Biblical Demonology: A Study of Spiritual Forces at Work Today

4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars | 291 ratings

Price: 21.43

Last update: 01-28-2025


About this item

Merrill Frederick Unger (1909-1980) was a Bible commentator, scholar, archaeologist, and theologian. Perhaps best known for his classic study and reference volume Unger's Bible Handbook, he served in the ministry and taught at Gordon Divinity School and Dallas Theological Seminary. Recognized as one of the 20th century's most important evangelical scholars of the Bible, Unger provides a study of the invisible spiritual forces behind the scenes of contemporary history that is scholarly yet accessible to Christians. His work Biblical Demonology (1945) systematically explores the scriptural teaching on demonic forces, including a range of paranormal topics such as augury, divination, necromancy, and magic.


Top reviews from the United States

  • Pat. H
    5.0 out of 5 stars 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, 2014
    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.
  • Karen from Bucks County, PA
    5.0 out of 5 stars BIblical Demonology Book
    Reviewed in the United States on August 17, 2024
    Excellent Read & Very Informative!!! Don't miss it!!!
  • Goth Mom
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great Teaching!!!!
    Reviewed in the United States on August 16, 2024
    This is a wonderful book. Great teaching!
  • Blaine
    4.0 out of 5 stars Outstand Work on the Topic of Demonology!
    Reviewed in the United States on October 27, 2016
    Excellent book, covers the topic very thoroughly, starts by examining the different historical views of demons and fallen angles by various peoples groups and religions. Well worth the read for anyone who is studying or even just curious about the "Biblical" view of Demonology.
  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great book
    Reviewed in the United States on June 24, 2024
    Great study. Quick response from seller
  • John D. Mock
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent, Biblical, reference source
    Reviewed in the United States on November 22, 2016
    This book provides a very detailed analysis of various viewpoints about demons and contrasts that with the Biblical record that has been handed down to us. Dr. Unger discusses popular misconceptions within the Church, and sticks to a very scripture-based analysis of these areas. On one key issue, he modified his position in his last book "What Demons Can Do to Saints", which I also found to be an easier read. In extremely rare instances, it now appears, based upon eye-witness accounts, that even professing born again Christians can actually be demon possessed (typically in extreme cases of what we would call addiction--based upon one Biblical passage). I found "What Demons Can Do to Saints" to be slightly more useful in this regard, as a friend of mine at work, a young man of 23, is a ghost hunter from a Christian family. I got these books for him to read, so that he is fully informed of just what he's getting himself into. I read a major portion of each book myself.
  • Gabe Laguna
    3.0 out of 5 stars It's just ok
    Reviewed in the United States on January 19, 2025
    The book is not terrible. There is evident truth in this book, as it comes from the Bible. However the content feels like it is a long essay, rather than a book. It starts getting interesting around chapter 5. Its not bad, but it is not for everyone.
  • KRN123581321
    5.0 out of 5 stars Biblical Demonology: A Study of Spiritual Forces at Work Today
    Reviewed in the United States on August 27, 2023
    Biblical Demonology: A Study of Spiritual Forces at Work Today

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