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I Am Not Afraid: Demon Possession and Spiritual Warfare
While Africa and Madagascar seem like strange and faraway places, the world in which we now live has become much smaller than many of us could ever have imagined. Moreover, even our neighbors visit the local fortuneteller, read the horoscope page in the newspaper, and attend séances that seek to reach departed friends, lovers, and family members. Consequently, as we begin a journey into faraway places, we may soon find they are not as far away as we may have expected.
— from Chapter 3
I Am Not Afraid is Rev. Dr. Robert Bennett’s fascinating first-hand account of the spiritual warfare found within the Lutheran Church of Madagascar. Is spiritual warfare something new to the Church? Bennett reviews what the Bible, Church Fathers, and contemporary Lutheran leaders have to say.
Part One includes recent conversations dealing with spiritual warfare, an introduction into the Malagasy Lutheran Church, and the traditional Malagasy worldview. These are the stories of those who have been rescued from the darkness of sin and brought into the light of the Gospel.
Part Two looks to the Bible and the Church for explanation and historical perspective on the spiritual warfare found in the Malagasy Lutheran Church. Is it something only found in the time of Jesus and the apostles? What has the Church said in the past about such activities? Bennett explores the views of Martin Luther and other Lutheran leaders, and finally provides some helpful contemporary material and resources for dealing with spiritual warfare in today’s context.
269 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 17, 2013
33 people are currently reading
182 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
October 20, 2013
This review, by Dr. Nicholson, has been provided courtesy of Desert Bible Institute (www.desertbibleinstitute.com).
To be frank, I started I Am Not Afraid, by Robert H. Bennett, with a certain degree of dubiousness. My experience with exorcism as an American pastor and biblical scholar has been largely relegated to the sensationalized propaganda that Hollywood produces. I braced myself for an overly dramatic, highly emotional rollercoaster ride; that’s not what a got.
Regardless of your position on the topic, the reader quickly realizes that Bennett has organized his book in a logical, scholarly fashion. He includes primary source facts, examples, statistics, and interviews to support what he is saying. He uses an effective, organized pattern to present his information and is in no way dramatic or unbelievable. He explains the animistic belief system in Madagascar (as well as other countries) wherein spirits are invited (even begged) to enter a person to endow them with powers of prophecy, fortune-telling, and even healing. In that light, the plausibility of possession seems much more likely; moreover, what is disconcerting is the growing interest throughout the West in spiritualism, séances, Ouija boards, and other forms of spirit communication.
The second half of his book is perhaps the most convincing. In it Bennett talks about the church and how the Western worldview varies radically from how Christianity is understood and practiced in most other parts of the world. He specifically talks about the Gospels and how the topic of exorcism is dealt with there. Bennett takes a provocative stance in looking at this part of scripture. Was possession unique to that time period? Were Jesus and the disciplines just too unsophisticated to understand what was going on? Or perhaps, have we (in our arrogance) dismissed this element of the Bible as being either anachronistic or archaic? This is an interesting point since we see how society in general (and the Enemy specifically) like to use this tool to divide, confuse, and dilute the church.
At the end of the book, I was not soundly convinced of Bennett’s observations; however, neither was I smugly dismissive. I was left with the feeling that I want to see for myself. I want to walk those same streets he did and look into the eyes of these people and let the Spirit discern in me what the truth is. Ultimately, I think that was Bennett’s hope: to make us think, to make us question, and to make us want to know the truth.
Trent Nicholson, Ph.D., D.Min.
Desert Bible Institute, President
Dr. Nicholson reviews academic, Christian living, and fiction books for a variety of publishers in an array of formats. He is never paid for any of his reviews. He writes these strictly as a courtesy to his students at Desert bible Institute and for any other readers that might find his insights valuable. For more reviews or information, visit Dr. Nicholson’s blog at drtnicholson.wordpress.com.
To be frank, I started I Am Not Afraid, by Robert H. Bennett, with a certain degree of dubiousness. My experience with exorcism as an American pastor and biblical scholar has been largely relegated to the sensationalized propaganda that Hollywood produces. I braced myself for an overly dramatic, highly emotional rollercoaster ride; that’s not what a got.
