Thread by @RickLeeJames

#thread This may surprise many, but one of the richest books of Christian Theological insight (in my opionon) is the Exorcist by Peter Blatty. The movie too has some strong theological insight as well. Here are some of my favorite moments from each.

"What we give to the poor is what we take with us when we die."

“What seemed like morning was the beginning of endless night.”

Father Karas (Damien):
Because of this priest’s crisis of faith, the silence of God, the mass that once brought him joy was now painful to Him. He begs God to reveal himself. It's been too long since the raising of Lazarus the book says.

After Karas leads another painful mass, remembering his mother who has recently passed away, a young priest visits him. We read of a plaque in Karas’s office during the visit that says,

"My brother hurts, I share his pain. I see God in him"

The book and the film contrast God’s deep love for mankind and the demon’s deep hatred for them.

The demon is in Reagan, but he is not her...he hates her, he wants to kill her.

It is God, unseen but present, who is not willing to let her go.

When the priests prepare for the exorcism we read this:
"Especially important is the rule to avoid conversation with the demon. We might ask what is relevant but anything beyond that is dangerous. Especially do not listen to anything he says. The Demon is a liar, (continued)...

...he will try to confuse us but he will also mix lies with the truth to try and attack us. The attack is psychological Damien, and powerful, remember that. Do not listen."

In the film we find these incredibly powerful lines given by Father Merrin who is played to perfection by Max von Sydow. The words are shouted in defiance to the demon, resting on the power of Christ. Here we go...(continued)

Father Merrin to the Demon:
“Do not despise my command because you know me to be a sinner. It's God himself who commands you! The majestic Christ who commands you! God the Father commands you! God the son commands you! God the holy spirit commands you! (Continues)...

...The mystery of the cross commands you! The blood of the martyrs commands you!

Get behind me Satan
You have no power here
You know I'm a sinner
So let me make this clear
It is not I who commands you
I speak a higher word.”

That gives me chills. Thanks for readin my thread on #theexorcist and #theology for #Halloween @threadreaderapp unroll

Man, I wish twitter would let me change my typo from readin to reading.