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The Kingdom of the Occult
The Kingdom of the Occult delivers the timely followup to Dr. Martin's best-selling The Kingdom of the Cults
This book takes Dr. Walter Martin's comprehensive knowledge and his dynamic teaching style and forges a strong weapon against the world of the Occult-a weapon of the same scope and power as his phenomenal thirty-five year bestseller, The Kingdom of the Cults (over 875,000 sold).
Chapters Witchcraft and Wicca, Satanism, Pagan Religions, Tools of the Occult, Demon Possession and Exorcism, Spiritual Warfare, etc.
Features
Each chapter Quick Facts; History; Case Studies; Theology; Resources
This book takes Dr. Walter Martin's comprehensive knowledge and his dynamic teaching style and forges a strong weapon against the world of the Occult-a weapon of the same scope and power as his phenomenal thirty-five year bestseller, The Kingdom of the Cults (over 875,000 sold).
Chapters Witchcraft and Wicca, Satanism, Pagan Religions, Tools of the Occult, Demon Possession and Exorcism, Spiritual Warfare, etc.
Features
Each chapter Quick Facts; History; Case Studies; Theology; Resources
680 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 14, 2008
159 people are currently reading
472 people want to read
About the author
Walter Ralston Martin
49 books47 followersWalter R. Martin was an American Evangelical minister, author, and Christian apologist who founded the Christian Research Institute in 1960 as a para-church ministry specializing as a clearing-house of information in both general Christian apologetics and in countercult apologetics.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
February 28, 2013
First off, this book got two stars because it's very, and I mean very well researched. They did their homework on alternative religions and it shows, there are very few inaccuracies that I can pinpoint from my own research we've just come to different conclusions. For instance, I don't think demons are everywhere, that's silly and if so why not angels everywhere too, does god not have an army of good to combat that army of evil? I assumed there was and why can't spiritual communion with spirits be with these otherworldly good spirits, why is everything demons? Like for real everything according to this book is demons......everything. The way I see it, which they think is evil apparently, is that even though there are negative forces out there, there's positive forces too, and both can be tapped into based on intention and love. If you want to bless your family and you call on an. Angel or Saint to help you, you aren't talking to demons, that's just ridiculous.
And that's just point one, this review is going to be long. Point 2, they say in several parts of the book, that the "end times" have been happening all around us for the past 2000 years! Um they don't really count as END times if there isn't an end to them. I don't think it's so terrible right now as to count as the Apocalypse, maybe that's just me. I guess climate change could count as an apocalypse of sorts, but don't tell the republicans. I read The Name of the Rose at the same time I was reading this one, they thought it was the apocalypse back then too, though they had a slightly better reason for it with the inquisition and plagues running rampant through Europe. They almost welcomed the apocalypse cause it would deliver them from the daily hell that was living. We're not quite in the same circumstances today, so I think they should have gotten over it.
One good thing they wrote about, which I'm totally going to tell my friend about, is the fact that Christians can never be possessed because they are already possessed by the holy spirit. This was a very interesting concept for me because most of the people I know of who are afraid of possession are really good Christians already. I kind of want to make them read that chapter cause it's a really great argument on why they shouldn't be afraid.
Overall I wouldn't recommend this book unless you are really into reading religious texts as research like I am. Over all it's a pretty dull reference book unless you find it amusing to read about them calling everything demons.....again they totally do this throughout the entire book. If I was awesome enough to figure out how to put animated gifs on here I would grab Dug doing the "Squirrel!" pose from Up, but write Demons! At the bottom......this is what I thought of for the entire book.
And that's just point one, this review is going to be long. Point 2, they say in several parts of the book, that the "end times" have been happening all around us for the past 2000 years! Um they don't really count as END times if there isn't an end to them. I don't think it's so terrible right now as to count as the Apocalypse, maybe that's just me. I guess climate change could count as an apocalypse of sorts, but don't tell the republicans. I read The Name of the Rose at the same time I was reading this one, they thought it was the apocalypse back then too, though they had a slightly better reason for it with the inquisition and plagues running rampant through Europe. They almost welcomed the apocalypse cause it would deliver them from the daily hell that was living. We're not quite in the same circumstances today, so I think they should have gotten over it.
One good thing they wrote about, which I'm totally going to tell my friend about, is the fact that Christians can never be possessed because they are already possessed by the holy spirit. This was a very interesting concept for me because most of the people I know of who are afraid of possession are really good Christians already. I kind of want to make them read that chapter cause it's a really great argument on why they shouldn't be afraid.
