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The Devil Has No Mother: Why he's Worse than You Think - but God is Greater
With millions of copies sold, RUN BABY RUN is one of the most powerful true stories of our day: the tale of one man, a legend among gang leaders in New York, and how he turned his back on that world of tribal warfare, sex, drugs and murder for the sake of Christ. In this new book Nicky Cruz explores how the devil uses every possible means to prevent people turning to God, drawing on a wealth of examples ranging from his own spiritualist childhood to his experiences of meeting prisoners in the highest security jails in the world. But the best news is that while the devil may be everywhere, God is there too - and it's God whose power will triumph. This is a tough book to read, but it's worth it, because you'll come away convinced not just of the devil's wiles, but much more convinced of God's superior firepower. The devil's worse than you think - but God is greater.
278 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 1, 2012
26 people are currently reading
358 people want to read
About the author
Nicky Cruz
67 books118 followersNicky was only 3½ years old when his heart turned to stone. As one of 18 children born to witchcraft-practicing parents from Puerto Rico, bloodshed and mayhem were common occurrences in his life. He suffered severe physical and mental abuse at their hands, at one time being declared the "Son of Satan" by his mother while she was in a spiritual trance.
When he was 15, Nicky's father sent him to visit an older brother in New York. Nicky didn't stay with his brother long. Instead, full of anger and rage, he chose to make it on his own.
Tough, but lonely, by age 16 he became a member of the notorious Brooklyn street gang known as the Mau Maus (named after a bloodthirsty African tribe). Within six months he became their president. Cruz fearlessly ruled the streets as warlord of one of the gangs most dreaded by rivals and police. Lost in the cycle of drugs, alcohol, and brutal violence, his life took a tragic turn for the worse after a friend and fellow gang member was horribly stabbed and beaten and died in Nicky's arms.
As Cruz' reputation grew, so did his haunting nightmares. Arrested countless times, a court-ordered psychiatrist pronounced Nicky's fate as "headed to prison, the electric chair, and hell."
No authority figure could reach Cruz - until he met a skinny street-preacher named David Wilkerson. He disarmed Nicky - showing him something he'd never known before: Relentless love. His interest in the young thug was persistent. Nicky beat him up, spit on him and, on one occasion, seriously threatened his life, yet the love of God remained - stronger than any adversary Nicky had ever encountered.
Finally, Wilkerson's presentation of the gospel message and the love of Jesus melted the thick walls of his heart. Nicky received the forgiveness, love and new life that can only come through Jesus. Since then, he has dedicated that life to helping others find the same freedom.
He reaches today's youth because they relate to his background, trust his peer authority, and respond to the message of hope he delivers with both passion and conviction.
Run Baby Run is Nicky's story in book form.
When he was 15, Nicky's father sent him to visit an older brother in New York. Nicky didn't stay with his brother long. Instead, full of anger and rage, he chose to make it on his own.
Tough, but lonely, by age 16 he became a member of the notorious Brooklyn street gang known as the Mau Maus (named after a bloodthirsty African tribe). Within six months he became their president. Cruz fearlessly ruled the streets as warlord of one of the gangs most dreaded by rivals and police. Lost in the cycle of drugs, alcohol, and brutal violence, his life took a tragic turn for the worse after a friend and fellow gang member was horribly stabbed and beaten and died in Nicky's arms.
As Cruz' reputation grew, so did his haunting nightmares. Arrested countless times, a court-ordered psychiatrist pronounced Nicky's fate as "headed to prison, the electric chair, and hell."
No authority figure could reach Cruz - until he met a skinny street-preacher named David Wilkerson. He disarmed Nicky - showing him something he'd never known before: Relentless love. His interest in the young thug was persistent. Nicky beat him up, spit on him and, on one occasion, seriously threatened his life, yet the love of God remained - stronger than any adversary Nicky had ever encountered.
Finally, Wilkerson's presentation of the gospel message and the love of Jesus melted the thick walls of his heart. Nicky received the forgiveness, love and new life that can only come through Jesus. Since then, he has dedicated that life to helping others find the same freedom.
