Sam Kestenbaum, a journalist exploring religion and culture, joins Tennessee pastor Greg Locke, known for his sensational exorcism practices. They discuss the rise of modern exorcism, showcasing Locke's charismatic approach and social media influence. Kestenbaum shares his firsthand experience of a dramatic tent revival where attendees were swept up in fervor. The conversation dives into the emotional stakes of contemporary demon slaying and the intersection of faith, spectacle, and community dynamics in today's spiritual landscape.
The rise of the 'Demon Slayers,' led by figures like Greg Locke, showcases the blending of traditional exorcism with modern media outreach.
Contemporary exorcism events, characterized by emotional intensity, serve both spiritual healing and a sense of communal catharsis among participants.
Sam Kestenbaum's immersive reporting reveals how contemporary exorcists adapt ancient spiritual practices for today's digital audience, redefining religious experiences.
Deep dives
The Puritan Roots of American Exorcism
The Puritans, escaping religious persecution, established their beliefs in New England, focusing on a literal interpretation of the Bible and the active presence of evil in everyday life. They engaged in spiritual battles against demonic forces, reflecting their theological differences from the Church of England, which typically did not recognize exorcism rituals. Notably, figures like Cotton Mather and Jonathan Edwards emphasized the constant threat of the devil, suggesting that the New England landscape was once dominated by demonic influence. This historical context illustrates how the Puritans' worldview laid the groundwork for a uniquely American tradition of exorcism, intertwining religion and the supernatural.
Greg Locke and Modern Demonology
Greg Locke, a prominent figure in contemporary American Protestant demonology, has gained recognition for his energetic church services that blend traditional preaching with theatrical showmanship. His sermons, during which he makes bold claims about political figures and social issues, have sparked both controversy and significant media attention. Although Locke distances himself from QAnon affiliations, he has promoted various conspiracy theories, contributing to his rising popularity among certain evangelical circles. His unique blend of fiery rhetoric and theatrical performance exemplifies how modern exorcists are capitalizing on media to amplify their messages.
The Rise of Demon Slayers
The phenomenon of the 'Demon Slayers,' a collective of modern exorcists led by figures like Greg Locke, reflects a new wave of evangelicalism characterized by social media engagement and mass deliverance events. Many within this group have found success through online platforms, capturing the attention of followers through dramatic performances that blend faith and entertainment. The collective allows for cross-promotion and collaboration among exorcists, thereby increasing their visibility and influence in the religious landscape. This new format exemplifies how traditional practices have been adapted to fit the demands of contemporary audiences, utilizing video and live events for outreach.
The Experience of Mass Deliverance
Mass deliverance events, often attended by thousands, create an atmosphere charged with emotional and spiritual intensity, drawing participants into a communal experience of healing and transformation. The practice involves multiple exorcists calling out different demons in rapid succession, encouraging attendees to react physically and emotionally. Participants often report feeling a sense of catharsis, as if they are collectively releasing burdens and experiencing personal renewal. This spectacle blurs the lines between ritual, entertainment, and therapy, suggesting that the dramatic act of deliverance serves multiple psychological and communal purposes.
The Intersection of Faith and Content Creation
The recent trend of merging ancient practices of exorcism with modern content creation highlights the evolving landscape of evangelicalism in the digital age. This intersection allows religious experiences to be mediated through various platforms, reaching wider audiences who may engage with the material from home. While this approach may seem superficial to some, it nonetheless creates a space for individuals to participate in spiritual experiences without direct involvement in traditional settings. Such adaptations suggest that these modern exorcists are navigating the complexities of faith and media, redefining how religious practices are perceived and shared.
Demonic exorcism isn’t just a solid premise for horror films. It’s also the hook for an increasingly popular group of pentecostal pastors who leverage social media, spiritual warfare, and outrage to spread their message.
Tennessee pastor Greg Locke is the most prominent member of a supergroup of evangelical ghostbusters who call themselves the “Demon Slayers.” Together, they cross promote videos of supposed exorcisms (which they call “deliverance”), host live events that attract thousands of believers hoping to rid themselves of infernal forces, and even produce feature-length films.
Reporter Sam Kestenbaum embedded himself in Greg Locke’s operation, Locke Media, to see this algorithm-fuelled demon slaying first hand. He wrote about his experience in a longform piece for Harper’s Magazine and told us about personally witnessing a massive congregation shriek and convulse during a tent revival group exorcism.
Subscribe for $5 a month to get all the premium episodes:
http://www.patreon.com/QAA
Sam Kestenbaum: https://x.com/skestenbaum / https://samkestenbaum.com/
Pick up new merch! We've got a mug, a two-sided tee, a hoodie, and an embroidered hat. Each item shows off the new QAA logo by illustrator Pedro Correa.
https://shopqaa.myshopify.com/
Editing by Corey Klotz. Theme by Nick Sena. Additional music by Pontus Berghe. Theme Vocals by THEY/LIVE (https://instagram.com/theyylivve / https://sptfy.com/QrDm). Cover Art by Pedro Correa: (https://pedrocorrea.com)
https://qaapodcast.com
QAA was known as the QAnon Anonymous podcast.
SOURCES:
https://harpers.org/archive/2024/08/the-demon-slayers-sam-kestenbaum-exorcisms/
https://www.ourmansfieldandarea.org.uk/content/topics/religion/john-darrell
https://www.tennessean.com/story/news/2016/05/01/target-blasting-pastor-greg-locke-channels-anger-new-way/83615088/
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
