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"When Fr. Amorth starts relying upon the evidence of demons to construct a Satanic conspiracy in the Vatican, I think we have evidence that Fr. Amorth has forgotten how dangerous it is to interact with demons and to believe whatever it is they have to say. Indeed, the more one talks with them to get knowledge from them, the more warped one is likely to become, and the more likely one is oneself going to be demon possessed. And even if one is not, one is at least playing around with demonic-magic." - Henry Karlson (Don't skip the comments either.)
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I'm leaving the subject alone after this.
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Photo: Vanessa Redgrave in Ken Russell's film, "The Devils". Film based upon the book, "Devils of Loudun" by Aldous Huxley.
The art direction is remarkable in that disturbing film. Another visually stunning "nun film" (with similar dark offbeat theme) is Black Narcissus. Have you ever seen that one, Terry?
ReplyDeleteI saw your earlier post after I wrote mine this morning and thought you did a good job seeing the problem behind the "Vatican Satanic Cult" conspiracy theory. I tried writing a comment, but I think there was some internet problems and it probably did not get through (or did it?)
ReplyDeleteNonetheless, I think I would have had less problems if Fr. Amorth's theories are not so sensationalistic. If he had a more subtle "demonic influences can be seen at the Vatican," I would have no problem agreeing, since the spiritual warfare is to be expected at the Vatican. But when it becomes a cult theory and when he seems to continuously prop himself up in interviews I see, I think Fr. Amorth has gone from doing good work to being hurt from the work itself. Pray for him. I think he means well and is a good man (better than me, I am sure), but just with the realm of the supernatural, it is easy to fall into a trap.
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ReplyDeleteThanks Henry and 'Deleted Commenter' - I have the greatest respect for both of you and your scholarship - however, I'm just going with my gut here. Big sign of peace hug to both of you!
ReplyDeleteMichael - I did see Black Narcissus - very dark film. The nuns were Servites BTW - in fact they did not take perpetual vows like monastics, so the one who fell into the chasm might have been laicized had she lived.
ARen't the nuns in Black Narcissus Anglican? They are in the novel.
ReplyDeleteThanks Anonymous - I wonder where I got that idea from then? I never read the novel but I was sure I had heard the nuns were Servites. I trust your correction however. Thanks much.
ReplyDeleteIndeed - they were Anglicans. Doh!
ReplyDeleteBut I think I found out why I assumed they were Servites after I Googled the film today:
ReplyDelete"Black Narcissus (1947) Anglican nuns, led by the stern Sister Clodagh, attempt to establish a ... It is also known as the Secular Order of the Servants of Mary (Servite Secular ...)"
Something I have to remind myself and others is that, God is ever-greater...He is Everything.
ReplyDeleteSatan wants to look like he's the master and lord...he's a fallen angel and just makes a lotta noise.
As awful as the scenario that Cardinals may be involved in Satanic rites, the Holy Mass, where Jesus offers Himself to the Father in the Holy Spirit, represented sacramentally and mystically, where He is the Lord over death and gives life to all who seek Him, is a nuclear bomb compared to the firecrackers Satan gives off...we have to pray and do penance, but even if the majority go astray, Jesus is Lord, His Church will continue until the end of time.