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3 Crucial Questions about Spiritual Warfare
Knowledgeable, accessible answers to these provocative What is spiritual warfare? Can a Christian be demonpossessed? Are we called to engage territorial spirits?
293 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 1997
72 people are currently reading
251 people want to read
About the author
Clinton E. Arnold
78 books18 followersClinton Arnold (PhD, University of Aberdeen) is the Dean and Professor of New Testament Language and Literature at Talbot School of Theology.
Dr. Arnold enjoys teaching, speaking and writing on various aspects of the New Testament. He has had a special interest in the historical and cultural setting of the letters of Paul. He is currently serving as the Vice President of the Evangelical Theological Society. Arnold is the editor of the four-volume Zondervan Illustrated Bible Backgrounds Commentary for which he wrote commentaries on “Acts," "Ephesians” and “Colossians”. He is the general editor of the Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament for which he has written the volume on “Ephesians.” Arnold has published in Christianity Today and was a regular columnist for Discipleship Journal. His research articles have appeared in such journals as New Testament Studies, Novum Testamentum, Journal for the Study of the New Testament and the Journal of Psychology and Theology. Arnold, his wife and three boys are vitally involved in their local church.
Dr. Arnold enjoys teaching, speaking and writing on various aspects of the New Testament. He has had a special interest in the historical and cultural setting of the letters of Paul. He is currently serving as the Vice President of the Evangelical Theological Society. Arnold is the editor of the four-volume Zondervan Illustrated Bible Backgrounds Commentary for which he wrote commentaries on “Acts," "Ephesians” and “Colossians”. He is the general editor of the Zondervan Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament for which he has written the volume on “Ephesians.” Arnold has published in Christianity Today and was a regular columnist for Discipleship Journal. His research articles have appeared in such journals as New Testament Studies, Novum Testamentum, Journal for the Study of the New Testament and the Journal of Psychology and Theology. Arnold, his wife and three boys are vitally involved in their local church.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
October 20, 2013
Pity about the title. It gives the impression this is a book that is going to have such a narrow focus and be altogether basic in its approach. This is however not the case.
This is just one of the titles in the 3 Crucial Questions series and it deals with the topics:
Arnold doesn't shy away from the complexities of the issues. I'd give it seven stars, if I could. It's forthright, balanced, thoughtful - examining the beliefs and practices of the early Christian church as well as the contemporary scene of the late twentieth century, always harking back to Scripture itself.
This is just one of the titles in the 3 Crucial Questions series and it deals with the topics:
What is spiritual warfare?
Can a Christian be demon-possessed?
Are we called to engage territorial spirits?
Arnold doesn't shy away from the complexities of the issues. I'd give it seven stars, if I could. It's forthright, balanced, thoughtful - examining the beliefs and practices of the early Christian church as well as the contemporary scene of the late twentieth century, always harking back to Scripture itself.
January 16, 2019
Continuing with the material in his dissertation on Ephesians, Clinton Arnold gives top-level scholarship combined with practical application for the church. In this text he steers a middle path between animism and deism. His three crucial questions:
1) Should we engage in spiritual warfare?
2) Can Christians be possessed?
3) What about territorial spirits?
Arnold begins with a simple (yet for some, baffling) observation: “ Foundational to spiritual warfare is a belief in evil spirits and a desire to get the upper hand on them before they get it on us” (Arnold, [it’s hard to cite the page number, since I am reading this on an epub]).
1. The concept of spiritual warfare reflects a primitive, prescientific worldview
2. Demons and evil spirits are not very prominent in the Bible. Even if this were true, it had force only if we limit the term to daimonia.
Supernatural Opponents
archai = Principalities
exousiai = authorities
kosmokratores = world rulers
pneumatika = spiritual forces
Arnold makes one observation with which I disagree: “These terms probably do not represent the so-called territorial spirits that we find in Daniel—that is, a demonic prince with responsibility over a country or region (see Dan. 10:13, 20).”
