1997-04-04 – Fr. Malachi Martin – Exorcism

Show: Area 2000

Air Date: April 4, 1997

Guest(s): Malachi Martin

Topic(s): Exorcism

Art Bell introduces Father Malachi Martin, a revered figure who served as an advisor to two popes and has three decades of experience in exorcisms. The conversation dives deep into the realm of exorcisms, with Father Martin sharing insights from his extensive career, including the meticulous preparations and profound understanding required for the rite. He details the diverse nature of demons and the intense spiritual battles he has encountered. Beyond the supernatural, Father Martin offers a glimpse into his personal life, discussing his long-standing residence in Manhattan and reflecting on the city’s contrasts of peace and hidden turmoil. His narrative extends to his rigorous Jesuit training, emphasizing the intense formation that shaped him into a disciplined servant of the church.

Father Malachi Martin delves deeper into the rigorous training he underwent as part of his Jesuit formation. He recounts the demanding tasks and psychological challenges designed to mold his will and align it with the order’s expectations. His duties ranged from menial tasks like cleaning glasses by hand to intellectual abstinence, fostering a discipline that transcended mere physical labor. This intense training aimed to cultivate a state of ‘indifference,’ where personal inclinations or desires wouldn’t overshadow one’s commitments or duties, essentially allowing the Jesuits to be undeterred by external temptations or distractions.

Father Martin’s journey from a novice to a significant figure in the Vatican was marked by a meticulous and comprehensive education in various fields, particularly in Semitic languages, philosophy, and theology. His path was not just an academic pursuit but a holistic formation that included practical teaching experiences and advanced studies, culminating in his expertise that eventually led him to the Vatican.

Art Bell and Father Malachi Martin delve into the latter’s transition to the Vatican and the discernment of his special path within the church. The discussion highlights the Jesuit tradition of rigorous scrutiny and personalized development, where each individual’s talents and capacities are recognized and nurtured. Father Martin reflects on his own experiences, noting how his attributes and dedication were identified and utilized within the order.

The conversation also touches upon Father Martin’s age and his continued commitment to his vocation, particularly in exorcism, where he notes a significant increase in demand. He shares alarming observations about a new trend where young, successful individuals have resorted to making pacts with demonic entities to achieve their desires, a phenomenon he had not encountered before. This shift underscores a troubling aspect of contemporary society, where the lure of success and material gain tempts individuals to engage with dark forces.

The dialogue shifts to a broader perspective on the state of demonic activity and exorcism, not only in the United States but also in cities like Rome and Milan, highlighting a global concern over the rise in cases requiring exorcism.

The conversation shifts to a historical exorcism at Saint Louis University, where Father Malachi Martin affirms the event’s significance as a landmark in American exorcism history. He references a book by Thomas Allen that documents this harrowing ordeal, where two Jesuit priests, unknown to their colleagues, undertook the strenuous task of liberating a young man from demonic possession. This event culminated in a mystical experience within the Jesuit community, witnessing a vision of the Archangel Michael, symbolizing victory over the demonic.

Father Martin then discusses the indescribable terror of being in the presence of a possessing demon, emphasizing the profound hatred these entities have toward human beings, a hatred driven by their loathing of Christ’s power represented by the exorcist. He explains the process of exorcism, where commands are issued to the demon, never engaging in dialogue. The conversation also touches on the risks involved in exorcism, including the potential for an exorcist to be overwhelmed if they rely on their own strength rather than divine power.

Art Bell and Father Malachi Martin focus on the challenges facing the Catholic Church, highlighting a crisis of faith among its leaders. They discuss the dwindling belief in demonic entities and hell among some members of the clergy, attributing this trend to a broader crisis within the church. Father Martin points out that the decline in faith and the corresponding increase in the need for exorcisms reflect a spiritual warfare that the church appears to be losing.

Father Martin recounts the significant changes that followed the Second Vatican Council (1962-1965), which he sees as a turning point leading to a rapid transformation within the church. He describes the impact of these changes on religious orders, specifically citing an example where psychologists influenced a group of nuns to abandon their vows, leading to the disbandment of their order and closure of their schools. This narrative illustrates a profound shift from traditional religious life to a more secular, psychological approach, resulting in a loss of spiritual direction and purpose.