Overall I wouldn't recommend this book unless you are really into reading religious texts as research like I am. Over all it's a pretty dull reference book unless you find it amusing to read about them calling everything demons.....again they totally do this throughout the entire book. If I was awesome enough to figure out how to put animated gifs on here I would grab Dug doing the "Squirrel!" pose from Up, but write Demons! At the bottom......this is what I thought of for the entire book.
June 23, 2011
A nearly encyclopedic work on the occult, including demonology, paganism, satanism, new age spirituality such as goddess worship, wicca, and kabbalah, tribal (traditional) religions including native american, occultic phenomena, evangelism and spiritual warfare in that context. A lot of detailed info on these subjects with biblical evalutation. Mostly level-headed with some wierd stuff that will make you go "hmm" or "huh?" such as Walter Martin's ideas on "normal ESP", hints of premil-dispensational theology although it appears that Walter Martin was amillenial in his outlook since he says "we have been living in the "last days" for the past 2000 years. The chapters on spiritual warfare, christian counseling, and evangelism were my favorite and were the most practical. I like that the whole exorcism thing is de-mystified and that the power of the faithful calling on the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth is emphasized for its ability to bind and subdue demons, it is cautioned that there are false demonic Jesus's and it is important to clarify this when encountering demonic powers who will often try to deceive people by imitating true religion.
There were some really great bits on the power of the gospel and how much demons hate it, one example was cited where a man when speaking to a demon posing as his lost relative asked the demon to quote the answer to the first question of the heidelberg catechism which says, "what is my only comfort in life and death?".. and goes on to say "That I am not my own, but belong with body and soul, both in life and in death, to my faithful Saviour Jesus Christ. He has fully paid for all my sins with His precious blood, and has set me free from all the power of the devil.".. the demon would not say it and went on to say that wasn't important and that the man should just try to live a good life and develop himself spiritually. This story and many other personal accounts like it are very revealing and insightful.
Over all a very good volume that I will refer back to.
There were some really great bits on the power of the gospel and how much demons hate it, one example was cited where a man when speaking to a demon posing as his lost relative asked the demon to quote the answer to the first question of the heidelberg catechism which says, "what is my only comfort in life and death?".. and goes on to say "That I am not my own, but belong with body and soul, both in life and in death, to my faithful Saviour Jesus Christ. He has fully paid for all my sins with His precious blood, and has set me free from all the power of the devil.".. the demon would not say it and went on to say that wasn't important and that the man should just try to live a good life and develop himself spiritually. This story and many other personal accounts like it are very revealing and insightful.
Over all a very good volume that I will refer back to.
April 4, 2012
here's a hint. if you fear the danger of the Harry Potter novels, you're probably crazy. And to my chagrin, that's where the book starts and goes downhill from there. Fear mongering, bad exegesis and horrible conclusion drawing. Don't waste your time with this one.
February 8, 2018
I hate to judge Martin based on a book that he didn't actually write, but there are enough direct quotes where I think his views are fairly accurately reflected. A large portion of the book is very good, with good insights into scripture and the Christian life. I agree with Martin that we have a duty to be and make serious disciples. It doesn't happen by osmosis, it takes hard work.
I was bothered, however, by the credence that Martin gives to obviously fraudulent supernatural phenomenon. It really makes Christians look foolish to buy into psychic surgery, cabinet spirits, ectoplasm, levitation, teleportation, and so much other patent nonsense long-since exposed as scams. Houdini wanted to believe in some of these things, but was unable to find a single instance of legitimate psychic phenomena. James Randi is another who has spent his life exposing similar foolishness. Scam artists can be very convincing. A medium named Mina Cranden actually had a panel of scientists fooled, while Houdini was the only hold-out who was not. It takes one to know one. The credulity of Martin on the subject throughout the book is disturbing. Not that I deny the existence of demonic spiritual warfare. I just do not accept that it manifests in many of the ways that the author recounts. The book should have been more level headed.
I was bothered, however, by the credence that Martin gives to obviously fraudulent supernatural phenomenon. It really makes Christians look foolish to buy into psychic surgery, cabinet spirits, ectoplasm, levitation, teleportation, and so much other patent nonsense long-since exposed as scams. Houdini wanted to believe in some of these things, but was unable to find a single instance of legitimate psychic phenomena. James Randi is another who has spent his life exposing similar foolishness. Scam artists can be very convincing. A medium named Mina Cranden actually had a panel of scientists fooled, while Houdini was the only hold-out who was not. It takes one to know one. The credulity of Martin on the subject throughout the book is disturbing. Not that I deny the existence of demonic spiritual warfare. I just do not accept that it manifests in many of the ways that the author recounts. The book should have been more level headed.