Regardless of your position on the topic, the reader quickly realizes that Bennett has organized his book in a logical, scholarly fashion. He includes primary source facts, examples, statistics, and interviews to support what he is saying. He uses an effective, organized pattern to present his information and is in no way dramatic or unbelievable. He explains the animistic belief system in Madagascar (as well as other countries) wherein spirits are invited (even begged) to enter a person to endow them with powers of prophecy, fortune-telling, and even healing. In that light, the plausibility of possession seems much more likely; moreover, what is disconcerting is the growing interest throughout the West in spiritualism, séances, Ouija boards, and other forms of spirit communication.
The second half of his book is perhaps the most convincing. In it Bennett talks about the church and how the Western worldview varies radically from how Christianity is understood and practiced in most other parts of the world. He specifically talks about the Gospels and how the topic of exorcism is dealt with there. Bennett takes a provocative stance in looking at this part of scripture. Was possession unique to that time period? Were Jesus and the disciplines just too unsophisticated to understand what was going on? Or perhaps, have we (in our arrogance) dismissed this element of the Bible as being either anachronistic or archaic? This is an interesting point since we see how society in general (and the Enemy specifically) like to use this tool to divide, confuse, and dilute the church.
At the end of the book, I was not soundly convinced of Bennett’s observations; however, neither was I smugly dismissive. I was left with the feeling that I want to see for myself. I want to walk those same streets he did and look into the eyes of these people and let the Spirit discern in me what the truth is. Ultimately, I think that was Bennett’s hope: to make us think, to make us question, and to make us want to know the truth.
Trent Nicholson, Ph.D., D.Min.
Desert Bible Institute, President
Dr. Nicholson reviews academic, Christian living, and fiction books for a variety of publishers in an array of formats. He is never paid for any of his reviews. He writes these strictly as a courtesy to his students at Desert bible Institute and for any other readers that might find his insights valuable. For more reviews or information, visit Dr. Nicholson’s blog at drtnicholson.wordpress.com.
May 6, 2024
In "I Am Not Afraid," Rev. Dr. Robert H. Bennet transports readers to the heart of spiritual warfare within the Lutheran Church of Madagascar, offering a deep, Scriptural perspective on a topic that has fascinated and frightened humanity for centuries. This book is not just an exploration; it's an enlightening journey that challenges widespread notions of the demonic, possession, and exorcism, providing a lens through which we can view such contentious issues differently.
Bennet’s work is grounded in a combination of firsthand accounts and a scholarly approach that makes it an essential read for believers and skeptics alike. The narrative dives deep into the Lutheran Church of Madagascar's handling of spiritual warfare, shedding light on how this church's practices and beliefs are both unique and deeply rooted in a broader Christian tradition. By challenging mainstream views on these subjects, Bennet invites readers to reconsider their preconceived notions about the spiritual realm.
One of the book's key strengths is its ability to connect its themes of spiritual warfare and Gospel comfort to a wide audience. Whether you're intimately familiar with Christian doctrine or simply curious about how faith communities confront the supernatural, there’s something profound and universally appealing in the message of finding solace and strength in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Furthermore, the book’s exploration of the traditional Malagasy worldview and how it intersects with Christian beliefs offers a fascinating case study in the adaptability and diversity of faith expressions within global Christianity. Through the lens of the Lutheran Church of Madagascar, readers gain insight into a faith practice that is both deeply local and universally resonant.
"I Am Not Afraid" is more than just a book about spiritual warfare; it's a compelling testament to the power of faith and the comforting presence of the Gospel in the face of fear. Rev. Dr. Robert H. Bennet has crafted a narrative that not only enlightens but also encourages readers to explore the depths of their beliefs and the strength they can draw from them. Whether you’re a devout Christian or someone exploring the vast world of spiritual beliefs, this book offers valuable insights and a refreshing narrative that speaks to the heart of universal human experiences. It’s a significant contribution to the conversation around faith, fear, and the power of the Gospel in today’s globalized context.
Bennet’s work is grounded in a combination of firsthand accounts and a scholarly approach that makes it an essential read for believers and skeptics alike. The narrative dives deep into the Lutheran Church of Madagascar's handling of spiritual warfare, shedding light on how this church's practices and beliefs are both unique and deeply rooted in a broader Christian tradition. By challenging mainstream views on these subjects, Bennet invites readers to reconsider their preconceived notions about the spiritual realm.