Art Bell continues his conversation with Father Malachi Martin, focusing on the dramatic rise in exorcisms since 1970. Father Martin shares an anecdote about a particularly challenging exorcism he performed in the northeast corner of America. He emphasizes the invasive and exhaustive nature of exorcism, describing it as a mucky, inhuman, and undignified process that impacts not only the possessed but also the exorcists, leaving them emotionally and physically drained.

The exorcism in question involved a young man who had delved deeply into a coven, losing control over himself. Despite initial skepticism from psychologists who suggested that any aberrations in his behavior could be treated with therapy, the exorcism proceeded when it became clear that a demon was present. This intense process lasted a year and a half, involving multiple sessions that took a significant toll on the young man and the exorcists involved. Father Martin elaborates on the nuanced nature of demons, noting that they vary in quality and function, and their identification often hinges on their specific roles or actions.

Father Malachi Martin delves deeper into the nature of demonic possession, explaining how demons are identified by their functions, which are distortions of their original angelic roles. He describes a specific case involving a demon whose function was the desecration of human love, illustrating how this entity provoked contempt and degradation of all forms of love, from parental to romantic.

Father Martin highlights the challenges of differentiating between psychological issues and genuine demonic possession. He notes that certain phenomena, like speaking in unknown languages or displaying knowledge beyond the person’s natural capacity (like levitation or revealing hidden truths), are indicators that point towards possession. These signs exceed the scope of psychiatric diagnosis and suggest the need for an exorcism.

He also recounts a story that underscores the theological belief that only God has the ultimate knowledge and power over demons. In this narrative, the verification of a nun’s divine visions is based on a test that only the divine could pass, illustrating the profound interplay between faith, forgiveness, and the battle against evil.

Father Malachi Martin discusses the intense nature of exorcisms, emphasizing that they are direct confrontations with demonic entities. He describes a particularly challenging exorcism involving a powerful demon, noting that the true nature of the entity was quickly apparent after a few sessions. The conversation between Art Bell and Father Martin delves into the complexities of these encounters, highlighting the psychological and spiritual dimensions of exorcism.

Father Martin explains that exorcisms involve compelling the demon to reveal its name and then commanding it to leave the host. This process can be prolonged and arduous, as illustrated by the year-and-a-half-long struggle with the demon he describes. The exorcism’s dynamics also involved understanding the demon’s communication patterns, which were influenced by various factors, including the time of day and week.

Moreover, the aftermath of an exorcism is discussed, emphasizing the role of post-exorcism therapy to help the formerly possessed person integrate their experiences and recover from the trauma. Father Martin’s insights shed light on the profound impacts of these spiritual battles, not only on the possessed individuals but also on the exorcists and supporting professionals involved in the process.

Father Malachi Martin discusses the climactic moments of an exorcism, describing a dramatic release when the demon’s will and power are finally broken. He details a tangible transformation in the possessed person, marked by a sudden relaxation and peace that is visibly evident in their face and demeanor. This change is not only spiritual but also physiological, with measurable shifts in vital signs, indicating the departure of the demonic presence.

Father Martin also delves into the challenging aspects of exorcism, such as the psychological warfare between the exorcist and the demon, emphasizing the critical importance of not engaging in dialogue with the entity. The discussion further explores the mystery of demonic possession, noting the lack of a clear profile or predictable pattern for those who become possessed. Despite extensive data gathering and analysis, Martin admits that possession seems random, affecting individuals across all walks of life without discernible predictability.

Father Malachi Martin explores the concept of consent in the context of demonic possession, emphasizing that possession typically occurs through some form of invitation or consent, albeit not always explicit. He illustrates this with examples from everyday life where people make choices that, while seemingly innocuous, can open doors to negative influences, drawing parallels with the more overt agreements people might make in search of answers or comfort through occult practices.

The discussion then broadens to the efficacy and role of exorcists and spiritual healers across different cultures and religious traditions. Father Martin acknowledges the work of individuals outside the Catholic faith, including Native American shamans and Protestant ministers, in combating evil forces. He suggests that the power to drive out spirits is not confined to a single faith but can be a manifestation of divine grace acting through various individuals and traditions.

Father Malachi Martin discusses the concept of “perfect possession,” where individuals consciously enter into a pact with demonic entities, seeking success, love, or other desires. Unlike traditional possession, where the person is tormented and seeks relief, those in perfect possession are content with their situation, having fully embraced their agreement with the demonic.