It’s hard to see how they couldn’t be territorial spirits. But maybe they don’t have to be. Arnold doesn’t mention it, but these could be the shedim and rephaim mentioned in Deut. 32. In discussing Ephesians 6, I do like how Arnold emphasizes the corporate nature of prayer.
Can a Christian Be Demon-Possessed?
After the 1970s better texts on spiritual warfare moved away from speaking of “possession” (given its connotations with the Exorcist) and more on demonization (which is actually what the Greek word says). The problem is that terms like “possession” mean “to be totally the Devil’s control.” Of course Christians aren’t totally under the Devil’s control, but in terms of bodily motions, neither are most unbelievers. Arnold then clinches the argument: ““Demon possession” is always the translation of a single Greek word, daimonizomai. Words for ownership or possession (e.g., huparch , ech , katech , ktaomai, or peripoie ) are absent in the original text.”
However, not all arguments to the effect “Christians cannot be demon-possessed” because ________ are very good. While we are a temple of God, there is no reason why demons cannot “latch onto the outer court,” to extend the metaphor. In fact, we can “give turf” to the Devil. “In your anger do not sin; Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.” The term translated “foothold” is the Greek word topos, an expression that was commonly used for inhabited space.
Further, we can allow evil to reign (Romans 6:12).
Did Paul Exorcise Christians?
Arnold writes that Luke tells of a massive exorcism *after* some Jews and Gentiles were converted to the Lord (Acts 19:10). Arnold: Luke then tells us that “many of those who believed now came and openly confessed their evil deeds” (Acts 19:18, italics mine). The result was a massive ceremony of renunciation involving the burning of 50,000 days’ wages worth of magical papyri. These were Christians burning their occultic texts!
And Arnold documents that the type of magic they were doing involved invoking a daimon to come to one’s aid. So you have born-again Christians invoking demons to come to them.
Can a Christian Exhibit Altered States of Consciousness?
If by altered states one means “dissociative identity disorder,” and as long as that is understood by what the govt did with MK-ULTRA, and not because a spiritual entity, then yes.
Can We Imitate the Gospels on Exorcism?
The gospels are manuals for us on how to live. This is how the earliest Christians (and common sense) understood the gospels. Further, in Luke 11-12, the coming of the kingdom is also attended by exorcisms. Further, in the Great Commission Jesus commands us to teach and do all.
The early church exorcised new Christians.
Hippolytus, Apostolic Traditions. Moreover, from the day they are chosen, let a hand be laid on them and let them be exorcised [exorkizein] daily. And when the day draws near on which they are to be baptized, let the bishop himself exorcise each one of them, that he may be certain that he is purified (20.3).
But if there is one who is not purified let him be put on one side because he did not hear the word of instruction with faith. For the evil and strange spirit remained with him (20.4).
The leader would anoint the person with oil and say, “Let all evil spirits depart far from thee” (21.10).
Tertullian: Because of the omnipresence of idolatry, Tertullian asked rhetorically, “What man is there to whom an evil spirit does not adhere, even at the very gates of his birth, waiting to ensnare his soul?” Of course, Tertullian has a lot of issues himself, so take this with a grain of salt.
Pseudo-Clement, Recognitions 2.71, as cited in Kelly, The Devil at Baptism, 124. “Everyone who has at any time worshiped idols and has adored those whom the pagans call gods, or has eaten of the things sacrificed to them, is not without an unclean spirit; for he has become a guest of demons, and has been partaker with that demon of which he has formed the image in his mind, either through fear or love.”
Origen: “Anyone who vanquishes a demon in himself, e.g. the demon of lewdness, puts it out of action; the demon is cast into the abyss, and cannot do any harm to anyone. Homily on Joshua 15.5, as quoted in Everett Ferguson, Demonology of the Early Christian World, Symposium Series 12 (Lewiston/Queenston: Edwin Mellen, 1984), 128.
Cyprian. and although he [the demon] often says that he is going out, and will leave the men of God, yet in that which he says he deceives, and puts in practice what was before done by Pharaoh with the same obstinate and fraudulent deceit” (Epistles 75.15).