He reaches today's youth because they relate to his background, trust his peer authority, and respond to the message of hope he delivers with both passion and conviction.
Run Baby Run is Nicky's story in book form.
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June 11, 2013
I don't think I've ever reviewed Run Baby Run, but that's because I read it way before I started this blog. I was about twelve, and this, along with the "companion book" The Cross and the Switchblade were the two books that I borrowed the most often. So when I heard that Nicky Cruz had a new book out, I immediately requested it on NetGalley.
While this book isn't like Run Baby Run (which was an autobiography), it's still an excellent book that I consider a must read for Christians.
The Devil Has No Mother deals with spiritual warfare, and in this book, Nicky Cruz goes through the ways the devil can attack us, how we can withstand it, and of course, lots of personal examples.
Bottom line, the devil is real and he's scary. Like seriously scary. Perhaps it's because Singapore (despite it's modern facade) is still at heart a superstitious society (see the Seventh Month Festival), but because of that, things like demons ands spirits are believed in. Perhaps now the younger generation (fine, my generation) don't believe in ghosts anymore, but the point is that for me, believing in the existence of satan and demons and the like is normal.
For example, even though my family is mostly Christian (or perhaps because my family is mostly Christian), we have had encounters with Satan. I have had (non-Christian) relatives who were believed to be possessed, and well, I have felt the fear that comes with the presence of evil.
So for me, this book is encouraging and invaluable. It reminds me that yes, the danger is real and kicking but we have already won. Satan knows his time will come eventually, but he's not going down without a fight. So as a Christian, I have to remember that no matter how scary the devil seems, he's not greater than my God.
Disclaimer: I got this ebook from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a free and honest review.
This review was first posted to Inside the mind of a Bibliophile
While this book isn't like Run Baby Run (which was an autobiography), it's still an excellent book that I consider a must read for Christians.
The Devil Has No Mother deals with spiritual warfare, and in this book, Nicky Cruz goes through the ways the devil can attack us, how we can withstand it, and of course, lots of personal examples.
Bottom line, the devil is real and he's scary. Like seriously scary. Perhaps it's because Singapore (despite it's modern facade) is still at heart a superstitious society (see the Seventh Month Festival), but because of that, things like demons ands spirits are believed in. Perhaps now the younger generation (fine, my generation) don't believe in ghosts anymore, but the point is that for me, believing in the existence of satan and demons and the like is normal.
For example, even though my family is mostly Christian (or perhaps because my family is mostly Christian), we have had encounters with Satan. I have had (non-Christian) relatives who were believed to be possessed, and well, I have felt the fear that comes with the presence of evil.
So for me, this book is encouraging and invaluable. It reminds me that yes, the danger is real and kicking but we have already won. Satan knows his time will come eventually, but he's not going down without a fight. So as a Christian, I have to remember that no matter how scary the devil seems, he's not greater than my God.
Disclaimer: I got this ebook from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a free and honest review.
This review was first posted to Inside the mind of a Bibliophile
July 21, 2013
The Devil Has No Mother is a book everyone should read, Christian and non-Christian alike.
Nicky Cruz shares his life and ministry experiences which will leave you in anticipation and hungry for more.
This book encouraged and inspired me. Nicky Cruz is true man of God and a warrior for Christ. I deeply admire him.
To read more about this review, please visit http://www.ordinaryservant.com/?p=2075
Nicky Cruz shares his life and ministry experiences which will leave you in anticipation and hungry for more.
This book encouraged and inspired me. Nicky Cruz is true man of God and a warrior for Christ. I deeply admire him.
To read more about this review, please visit http://www.ordinaryservant.com/?p=2075
November 2, 2013
In exchange for my honest review, I was given three copies of Nicky Cruz's book by the publisher. Additional copies have been given to others who may have been interested in the overall concept of the book.
Nicky Cruz's book The Devil Has No Mother covers, in depth, examples today of how the devil tries to intercept God's attempts in creating and showing the good in people.