Father Martin emphasizes the complexity and danger of these pacts, noting that while the demonic entity may provide assistance to the individual, this alliance comes with a grave spiritual cost. He shares an anecdote about sensing the presence of evil in two men on the street, highlighting his ability to perceive demonic influence, a gift he attributes to his guardian angel.

Responding to a listener’s concern about having a fleeting thought of making a pact with the devil, Father Martin reassures that being tempted or having such thoughts does not equate to actual consent or agreement. He stresses the importance of vigilance in prayer and maintaining a strong spiritual foundation, particularly through invoking the name of Jesus, to guard against such temptations.

Father Malachi Martin explores the notion of individuals making deals with demonic entities, emphasizing that such pacts are definitive choices, akin to saying “yes” or “no” to a significant question. He warns about the subtle ways one can inadvertently make such agreements, leading to a state he refers to as “perfect possession,” where the individual is fully aware and complicit in their bond with the demonic.

Father Martin also touches on the anticipation of significant celestial events and their potential spiritual implications, suggesting that abnormal occurrences in the skies could be harbingers of momentous future events. He advises people to remain vigilant and to use such signs as cues to strengthen their faith.

The conversation then shifts to the topic of mind control and programming, referencing experiments conducted since World War II aimed at creating unbreakable mental conditioning. Martin discusses a specific programming system, likening its subjects to “Manchurian candidates” — individuals conditioned to respond unquestioningly to specific triggers. He notes that there are methods to deprogram such conditioning, though they are complex and challenging to execute.

Father Malachi Martin discusses the nuanced perspectives on suicide and government intervention in personal moral decisions. He acknowledges the complexity of individual choices regarding life and death, emphasizing that these decisions should be made based on one’s religious beliefs and moral convictions rather than government mandates.

The conversation also touches on the role of the church in influencing personal decisions. Martin suggests that the church should guide and persuade rather than impose its will through political means, highlighting a failure in spiritual leadership when the church resorts to political pressure.

Furthermore, the discussion delves into the nature of the soul and spirit, with Martin explaining that while the two terms are often used interchangeably, they refer to the non-material aspects of a person that transcend physical existence. He describes the soul as having faculties of thinking, willing, and remembering, which the demonic seeks to control.

Father Malachi Martin delves into the topic of the Three Days of Darkness, a prophetic event based on private revelations within the Christian tradition. He explains that this event is tied to a period of final chastisement and purification for humanity, coinciding with the time of the Antichrist’s influence on Earth. Martin characterizes this period as one of intense spiritual danger, where demonic forces make their final attempts to divert souls from salvation.

He also addresses the nature and origin of demons, explaining them as fallen angels who chose to rebel against God, led by Lucifer. These beings were initially created as angels, spiritual entities without physical bodies, tasked with overseeing and aiding in the governance of the cosmos and human affairs. However, their rebellion resulted in their expulsion from God’s presence, transforming them into demons, yet they remain intrinsically linked to humanity’s destiny.

Father Malachi Martin explores the nature of God’s tolerance towards evil, emphasizing the concept of free will. He articulates that God could have created beings who would always obey and never rebel, but He values the freedom of choice more. This freedom allows individuals to choose to love and follow God or to reject Him, similar to how Lucifer chose to rebel.

Martin further explains that God desires to be chosen freely by His creations, valuing the genuine love and submission that come from a place of free will rather than coercion. This idea extends to the concept of love in human relationships, where the most profound connections are formed through a free choice to love another, regardless of their attributes or what they can offer.

The conversation also touches on the common question of why God allows suffering and evil, such as the atrocities committed by Hitler. Martin reiterates that these occurrences are a consequence of God allowing free will. He acknowledges the difficulty in accepting this aspect of divine allowance but maintains that it is central to the relationship between God and His creations.

Father Malachi Martin discusses the notion of the “quickening,” a term used by the host to describe the accelerating pace of change in various aspects of human life, including social, economic, political, environmental, and spiritual realms. Martin agrees with this observation, linking it to insights gained from exorcisms and demonic communications, suggesting a spiritual dimension to this acceleration.

He then shifts to address a caller’s question about the dangers of communicating with spirits, particularly in the context of television personalities who claim to contact the dead. Martin delineates three levels of existence: the physical, the supernatural (where God and angels reside), and a third realm that is neither divine nor entirely of our world, which includes the demonic.

