To Be Or Not To Be, A Demonologist?
Whether you believe in demons or not, the fact of the matter is that there are cases where it is believed that demons are responsible for hauntings and even possession. We really do not know for a fact if demons are real or not just as we really do not know if ghosts are real or not, and that is why there are so many groups who are dedicated to researching and investigation of paranormal phenomena. The idea of demons has been around for ages, and there are those who firmly believe they are real. Demons are described as an evil spirit, one capable of physical and mental harm and even taking over one's soul. In the paranormal investigators world, a demon is an entity not to be reckoned with.
If you look at many paranormal groups today you see a growing trend among many of them, the demonologist. By definition a demonologist is someone who studies demons and demonic hauntings. When you hear the term demonologist a lot of people immediately think of an exorcist, however an exorcist is someone who uses prayer or a religious ritual to drive away evil spirits. A demonologist is NOT someone who is an exorcist and that confusion could lead to some major problems. I would have to ask myself if these self proclaimed "demonologists" are aware that their title could be very misleading.
So why do so many groups out there claim to have specialists in this field? For a moment lets say that demons are indeed real, why would an average Joe want to deal with such a malevolent entity? Someone who simply has a fascination with demonic hauntings and has read a few books would not seem qualified enough to go into someone's home who may feel threatened, scared and terrorized claiming expertise in this area. Many people who call upon a paranormal group for assistance could easily mistake a demonologist for someone who can drive evil spirits from their home. I respect those who have for long years studied demons and have truly earned their title. But I fear that many of the people who claim to be demonologists are not fully worthy of that title.
I can not see that "demonologist" is a necessary title that should be included in every paranormal group. If a person has the right credentials and background of study to be known as a demonologist that is one thing, but if average Joe calls himself a specialist then he might have another thing coming. It is a good idea ALL paranormal group members know the signs of a demonic haunting and know how to handle it in case something of that nature would present itself. We all should be aware of possible dangers we face during investigations. There is nothing wrong with having one person who is more knowledgeable than the rest on the subject of demons but all groups need to be careful of the titles they give to their members to avoid misrepresenting themselves.
We all need to think about what we do and how if affects the people who we try to help. By crowning ourselves with titles that we may not be able to live up to we are hurting ourselves and the people who need help. We need to take our jobs as paranormal investigators very serious and always be professional. We need to remember that nobody in the paranormal field are true experts, and for the few who may have a degree in parapsychology or are true demonologists even the true "experts" do not really have all the answers.
Here is a very informative link about demonology it even gives a description of what a demonologist does.
E-mail us: Investigations@HuntingtonParanornal.com
© 2006-2009 Huntington
Paranormal Investigations & Research
All content on this site is the property of HPIR
except where otherwise noted.