GUN-TOTING PHOTO OP
FATHER RIPPERGER WITH SHAWN RYAN
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.
Romans 15:13
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Phillipians 4:6-7
Some people I'm sure will hate me for this report. I don't care, because I can't stay silent about this issue.
For a few years now I've been seeing videos of Father Chad Ripperger, a well-known exorcist who has achieved celebrity status among Catholics.
And I've found that I have a hard time listening to him. He speaks about demons in excruciating detail, listing all the ways that demons can invade one's life and all the prohibitions needed to ward them off.
From my observations over many years, just as a basic Christian, involved in various ministries, most people don't think about demons, and many don't even “believe” in them. Let me be clear: I know them to be real. I've had some extremely disturbing personal experience with them. And I know full well that exorcism is sometimes necessary. That's all I will say.
But I honestly don't think we need to be constantly hearing about the many evils, the ever-proliferating dastardly deeds of demons, day in and day out. Seriously, how is this helping anyone, to focus on demons? Would it not be so much better for the faithful to focus on Jesus?
Or for that matter, those who might otherwise be influenced for the good, led to conversion, feeling distressed by mental images of demons, might instead turn away.
With all due respect to Father Ripperger, I really don't find the peace I am seeking from all this spotlighting of the evil one. I certainly don't think it would be helpful for young people (especially children) to be focused on the gory details of the demonic realm.
To me, it's fear-mongering, plain and simple. And for what cause? Talking about demons only engenders anxiety and emotional distress. It brings evil thoughts we may not even have entertained otherwise.
Now, about the talk host, Shawn Ryan. I watched the first interview with Father Ripperger some time ago. I did not enjoy it, but watched it to the end anyway, because it was important to me to know exactly what it was they were promoting.
I know there was a second more recent interview, which I did not watch. Enough already, I don't need the added stress.
I'll say it bluntly: I don't like Shawn Ryan, not at all. He's got a foul mouth, and has very bad taste in some of the guests he interviews (think the totally unscrupulous Candace Owens). For the most part, Ryan just sits there, nodding along silently while the guest holds forth, no matter what kind of trash they are spewing. Of course, he's got a huge audience and is making millions.
Next item: The firearm photo op.
To be clear, I have nothing against bearing arms. It is a constitutionally protected right, one I have supported all my adult life.
But why this gun-toting image in connection with the Church? What message does it send?
I don't know what the deal is with Father Ripperger and Shawn Ryan. I just don't want any part of it.
But there is a Priest for whom I have tremendous respect and admiration, Father Stephen Imbarrato.
His ministry, on the other hand, brings me hope and peace. And I so often find that he is expressing the same observations and views that I have about particular individuals and issues.
He's not afraid to be blunt, to issue warnings where he finds it necessary, because it's clear that he really cares about the people to whom he preaches.
Here are two recent podcasts where he addresses the issue of exorcists.
Catholics be crazy! Legalism, demon obsession, clericalism and downright arrogance! Fr Imbarrato
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=loX99ETmGiU
Catholic schismatics are even crazier than us! Benedict’s theological crumbs! Fr Imbarrato.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hz5YUgoHWQs
Please take the time to view these podcasts. As a Catholic Priest, Father Imbarrato's insights on these issues bring clarity and light, as well as plain old fashioned common sense, to ward off the darkness.
Barbara Hartwell
July 28, 2026
RELATED REPORTS
SCANDALOUS BLASPHEMY: John Henry Westen & Fr. Altman Call for Stoning of the Pope!
https://barbarahartwellvscia.blogspot.com/2026/07/scandalous-blasphemy-john-henry-westen.html
Father Stephen Imbarrato: What Does Jew Hate Look Like?
https://barbarahartwellvscia.blogspot.com/2026/04/father-stephen-imbarrato-what-does-jew.html
Father Imbarrato: HATERS OF ISRAEL IGNORE THE EVIL OF ISLAM
https://barbarahartwellvscia.blogspot.com/2026/06/father-imbarrato-haters-of-israel.html