November 16, 2018
I rarely give a book five stars, but this is in every way an exception. The Kingdom of the Occult is one of Walter Martin's greats as is the Kingdom of the Cults (which as I type I am yet to read). Martin opens the world of the occult to the reader and highlights what the occult is: aspects such as seances (using Ouija boards), psychics, mediums, tarot, runes, horoscopes, palmistry, numerology and so forth. One would be truly surprised how far it all goes. Martin believes such activities are by no means modern, but have their roots deeply planted in pagan rituals over millennia. As a former occult member myself (mainly palmistry and tarot), what Martin exposes is the myth that, especially in New Age belief, there are 'good' spirits and 'bad' spirits and one must protect oneself from the bad spirits when in actuality the entire occult realm is controlled by demonic entities that are in enmity with God the creator. So, there are really no 'good' spirits. Moreover, attempting to contact the dead is futile because the dead have departed to another realm so can no longer make contact with the living. What does contact us though are demons that masquerade as our beloved departed because the demonic realm knows us intimately. Martin's book is well worth the read for all who take an interest in the Kingdom of the Occult.
October 1, 2012
It is rather paraniod,like the writers thinks harry potter is evil, or that ouija boards have actual supernatural powers (ideometer effect is of the devil!)but if you are a evangical christian fundamentalist this book is for you, but not me
May 7, 2011
Packed with information. Could be a textbook.
January 19, 2023
An interesting and comprehensive survey of many types of New Age practices (for example, paganism, Kabbalah, psychic phenomena, astrology, horoscopy, UFO’s, satanism, witchcraft, etc). The author not only explains what the people who practice each thing believe, but then explains how these things are not compatible with Christianity, and uses the Bible to back up what he’s saying. It’s amazing how many people who claim to be Christian participate in these practices, and many of them don’t even realize that these things are an abomination to God! I would highly recommend this book to those who want to learn about the New Age, and be able to refute it.
March 29, 2013
Enlightening, that's the best word to describe my experience with this book. There is so much material and so many topics that I found out about and then got an in-depth look at that I wouldn't know where to start in reviewing it all. The content is very scholarly, yet entirely easy to read and understand. I feel as though my eyes have been open to the grip that not only our society but all societies have been gripped and formed by occult practices. The rise of New Age philosophy in America was not previously something that gave a lot of consideration, but now I realize that it has birthed so much wickedness in our culture and has led to all sorts of wrong paths. As you go through the chapter headings on everything from Kabballah to UFO's you can expect to get an in-depth analysis of each of those topics. And each chapter has the same outline including a thorough analysis of the occult philosophy, a case study, a scripture response and a conclusion. Personally, I found the case studies to be most interesting as they really gave an inside look into the topic at hand and you realize just how gripped the people are by the false teaching. Having the book end with a section on Evangelism really brought the crux of the matter to the forefront and was honestly something that I needed to hear and need to praying about more. I'm very grateful for the authors of this book and would highly recommend it to anyone, especially Christians, especially Christian leaders.
June 8, 2012
Too bad you can't choose "read" and "to-read" at the same time. This does not strike me as the kind of book I would just sit and read from cover to cover. It's more like a book I would refer to often over time as I learn more about the various religions around me. I bought this book on the strength of the responses to the author's 1st book, The Kingdom of the Cults.
What little I have read throughout the book has been interesting. But one place this book is woefully lacking is on the subject of voodoo. The few refences to this religion are vague and sketchy at best. I did not actually learn anything new from those few refences and found this greatly disappointing.
My interest in voodoo comes from the fact that I am and have been living in Louisiana for many years and plan on staying here yet for a while. If anyone has any other recommendations for the study of voodoo, I would like to hear from you. Thank you.
What little I have read throughout the book has been interesting. But one place this book is woefully lacking is on the subject of voodoo. The few refences to this religion are vague and sketchy at best. I did not actually learn anything new from those few refences and found this greatly disappointing.
My interest in voodoo comes from the fact that I am and have been living in Louisiana for many years and plan on staying here yet for a while. If anyone has any other recommendations for the study of voodoo, I would like to hear from you. Thank you.
February 25, 2022
DNF around 260, with me skimming the last sixty pages or so.
Some chapters in here might be useful to a boomer who knows absolutely nothing about the occult or demons, but the book is filled with so much bunk and pearl-clutching that it overshadows what value might be found here. Ectoplasm, poltergeists, fortune telling, levitation, ESP, and other such parlor tricks are held up as real and provable demonic phenomena (the only evidence for these things is anecdotes from various people known to the authors). Harry Potter, Selena, and other such teenage fantasy is criticized as obsession with the occult.