When I first was asked to review the book, I think I was under the impression that it would be more along the lines of Nicky Cruz's book Run Baby Run, which focuses on Cruz's earlier life as a gang leader and what caused him to turn to Christ. That in itself sounds incredibly inspirational. However, The Devil Has No Mother is not that.
I actually had a difficult time reading it because I prefer a different style of Christian book. The overall tone is very dark and within good reason because the emphasis of the book is to declare that the devil is evil and scary. Cruz grew up in a family that practiced witchcraft style beliefs and that may have also contributed to the darker tone of the book and why he emphasizes so much evil in the devil. However, the overall book felt very much like a giant scare tactic and I had recently heard a sermon about how this type of rhetoric often scares away people who are interested in being Christians or are "baby Christians." I could see why because I was immediately turned off from the book by several chapters that Cruz had put together.
Although the devil is an evil entity, I think why many Christians turn to God is because he is an all-loving God and He is the light of the world. TDHNM felt very much like 256 pages of judgment and was not the type of Christian book for me. One chapter focused solely on books and television programs today. It was very obvious that Cruz had never watched or read any of these programs and at one point he admonished the Harry Potter book series as saying that it encouraged children to practice sorcery. Although people may disagree with me, I love Harry Potter and J.K. Rowling's books have encouraged so much literacy and a love for reading around the world. I grew up with the books, as did many other people my age, and it is something I hold as a dear memory from my childhood and one that I did not choose to practice sorcery with. He also spoke against shows like The Vampire Diaries and True Blood because they're vampires. Although I think Cruz may have some good points on why these shows are not necessarily appropriate for children, since they're highly sexualized, I think he discredits Christians for being able to separate fact and fiction.
I think one of the saddest points of the book was how this mentality has influenced his family. One of his daughters, a psychologist, had asked him if the faults of their ancestors who practiced witchcraft were going to influence their relationship with God in the future. That was actually more tactful than what was said in the book. It basically was are we going to burn in Hell because our ancestors practiced black magic? Throughout the book and reading Cruz's story, all I thought was that there is so much history behind Cruz's family. He grew up in Puerto Rico and that type of spirituality was reminiscent of the culture. I was more fascinated in those stories than most aspects of the book. Of course he said no but what concerned me was that his daughter, in her later 20's, had to ask that question. I obviously am not part of his family nor grew up in it but I think there is something to say about raising your family in fear versus understanding the love of God.
With all of that said, this book was not my cup of tea. You may enjoy this or recommend this for people who are questioning the extent of the devil's evilness, but it was not the type of Christian book that I would recommend. Instead of leaving it as a discussion of the devil, Cruz injected judgment of other people on every single page and it kind of felt like he went from one extreme of being a gang leader to the other of judging everyone on their sins, despite the fact that we are imperfect people.
Nicky Cruz's book The Devil Has No Mother covers, in depth, examples today of how the devil tries to intercept God's attempts in creating and showing the good in people.
When I first was asked to review the book, I think I was under the impression that it would be more along the lines of Nicky Cruz's book Run Baby Run, which focuses on Cruz's earlier life as a gang leader and what caused him to turn to Christ. That in itself sounds incredibly inspirational. However, The Devil Has No Mother is not that.
I actually had a difficult time reading it because I prefer a different style of Christian book. The overall tone is very dark and within good reason because the emphasis of the book is to declare that the devil is evil and scary. Cruz grew up in a family that practiced witchcraft style beliefs and that may have also contributed to the darker tone of the book and why he emphasizes so much evil in the devil. However, the overall book felt very much like a giant scare tactic and I had recently heard a sermon about how this type of rhetoric often scares away people who are interested in being Christians or are "baby Christians." I could see why because I was immediately turned off from the book by several chapters that Cruz had put together.