Apostolic Constitutions. “Ye energumens, afflicted with unclean spirits, pray, and let us all earnestly pray for them, that God, the lover of mankind, will by Christ rebuke the unclean and wicked spirits and deliver His supplicants from the dominion of the adversary” (Apostolic Constitutions 8.6).
What about Deliverance Ministries?
Properly glossed, it is line with the practices of the earliest Christians. He does give some warning about excesses, though:
* When in doubt, cast it out!
* Uncritical acceptance of testimonies of demons.
Arnold downplays the reality of Satanic Ritual Abuse, however. Granted, he wrote this when many aspects of the “satanic panic” were being exposed. But he is wrong if he says no evidence of Satanic rituals have been found. Yet he admits that murders have been carried out in the name of Satan. So which is it? I think he is rejecting the idea of an international Satanic conspiracy cult. Well, when you put it like that, then no, they probably aren’t real. But there are other ways of framing the issue.
Are We Called to Fight Territorial Spirits?
The acronym SLSW, strategic level spiritual warfare, is what he is talking about. At the most basic level, the concept of territorial spirits is biblical. Daniel 10. And given the fact that God alloted the nations to the beney ha-elohim per Deut 4 and 32, it is legitimate to think that fallen spirits (whatever we want to call them) control (or did control) some countries.
The controversy is when we get to “spiritual mapping.” According to George Otis, it is “superimposing our understanding of forces and events in the spiritual domain onto places and circumstances in the material world” (Otis, George Otis Jr., The Last of the Giants: Lifting the Veil on Islam and the End Times (Grand Rapids: Chosen, 1991), 85).
The second aspect isn’t as problematic: dealing with the corporate sin of an area. This seems biblical. The final question is the main one: can we pray against these spirits?
Arnold’s response:
The first point is utterly biblical. And Arnold corrects the flawed translation of Deut. 32:8 with the correct one from the Dead Sea Scrolls. And while the LXX translates Deut 32:17 as “demons,” the better reading is the Hebrew shedim, which is a territorial spirit of the underworld.
Church Fathers on the topic:
Justin Martyr (2nd century A.D.) makes reference to “the power of the evil demon that dwelt in Damascus” (Dialogue with Trypho 78). “for the princes in Tanis are evil angels” (Dialogue with Trypho 79).
Clement: Well, now, let us say in addition, what inhuman demons, and hostile to the human race, your gods were, not only delighting in the insanity of men, but gloating over human slaughter (Exhortation to the Greeks, 3.1).
But can we name and discern these spirits? Arnold asks us to pause on this point. Scripture really doesn’t say we should. And if Jude is any indication, as he quotes from the Assumption of Moses, we need to be very careful in how we address these fallen territorial spirits. Arnold makes the very perceptive insight: “We do not have the right to tell a spirit to leave if it has an invitation to stay.”
And when Paul was in Ephesus, he no doubt encountered the territorial spirit of the City (i.e., Diana). He didn’t engage in SLSW against her, but in deliverance for the demonized in the city.
1) Should we engage in spiritual warfare?
2) Can Christians be possessed?
3) What about territorial spirits?
Arnold begins with a simple (yet for some, baffling) observation: “ Foundational to spiritual warfare is a belief in evil spirits and a desire to get the upper hand on them before they get it on us” (Arnold, [it’s hard to cite the page number, since I am reading this on an epub]).
1. The concept of spiritual warfare reflects a primitive, prescientific worldview
2. Demons and evil spirits are not very prominent in the Bible. Even if this were true, it had force only if we limit the term to daimonia.
Supernatural Opponents
archai = Principalities
exousiai = authorities
kosmokratores = world rulers
pneumatika = spiritual forces
Arnold makes one observation with which I disagree: “These terms probably do not represent the so-called territorial spirits that we find in Daniel—that is, a demonic prince with responsibility over a country or region (see Dan. 10:13, 20).”
It’s hard to see how they couldn’t be territorial spirits. But maybe they don’t have to be. Arnold doesn’t mention it, but these could be the shedim and rephaim mentioned in Deut. 32. In discussing Ephesians 6, I do like how Arnold emphasizes the corporate nature of prayer.