Father Malachi Martin addresses the concept of the middle plateau, a realm where beings with preternatural abilities exist. These abilities, which include telekinesis, remote viewing, and telepathy, can be exercised by both humans with psychic gifts and demonic entities. He emphasizes the dangers associated with engaging in practices like channeling and remote viewing, as they open individuals up to potentially malevolent influences.

The discussion then shifts to a caller’s question about the Vatican’s involvement with Benito Mussolini and the implications of political actions by religious leaders. Martin confirms that there have been satanic practices within the Vatican, highlighting the complex interplay between spiritual forces and human institutions. He suggests that only divine intervention can address the deep-rooted issues within the Church, indicating a significant spiritual battle at play within one of the world’s most prominent religious institutions.

Father Malachi Martin responds to a caller’s questions about protection against evil and the nature of baptism. He emphasizes that once a person is baptized, they are considered a child of God, cleansed of original sin, and able to partake in Christ’s salvation. The concept of being baptized a second time, as practiced in some denominations, is discussed, with Martin clarifying that from a theological standpoint, a second baptism is not necessary for salvation but may confer additional grace.

The conversation then shifts to how one can protect their family from evil. While the caller’s question is not fully answered in this excerpt, Martin hints at the importance of a strong familial and spiritual foundation, suggesting that guidance and teachings from parents and the church play a crucial role in shielding individuals and families from malevolent influences.

Father Malachi Martin discusses the influence and responsibilities of parents in the spiritual formation of their children, emphasizing the power of example and formal religious instruction. He highlights the unique blessing a parent can bestow upon their child, which, while different from a priestly blessing, carries significant spiritual weight.

Additionally, the conversation touches on Archbishop Milingo’s outspoken concerns about satanism within the Catholic Church, particularly in Africa, reflecting broader concerns about the church’s integrity and the challenges it faces.

A caller inquires about the Third Secret of Fatima, a topic shrouded in mystery and controversy. While Father Martin acknowledges the existence of this secret and its dire implications, he is bound by an oath not to disclose its contents. He hints at the gravity of the undisclosed revelations, suggesting they pertain to severe chastisements.

Father Malachi Martin explores various spiritual and ecclesiastical topics based on questions from callers. He addresses the nature of preternatural gifts, explaining that such abilities can come from God but must be used according to godly principles. Martin emphasizes the importance of how these gifts are utilized, warning against their misuse which can lead to negative outcomes or demonic influence.

A caller raises concerns about the potential rise of the Antichrist through the Catholic Church, suggesting a plot to turn the Church over to Lucifer. Martin acknowledges this as a real concern, stating that the Antichrist’s emergence would lead to the undermining of Christianity’s core beliefs and a secularization of the Church’s mission.

The concept of an “underground church” is introduced, referring to a movement within the Catholic community that seeks to maintain traditional practices and doctrines outside the mainstream ecclesiastical structures, which they perceive as being compromised.

A caller from Seattle expresses anxiety about the end times and the difficulty of planning for the future amid such uncertainty. Martin provides his perspective on the signs of the Second Coming, noting that the arrival of the Antichrist and his ability to seemingly solve global problems would be clear indicators.

Father Malachi Martin discusses the Antichrist, highlighting the characteristics that will signal his emergence. He notes that the Antichrist will be a mortal human, who, in a time of great crisis, will offer solutions to seemingly insurmountable problems, leading many to adore him as a divine figure. This period will be marked by a profound crisis that will make humanity desperate for a savior, setting the stage for the Antichrist’s acceptance.

A caller from Portland, Oregon, raises a concern about the general disbelief in tangible evil in contemporary society. Father Martin agrees, attributing this to a successful public relations campaign by Lucifer, who, contrary to popular depictions, presents himself in a subtle and urbane manner. He emphasizes the need for vigilance and awareness of the subtle ways in which evil can manifest.

The discussion also touches on advice for someone considering entering the seminary. Martin stresses the importance of carefully choosing the right seminary, noting that not all are faithful to traditional Christian or Catholic doctrines. He advises potential seminarians to investigate the beliefs and teachings of the faculty and to ensure that the seminary adheres to orthodox Christian teachings.