One of the book's key strengths is its ability to connect its themes of spiritual warfare and Gospel comfort to a wide audience. Whether you're intimately familiar with Christian doctrine or simply curious about how faith communities confront the supernatural, there’s something profound and universally appealing in the message of finding solace and strength in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Furthermore, the book’s exploration of the traditional Malagasy worldview and how it intersects with Christian beliefs offers a fascinating case study in the adaptability and diversity of faith expressions within global Christianity. Through the lens of the Lutheran Church of Madagascar, readers gain insight into a faith practice that is both deeply local and universally resonant.
"I Am Not Afraid" is more than just a book about spiritual warfare; it's a compelling testament to the power of faith and the comforting presence of the Gospel in the face of fear. Rev. Dr. Robert H. Bennet has crafted a narrative that not only enlightens but also encourages readers to explore the depths of their beliefs and the strength they can draw from them. Whether you’re a devout Christian or someone exploring the vast world of spiritual beliefs, this book offers valuable insights and a refreshing narrative that speaks to the heart of universal human experiences. It’s a significant contribution to the conversation around faith, fear, and the power of the Gospel in today’s globalized context.
May 15, 2020
A book that deals (in part) with demon possession could probably land on a side of crazy credulity, or on a side of irrationally extreme skepticism, to say nothing of how the use of scripture might or might not be mixed in with the topic – I am happy to say that this book lands just where I think such a book should land.
Much as anything, this book is an academic work about the Malagasy culture of Madagascar, and that in itself, even apart from the title topic, is quite interesting. (And it is an academic work, especially during the first half you feel like you are reading an anthropologist’s PhD thesis.) The traditional religion of the Malagasy is animistic, and includes the worship of many spirits (especially spirits of the ancestors), and various rituals tied to that worship (especially reburial rituals involving the bones of the dead, and animal sacrifices). As part of this religion individuals will sometimes seek to become possessed by spirits because of what they believe it will gain them (the ability to see the future, or healing powers, or wealth, etc.), and some apparently get their wish, but more on that in a moment. The Malagasy religion is also holistic, with the “ombiasy” a sort of shaman individual thought to be especially close to the spirits who is sought for healing and advice on all matters of life. One of my reactions to reading this section of the book was that, to some extent anyway, “paganism is paganism”. The Malagasy religion shares much in common with many traditional African religions (and that comparison is made directly), also reminds one of some traditional Native American beliefs, and also of some of the belief systems the Israelites had to contend with within the pages of scripture.
The other big group profiled within the book is the Malagasy Lutheran Church, the strongest Christian organization in Madagascar and one that is growing rapidly. This is a new Christian Church surrounded by paganism, and you do get the sense that they are facing many of the same decisions faced by the early Church in the Mediterranean (for example, they are starting to create their own Christian cemeteries, because it is impossible to use the common cemeteries without participating in the traditional rituals of their use). And, of course, this Lutheran Church also performs exorcisms as a matter of standard practice, and this author, especially as Western culture readopts some traditional forms of spiritualism, thinks there are lessons to be learned here by the Western Church. One of the first stories told involves what is essentially a large revival meeting by the Church. It is standard practice, during these meetings, to carry out a sort of “general exorcism of the crowd and place”. While this is happening, quite commonly one or two individuals in the crowd will beginning yelling out, throwing themselves upon the ground, and so on, at which point they specifically will be surrounded for a more personal exorcism. And many have come to the Malagasy Lutheran Church because they have been freed from bondage in this way.
Maybe this is jumping ahead, but I appreciated that the Lutherans were very keen that… exorcism is something God accomplishes. They had little patience (and apparently neither did Martin Luther) for what you might think of as the Roman Catholic rite where it is important to do these things and say these things, almost as if you are performing your own magic against the animistic magic. Exorcism is God’s act and Christ must be invoked, but the particular formula is not critical (though they do have a standard approach involving prayer and the common use of certain Bible verses and hymns). Just as an aside, an interesting note that the possessed can pray, but cannot pray in Jesus’ name – gaining the ability to do is taken as a sign that the demon or demons have truly left.
There are two other big sections of the book. The first consists of interviews with the previously possessed, and these are remarkable for their detail and REALITY, not just what you might call the “objectively verifiable” (there is no psychological condition that will give you access to knowledge that you could not have learned by normal means), but also the clear reality for the people afflicted. One story in particular involves a man, a fisherman, who was involved with a “mermaid” spirit who “owned the river” who appeared to him as a beautiful woman who became, for a time, his wife. He could see her and converse with her and apparently have physical interactions with her, though he acknowledges that no one else could see her. Then one day she asked him for the blood of the children of his sister (and something like this, a request that they harm other people or themselves, seems to be not atypical of the possessed in this book). Eventually he told his family what was happening, they took him to the Lutheran Church, and after over a month of regular exorcisms the woman disappeared and the man became a Lutheran. This is just one of many remarkable interviews in the book.
