Forgive those who trespass against you, as this is God's ordained will. Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you (Luke 6:27). Just as your heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, forgives you! (Matthew 6:12-14; James 5:16). Father, forgive them for they know not what they do (Luke 23:34).

BOB LARSON - A TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY PROCLAIMED EXORCIST

"And after the demon was cast out, the dumb man spoke; and the multitudes marveled,.." - Matthew 9:33

By Synthia Esther

January, 2007, Update: 4/29/2024.

Bob Larson was in Atlanta, Georgia January 26, 2007, for a spiritual deliverance service.  Having researched the sexual predators and serial killers reference to demons and entities taking over their mind and body, I thought Larson's vast experience with demonic possession and exorcism would provide me with a completely new, and different research perspective.  Stating I was right "is an understatement!"   

 Bob Larson took the stage at the Marriot Hotel in a plain dark grey suit with a basic conservative light blue shirt.  He stands about  5'8 and 1/2, (I'm guessing), has strawberry blond hair and a small framed, physical build.  The author of 30 books, Larson is proclaimed to be one of the world's foremost experts on cults, the occult, and supernatural phenomena.   He spoke of having been on Oprah, Montel, CNBC Talk-Live, Larry King Live, The O'Rielly factor, Inside Edition, and a Current Affair, (just to name a few television appearances).  And having had several documentaries made about his work aired on The Discovery Channel, Learning Channel and A & E Chanel.     

 DELIVERENCE AND EXORCISM SERVICE

  The conference room that night was full, with the audience comprised of a melting pot of normal looking people who were smiling and conversing before the deliverance service began.   Young and old alike, and two people in wheelchairs, came to see and hear Larson speak and cast out demons.   I sat beside and talked with a very nice young lady, Valencia and her mother.   Both had pleasant personalities and a gentle demeanor.   Like me, this was the first time they had ever attended a Bob Larson deliverance service.   

The service began with Larson boldly declaring, "half of the population has demons!"  He confirmed that he is doing what Jesus did as described in Luke 4:18, "Preach the gospel, heal the brokenhearted, and set the captives free -  Jesus said in my name you will cast out demons."   A few other scriptures I noted Larson quoting were, Hebrews 4:12, Mathew 17, and Mark 9:20-29.    He then talked about the Catholic church and their recently developed school of training for priest involved in exorcism and deliverance ministry.   He spoke of  Satanic ritual abuse, children being murdered and molested by people who were possessed by evil demons.  Concerning the sexually abused, Larson went on to say, "almost all people who have been sexually abused and molested end up with demons,"

 When Larson did begin to pray for people his demeanor drastically changed as he became more like a drill sergeant with the casting out of sexual demons top on his priority list. His small, framed build was no match for his bold, confronting vocal commands.  He  explained, "Every problem you have is under the authority of Jesus Christ.  We are in a battle, a war, and Satan is the enemy.  When you get saved you become a sholdier in the battle whether you choose to fight or not!  Tell the Devil to go!  Be a leader and not a follower, a warrior instead of a whimp!"     

Larson then explained in simple terms, a beginners 3-step process to breaking demonic curses:  1. Confess Jesus Christ as your savior.  2. Forgive those who have hurt you. 3. Break every soul tie that you have made with everyone you have been unequally yoked with.  Jesus Christ came to set the captive free! 

BURPING AND BELCHING MANIFESTATIONS

Larson gave the audience the following instructions:

"Find out your issues, patterns of behavior and deal with them.  Go to a psychologist to help you deal with your problems and then come see me to cast out your demons.  Deliverance is all about inner healing.  You do not need another human to heal you, nor console you about your troubled soul.  Jesus Christ is alone is the bondage breaker! (Micah 2:13).

When Larson did begin to supposedly exorcise people of their demons, about half of the audience began to experience burping and belching problems, and like strange manifestations.   At which time Larson stated he had obviously aroused some demons!  

Even the nice articulate young lady, Valencia, who sat next to me began to experience inner turmoil and body reactions when Larson mentioned praying for those who had experienced sexual abuse.   I silently prayed for Valencia as the service continued. 

Many in the audience were also manifesting intense feelings and emotions, some of which were profusely crying.   A few people tried to throw up and vomit in white plastic buckets provided by Larson's team of helpers.  I sat pondering, "Are these physical reactions due to the likes of demons, or mental illness?"  

Larson instructs audience members to go to the point of their pain.  Think of the worst thing that ever happened to you and think about the pain you felt.   He reiterates the fact that most people shove their pain down deep inside, choosing not to think about it.  Then confidently expounds, "you have to think about your pain to release it and let it go."   This much is true, forgiveness is the key towards inner healing (Ephesians 4:31; Mark 11:25; Matthew 6:15; 18:21-22).

Larson placed anointed oil in the sign of a cross on the forehead or left hand and sometimes both, of the persons he prayed for.  Some people were moaning as if in a grieving process of turmoil, while many others were crying.    Larson prayed for a young man named Wayne, placing a cross on his stomach, at which time he doubled over letting out several loud moans.   Wayne confessed when asked by Larson about his childhood that he was raised by a father who ignored him, never said I love you, nor showed any kindness towards him.  As a result of the personal rejection he felt growing up, Wayne, who appeared to be in his mid-thirties, with slumping posture and a sad countenance, had not been able to pursue a desired relationship with a women.   

Larson then briefly explained passed down generational curses, "Your father was probably raised that way by his father, and in turn raised you with the same un-loving pattern of behavior."  He then spoke of Christ's love and commanded the demons of suicide and rejection to leave Wayne's mind, his genetics and bloodline.  Wayne seemed to feel better after the exoneration of said "demonic spirits" that haunted his mind, soul, and body.    

PEOPLE WERE IN DEEP EMOTIONAL TURMOIL  

 As I looked around I was surrounded by people who were in deep emotional turmoil.  There were far too many people, (at least one-half of the audience), who were in obvious sorrow, pain, and suffering, for "all" of the physical manifesations I witnessed to be contributed to fraud.   If interested, you can check out some of Bob Larson's actual exorcisms and learn more about his outreach, the "Spiritual Freedom Church," on his website and Internet T.V. at:  www.boblarson.org .   Personally, I found his methods unconventional, especially his solicitation of financial support, and his attitude arrogant.  

However, there is one thing I cannot dismiss: "Bob Larson, in the name of Jesus Christ, appeared to help some of these people feel better."   God's name nor His word return void.  As I sat writing and witnessing first hand how many of these people desperately needed and desired help, I found myself agreeing with Larson concerning the following facts:  

 1. "Most churches refuse to deal with problems of emotional health, healing, and deliverance.  They are preaching a different message."   

 2. "Some people don't want to get rid of their demons because they like what they do for them!"       

Upon leaving the Bob Larson deliverance service that night, I felt I had received confirmation of a fact I have known my entire adult life:

  "If you ignore your pain long enough, it will one day grow to consume you!   Like a caged mouse on an exercise wheel, you strive to run away from your problems, going no where.   Always looking from without, when the answers to all our problems in life, lie within.  Such is the bondage of addiction's snare. Jesus Christ, our Holy Loving Father, Savior and Friend  heals the broken hearted, and frees one from the bondages of sin and oppression (Matthew 8:16-17)."  -  Synthia Esther