Box Turtle’s Rob Tisinai to Take the Demon Test

Rob Tisinai of Box Turtle Bulletin has happened upon an interesting online service being offered by one Reverend Bob Larson: a Demon Test®. For $9.95, you can take the test and figure out whether you have a demon–the kind that, according to Larson’s FAQ, “incites sin in the hearts of the morally weak: lust, homosexuality, pedophilia and adultery.” In addition to his stated homophobia, Larson, a televangelist and radio host, has carved out a niche as an exorcist for hire. The countercult Christian Research Institute has referred to Larson’s public exorcisms as “sideshows.”

If you do take the test and learn that you have a demon, you can pay Reverend Bob more money in an Encounter Session or Intensive Session to help you rid yourself of it. What puzzles me is that there seems to be a simpler way: Larson’s own FAQ explains that if you’re worried about having an undetected demon, you probably don’t. Perhaps the Demon Test® might be best purchased as a gift to the possessed, kind of like giving someone a bottle of mouthwash for their birthday.

Tisinai has bravely offered to take the test and find out if he himself has demons:

Encounter Session or Intensive Session — how to choose? It’s like picking between a happy ending and full release.

I have to admit, I’m fascinated. So here’s the deal: If I can get just one of you to sponsor mein the next AIDS/LifeCycle for $10 (or more), I will take the Demon Test® and report back on it.

Gentle readers, I for one can’t wait to find out what Rob learns. At the same time, it saddens me that some people are going to shell out their money to be told that an imaginary being is to blame for the problems in their lives.

9 Comments

Gary (NJ) January 3, 2012 at 3:55 pm -

I can guarantee that everyone who takes the test will have some type of demon that requires the payment of another fee to get rid of it. It’s just a new take on the old ‘gypsy’ trick (my apologies to any Roma people) that you have a curse on you and for a fee I will remove it.
OldBaldGuy January 3, 2012 at 4:01 pm -

@Gary: kinda like the movie “Thinner”

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0117894/
Gew January 3, 2012 at 5:46 pm -

Sounds like Larson needs to be tested for greed and dishonesty.
Wayne Besen January 3, 2012 at 5:59 pm -

I was on Bob’s radio show in 1992 or 93 and debated him. It was kind of fun. He has a unique radio voice. Of course, he’s full of s**t.
emma January 3, 2012 at 6:00 pm -

Isn’t this how scientology works? the e-meter dealie.
Jane January 3, 2012 at 10:40 pm -

Love me, love my demons. They’re so cute!
Scott January 4, 2012 at 1:39 pm -

Wayne,
I also saw Larson live her in Minneapolis,he was a hoot on stage. I used to listen to him, he was always asking for money. He also used to do “on-air” exorcisms, that were just a hoot. Larson was wacked out radio craziness.
Wayne Besen January 4, 2012 at 1:42 pm -

I love Larson’s: “I need a $1000 hero, I need a $500 champion. Only you can save this ministry. The Devil is trying to close me down. If you’ve given, GIVE AGAIN.”

The guy amuses me. Anyone stupid enough to get bilked by this con man deserves to have their money taken. I know I’m not supposed to say that, but it’s true.
Alison January 5, 2012 at 3:51 am -

My Dad has a lot of his books, and has always told me about them. When I was about 14 he had me read some of them. I have had a phobia of demons since. I am almost 18 now and have just started to get over it, I am so glad I can now somewhat laugh at him.