Finally, the book also goes through the New Testament passages involving demons and exorcism. We in the West tend to sort of ignore these passages, they make us uncomfortable, we don’t seem to see that sort of thing around us anymore, maybe it was something that happened in Jesus day but cannot happen any longer (and the author does suggest that, perhaps because the Church was young or Jesus was actually accomplishing his work on Earth, the demonic activity was enhanced in the days of the New Testament). But the author goes through each of these passages and, especially as this section is toward the end of the book, it is obvious that what may be gleaned from the New Testament passages is reflected in the Malagasy experience in every detail, from the symptoms of possession (from muteness to fortune telling), to the methods and effectiveness of exorcism, to the fact that (from Acts) possession clearly continues into the Church age. For the Malagasy, these are not strange historical texts, this is the battle they fight every day.
Therefore, I would recommend the book as a level-headed presentation of this topic, and share the author’s recommendation that we in the West have something to learn here, to be more aware of the real power of the supernatural and of the supernatural power of Christ, especially as older forms of traditional spiritualism become popular in the West yet again.
Much as anything, this book is an academic work about the Malagasy culture of Madagascar, and that in itself, even apart from the title topic, is quite interesting. (And it is an academic work, especially during the first half you feel like you are reading an anthropologist’s PhD thesis.) The traditional religion of the Malagasy is animistic, and includes the worship of many spirits (especially spirits of the ancestors), and various rituals tied to that worship (especially reburial rituals involving the bones of the dead, and animal sacrifices). As part of this religion individuals will sometimes seek to become possessed by spirits because of what they believe it will gain them (the ability to see the future, or healing powers, or wealth, etc.), and some apparently get their wish, but more on that in a moment. The Malagasy religion is also holistic, with the “ombiasy” a sort of shaman individual thought to be especially close to the spirits who is sought for healing and advice on all matters of life. One of my reactions to reading this section of the book was that, to some extent anyway, “paganism is paganism”. The Malagasy religion shares much in common with many traditional African religions (and that comparison is made directly), also reminds one of some traditional Native American beliefs, and also of some of the belief systems the Israelites had to contend with within the pages of scripture.
The other big group profiled within the book is the Malagasy Lutheran Church, the strongest Christian organization in Madagascar and one that is growing rapidly. This is a new Christian Church surrounded by paganism, and you do get the sense that they are facing many of the same decisions faced by the early Church in the Mediterranean (for example, they are starting to create their own Christian cemeteries, because it is impossible to use the common cemeteries without participating in the traditional rituals of their use). And, of course, this Lutheran Church also performs exorcisms as a matter of standard practice, and this author, especially as Western culture readopts some traditional forms of spiritualism, thinks there are lessons to be learned here by the Western Church. One of the first stories told involves what is essentially a large revival meeting by the Church. It is standard practice, during these meetings, to carry out a sort of “general exorcism of the crowd and place”. While this is happening, quite commonly one or two individuals in the crowd will beginning yelling out, throwing themselves upon the ground, and so on, at which point they specifically will be surrounded for a more personal exorcism. And many have come to the Malagasy Lutheran Church because they have been freed from bondage in this way.
Maybe this is jumping ahead, but I appreciated that the Lutherans were very keen that… exorcism is something God accomplishes. They had little patience (and apparently neither did Martin Luther) for what you might think of as the Roman Catholic rite where it is important to do these things and say these things, almost as if you are performing your own magic against the animistic magic. Exorcism is God’s act and Christ must be invoked, but the particular formula is not critical (though they do have a standard approach involving prayer and the common use of certain Bible verses and hymns). Just as an aside, an interesting note that the possessed can pray, but cannot pray in Jesus’ name – gaining the ability to do is taken as a sign that the demon or demons have truly left.
