropriate personnel, in the clergy.
7) Confessional – Specific to a particular faith or a legitimate / organized and known denomination that works directly through your church and that comes from a perspective related to that faith / denomination. (ie “Christian Demonologist”, “Roman Catholic Demonologist”) This individual may or may not also practice what is considered “Religious Demonology” as # 6, or simply be an advisor on “Demonology” and such related information. Or it can be a realization of the 5 types listed here. What the n. 1, because for everyone, ‘studies never stop’. I have not found that any other of the larger known denominations practiced the use of this word “demonologist” before 1980. That is, until it became more popular in the mainstream. I think they avoided it so as not to associate with the “Necromancer” or “Solomon”, and with good reason …
For) Roman Catholic demonologist – Although they can handle cases abroad, the prefix dictates that they are under the authority of the ecclesiastical doctrine of their Roman Catholic church and magistrate (ie bishop). (Which means they will not use “salvia”, hold 3 am sessions, or use other practices contrary to church teachings) It is assumed, by default, that such individuals are recognized in some way by their local diocese, by least of all in your own parish church, although that may not be the case. in public. The Roman Catholic demonologist is what a religious demonologist is and more. Since it can still advance in the realization of a “liberation” or (also known as a minor exorcism) on a person, place or thing. They will then go to enlist in the specially designated “Exorcist” Catholic Clergy, to take over when necessary. This is generally when it is determined that higher ecclesiastical authority is needed or that the “Roman Ritual” will better serve the situation. It is also imperative that the “Catholic demonologist” needs to understand ALL Christian denominations, to be most effective and not limit the client based only on the “chorus”. NOTE: There is currently NO official title in the Roman Catholic Church known as “Demonologist”. The church can only refer to those people who can properly use that title. But that’s it.
B) Other denominations – Through their own church they can be members of a “liberation team” or prayer group that works with such cases of infestation, possession. Typically led by an ordained minister, by the title “Christian Demonologist”, it is a title used by few. They may have titles such as “Minister of Deliverance”, “Faith Healer” and, more recently, “Exorcist”. To summarize, these ministers are most often what is described here as a “biblical demonologist” in their knowledge and skills. Note that they cannot represent all denominations, if they wish, as they do not have access to the sacraments or the Catholic Church, which can limit their client base.
Sadly, the larger denominations generally stick with theirs. Lest they see the need to be so diverse, they prefer to “preach to the choir.” Coming out of the more organized and recognized churches, it’s a take on the good and the bad. The good is more diversity, the bad is a question of validity. And many denominations fly through the night that are generated every day from the ‘Church of universal life’ bring no more authority from Jesus / the church than you or I would have as ‘Laity’.
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As in the medical field, we will always be learning new things, for sure!
In life we are always learning, but does that mean that we will never grow? Or that children should label themselves as “parents” and act as such with another child? The name titles keep the proper perspective for “Other” … Okay, bad metaphor, but isn’t it a dangerous thing for a medical student to start treating patients like a doctor?
and … There is a real problem with the rookie who immediately throws himself into the field of work of a “demonologist”.
A child in Bible college or in training is not ready to handle cases alone. You just don’t have the knowledge or the experience. Especially working on Hauntings cases involving children and cases of potential possession due to the possibility of mental health. (And … all true demonic cases are dangerous)
It should be understood that people * DO NOT * consider a “demonologist” to be someone who simply “studies” demonology plain and simple. That might be a Wikipedia definition, but it’s not what the mainstream understands. So we have to look at it from the perspective of the majority, popular public opinion. Not from Webster’s dictionary.
Saying “nothing” helps confuse and mislead people seeking help or advice about who the rookie or veteran is.
So, in short, the followers of “Crowley” should not be confused with the followers of “Christ.” For all of you out there. Be forthcoming and honest about your “type” when applying the label “demonologist.” Prefix it with the right word so people don’t get confused with what you are or claim to be.
© 2013-2105 Kenneth Deel / Swords of Saint Michael