Father Malachi Martin discusses various topics based on the callers’ questions. One caller emphasizes the importance of praying for Art Bell, given his influential role and the battles he faces. Another caller recalls meeting Mother Teresa and praises her embodiment of goodness, illustrating the presence of genuine, humble service in the world.

A significant portion of the conversation revolves around the nature of Lucifer’s existence and actions in relation to God’s will. Father Martin explains that, according to Christian doctrine, Lucifer acts only within the confines of what God permits, serving as a tool for God’s purposes, which includes allowing humans to exercise free will and choose between good and evil. This discussion ties back to the Book of Job, where Satan’s actions are depicted as being under God’s sovereign control.

A caller raises a point about the perception of Catholic women being particularly wild once they exit the strict environment of Catholic schools. Father Martin acknowledges this stereotype and suggests that the church is aware and concerned about finding the right balance between repression and freedom in religious education.

A caller from West Hartford introduces herself as an atheist and poses questions about the concept of free will in the context of God’s desire for humanity to choose Him without coercion. This part of the discussion touches on the rationalization of evil and suffering in the world as a consequence of free will, a core theme in Christian theology that seeks to reconcile God’s goodness with the existence of evil.

Father Malachi Martin addresses a variety of questions from callers, ranging from the nature of free will to the existence of extraterrestrial life.

One caller challenges Martin on the notion of free will as a divine gift, suggesting it might be a rationalization of natural phenomena. Martin reiterates the Christian perspective, emphasizing that the concept of free will is foundational to the teachings of Jesus and is not merely a human invention.

Another caller questions the implications of potential intelligent extraterrestrial life for Christian theology. Martin is skeptical about claims of teeming intelligent life in the universe but notes that the discovery of such life would not shake his faith in God. Instead, he would view it as a testament to God’s creativity.

The discussion then shifts to the Antichrist, with a caller inquiring whether the Antichrist, if alive today, would be aware of their identity. Martin suggests that the Antichrist might not initially be aware of their role but would eventually come to understand it as part of their mission to solve the world’s problems, albeit not in a godly manner.

Father Malachi Martin discusses various topics with callers, including the nature of the Antichrist, the Vatican’s interest in astronomy, and the Heavens Gate cult.

  1. Antichrist’s Self-Awareness: Martin clarifies that the Antichrist will be inherently aware of his identity and mission, similar to a person’s intrinsic knowledge of their own nature.
  2. Vatican Observatory: A caller inquires about the Vatican’s establishment of an observatory on Mount Graham. Martin explains that those at high levels within the Vatican believe that understanding cosmic events is crucial, hinting at significant developments in space that could impact humanity soon.
  3. Heavens Gate Cult: The conversation shifts to the Heavens Gate cult, with a caller mentioning a document that draws parallels between the cult’s beliefs and Christian heresies. Martin comments on the cult’s distortion of Christian teachings, emphasizing their denial of traditional views on the body and soul and their refuge in mythical concepts.
  4. Lucifer’s Representation: A caller references a claim that the invention of the Xerox machine had demonic origins, which Martin is unfamiliar with but expresses skepticism about. The discussion touches on how Lucifer can masquerade as an angel of light, adding complexity to the discernment of spiritual truths.
  5. Leviathan in the Book of Job: A caller inquires about the Leviathan mentioned in the Bible, questioning whether it’s a parable or an actual creature. Martin explains that commentators often interpret the Leviathan as a large, ungainly animal like a rhinoceros, rather than a mythical fire-breathing dragon.
  6. Scientific Discoveries and Biblical Accounts: The caller also touches on how scientific findings sometimes align with biblical narratives, like Noah’s Ark or the parting of the Red Sea, suggesting a convergence of science and scripture.
  7. Human Cloning: Another crucial topic discussed is human cloning. Martin expresses his belief that cloning human beings is likely underway secretly and raises ethical questions about the process, particularly regarding the morality of replicating individuals without considering the aging of DNA.
  8. Boundaries of Scientific Inquiry: The conversation turns to the ethical boundaries in scientific exploration, with Martin advocating for the regulation of new technologies like cloning by moral principles, emphasizing the need for a balance between scientific advancement and ethical considerations.
  9. Communication with Father Martin: A discussion on how listeners can contact Father Martin through mail or email for personal consultations or questions, highlighting his commitment to engaging with his audience.