There are two other big sections of the book. The first consists of interviews with the previously possessed, and these are remarkable for their detail and REALITY, not just what you might call the “objectively verifiable” (there is no psychological condition that will give you access to knowledge that you could not have learned by normal means), but also the clear reality for the people afflicted. One story in particular involves a man, a fisherman, who was involved with a “mermaid” spirit who “owned the river” who appeared to him as a beautiful woman who became, for a time, his wife. He could see her and converse with her and apparently have physical interactions with her, though he acknowledges that no one else could see her. Then one day she asked him for the blood of the children of his sister (and something like this, a request that they harm other people or themselves, seems to be not atypical of the possessed in this book). Eventually he told his family what was happening, they took him to the Lutheran Church, and after over a month of regular exorcisms the woman disappeared and the man became a Lutheran. This is just one of many remarkable interviews in the book.
Finally, the book also goes through the New Testament passages involving demons and exorcism. We in the West tend to sort of ignore these passages, they make us uncomfortable, we don’t seem to see that sort of thing around us anymore, maybe it was something that happened in Jesus day but cannot happen any longer (and the author does suggest that, perhaps because the Church was young or Jesus was actually accomplishing his work on Earth, the demonic activity was enhanced in the days of the New Testament). But the author goes through each of these passages and, especially as this section is toward the end of the book, it is obvious that what may be gleaned from the New Testament passages is reflected in the Malagasy experience in every detail, from the symptoms of possession (from muteness to fortune telling), to the methods and effectiveness of exorcism, to the fact that (from Acts) possession clearly continues into the Church age. For the Malagasy, these are not strange historical texts, this is the battle they fight every day.
Therefore, I would recommend the book as a level-headed presentation of this topic, and share the author’s recommendation that we in the West have something to learn here, to be more aware of the real power of the supernatural and of the supernatural power of Christ, especially as older forms of traditional spiritualism become popular in the West yet again.
May 22, 2017
Exceptionally solid discussion of the theology of spiritual warfare, exorcism, and demon possession coupled with the practical experiences of the Malagasy Lutheran Church in Madagascar. This book is incredibly enlightening for the Western mind. It is of great benefit to the church as a whole, as it discusses the reality of demons and demon possession without falling into a typical Pentecostal fervor. Solid theology, solid historical theology, solid observations.
September 4, 2023
This is an excellent book for those who have wanted to know how non-western Lutherans deal with spiritual warfare. Highly recommended, and an engaging read!
May 16, 2015
This was a book that I think had more promise than it fulfilled and was lacking in two major areas. We read it chapter by chapter as a group of missionaries here in Madagascar, so the hope was that it would be very relevant to our experiences. The material and topics were in fact very relevant, but I feel like there was very little depth to it. Also, I think the author's bias (on particular doctrinal viewpoints related to the main subject) comes through far too strongly too frequently, and that his bias also occasionally appears to cloud his judgment in his application of his research materials.
The first letdown from this book comes in the promise that this book would give us an insight into spiritual realities (particularly demon possession and exorcism) direct from the Malagasy perspective was mostly unfulfilled. Sure, the author included research materials straight from Malagasy people (interviews conducted by Malagasy seminary students), but the author's use of the research left a lot to be desired. The basic summaries and cross-references were sufficient for gaining the most basic facts/info from it and were helpful for picking up the broad view. But the way that no interviews were presented as a whole, but instead were cut into small pieces of just several sentences at a time (in an attempt to demonstrate similarities and larger themes from among them) really detracted the readers from getting an overall feel for an authentic Malagasy perspective. Again, the basic details were there and explained well enough, but the presentation appeared to remove the overall character and story arch from most of the experiences presented.
Secondly, this book had far too narrow of a denominational perspective and application. True, the fact that it's about the Lutheran Church of Madagascar was clearly displayed on the front of the book. Nonetheless, the author seems to assume all his readers take the same assumptions as him and he also seems to assume that his readers potential application would all occur inside their Lutheran churches (mostly in America, it seems). So, it takes significantly more effort for a non-Lutheran reader to find the non-denominationally-specific value in this book.
Finally, this book also includes access to an online study guide that can be freely downloaded. This was one of the most valuable parts of the book for our use. Since we read this as a larger group (10 people), the study guide allowed each person to take turns leading discussion on the book. The questions were also for the most part very valuable in helping follow and discuss the larger themes in the book, including many times (but not always), helpful in gaining the value of this book for non-Lutherans. Because of that, this book was still valuable to us as a basis for good discussions, even if it was lacking in the sort of depth and directly applicable content that we were hoping for.
