Topic: Do we believe in the Occult?

Date originally posted: March 12, 2002

Source of this posting: Moderator response to emailed question

Moderator who originally posted this source: J. Ruffo

Question:   Why is there no teaching on the occult and the kingdom of darkness in our seminaries. People are in so much trouble because they get involved in these things. The priest have no knowledge of these things, yet it is a basic tool they need for deliverance from evil spirits.  To preach the Gospel we all need to know how God sets us free through the power of his Spirit.

Answer: 

Dear Emery, 

Welcome back!  Hey, man, what kind of people are you hanging out with?  I personally don’t know of anyone who is in trouble with the occult. 

I agree with you, Emery, that to preach the Gospel effectively we all need to know how God sets us free through the power of God’s Spirit.   

As to what’s presently being taught in American Catholic seminaries, I’m pretty sure they still touch upon the concept of evil and practices of the occult, both in theology classes and the study of world religions.  How much, or how deeply they actually delve into occult practices varies from seminary to seminary.  

Father John