A scary and very good book indeed, as it explains the work of intelligent evil in the world in real cases.
The words of our (alleged) internet deacon are typical of clerics trained in our seminaries: they do not believe in intelligent evil......the Devil.....his powers.....his legions of demons & their skill and expertise in tempting the souls of man......and their desire to ensnare souls to their damnnation. Such a lack of insight and proper training does great harm to the souls of the faithful who need spiritual help - NOT an agnostic Psychiatrist!
There is indeed aneed for an exorcist in every single diocese. To evaluate potential cases, and make recommendations to the local ordinary. Sending folks in dire need of spiritual help to an unbelieving doctor is akin to what Christ said about "giving your son a rock when he asks for bread".
The need to exorcists is great - very great indeed. I will make the statement that those who disagree with this are sadly mistaken....either through ignorance of the problem (due to lack of contact with the general public), or because they do not believe in the reality of evil.
It certainly does. My spiritual director spoke with a man who has been suffering a bad obsession. Every time he asks a N.O. priest for help he is told "it is a psychological problem." He finally found a diocesan priest willing to help him out of state.
It's beyond sad. I think the U.S. has less than 10 exorcists at last count. Italy has around 300 who are kept busy.