The first letdown from this book comes in the promise that this book would give us an insight into spiritual realities (particularly demon possession and exorcism) direct from the Malagasy perspective was mostly unfulfilled. Sure, the author included research materials straight from Malagasy people (interviews conducted by Malagasy seminary students), but the author's use of the research left a lot to be desired. The basic summaries and cross-references were sufficient for gaining the most basic facts/info from it and were helpful for picking up the broad view. But the way that no interviews were presented as a whole, but instead were cut into small pieces of just several sentences at a time (in an attempt to demonstrate similarities and larger themes from among them) really detracted the readers from getting an overall feel for an authentic Malagasy perspective. Again, the basic details were there and explained well enough, but the presentation appeared to remove the overall character and story arch from most of the experiences presented.
Secondly, this book had far too narrow of a denominational perspective and application. True, the fact that it's about the Lutheran Church of Madagascar was clearly displayed on the front of the book. Nonetheless, the author seems to assume all his readers take the same assumptions as him and he also seems to assume that his readers potential application would all occur inside their Lutheran churches (mostly in America, it seems). So, it takes significantly more effort for a non-Lutheran reader to find the non-denominationally-specific value in this book.
Finally, this book also includes access to an online study guide that can be freely downloaded. This was one of the most valuable parts of the book for our use. Since we read this as a larger group (10 people), the study guide allowed each person to take turns leading discussion on the book. The questions were also for the most part very valuable in helping follow and discuss the larger themes in the book, including many times (but not always), helpful in gaining the value of this book for non-Lutherans. Because of that, this book was still valuable to us as a basis for good discussions, even if it was lacking in the sort of depth and directly applicable content that we were hoping for.
January 2, 2016
This is an important book. Scholarly accounts documenting the phenomenon of demon possession are rare. Perhaps surprisingly, this one comes from a credentialed scholar in a Christian denomination not known for publicly contending with literal manifestations of evil.
Dr. Bennett's research was obtained through personal interviews and, in one case, his own eyewitness testimony. He compares the information from his interview subjects with orthodox Christian doctrine and the work of Christian theologians (mainly Lutheran).
His conclusion: The Christians of Madagascar are better prepared to deal with a phenomenon than their brothers and sisters in the West. Demon possession never went away; we in the West have been blinded by science and don't recognize it when we see it. This is a must for the reference shelf of any serious Christian.
Dr. Bennett's research was obtained through personal interviews and, in one case, his own eyewitness testimony. He compares the information from his interview subjects with orthodox Christian doctrine and the work of Christian theologians (mainly Lutheran).
His conclusion: The Christians of Madagascar are better prepared to deal with a phenomenon than their brothers and sisters in the West. Demon possession never went away; we in the West have been blinded by science and don't recognize it when we see it. This is a must for the reference shelf of any serious Christian.
January 3, 2014
Very biblical and theological approach to dealing with spiritual warfare.
May 4, 2024
The Western church, and world, tend to gloss over or completely ignore the power of Satan and evil in our world. We are too sophisticated and worldly to hold on to those ancient, first-century Christian beliefs and views. It’s all too superstitious and mythical. The Enlightenment dispelled all that, right?
If you think that Satan is not alive and working in our world, if you think that evil has been defeated and no longer exists, if you think that was left behind in the first century, you need to rethink your belief. Most of the non-Western world realizes the power of Satan and evil in our world and they do not discount it. I Am Not Afraid tells how and why the Malagasy Lutheran Church of Madagascar is quickly growing through its acknowledgment and dealing with local beliefs of animism and syncretism. Through exorcisms and spiritual warfare, the Malagasy Lutheran Church is meeting the people where they are and bringing them into the Light of Christ, offering new life, and giving peace.
I Am Not Afraid is a solid work that sheds light on the theology of demon possession and exorcisms. It is an eye-opening book the Western world would do well to take seriously. There were times I wanted a little more depth than the author gave, but this book is based on Dr. Bennett’s doctoral dissertation so perhaps that is the reason.
If you think that Satan is not alive and working in our world, if you think that evil has been defeated and no longer exists, if you think that was left behind in the first century, you need to rethink your belief. Most of the non-Western world realizes the power of Satan and evil in our world and they do not discount it. I Am Not Afraid tells how and why the Malagasy Lutheran Church of Madagascar is quickly growing through its acknowledgment and dealing with local beliefs of animism and syncretism. Through exorcisms and spiritual warfare, the Malagasy Lutheran Church is meeting the people where they are and bringing them into the Light of Christ, offering new life, and giving peace.
