Evil and Satanism Are on the Rise, Warn Experts
Conference organizers say increased secularization, popular media portrayals and social media have led to a rise in demonic forces and an interest in Satan—especially among Millennials. Clergy point to the growth of the Satanic Temple, demon-themed statues and displays, and TV shows such as Chilling Adventures of Sabrina.
During a speech at this week’s conference, professor Giuseppe Ferrari said, “Many young people display a certain attraction and interest toward themes tied to esotericism, magic, the occult, Satanism, witchcraft, vampirism and contact with a presumed supernatural world. Some end up accepting as spiritual leaders these characters who, while proposing a flawed liberty and false freedom, only aim at taking hold of their existence.”
Social media plays a key role in the rapid spread of demonic groups and ideas, says Father Barrajon. Online, these groups “can promote Satanic practices and occult rites through dedicated sites, while in the past it was harder to popularize.” On the other hand, he warns we shouldn’t “demonize” social media because it’s also a valuable way to share the Christian faith.
Barrajon says the cultural trend of “distancing from God” may be another factor in the renewed interest in exorcisms, which can take hours or even years to work.
Exorcism Isn’t Necessary, Some Say
Critics call the practice of expelling evil outdated and say vulnerable people are getting hurt. Some people even claim priests have used exorcism as a ruse to molest them.
But dismissing the practice entirely is dangerous, says Professor Ferrari. “This [critical] view not only displays ignorance and a restricted view of reality, but underlines the conditioning by ideologies that tag as superstition everything that eludes their preconstructed schemes,” he says.
Albert Mohler, president of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, says evangelical Christians have no need for exorcisms—and that the ritual can actually give ground to Satan.
“Every time a believer shares the Gospel and declares the name of Jesus, the demons and the devil lose their power,” he says. “We do not need a rite of exorcism…for every Christian is armed with the full promise of the Gospel, united with Christ in faith, and indwelt by the Holy Spirit.”
