BIS Reads // On the Demonic

Mixed emotions arose when I was presented with the opportunity to review this new book. 

The side that wanted to say no had valid reasons:

I am too busy. The new school year is about to begin and I have content to create for two new classes. Plus, my daughters are both facing new situations this fall, and I have other writing projects which need to be completed. This would be too much on my family. 

Still, another part of me pleaded:

But—it’s Fulton Sheen! I love Fulton Sheen! And a new book compiled with all his own words . . . how do I pass this up?

The no side presented another argument:

It’s entitled On the Demonic. Chances are you’ll experience some additional spiritual warfare at an already difficult time of the year if you agree to read and promote this. And what if it’s frightening or sobering to read? I am sensitive to that sort of thing. 

The yes side made a final push:

What if it’s beneficial for your new Angelology course? It could actually help you create content and benefit your students.

A couple of days passed, and when I could not get the opportunity out of my mind, I decided to accept the request.

Now that I have finished the book, I can officially say I am glad that I did.

The Origin Story

On the Demonic is the brainchild of Father Dave Tomaszycki—an admirer of Archbishop Fulton Sheen. In 2016, while searching through the archbishop’s writings in the midst of research, he came across a statement from Archbishop Sheen in the midst of a few paragraphs about the fallen angels:

“The demonic I shall treat in another book.” 

Before Archbishop Sheen’s death, the book itself was never written. However, many speeches, chapters, and sentiments on the demonic existed among his archives. After much discussion, discernment, and encouragement from mentors, Father Tomaszycki tackled the task of compiling and editing the archbishop’s own words into a book on a subject he had intended to write himself.  

The Brief Summary (No Spoilers)

From the very beginning, throughout the middle, and until the end, Archbishop Sheen continually addresses my initial concern. It is a repeated theme throughout the book.

The devil is real, but we need not fear him. Jesus is stronger. Jesus has definitively defeated him. We need only to stay close to Jesus and the gifts He gave to us, and we have nothing to fear. We have every bit of strength we need to combat evil in our world.

The book tactfully outlines the manner in which Satan operates, has always operated, and how he can be identified within our world and culture, by providing us with three signs of the demonic. Immediately, that information is followed up with the weapons we can use against them—the gifts which Christ already gave to us.

While the chosen title is On the Demonic, this is truly a book about the power of the Divine—power which He shares with His disciples.

The Experience

Reading the words of Archbishop Sheen can be a bit like standing under a waterfall. While it can be an exhilarating and cleansing experience, it can also be intense.

It can also be hard to remember every drop of water felt. There is simply too much goodness within each page for me to remember every drop. I expect I will return to my notes and annotations time and time again.

There were times I was so inspired and uplifted by what I was reading that I remarked this could end up being a favorite among my books. Other times it was so sobering, I had to encourage my timid heart to persevere through the chapter. I was happy to discover the reward of that perseverance as Archbishop Sheen—with the help of Father Tomaszycki—did not leave the reader in despair but instead left us with a sense of hope and assurance.

These sentiments—that demons are not to be feared and Christ is the victor—are nothing new. Yet the manner in which Archbishop Sheen articulates these truths brings new depths of understanding to the reader. The master of analogies (something I value greatly as a theology teacher and writer), his choice of words creates imagery that is theatrical, but far from smoke and mirrors. Rather, it is like a piece of art or music that elevates the inner spirit. I found myself rereading certain paragraphs over and over again, much like a sports channel shows slow-motion replays of an exceptional feat of athleticism.

After fifteen years in ministry and education, I think some parts of my inner spirit had become a bit dull and deadened—like a well-utilized pencil. This book sharpened those spaces, or rather, reminded me where to go to be sharpened. This is the only spoiler I will provide: it’s Jesus in the Eucharist.

The most crucial thing this book reminded me is that to defeat Satan in this world, I cannot avoid my suffering. Rather, I must strive to face my daily sufferings with virtue, combining it with Christ’s Cross. This truly has renewed my inner spirit to the “point” where it is once again able to function as it is meant to.

That made this worth the read. I pray it is for you too.

Archbishop Fulton Sheen—pray for us!

About Grace Bellon

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Grace is a regular contributor to the BIS Blog. She had planned to be a nurse until an encounter with Christ in Confession ignited a spark that resulted in an ongoing career as a high school Theology teacher. Though a cradle Catholic, she continues to be amazed at the depth of peace and joy that can be found within the Faith and can’t help but share that passion with others as a teacher, writer, and speaker. Outside of ministry, she dabbles in a bit of everything, excels in almost nothing, and like most moms, cannot survive without at least one cup of coffee a day. Grace resides in Charleston, SC with her hunky husband and their daughter who looks just like him. You can find out more about her here. Read all of Grace's posts here.