I Am Not Afraid is a solid work that sheds light on the theology of demon possession and exorcisms. It is an eye-opening book the Western world would do well to take seriously. There were times I wanted a little more depth than the author gave, but this book is based on Dr. Bennett’s doctoral dissertation so perhaps that is the reason.
June 10, 2025
This book is based on Bennett's PhD dissertation. Part one is an analysis of demon possession and exorcism in the Malagasy Lutheran Church (Madagascar). The foundation of this qualitative research is personal interviews with victims of demonic possession who have now become faithful Christians in The Lutheran Church.
Part two expands Bennett's PhD appendices where he records theological insights from Scriptural accounts of exorcism, then analyzes Lutheran writings on exorcism, including Martin Luther, CFW Walther, Kurt Koch, John Warwick Montgomery, and Jeffrey Gibbs. Agendas published by The Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod are also briefly reviewed to determine their level of interaction with demonic activity.
Highly recommended.
Part two expands Bennett's PhD appendices where he records theological insights from Scriptural accounts of exorcism, then analyzes Lutheran writings on exorcism, including Martin Luther, CFW Walther, Kurt Koch, John Warwick Montgomery, and Jeffrey Gibbs. Agendas published by The Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod are also briefly reviewed to determine their level of interaction with demonic activity.
Highly recommended.
April 22, 2019
Knowing that "I Am Not Afraid" is a published version of Dr. Bennett's doctoral dissertation makes the format, structure, and organization of this book easier to understand. However, I am very disappointed in the proofreading effort by CPH: I doubt they had anyone read it closely before it went to print.
Anyway, "I Am Not Afraid" will not be for everyone. It will probably be appreciated by those who are more academically minded, or those who are curious about how the Church responds/ should respond to demonic activity.
We should definitely take the idea of the devil and demons more seriously in the West. I look forward to reading Dr. Bennett's other book on this subject.
Anyway, "I Am Not Afraid" will not be for everyone. It will probably be appreciated by those who are more academically minded, or those who are curious about how the Church responds/ should respond to demonic activity.
We should definitely take the idea of the devil and demons more seriously in the West. I look forward to reading Dr. Bennett's other book on this subject.
July 31, 2025
I picked this up following a discussion of the 1949 St. Louis Exorcism that inspired the movie, in which a possessed boy, following unsuccessful exorcism attempts by an LCMS pastor, was taken to Jesuits, and following the successful exorcism, the family converted to Roman Catholicism.
One can’t help but wonder if such signs and wonders are proof of Rome’s legitimacy and the invalidity of everyone else. The contents of this book are definitive proof that that is not the case, as the Malagasy Lutheran Church in Madagascar has not only succeeded in freeing persons from spiritual bondage, but doing what the Catholics in the area could not.
One can’t help but wonder if such signs and wonders are proof of Rome’s legitimacy and the invalidity of everyone else. The contents of this book are definitive proof that that is not the case, as the Malagasy Lutheran Church in Madagascar has not only succeeded in freeing persons from spiritual bondage, but doing what the Catholics in the area could not.
May 4, 2023
Read this for the second time and still deeply fascinated with these insights into the Malagasy Lutheran Church, the Fifohazana revival movement, and the "boots on the ground" spiritual warfare that is making progress against animistic religion in Madagascar.
May 29, 2019
It was refreshing to read a peer reviewed book in this subject from a Lutheran perspective.
October 30, 2019
Very detailed reading
This is a detailed and in depth look at our Victory Jesus won at the Cross, and the eternal heaven that await all who receive His Sacrifice.
This is a detailed and in depth look at our Victory Jesus won at the Cross, and the eternal heaven that await all who receive His Sacrifice.
November 6, 2020
The most biblical consideration of spiritual warfare I have ever read. A topic too often overlooked or outright ignored in most of contemporary Christendom.
February 13, 2022
A great book for anyone, Christian or not, to learn about the supernatural. I’d recommend to anyone who was interested in the subject.
January 13, 2016
Reality "Authentic Demon Possession" Is A Biblical Valid Truth! Solid Able Be "Both" Mental Illness & Demonically Aspects, But Secular Culture Rejects The Demons! Read
Scott Peck "People Of The Lie" A Harvard Psychiatrist Who Solid Pertaining a Reality Of Demonically Aspects!
Scott Peck "People Of The Lie" A Harvard Psychiatrist Who Solid Pertaining a Reality Of Demonically Aspects!
December 18, 2013
It was okay, but not nearly as interesting as I thought it would be.
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