An Unholy Interest in the Paranormal Has Consequences

Since the release of The Conjuring in 2013, this supernatural horror franchise has sparked a lot of interest not only in Ed and Lorraine Warren, but in paranormal activity altogether. The Conjuring is listed as one of the most profitable horror movies in history, which led to a whole series of films related to the Warrens and their cases, including Annabelle, The Nun, and three other Conjuring films.

This cultlike fanbase has brought its fascination into the real world with visits to the real-life “Conjuring House” and to Ed and Lorraine Warren’s home & museum, where visitors can interact with demonic artifacts and trinkets from allegedly infested homes and possession cases.

Recently, a ghost-hunting enthusiast purchased the Ed and Lorraine Warren Occult Museum. In an Instagram announcement, he writes, “If you know me, you know I’m obsessed with the paranormal and all things haunted. You also may know The Conjuring films are my favorite scary movies of all time. So I’m incredibly honored to have taken over one of the most prominent properties in paranormal history.”

The new owners announced, “We plan to open the house for overnight stays and museum tours so you yourself can experience and learn all the haunted history surrounding this amazing place.” For $666 (the Number of the Beast), fans can spend a night attempting to dialogue with spirits and seeing artifacts such as human skulls, a satanic idol, the Annabelle doll, and black magic weapons. The experience is sold out until April 2027. 

Visitors are even required to sign a spiritual liability waiver, which states, “Every guest will be asked to sign a physical liability waiver as well as a spiritual liability waiver. We are not liable for any physical or spiritual afflictions that may occur during your stay or at any point afterwards. This includes but is not limited to: scratches, possession, attachments, vomiting, fainting, levitation, sleep paralysis, bruising, black eyes, psychic wounds, nightmares, voices in your head, astral projections & beyond.” 

At the risk of stating the obvious, visiting a known paranormal site and/or partaking in activities that seek to communicate with unknown spirits is a very bad idea for a few primary reasons:

1. An attempt to encounter paranormal activity is an invitation for relationship with unclean spirits. Whether intended or not, you are stepping into uncharted territory where the Evil One lingers. “Your opponent the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion looking for [someone] to devour” (1 Peter 5:8).

2. Willingly visiting a seemingly demonically infested place, especially while living with unconfessed sin and/or not living in a state of grace, puts spiritually vulnerable people into a battle they are not prepared for.

3. Scripture reminds us, “Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” We are warned to avoid the Evil One, not invite him to interact with us. The Church vehemently opposes all forms of occultism, divination, witchcraft, mediums, psychics, etc., because they violate the First Commandment: “You shall not have other gods beside me.”

Msgr. Stephen Rossetti’s latest book, My Confrontations with Hell, recounts a case in which a man’s unholy interest in the paranormal (including haunted-house visits and ghost hunting) led him to become possessed. Msgr. Rossetti reminds us that it is “a spiritually dangerous idea.” Many other exorcists have reported similar cases. An unholy interest in the paranormal can become an open door for the devil to walk through.

For those hungry for a spiritual experience, grow in closeness to Jesus Christ and His Church. The lives of the saints show us the supernatural graces and experience that come from God. A vibrant spiritual life is a wonderful way to feed our spiritual hunger. 

Part of our profession of faith is to renounce Satan, all his works, and all his empty show. Let us always live according to this profession and seek the fullness of the spiritual life with our loving God.