Is Demon Possession Just Mental Illness? from the Documentary Battling Darkness
Video from Jon Oleksiuk
"The Church does distinguish between mental illness and demonic possession. The Fathers generally view both the mentally ill and the possessed with compassion and, at times, even with admiration." Mother Melania (Salem) is the Superior of the Holy Assumption Orthodox Monastery (OCA) in Calistoga, Ca. She holds the Ph.D. in Theology from the University of Durham, England. This video is a short segment of the unedited raw interview shot for a new documentary film called "Battling Darkness: Hollywood & the Rise of Exorcism" available at www.battlingdarkness.com In this revealing documentary, leading voices from Hollywood and the Christian community, as well as psychologists and modern-day exorcists, discuss the mysteries of the demonic realm. Through a Biblical understanding and first-hand accounts, the film provides insights into the reality of spiritual warfare and offers keys to victory when you find yourself Battling Darkness. Prior to 1973, Satan seemed all but dead and gone, the casualty of a modernist mindset. But with Linda Blair's disturbing performance in The Exorcist, Satan returned with a vengeance. Since that landmark film, audiences worldwide have been fascinated with movies about demonic possession and the spirit realm. However, given Hollywood's tendency to take creative license, the question arises, "Is the visage of Satan now presented Biblical or distorted?" And more importantly, how have these images influenced society's consideration of both the demonic and spiritual warfare? Battling Darkness is a thought-provoking documentary that examines these questions with objectivity and insight from psychologists, modern-day exorcists and leading voices in Christianity. FEATURES Linda Blair is an American actress, best known for her role as the possessed child in the 1973 film The Exorcist. For her part in that film, she was nominated for an Academy Award and two Golden Globes, winning one. Dr. Tony Campolo is an American sociologist, pastor, author, public speaker and former spiritual advisor to U.S. President Bill Clinton. He is a popular commentator on religious, political, and social issues, and has been a guest on programs such as Larry King Live, Nightline, Crossfire, and 100 Huntley Street. Fr. Gary Thomas has served as the Diocese of San Jose's official Vatican-certified exorcist for the past six years. His experiences during his training in Rome became the subject of the 2009 book, The Rite: The Making of a Modern Exorcist, by Matt Baglio. The 2011 film, The Rite, starring actor Anthony Hopkins, was based on this book. Hank Hanegraaf, also known as The Bible Answer Man, is an American author, radio talk-show host and advocate of Evangelical Christianity. He is an outspoken apologist on doctrinal and cultural issues. Dr. Neil T Anderson is a best-selling author on spiritual freedom, including Victory Over the Darkness, The Bondage Breaker, and The Steps to Freedom in Christ. He is founder and president emeritus of Freedom in Christ Ministries.' from video introduction.