Can a Christian Be Demon-Possessed?
After the 1970s better texts on spiritual warfare moved away from speaking of “possession” (given its connotations with the Exorcist) and more on demonization (which is actually what the Greek word says). The problem is that terms like “possession” mean “to be totally the Devil’s control.” Of course Christians aren’t totally under the Devil’s control, but in terms of bodily motions, neither are most unbelievers. Arnold then clinches the argument: ““Demon possession” is always the translation of a single Greek word, daimonizomai. Words for ownership or possession (e.g., huparch , ech , katech , ktaomai, or peripoie ) are absent in the original text.”
However, not all arguments to the effect “Christians cannot be demon-possessed” because ________ are very good. While we are a temple of God, there is no reason why demons cannot “latch onto the outer court,” to extend the metaphor. In fact, we can “give turf” to the Devil. “In your anger do not sin; Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.” The term translated “foothold” is the Greek word topos, an expression that was commonly used for inhabited space.
Further, we can allow evil to reign (Romans 6:12).
Did Paul Exorcise Christians?
Arnold writes that Luke tells of a massive exorcism *after* some Jews and Gentiles were converted to the Lord (Acts 19:10). Arnold: Luke then tells us that “many of those who believed now came and openly confessed their evil deeds” (Acts 19:18, italics mine). The result was a massive ceremony of renunciation involving the burning of 50,000 days’ wages worth of magical papyri. These were Christians burning their occultic texts!
And Arnold documents that the type of magic they were doing involved invoking a daimon to come to one’s aid. So you have born-again Christians invoking demons to come to them.
Can a Christian Exhibit Altered States of Consciousness?
If by altered states one means “dissociative identity disorder,” and as long as that is understood by what the govt did with MK-ULTRA, and not because a spiritual entity, then yes.
Can We Imitate the Gospels on Exorcism?
The gospels are manuals for us on how to live. This is how the earliest Christians (and common sense) understood the gospels. Further, in Luke 11-12, the coming of the kingdom is also attended by exorcisms. Further, in the Great Commission Jesus commands us to teach and do all.
The early church exorcised new Christians.
Hippolytus, Apostolic Traditions. Moreover, from the day they are chosen, let a hand be laid on them and let them be exorcised [exorkizein] daily. And when the day draws near on which they are to be baptized, let the bishop himself exorcise each one of them, that he may be certain that he is purified (20.3).
But if there is one who is not purified let him be put on one side because he did not hear the word of instruction with faith. For the evil and strange spirit remained with him (20.4).
The leader would anoint the person with oil and say, “Let all evil spirits depart far from thee” (21.10).
Tertullian: Because of the omnipresence of idolatry, Tertullian asked rhetorically, “What man is there to whom an evil spirit does not adhere, even at the very gates of his birth, waiting to ensnare his soul?” Of course, Tertullian has a lot of issues himself, so take this with a grain of salt.
Pseudo-Clement, Recognitions 2.71, as cited in Kelly, The Devil at Baptism, 124. “Everyone who has at any time worshiped idols and has adored those whom the pagans call gods, or has eaten of the things sacrificed to them, is not without an unclean spirit; for he has become a guest of demons, and has been partaker with that demon of which he has formed the image in his mind, either through fear or love.”
Origen: “Anyone who vanquishes a demon in himself, e.g. the demon of lewdness, puts it out of action; the demon is cast into the abyss, and cannot do any harm to anyone. Homily on Joshua 15.5, as quoted in Everett Ferguson, Demonology of the Early Christian World, Symposium Series 12 (Lewiston/Queenston: Edwin Mellen, 1984), 128.
Cyprian. and although he [the demon] often says that he is going out, and will leave the men of God, yet in that which he says he deceives, and puts in practice what was before done by Pharaoh with the same obstinate and fraudulent deceit” (Epistles 75.15).
Apostolic Constitutions. “Ye energumens, afflicted with unclean spirits, pray, and let us all earnestly pray for them, that God, the lover of mankind, will by Christ rebuke the unclean and wicked spirits and deliver His supplicants from the dominion of the adversary” (Apostolic Constitutions 8.6).
