When I was seeking more information about how to grow in my Christian life over 30 years ago, one of the first reference books that was recommended was Unger's "The New Unger's Bible Dictionary". It was/is an excellent resource for understanding the tenets and history of the Bible. So when I saw this book, also by Dr. Unger, as a Kindle freeby one day I jumped on it. It is well worth the cost of buying it if you missed the free offer.
Dr. Unger wrote this material in 1945 as a dissertation and partial requirement for the degree of Doctor of Theology. Even though we don't think of 1945 as being "modern" the ways of Satan to confuse, trap, and derail the Christian life are as old as humanity and what was true then is true now. I'm very grateful for the Kindle built in dictionary because I had to use it frequently to get the whole meaning of what was being said. The language is very intellectual but I don't even have a college degree and I can understand what he is saying.
It helps to have a good background in the Bible because many scripture references are used. Also, Dr. Unger tells it like it is--no politically correct allowances are given for questionable activities. He explains how the workers of Satan use divination, astrology, mediumship, speaking to the dead, and all other forms of occult practices to lead people into sin and away from the truth of God's authority.
The first few chapters are a little dry and seem to be the most outdated, expecially since we don't often refer to people of other religions as "heathens" any more. But that was common to the time of the writing and the truths have not changed, just the words we use to describe them. By the time the author gets to chapters 6 and beyond it starts to get really interesting. Have you ever wondered how magic could be sinful? After all, pulling a scarf out of a sleve seems pretty innocent. Well, the author explains what about magic is sinful and why. I love the TV shows about people that talk to the dead and give assurance to loved ones that all is well "on the other side". Well, that is called necromancy and Dr. Unger explains why that is deceitful as well. What about reading the future from looking at a dead animals liver? That is called augury and it is still done in parts of the world. Did you know one way of telling the future was performed by people who slept in empty graves to get messages from their ancestors? Me neither! I have heard of people sitting under pyramids to channel "energy". I wonder if that would qualify as something similar?
We live in such a babylonian society and so much of what we commonly see is linked to superstition and demonology it is frightening. Do you wear a lucky medallion around your neck? In a series of fun books I just finished and gave 5 star reviews to, the main character wears an "eye of Horas" charm on a chain around her neck and rubs it when she gets frightened. Totems like that are a form of animism (look that up in your dictionary).
The truth of God is so simple but we always want more; more knowledge, more power. God wants to be the source of our strength and will not stand for letting us be lead into the errors of temptation. But that will not stop Satan from trying. Dr, Unger says periods of demon activity come and go just like Christain religious revivals. I think we are in a period of increased demon activity and we need to know how to recognise it so we won't be lead astray. Get out your Bible and dictionary and dig in--there is a lot to digest here.
Biblical Demonology: A Study of Spiritual Forces at Work Today
4.5 | 242 ratings
Price: 21.43
Last update: 06-10-2024
Top reviews from the United States
Pat. H
Wow, what a great book on Christianity and the work of Satan and his demons that are determined to destroy it.
Reviewed in the United States on May 1, 2014John D. Mock
Excellent, Biblical, reference source
Reviewed in the United States on November 22, 2016
Paul & Leslie McMonagle
Excellent scholarly work.
Reviewed in the United States on December 15, 2009
Blaine
Outstand Work on the Topic of Demonology!
Reviewed in the United States on October 27, 2016
CN
Biblical Demonology: A Study of Spiritual Forces at Work Today
Reviewed in the United States on August 27, 2023so and so
Answers the key questions without nightmare fuel
Reviewed in the United States on April 28, 2021Mary Bailey
Complicated
Reviewed in the United States on July 14, 2022
Mary Bailey
Reviewed in the United States on July 14, 2022
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Rev. Bryan Dabney
A helpful book on a very dark subject
Reviewed in the United States on December 2, 2016