“ The same habits that shape what I do as a professor and psychiatrist — open-mindedness , respect for evidence , and compassion for suffering people — led me to aid in the work ” of discerning possible evil attacks .
the spiritual climate on campus
of patients who hallucinate . Such professionals are versed in psychotic pathology , but lack a “ frame of reference for believing in the spirit world .”
In addition to deeply ingrained skepticism of the supernatural , physicians follow a reasoned , firm commitment to “ employ only standard , peer-reviewed treatments ,” according to Gallagher . “ Still , the evidence in some rare cases does not align with material causes .”
Conversely , some Christian medical professionals have thanked Gallagher for adding validity to cases where they questioned demonic interference . Physicians who hail from belief systems that emphasize the Bible can be surprisingly open to modern manifestations , he said .
When called upon , Gallagher approaches self-reporting casualties with some skepticism . Technically , he does not offer a diagnosis of possession . Rather , the physician informs clergy the apparent symptoms do not appear
“ The same habits that shape what I do as a professor and psychiatrist — open-mindedness , respect for evidence , and compassion for suffering people — led me to aid in the work ” of discerning possible evil attacks .
to have “ conceivable ” medical causes by standard diagnostic criteria .
For the spiritually afflicted , “ they have to really turn for God ’ s help ” and initiate steps toward spiritual progress , he said .
Gallagher has been featured in a variety of documentaries and articles for his expertise . The practicing Catholic also once served as a scientific adviser to a growing Rome-based organization for religious practitioners .
Catholic teachings describe the evil spirits as fallen angels who are “ craftier ” than their hapless human targets . Gallagher ’ s top instruction to clergy who suspect demonic activity is to “ make sure there is no medical , especially psychiatric , condition that can explain the phenomena .”
Not surprisingly , Gallagher possesses his share of critics , many of whom are strict materialists . He said his goal is to assist oppressed people , not to convert unpersuadable skeptics , including those with narrow scientific parameters . Remarkably , professional and personal colleagues have labeled Gallagher as courageous for his candor .
As a psychoanalyst , a “ blanket rejection ” of the possibility of demonic activity upon a few victims does not represent full , careful appraisal of evidence , Gallagher said .
More importantly , “ for any person of science or faith , it should be impossible to turn one ’ s back on a tormented soul .” | cu
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A Fall Study Break with Jubilation !
Columbia University ’ s Christian a cappella group Jubilation ! hosted “ Breakthrough : A Fall Study Break Concert ” on October 11 in Alfred Lerner Hall . The campus community was invited to “ join us as we sing to our God about the change which He has produced in us , and the ‘ breakthroughs ’ we have made by His power .”
The theme verse for Jubilation ! is Psalm 98:4 : “ Shout for joy to the
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LORD , all the earth , burst into jubilant song with music .” The group was founded in 1990 .
Fr . Koterski Speaks at Thomistic Institute Lecture
On October 10 , Columbia Catholic Ministry hosted the Thomistic Institute Lecture with Fr . Joseph Koterski , S . J ., associate professor of philosophy at Fordham University and editor-inchief
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of International Philosophical Quarterly . The lecture , entitled “ How True Is the Bible ? Reading the Bible Intelligently and Faithfully ,” was held at Corpus Christi Church in Manhattan . Koterski , who served two terms as president of the Fellowship of Catholic Scholars , has written and edited several books , including An Introduction to Medieval Philosophy : Some Basic Concepts ; and The Great Courses : Natural Law and Human Nature . |