Dr. Harold Ristau, On the Line

 On the Line with Dr. Harold Ristau - YouTube

This is a really fantastic interview with Rev. Dr. Maj. Harold Ristau, a Lutheran pastor who has written on his experiences with exorcism, participated in the Canadian Trucker Convoy protest, served honorably as chaplain for the Canadian Armed Forces, and is an excellent selection for the President of Luther Classical College. The interview and his biography show a man actively engaged with faith in the public square. Listen to the whole thing, and consider subscribing to On the Line, they have had a number of impressive long-form episodes.

A few highlights. 

The conversation starts with a discussion of COVID. Around the 20 minute mark Dr. Ristau eviscerates the "remote distance of evil" arguments with respect to the COVID vaccines, moving on to the Lord's Supper a few minutes later, including the theology of the Common Cup and "shooter cups."

Next up is exorcisms. Dr. Ristau is very measured here trying not to titillate but provide some useful information on demon possession. In modernity there is a tendency to overlook or functionally deny the presence of demons, but they are as active as they ever were.

Around the 2-hour mark Dr. Ristau discusses screens and non-sacred music styles in worship, pointing back to Marshall McLuhan and Neil Postman.

A wide ranging and in some senses recursive interview as we find many of these topics are intertwined.

Almost simultaneously with the podcast release, Luther Classical College was kind enough to send out a copy of Dr. Ristau's book "Spiritual Warfare: for the Care of Souls" to monthly donors. The book, while aimed at Pastors, was still an enjoyable and edifying read for this layman. Very cool, LCC!