Although the devil is an evil entity, I think why many Christians turn to God is because he is an all-loving God and He is the light of the world. TDHNM felt very much like 256 pages of judgment and was not the type of Christian book for me. One chapter focused solely on books and television programs today. It was very obvious that Cruz had never watched or read any of these programs and at one point he admonished the Harry Potter book series as saying that it encouraged children to practice sorcery. Although people may disagree with me, I love Harry Potter and J.K. Rowling's books have encouraged so much literacy and a love for reading around the world. I grew up with the books, as did many other people my age, and it is something I hold as a dear memory from my childhood and one that I did not choose to practice sorcery with. He also spoke against shows like The Vampire Diaries and True Blood because they're vampires. Although I think Cruz may have some good points on why these shows are not necessarily appropriate for children, since they're highly sexualized, I think he discredits Christians for being able to separate fact and fiction.
I think one of the saddest points of the book was how this mentality has influenced his family. One of his daughters, a psychologist, had asked him if the faults of their ancestors who practiced witchcraft were going to influence their relationship with God in the future. That was actually more tactful than what was said in the book. It basically was are we going to burn in Hell because our ancestors practiced black magic? Throughout the book and reading Cruz's story, all I thought was that there is so much history behind Cruz's family. He grew up in Puerto Rico and that type of spirituality was reminiscent of the culture. I was more fascinated in those stories than most aspects of the book. Of course he said no but what concerned me was that his daughter, in her later 20's, had to ask that question. I obviously am not part of his family nor grew up in it but I think there is something to say about raising your family in fear versus understanding the love of God.
With all of that said, this book was not my cup of tea. You may enjoy this or recommend this for people who are questioning the extent of the devil's evilness, but it was not the type of Christian book that I would recommend. Instead of leaving it as a discussion of the devil, Cruz injected judgment of other people on every single page and it kind of felt like he went from one extreme of being a gang leader to the other of judging everyone on their sins, despite the fact that we are imperfect people.
September 1, 2013
I received a free copy of this book in a Goodreads First Reads giveaway.
Let me just preface this review by saying that I'm agnostic. I feel like I need to put that at the beginning of my review because The Devil Has No Mother Why He's Worse Than You Think- But God is Greater is geared toward people who consider themselves Christians and it's about the devil's influence on our lives. Religion is an interesting subject for me and I enjoy reading about it, but I don't believe in any particular "higher power." With that being said, I read this book because it sounded interesting and I think Nicky Cruz's story is fascinating! I did not give this book two stars simply because I'm not a Christian. That would be ridiculous! My rating of two stars is explained further down in my review.
After I won this book, I found myself wanting to know more about Nicky Cruz. I did a fairly extensive online search on him. I found his life story fascinating. It's wonderful that he was converted away from gang life and that he has successfully helped others move away from gang life and violence. When I finally get over to the library, I plan on checking out Run Baby Run.
I don't understand why Cruz felt the need to reiterate his points at the end of each section of the book. That was highly annoying and completely unnecessary. I also take issue with his opinion (again, that's just his opinion and he's entitled to it!) that things like Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone and His Dark Materials are "planting seeds of doubt and resentment toward God" in children's minds. I just had to laugh at that chapter. Just be glad that children have actually read anything, especially in today's society where everything has to do with technology. The Harry Potter series turned many of my non-reading friends into regular readers (they still read today) and, let me assure you, those books are not the reason why many of them are not religious.
I gave this book only two stars because I don't think it's a well-written book. I wasn't captivated and, frankly, it was a slightly boring read. This book should have been a single-sitting, one night read for me, but it wasn't. It took me a couple of days to finish this book because I had to keep putting it down. I whizzed through the portions of the book where Cruz used his own experiences to make a point and tell a story, but I found myself bored with the other parts. It's not that the information was boring (If it's well-written, I actually find books about religion to be highly interesting), but the way that the information was presented just wasn't doing it for me. I have never heard Cruz speak, so he might be more interesting in person, but if this book was a long sermon or a speech, I'd be the one in the audience nodding off about halfway through.
