Glitch Bottle Podcast [Part 1] #167 - Grimoires, Demons & Catholic Theology with Jimmy Akin
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Aug 25, 2025 
Join Jimmy Akin, a Catholic theologian and author, as he dives into the intriguing world of demons and exorcisms. Discover what truly makes exorcisms effective and unravel theological insights on possession. Akin explores the complex relationship between magic and Catholicism, including historical distinctions and ritual practices. He also brings light to how astrology and theology interact in modern society. Delve into the nature of spirits and the significance of curiosity in understanding supernatural elements within the faith.
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What Demons Are In Catholic Thought
- Demons are understood as created heavenly beings (angels) that have gone bad and operate as harmful spirits.
- The term evolved from varied Hebrew categories into the Christian catch-all 'demon' for nonhuman fallen spirits.
Possession Is Not One Fixed Phenomenon
- Catholic sources portray possession as variable: intermittent control, obsession, or infestation, not a single fixed definition.
- The Church documents examples but leaves detailed classifications to demonologists and pastoral practice.
Who May Perform Exorcisms
- For major exorcisms, use only priests specially designated by the bishop and follow Church law and rites.
- Laypeople may perform minor exorcisms or deliverance prayers but must avoid performing the official major rite.
