I’ve not seen the movie The Exorcist, and its release date in 1973 is now a long time ago. It’s not for lack of opportunity, nor because I’m fearful of the topic, nor disbelieving of the subject area, but because of that injunction in one of Paul’s letters to fill your head with light. “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.”

One doesn’t have to read far into either Old or New Testaments to discover both a devilish being and an Exorcist. In the first Book of Bible, the Devil appears on the third page. But so does the Exorcist, who pronounces a curse on him and prophesies his defeat. In the first Book of the New Testament, the Devil appears early to crush the infant Jesus via Herod’s thugs, but without success; and then thirty years later to tempt Jesus at the beginning of his ministry, but is banished for his audacity.

Demonology is a difficult topic to navigate today, with many dismissing it as superstition. Yet some brave souls dare to disagree. Richard Gallagher’s ‘Demonic Foes’ is one sober attempt to steer through the subject matter honestly. And C.S. Lewis’ ‘Screwtape Letters’ still stands as a thoughtful commentary. But best is John’s Revelation, which gives the last word on the topic. The Devil will be exorcised from this world forever, and the Lamb will stand triumphant.