Let me just preface this review by saying that I'm agnostic. I feel like I need to put that at the beginning of my review because The Devil Has No Mother Why He's Worse Than You Think- But God is Greater is geared toward people who consider themselves Christians and it's about the devil's influence on our lives. Religion is an interesting subject for me and I enjoy reading about it, but I don't believe in any particular "higher power." With that being said, I read this book because it sounded interesting and I think Nicky Cruz's story is fascinating! I did not give this book two stars simply because I'm not a Christian. That would be ridiculous! My rating of two stars is explained further down in my review.
After I won this book, I found myself wanting to know more about Nicky Cruz. I did a fairly extensive online search on him. I found his life story fascinating. It's wonderful that he was converted away from gang life and that he has successfully helped others move away from gang life and violence. When I finally get over to the library, I plan on checking out Run Baby Run.
I don't understand why Cruz felt the need to reiterate his points at the end of each section of the book. That was highly annoying and completely unnecessary. I also take issue with his opinion (again, that's just his opinion and he's entitled to it!) that things like Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone and His Dark Materials are "planting seeds of doubt and resentment toward God" in children's minds. I just had to laugh at that chapter. Just be glad that children have actually read anything, especially in today's society where everything has to do with technology. The Harry Potter series turned many of my non-reading friends into regular readers (they still read today) and, let me assure you, those books are not the reason why many of them are not religious.
I gave this book only two stars because I don't think it's a well-written book. I wasn't captivated and, frankly, it was a slightly boring read. This book should have been a single-sitting, one night read for me, but it wasn't. It took me a couple of days to finish this book because I had to keep putting it down. I whizzed through the portions of the book where Cruz used his own experiences to make a point and tell a story, but I found myself bored with the other parts. It's not that the information was boring (If it's well-written, I actually find books about religion to be highly interesting), but the way that the information was presented just wasn't doing it for me. I have never heard Cruz speak, so he might be more interesting in person, but if this book was a long sermon or a speech, I'd be the one in the audience nodding off about halfway through.
January 10, 2018
I found the title of this book puzzling until I read what Nicky had to say about it. When he was growing up in Puerto Rico, the phrase, " Ese hombre no tieme madre" which means: this guy has no mother, was used to describe a child bent on evil and destruction who was looking for trouble. The people in his neighborhood used this phrase to describe Nicky. The phrase describes a child without a soft spot, one without a mother.
Over the years, I have found books by Nicky Cruz and David Wilkerson to be some of my favorites. Neither of them cared about pandering to popular opinion. Both men came right out and told you what the Bible says. They didn't try to twist the word of God to make people comfortable and happy. Years ago, I discovered that if I am trying to justify my actions, there might be something a bit wrong about what I am doing. I appreciate that these two men never tried to justify wrong actions.
This book points out how sneaky Satan is, and how he uses small things to get people started down the wrong path. It's going to be a wake-up call for many in this country. At least I hope it is. He uses many stories of things that have happened in his own life to show how Satan works. He also backs everything up with Bible verses. Years ago, before I became a Christian, a friend of mine, whose wife was away for awhile, told me he was tempted to buy a Playboy magazine. At the time, I saw nothing wrong with that and asked why he didn't. His reply to me was that people with serious porn addictions started with one small step.
I think a lot of Christian don't worry too much about Satan. If so, if you think the devil is harmless and not something you need to concern yourself with, read this book. You might just see that the fight against the powers of darkness is important in your life
Over the years, I have found books by Nicky Cruz and David Wilkerson to be some of my favorites. Neither of them cared about pandering to popular opinion. Both men came right out and told you what the Bible says. They didn't try to twist the word of God to make people comfortable and happy. Years ago, I discovered that if I am trying to justify my actions, there might be something a bit wrong about what I am doing. I appreciate that these two men never tried to justify wrong actions.
