This is the standard pertaining to the information that the Christian must know about the occult. Walter Martin has compiled the information which was edited and published by his daughter, Jill Rische and Kurt Van Gordon. I am so thankful that this book has been published!
I became a Christian in the '80's amidst the 'satanic panic'. The devil is everywhere, so Geraldo Rivera would have us believe. And, the publishing houses had a heyday putting out books about 'babies being concieved in hell' and an individual who used to be a doctor telling a ficticious story (though sold as the truth), not to mention the once famous Christian comedian, who posed as a satanic High Priest. The sad thing is, that the church took what they were saying and believed it.
I came out of satanism and I thought that many Christians were simply making satan and his minions out to be way more powerful than they actually are. This was exactly what satan wanted. Christians believing a lie, or the ficticious work of 'authors' and publishing houses. No one checked out their stories to see if they were telling the truth. Lots of misinformation about satan, demons, the occult and spiritual warfare was the result.
This book clears it all up. Literally. This book reflects the depth that Dr. Martin gave us in his work The Kingdom the Cults, which is a classic on the subject. He tackles the topic(s) and lists resources in order for the reader to offer help for those in the occult. A must read!
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Jeff,
ReplyDeleteThe 'satanic panic' you have outlined in your book review does seem to remain the prevailing narrative beloved by those who have to demonise others to justify their own impoverished faith and beliefs. Whenever I read books that fall within the moral panic genre I am always struck by just how less is their portrayal of God as they claim to believe in him compared to the portrayal of Satan or of God that can be found within scripture.
Caitlin.
Hi Caitlin,
ReplyDeleteHopefully the tide is changing. There are some very sound resources that are available for a better understanding of the occult and those who are or have been involved. Help spread the word that this book is available.
Jeff