Mermaids, werewolves and alien abductions might sound like material for a science-fiction story. But self-described Christian minister Katie Souza has discussed them as real events, drawing concern from BlazeTV host Allie Beth Stuckey, who says Souza’s ideas are gaining traction among Christians.
Stuckey warns that Souza is promoting what she calls occult beliefs, which she says can appeal to people in Christian circles. In a clip from Souza’s podcast, Souza describes being visited by aliens as a child. She claims they implanted an interdimensional device in her and harvested her eggs over the years.
In another clip, Souza speculates that mermaids may have been created by combining human women with fish. She describes them as ancient, witch-like creatures.
Souza has also said she has encountered shape-shifters, including what she called a werewolf. She insisted the experience was real, not something from a film.
Stuckey says Souza’s teachings have shifted from what she describes as a conventional Christian ministry to an unusual supernatural worldview. Souza first became known for her conversion story: she became a Christian while serving a federal prison sentence related to drug and weapons charges, after years of addiction and violent behavior. Stuckey says Souza’s imprisonment eventually brought her to a personal breaking point.
After her release, Souza wrote about her conversion, started a prison ministry in 2006 and later hosted a program on Christian television networks. Stuckey says the change from that ministry to Souza’s current claims is difficult to explain.
Stuckey notes that Christians believe in the supernatural, but argues that Souza is drawing on mythology, folklore, occultism and paranormal ideas to shape her account of the spiritual world, rather than relying on the Bible.
In another clip, Souza claims that mermaid spirits can sexually assault people in their sleep, and says some such encounters may be more than dreams. She also alleges that these spirits can drain a person’s youth and vitality, cause illness and nausea, and make someone appear to age.
Stuckey responds skeptically to the claim that mermaids can take away someone’s youth. Still, she says Souza sometimes makes claims that Christians may find familiar or convincing, which could help draw them toward the broader message.
