Normally, when I do book reviews, I write about characters, plot twists, story arcs and what I liked about the book, how it made me feel or think. I’m not a professional reviewer, but if I read a good book, I want to share it. You probably won’t read a bad review because I believe we should be cheerleaders, praise in public, address issues in private.
This book review is going to be slightly different (don’t worry, it’s still good). I recently finished “The Exorcist Files” by Father Carlos Martins, (Barnes and Noble, Amazon)based on the crazy popular podcast hosted by Fr. Martins and Ryan Bethea. I preordered the Audible version, which is highly unusual for me (I’m kinda cheap) but I love the podcast. For those not familiar with it, Martins and Bethea examine cases from Father Martins’ experiences as an exorcist. The examination includes some dramatic audio, looks at the causes and the process the Catholic Church follows in potential cases of exorcism. The podcast explains how the exorcists, and the church, determines if the afflictions have a mental or physical cause (schizophrenia and depression come up often and in one case, a brain tumor caused symptoms that mirrored demonic influence). The podcast does not take a theatrical, overly dramatic approach, but gives a realistic analysis with the dramatic audio adding some flavor, but not over dramatic flavor. It’s available where you like to listen.
Our battle isn’t against flesh & blood
`Spiritual` warfare has always fascinated me. If you read my story “Fair Balance,” you can see it. I’ve been through deliverance (the non-Catholic version of an exorcism) and while my head didn’t spin around and I didn’t spit out green pea soup, I did deal with migraines. It was a spiritual encounter that ranks just below my salvation experience.
Read more about Father Carlos Martins at https://www.fathercarlosmartins.com
Enough about me, though. This isn’t a book review about me. It may not even be a book review at all. I wanted to share with you the warfare that erupted around the release of “The Exorcist Files.” The release date for the book was November 19, 2024 and the days surrounding it were intense. Both Fr. Martins and his literary agent had separate, nasty accidents. Fr. Martins ended up with broken ribs and his agent also sustained broken ribs and a head injury. While it is plausible this was just a coincidence (both accidents happened in separate places in close time proximity), what happened next has made many people stop and say “wait a minute. . .”
On November 23, Father Martins was on a relics tour, sharing a relic from St. Jude in various cities when he was accused of battery against a middle school student. The incident allegedly involved him pulling a stray hair from the clothed shoulder of the student to make a joke about himself as he built rapport with his audience. The audience included more than 200 students and staff from a Catholic School. Later that day, the student’s parents pushed for an investigation. The police investigated, found nothing and were ready to close the case, when the parents insisted Fr. Martins be charged with battery.
Bad journalism didn’t help
This instantly became fodder for bad journalism (I might do another blog on bad journalism). A prominent Catholic newsite, that I won’t name here used the headline “Catholic Priest suspended over inappropriate behavior toward student.” I mean, really? I don’t have to spell out the implications? With charges filed, the church suspended Martins meaning he could no longer make any public appearances for any reason (like book promos and podcasts). The first week of a books release is critical and this silenced the author.
For a reliable read, click here or this Substack.
Thankfully, Martins lawyered up and although the charge is a misdeamenor, is rightfully battling it. But, the dark principalities that we battle daily do not want this book read (for that reason alone, read the book). The only update I’ve found is that the first hearing, where one pleads guilty or not guilty was scheduled for today. Although I’ve heard Father Martins on the podcast, I haven’t found an official statement from either him or the Catholic Church about allowing him a public presence. I’m just happy to have him back again because his wisdom and humor have blessed me and given me more understanding. I can see why the enemy would want to silence him.
I’m pretty sure the enemy didn’t want me to write this review, either. Despite saving multiple copies, it disappeared from my computer. The timing was awful as I was battling depression and lethargy. I didn’t feel like rewriting this review. But Abba was gracious and generous because he put some people in my path, complete strangers, who prayed for me and prayed against those spirits, rulers and principalities that Ephesians 6:12 warns us about. But, like angel in Daniel 10, I have merely been slowed down, LOL.
The enemy’s plan backfired. The book is selling well and the podcast is also doing well across Catholic, Protestant, and Non-affiliated listeners. Both the book and podcasts share the victory we have in Christ. Father Martins backs everything up with scripture and explains everything in an easy to understand way that makes spiritual warfare make sense.
Take away: I hope you will read it, whether you are a believer or not.