What about Deliverance Ministries?
Properly glossed, it is line with the practices of the earliest Christians. He does give some warning about excesses, though:
* When in doubt, cast it out!
* Uncritical acceptance of testimonies of demons.
Arnold downplays the reality of Satanic Ritual Abuse, however. Granted, he wrote this when many aspects of the “satanic panic” were being exposed. But he is wrong if he says no evidence of Satanic rituals have been found. Yet he admits that murders have been carried out in the name of Satan. So which is it? I think he is rejecting the idea of an international Satanic conspiracy cult. Well, when you put it like that, then no, they probably aren’t real. But there are other ways of framing the issue.
Are We Called to Fight Territorial Spirits?
The acronym SLSW, strategic level spiritual warfare, is what he is talking about. At the most basic level, the concept of territorial spirits is biblical. Daniel 10. And given the fact that God alloted the nations to the beney ha-elohim per Deut 4 and 32, it is legitimate to think that fallen spirits (whatever we want to call them) control (or did control) some countries.
The controversy is when we get to “spiritual mapping.” According to George Otis, it is “superimposing our understanding of forces and events in the spiritual domain onto places and circumstances in the material world” (Otis, George Otis Jr., The Last of the Giants: Lifting the Veil on Islam and the End Times (Grand Rapids: Chosen, 1991), 85).
The second aspect isn’t as problematic: dealing with the corporate sin of an area. This seems biblical. The final question is the main one: can we pray against these spirits?
Arnold’s response:
The first point is utterly biblical. And Arnold corrects the flawed translation of Deut. 32:8 with the correct one from the Dead Sea Scrolls. And while the LXX translates Deut 32:17 as “demons,” the better reading is the Hebrew shedim, which is a territorial spirit of the underworld.
Church Fathers on the topic:
Justin Martyr (2nd century A.D.) makes reference to “the power of the evil demon that dwelt in Damascus” (Dialogue with Trypho 78). “for the princes in Tanis are evil angels” (Dialogue with Trypho 79).
Clement: Well, now, let us say in addition, what inhuman demons, and hostile to the human race, your gods were, not only delighting in the insanity of men, but gloating over human slaughter (Exhortation to the Greeks, 3.1).
But can we name and discern these spirits? Arnold asks us to pause on this point. Scripture really doesn’t say we should. And if Jude is any indication, as he quotes from the Assumption of Moses, we need to be very careful in how we address these fallen territorial spirits. Arnold makes the very perceptive insight: “We do not have the right to tell a spirit to leave if it has an invitation to stay.”
And when Paul was in Ephesus, he no doubt encountered the territorial spirit of the City (i.e., Diana). He didn’t engage in SLSW against her, but in deliverance for the demonized in the city.
May 28, 2016
Three Crucial Questions about Spiritual Warfare is an excellent book on spiritual warfare. Don't let the title fool you though - the three questions open up into almost every question about Christian spiritual warfare.
The actual three questions:
1. What Is Spiritual Warfare?
2. Can a Christian be Demon-Possessed?
3. Are We Called to Engage Territorial Spirits?
Clinton e Arnold adresses these questions very well, giving answers from the Bible and from church history. He's very clear that the Bible must guide one's interpretation of experiences. He also cites many authors who are leading scholars and practioners taking various positons on spiritual warfare. This book is very complete! When you think the question is answered Arnold still finds aspects and angles of the subject to address.
He brings a fair and pretty balanced assessment of various positions. He enters into critical analysis of arguments as well. I do disagree with him on a point or two, but I find his work to be excellent!
The actual three questions:
1. What Is Spiritual Warfare?
2. Can a Christian be Demon-Possessed?
3. Are We Called to Engage Territorial Spirits?
Clinton e Arnold adresses these questions very well, giving answers from the Bible and from church history. He's very clear that the Bible must guide one's interpretation of experiences. He also cites many authors who are leading scholars and practioners taking various positons on spiritual warfare. This book is very complete! When you think the question is answered Arnold still finds aspects and angles of the subject to address.
He brings a fair and pretty balanced assessment of various positions. He enters into critical analysis of arguments as well. I do disagree with him on a point or two, but I find his work to be excellent!
January 17, 2015
Mr. Arnold states in his preface that he has a shelf containing 97 books about spiritual warfare. I am inclined to believe that he has read every single one of them, and the fruit of all his research and Bible study appears in abundance in this concise book. Given the appearance of the book, as it fits into a series called 3 Crucial Questions, I expected a rather light treatment of the subject of spiritual warfare. Perhaps a cursory glance through the nay-sayers, as in, whoever has an opinion that varies from the author's, but more or less a book simply stating the author's opinion, which then gets presented as hard and true Biblical fact. So, I was more than pleasantly surprised to find the depth of research that is present in this book, and I was equally pleased to discover a very even-handed approach to different thoughts, theories, and beliefs about spiritual warfare.
Mr. Arnold has studied the Bible to discover what God tells believers about fighting spiritual battles; he has reviewed the literature and fairly summarized what others think about spiritual warfare - including a balanced view of the pros and cons of their positions; and he has boiled all of this down into the essentials for Bible-believing Christians.
I heartily recommend this book to any and all that have an interest in a believer's role and responsibility in spiritual battles. While not an instruction manual, Mr. Arnold has done a fine job of summarizing where we are to begin, and what our limits ought to be.
Mr. Arnold has studied the Bible to discover what God tells believers about fighting spiritual battles; he has reviewed the literature and fairly summarized what others think about spiritual warfare - including a balanced view of the pros and cons of their positions; and he has boiled all of this down into the essentials for Bible-believing Christians.
I heartily recommend this book to any and all that have an interest in a believer's role and responsibility in spiritual battles. While not an instruction manual, Mr. Arnold has done a fine job of summarizing where we are to begin, and what our limits ought to be.
January 5, 2012
To be brief, this book is all about Spiritual warfare and the Christian perspective on demons and what it is to be "possessed" by a demon. This is a very good read for anyone who is wanting to know about Christian Spiritual Warfare. This has answered every question that I have been wanting to know, and I found it very helpful along as useful. It doesn't cover ALL about what is Spiritual Warfare but it certainly makes a nice impression on the reader. If you are at all interested in Spiritual Warfare, this is the book for you.
January 15, 2012
Excellent overview, well elaborated and a balanced argument that evaluates alternative perspectives for their value and limitations. It has Jesus as the center of concern and thus prioritizes the unity of the Church Jesus has built with his own flesh and the repentance of individual and corporate sin, in light of the divisions amongst the Church that has happened due to disagreements over spiritual warfare.
One of the few theology books I have genuinely enjoyed.
One of the few theology books I have genuinely enjoyed.
June 29, 2011
Hugely helpful in understanding spiritual warfare!
November 19, 2023
8.0/10 - This, along with The Unseen Realm by Michael Heiser were the two foremost books recommended by Gerry Breshears on the topics of spiritual warfare. I could quickly tell into this read why this one has its place. It covers a large subject matter both fairly and deeply—and in just 200 pages, though dense ones.
I definitely highly recommend it. It’s grounded—obviously very thoroughly researched, and I also found it intellectually rigorous and honest. Yet at the same time, it is challenging to assumptions that as acknowledgement of supernatural realities may increase, so also do sanity and credibility decrease. This, because Arnold exudes credibility while also laying strong foundations for bridge-building views and charitable understandings.
It includes excellent summary of biblical and historical evidence, as well as a feeling that a great array of subject matter is being curated. At times it seems he stretches himself to be honoring many people in the field at expense of concision and clarity though. And sometimes the comprehensiveness makes it a bit harder to read (though not by much, given this is truly fit for a wide audience).
Being a 1997 written book, I often found myself wishing a similar book had been written just 6 years ago instead of 26, as there is some disconnect that emerges naturally based on the time it was written, though I did especially appreciate the commentary on a 90s time in world history.
Several good mental models are scattered about. I liked his clarity around use and questioning of assertions. Clinton Arnold seems like a guy I’d love to spend a day or weekend talking the whole time with. He’s only 65, so it’s at least not totally out of the question to have at least a chat!
I definitely highly recommend it. It’s grounded—obviously very thoroughly researched, and I also found it intellectually rigorous and honest. Yet at the same time, it is challenging to assumptions that as acknowledgement of supernatural realities may increase, so also do sanity and credibility decrease. This, because Arnold exudes credibility while also laying strong foundations for bridge-building views and charitable understandings.
It includes excellent summary of biblical and historical evidence, as well as a feeling that a great array of subject matter is being curated. At times it seems he stretches himself to be honoring many people in the field at expense of concision and clarity though. And sometimes the comprehensiveness makes it a bit harder to read (though not by much, given this is truly fit for a wide audience).
Being a 1997 written book, I often found myself wishing a similar book had been written just 6 years ago instead of 26, as there is some disconnect that emerges naturally based on the time it was written, though I did especially appreciate the commentary on a 90s time in world history.
Several good mental models are scattered about. I liked his clarity around use and questioning of assertions. Clinton Arnold seems like a guy I’d love to spend a day or weekend talking the whole time with. He’s only 65, so it’s at least not totally out of the question to have at least a chat!
October 27, 2017
Завършвам книгата със смесени впечатления. Първата глава, която описва духовната битка като цяло е написана съвсем балансирано и към нея нямам забележки. Нещата стоят по различен начин с втората, която разглежда въпроса възможността християни да бъдат обладан от демони и да имат нужда от освобождение. Лично аз намирам за слаби всички негови библейски аргументи както и немалка част от историческите. Все пак, начина по който той забележимо преформулира идеята за "обладаване" (която според автора е неподходяща) заслужава внимание и в него може би има нещо вярно. Третата глава говори за т. нар. "териториални демони" и духовната борба с тях. Тук отново съм раздвоен в оценката си. От една страна аз съм критичен към библейските аргументи, които привежда - с изключение на Данаил 10 те просто не ми изглеждат доба егзегетика. От друга страна критиката, която авторът прави по-нататък на някои съвременни практики за борба с териториални демони напълно съвпада с моето виждане. Претегляйки нещата в по-голямата си част главата е добра и полезна.
В заключение, това не е книгаТА, която бих препоръчал на човек, който се интересува от въпроса за християнската духовна война. Въпреки това това е книга, в която има много добри и полезни неща.
В заключение, това не е книгаТА, която бих препоръчал на човек, който се интересува от въпроса за християнската духовна война. Въпреки това това е книга, в която има много добри и полезни неща.
September 11, 2024
Clinton Arnold is a solid biblical scholar especially for the background of the NT writings. His "Power and Magic" which is essentially his doctoral thesis was amazing for helping to understand the context Paul is writing to the Ephesians. He updated and expanded this work to Paul's other letters in, "Powers of Darkness" which is helpful as well. Arnold also wrote a very helpful commentary on Ephesians that should be in consideration on this topic. I would recommend this 3 questions book as an entry into the topic if you are committed to reading other perspectives as well.
He has helpful concepts in chapter 2 that are the most helpful of the book.
In chapter 2 he advocates for believers being able to be demon inhabited, following Neil T. Anderson. His argument is the most persuasive I have encountered from this perspective, yet ultimately I personally was not convinced.
Chapter 3 he argues for moderation towards those who are attempting to cast down territorial spirits. Well-argued and I found myself persuaded by this argument.
He has helpful concepts in chapter 2 that are the most helpful of the book.
In chapter 2 he advocates for believers being able to be demon inhabited, following Neil T. Anderson. His argument is the most persuasive I have encountered from this perspective, yet ultimately I personally was not convinced.
Chapter 3 he argues for moderation towards those who are attempting to cast down territorial spirits. Well-argued and I found myself persuaded by this argument.
