The blog FishBowl LA reports on a new pilot ordered by CBS. What is the show about? Exorcism. Not your traditional Catholic Father Merrin exorcism, but the “real-life” evangelical exorcisms of Bob Larson.

Here is just some of what Larson says about Pagan faith:

“…the occult rituals of witchcraft are widely practiced today around the world. No longer threatened with death, witches enjoy a degree of respectability in America’s lenient New Age society…Witches insist their Pan, even though horned and cloven-hoofed, is not the same Lucifer condemned in scripture…Ceremonial activities include hexes and healing by the laying on of hands. Love spells can be cast upon reluctant suitors. Spirits are called upon to answer questions and speak through mediums. Animal sacrifices may end the ceremonies, though most mainstream ‘respectable’ witches deny such activity.”

Here is what happened to Vancouver police officer (and practicing Wiccan) Kerr Cuhulain after he confronted Larson at a talk on “Satanism”.

“I was to learn later that a copy of the video tape of this presentation was sent to my police department in an attempt to inform them that an individual that Glad Tidings Church thought to be a Satanist was in the police department. Thirteen letters were sent to the department, stating that I should be in jail as I was “a Satanist” and likely a danger to the public in general and their children in particular. These failed in their intended purpose, since my department already knew that I was a Wiccan and all that implies. The Vancouver Police Department thanked those who sent letters for their concerns and filed the video tape. In fact, members of the Vancouver PD who were assigned to the Vancouver Integrated Intelligence Unit Extremist Section were present to monitor Larson’s presentation that night, unaware that I had showed up on my own to do the same. One of the two VIIU officers was a devout Pentecostal Christian who is aware of my beliefs. These two officers had identified themselves to me as I was leaving Larson’s presentation that night and compared notes with me.”

Is basing a television drama on the “real” exorcisms of a fraud and hate-monger a good idea? Kate at Fishbowl LA thinks this may only exorcise viewers from the network.

“Besides losing the eyeballs of believers, unbelievers,Wiccas, Pagans, and oh, anyone else with a brain in his head, CBS continues on its downmarket path. Les Moonves must be preparing for the coming Rapture. Trust us, Les, God’s not on your side with this idea.”

If CBS is hoping to court controversy they may get more than they bargained for.

Tags: Paganism