Some chapters in here might be useful to a boomer who knows absolutely nothing about the occult or demons, but the book is filled with so much bunk and pearl-clutching that it overshadows what value might be found here. Ectoplasm, poltergeists, fortune telling, levitation, ESP, and other such parlor tricks are held up as real and provable demonic phenomena (the only evidence for these things is anecdotes from various people known to the authors). Harry Potter, Selena, and other such teenage fantasy is criticized as obsession with the occult.
May 18, 2023
The case studies alone are worth the time, money, and attention you devote to this book. The trio of writers behind this book equip you to deal with true evils that the occult tries to hide. You will learn that the devil and his minions are often in places you least expect. (Like a church!). It is not a sensational book, even though the topic is often sensationalized. It is orthodox, biblical, and down to earth. As someone who came out of a New Age home this book was good at alerting me to evils family, co-workers, and friends were embracing.
Read
January 6, 2025The Kingdom of the Occult book has been around long time. I use it for reference purposes when new and enticing evils emerge into the popular literature. Dr. Martin has a clarity of purpose in describing demonic forces and their relevance to people who dabble in the occult or slander God.
If you have your hand on a doorknob to enter the occult, please read this book before you enter. Some knowledge is of priceless value.
If you have your hand on a doorknob to enter the occult, please read this book before you enter. Some knowledge is of priceless value.
November 27, 2017
Didn't have to be as long as it was. Repeated a lot. Didn't have the focus of the kingdom of the cults, probably due to it being written after walter martin passed. Could have been better, shorter, and more rounded, but still a great tool. It wasn't all i wanted it to be.
August 5, 2020
This was an extremely helpful book, and very biblical. I have a dear friend who is a witch and a neopagan and I feel after reading this that i have a much better idea of what she believes and how to respond to her.
October 18, 2017
This book was compiled by Dr. Martins daughter and is rubbish compared to Martins other books. very disappointing
January 12, 2020
Interesting if you're into or curious about the occult and it's relation to Christianity/the Bible.
December 18, 2020
Skimmed through the last few chapters because the way this book was written was not concise at all.
March 23, 2021
An excellent resource filled with information and Christian Apologetics
August 18, 2022
One of the best books I have ever read.
February 20, 2017
I am seemingly getting more liberal with my higher ratings. This book was more helpful then I expected, in opening me up more in the realm of the spiritual and the reality of the kingdom of the occult. I feel my belief in the reality of the ethereal realm, spiritual warfare and the kingdom of the occult had been somewhat dormant for awhile. Lately I have been thinking a lot about the spiritual battles and encounters I have witnessed or experienced. This book reminded me of how I have also held "doctrines of demons", in the past, regarding the person of Jesus. Believing Jesus is just a good idea or an example of what we can all become. I have been obedient in my faith over the past four years, but still went for a very long time without feeling good or having peace in my relationship with God through Christ. I intend to do more reading in the area of the spiritual or ethereal realm and spiritual warfare.
The Kingdom of the Occult also is somewhat repetitive and does not flow very well at times as a complete book. The Chapters almost seem independent of each other and could be used more as a reference. Because of this I was considering giving it a two or three star rating. Because of the Gospel I wanted to give it a five. So I settled on four.
The Kingdom of the Occult also is somewhat repetitive and does not flow very well at times as a complete book. The Chapters almost seem independent of each other and could be used more as a reference. Because of this I was considering giving it a two or three star rating. Because of the Gospel I wanted to give it a five. So I settled on four.
October 15, 2022
Having just finished Martin's classic The Kingdom of the Cults, this one addressing the different sects of the Occult is just as well researched and exhaustive in how the beliefs of the Occult are incompatible with Biblical Christianity. Some of the Satanic practices and case studies conveyed in this book are downright horrifying, but I found it helpful to know that these phenomena exist and are downright evil. But it is also a hopeful book, addressing how people can break free of the Occult and find freedom in Christ.
July 15, 2009
Well-written, informative, detailed history of the origins of the occult. Excellent reference book. This book is for any well-read person. Don't tackle it if you are not into details or historical information.
September 6, 2012
Interesting book although I didn't enjoy it as much as "Kingdom of the Cults". That had to do with me and my interests and not the author. Overall, it was informative and I will keep it as a reference.
November 18, 2016
Excellent
Great overview with useful examples and anecdotes to reinforce the teaching. Emphasis on the power of Jesus Christ and his victory over Satanic forces in all such battles.
Great overview with useful examples and anecdotes to reinforce the teaching. Emphasis on the power of Jesus Christ and his victory over Satanic forces in all such battles.
November 12, 2014
a great overview of all aspect of the occult by one of the experts
January 25, 2015
Very good information about occult and demons.
August 19, 2015
Very thorough and very recommended.
July 22, 2016
Brilliant and essential.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews