Originally published in 1976, Hostage to the Devil provides a meticulous account of five alleged cases of demonic possession in modern America. Unlike fictional depictions of the era, such as The Exorcist , Martin’s work is presented as interpretive reporting, blending theological scholarship with a harrowing narrative style.
: Martin emphasizes the physical and psychic toll on the priest, noting that the exorcist must offer themselves as a "hostage" to save the possessed soul. In several cases, the exorcists suffered long-term psychological damage or physical injury. Hostage to the Devil: The Possession and Exorci...
This paper examines Malachi Martin’s seminal work, Hostage to the Devil: The Possession and Exorcism of Five Contemporary Americans (1976), analyzing its unique theological framework, psychological depth, and the controversy surrounding its author. Originally published in 1976, Hostage to the Devil