June 27, 2022
Arnold has a balanced perspective on a rather difficult bi local concept...namely, how Christians understand and deal with Satan and the demonic. I found the book helpful. The second chapter deals specifically with the work of the enemy with Christians. He cites the teachings of Paul heavily, and I think provides a useful approach. Temptation often involves our flesh and the world, but the Bible also suggests that the work of the enemy tempts Christians in destructive ways.
October 3, 2023
If you are looking for a book on Spiritual Warfare and are not sure where to start, this book is a great starting point. Clinton Arnold dives into three intriguing questions regarding Spiritual Warfare and he uses interesting illustrations and arguments to further his message on equipping believers through the power of Christ to deal with problems that stem from the enemy and his evil tactics.
October 8, 2018
From someone who has experienced spiritual warfare but never really did research on the topic. Arnold makes some great points in the book and keeps it simple in the way that any adult regardless of their spiritual walk or knowing about the Bible could read this as it is relatable and easy to read.
April 17, 2021
Somewhat helpful survey of the evangelical view of these matters, although Arnold resorts too much to his own conclusions than I would have liked for a book of this type. I did appreciate the scholarship of weird early church sources he exhibited though.
March 28, 2022
This book is an excellent introduction to the topic of spiritual warfare. The writing is fairly dry, so I wouldn't recommend it for everybody, but it's a great resource for anyone wanting to learn more about spiritual warfare.
February 17, 2023
Great book on spiritual warfare. I felt it was doctrinally sound and yet fair and thorough in looking at the many different ways in which Christians involve themselves in and think about spiritual warfare. I would recommend it to anyone wanting to know more from a healthy Biblical perspective.
June 1, 2024
Phenomenal
This book was one of the best books on spiritual warfare. It is very theologically balanced and shows a high reverence for the word of God. Although I do not agree with every single conclusion, the author's arguments are comprehensive, sound, and edifying in many ways.
This book was one of the best books on spiritual warfare. It is very theologically balanced and shows a high reverence for the word of God. Although I do not agree with every single conclusion, the author's arguments are comprehensive, sound, and edifying in many ways.
May 7, 2021
Some helpful things, maybe even helpful overall. But the language of demonic indwelling of a believer is highly, highly troubling.
June 18, 2021
Great balanced read on central questions people have about spiritual warfare. Draws heavily on Scripture and how spiritual warfare was fought in the early church. Recommend!
June 13, 2025
Helpful, solid intro to spiritual warfare. Does a great job of considering different perspectives and why/why not the author considers them biblically sound.
July 3, 2016
Very balanced approach to spiritual warfare
The author was very well read on the topic and interacts with the differing opinions of others in a fair and irenic spirit. One of the things that I most enjoyed in the book was the author's survey of what the early church fathers taught on the subject. The author also gives a broad overview of what the Scriptures teach on spiritual warfare. Great book!
The author was very well read on the topic and interacts with the differing opinions of others in a fair and irenic spirit. One of the things that I most enjoyed in the book was the author's survey of what the early church fathers taught on the subject. The author also gives a broad overview of what the Scriptures teach on spiritual warfare. Great book!
April 18, 2015
Although I am finished reading this book, I am, in truth, still going back and underlining, and making notes. I appreciate my pastor recommending this book when I asked for a book that would be Biblically solid. It is very balanced and grounded in God's Word. It has given me a firm foundation to understanding the spiritual war that is ongoing.
October 17, 2009
This is the first book that I read on spiritual warfare--a topic that I have been hesitant to dive into. Arnold uses Scripture, reason, tradition and experience to show how spiritual warfare has been approached throughout the ages. It was very well balanced in its approach and very useful.
June 11, 2014
This was an interesting read. Although I felt it was a tad repetitive in places, overall it provided a nice overview of what has been a very controversial topic over the last 2 decades. Well researched and biblically grounded, i would recommend this book to anyone interested in the topic.
August 4, 2013
Academic, Biblical, Missiological. Not Fanciful. Factual.
May 18, 2015
Good. Only three stars and not four because some of the material feels a little dated. Still a good balanced introduction by a top-notch biblical scholar.
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