#339 The Dark Side of Deliverance: Pagan Roots and Spiritual Abuse, with Anna Kitko

In today's conversation, Alisa Childers is joined by Anna Kitko—a researcher and clinical expert on spiritual abuse—to unpack the historical, biblical, and psychological roots of deliverance ministry. Together they explore how many of today’s practices trace back not to Scripture, but to ancient pagan rituals, and how that can lead to deep spiritual and emotional harm for sincere Christians seeking help.Drawing from her research into ancient Akkadian medicine, Second Temple Judaism, and modern charismatic movements, Anna explains that Jesus’ exorcisms were unique precisely because only Yahweh Himself could command evil spirits. Alisa and Anna also discuss:The four ancient categories of “demons” and what they reveal about how we understand possessionWhy much of deliverance ministry functions like spiritualized mental-health care—without accountability or clinical ethicsThe concept of iatrogenic harm (when “healing” practices actually wound people)How Bethlehem’s “SOZO” prayer model parallels ancient pagan rituals and can lead to spiritual abuseWhat true, biblical deliverance and spiritual warfare look like—prayer, truth, and faithfulness under Christ’s authority aloneThis episode is a sober but deeply encouraging reminder: Christians are delivered when they trust in Christ and are delivered from the kingdom of darkness to the kingdom of God. ------------------------------------------------------------------This video is sponsored by:RANGE LEATHERAmerican-Made Craftsmanship from WyomingGo to www.rangeleather.com for more informationUse my code: ALISAA'DEL NATURAL COSMETICSElevate your skincare routine with A'del's toxin-free cosmetics. Experience the difference in quality and purity. Go to www.adelnaturalcosmetics.com for more information. Use my code: ALISA FOUNDATION WORLDVIEWFoundation Worldview creates curriculum series that will empower your child to thinkBiblically in a deceptive world. Go to www.foundationworldview.com for more information! Use my code: ALISA--------------------------------------------------------------------To Purchase the new CD, “Beauty from the Ash”, go to www.alisachilders.com/musicThere you can get the CD, backing tracks, string charts, rhythm charts and stems.Support us on Patreon: www.patreon.com/alisachildersTo order “Another Gospel”: www.alisachilders.com/another-gospel/To order “Live Your Truth": www.alisachilders.com/live-your-truth-and-other-lies/To order “The Deconstruction of Christianity”: https://alisachilders.com/the-deconstruction-of-christianity/For Alisa's Merch: https://alisachilders.creator-spring.comTo see what gear Alisa uses to record her podcast, go to:https://kit.co/alisachildersPotential Sponsors: https://alisachilders.com/sponsor-request-form/Product links are affiliate links which means if you buy something we'll receive a small commission.