Our society has become more and more polarized over the years. Republican vs. Democrat, Liberal vs. Conservative, Novus Ordo vs. The Latin Mass … division is now defining the way we live. It is also, according to Venerable Fulton Sheen, a sign of the devil’s work in our lives. How do we combat this growing demonic influence? How do we bring unity into a world increasingly torn apart?
The answers are coming to us from an unexpected, but not unwelcome source. Fr. Dave Tomaszycki and the Emmaus Road publishing house are bringing Fulton Sheen’s unpublished wisdom to the public in the brand new book, “On the Demonic.”
That’s right – a new book by Fulton Sheen!
Sheen always intended to write a book on this topic, and “On the Demonic” is the closest we will come to that. Compiled from published articles, notes for talks, and unpublished writings, “On the Demonic” presents Sheen’s personal thoughts on the influence of the demonic, a topic he spoke and privately wrote about more and more toward the end of his life.
“Today we are beginning to either domesticate the devil or deny him,” Sheen writes, echoing the words of C.S. Lewis:
There are two equal and opposite errors into which our race can fall about demons. One is to disbelieve in their existence. The other is to believe, and to feel an excessive and unhealthy interest in them.
It is critical, Sheen believed, to recognize the influence of the demonic in our day and age, but that recognition should always lead us toward hope.
When reading this book, do not expect to read about exorcisms or the names of demons. It is not a book for the morbidly curious. Sheen’s writings take the via negativa approach to the demonic – touching on it, but only as a springboard toward Jesus Christ and the hope He brings.
“When you think of the demonic do not be led off track by what you may hear through the media,” Sheen wrote. “The demonic, very simply, is the anti-cross, the anti-disciplined life, the anti-Christ. That’s the satanic, nothing else. You will never go wrong if you understand that. He bid you love that Cross.”
The book not only gives information about the nature of the demonic, but also how best to counter it. Using such resources as the name of Jesus, the Blessed Mother, and the sacraments, Catholics can very quickly discover hope even in the darkest of times.
This is a book to be studied, but most importantly prayed with.
“I ask that you do not read this book like a novel, just for entertainment,” Fr. Dave Tomaszycki stated. “I also ask that you do not read it like a school-book, just for information. This book should be read in prayer, with your eyes on Jesus.”
The book can be purchased on Amazon or through the St. Paul Center.
