My First Exorcism: What the Devil Taught a Lutheran Pastor about Counter-Cultural Spirituality

What the scientific community dismisses as a mental disorder Christians have often labeled demon possession. While classifications may offer limited help in explanation the Reverend Dr. Harold Ristau explores the nature and meaning of demonic activity by drawing from his own experiences with exorcism. Ristau shares life lessons spiritual applications and religious wisdom from his personal encounters with the dark realm. Primarily intended for clergy his reflections offer a springboard intended to stimulate critical thinking challenge metaphysical presuppositions and inspire a belated conversation on a topic that has traditionally been avoided not because of a lack of empirical evidence but due to the fear that it incites inside of us. Yet if the claims of the historic Church are true--that demons do in fact exist and seek our destruction--then an honest examination of the phenomenon and its impact on the ways in which we live and reason is an essential endeavor for any practitioner of the ministry of deliverance. With the boldness to be expected of a military chaplain seasoned by a harrowing term of service in Afghanistan Harold Ristau fearlessly tackles an uneasy topic that most would rather leave on the backburner. I hope that his lucid and challenging work may foster prayer study and consideration and make a worthwhile contribution to pastoral theology. --John R. Stephenson Registrar & Professor of Historical Theology Concordia Lutheran Theological Seminary Harold Ristau offers his readers a glimpse into an area of ministry where angels may not fear to tread but many pastors do. Here we have a candid and honest portrayal of the triumphs and pitfalls inherent in ministering to those under demonic influence. Firmly grounded in the Word and prayer Dr. Ristau points us to the essentials needed in battling the one who rages like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour (1 Pet. 5:8). --Joel C. Elowsky Author; Professor of Historical Theology Concordia Seminary Harold Ristau brings to us an authentic account of his experiences with dark forces that oppose the Gospel cripple oppress and seek to destroy the unwary and the damaged in this world. He has seen both the personal and worldwide expressions of spiritual chaos in his ministry as pastor and military chaplain. With learning wit and humble honesty this is an important pastoral epistle to us and our time. --Duff Crerar Author Padres in No Mans Land: Canadian Chaplains in the Great War Harold Ristau (PhD McGill University) Lutheran pastor Reformation scholar military chaplain and author of At Peace with War: A Chaplains Meditations from Afghanistan and Understanding Martin Luthers Demonological Rhetoric in His Treatise Against the Heavenly Prophets (1525) has served in various multicultural settings providing pastoral ministry and crisis counseling in unique contexts.