This book points out how sneaky Satan is, and how he uses small things to get people started down the wrong path. It's going to be a wake-up call for many in this country. At least I hope it is. He uses many stories of things that have happened in his own life to show how Satan works. He also backs everything up with Bible verses. Years ago, before I became a Christian, a friend of mine, whose wife was away for awhile, told me he was tempted to buy a Playboy magazine. At the time, I saw nothing wrong with that and asked why he didn't. His reply to me was that people with serious porn addictions started with one small step.
I think a lot of Christian don't worry too much about Satan. If so, if you think the devil is harmless and not something you need to concern yourself with, read this book. You might just see that the fight against the powers of darkness is important in your life
August 24, 2013
Nicky Cruz's book, The Devil Has No Mother, is an excellent and much needed read. The devil does not want anyone to read this book. Why not? This book exposes the devil who he really is- our true enemy who will do anything to lie, cheat, steal, kill, and destroy. Page 18 says, " (There) is a growing blindness toward the reality of the devil and the enormity of the threat he poses. It seems that many of us have forgotten that we have an enemy, one who hates us and would love to see us destroyed." This is a book for everyone, not just Christians because the devil is real whether or not someone wants to believe it. Though Christians are the devils favorite targets, he wants to also destroy those who don't think he exists. The book is divided into four parts: The Battle Begins, The devil, God, and Our Spiritual Warfare. Fortunately, the book shares with the reader God's triumph and how we can overcome the snares of the devil. The book ends the same way the world as we know it will: with God triumphing over satan who is the master of deceit and father of lies. There is redemption, salvation, and life in God through Jesus. He is the final Word.
August 27, 2013
Great Christian read. Nicky Cruz has a strong calling to the people and the church,and his stance for Christ. He lets you know the dangers of Satan,and then what you can do to combat it through his message and scriptures. In the end it all comes down to churches need to preach and teach the bible and putting God first,and teaching the power of prayer.
December 29, 2015
Es un libro interesante. Te presenta algunas de las cosas que hace satán para alejar a los creyentes de Dios, pero también presenta las soluciones a las pruebas y tentaciones que pone el enemigo.
Es una buena guía espiritual.
Es una buena guía espiritual.
Read
August 15, 2013Very challenging book - helped to focus my mind on my commitment to Christ and to remind me of how Satan is actually actively working against the Kingdom of God in the world in in individual lives.
May 12, 2024
I thought this book was very informative. I don’t think it’s as strong as Cruz’s other novels, but I definitely enjoyed it a lot. I like how it shows the things in our everyday lives that we don’t realize are filled with evil. I also love how the author used stories of his own life as examples for everything. You can tell how devoted the author is to Christ from his writings. I still have yet to find another Christian author better than Nicky Cruz.
February 14, 2020
En este libro el autor narra sus vivencias paranormales y diabólicas que vivió en su infancia y revela cómo logró tener dominio sobre el mal que tan ferozmente acecha en nuestro mundo por medio de la fe en Jesucristo, el hijo de Dios.
December 27, 2020
Loved this book
This book has inspired me to pray more and keep looking towards God and his Son and try to get filled with the Holy Spirit! I've read other books of Nicky Cruz and each one is an inspiration. God continue to bless Nicky Cruz and his family and ministry.
This book has inspired me to pray more and keep looking towards God and his Son and try to get filled with the Holy Spirit! I've read other books of Nicky Cruz and each one is an inspiration. God continue to bless Nicky Cruz and his family and ministry.
October 13, 2018
Motivational as always !
September 29, 2025
Full of real life stories and also full of good teaching.
November 7, 2025
Biggest take away from this book “Christian’s shouldn’t be ashamed of the gospel”
August 7, 2025
The book was absolutely excellent! I found it very inspiring and very informative. It gave me a "shot in the arm" to continue in prayer realizing who we are in Christ, and the power of the Holy Spirit in us. I particularly appreciated all the scriptures referring to our spiritual warfare.
October 30, 2013
Escolhi postar sobre The Devil Has No Mother hoje propositalmente por causa de amanhã. E também porque acredito que a temática do livro é pertinente e atual.
Desde sempre um dos temas sempre encontrado na Literatura é a luta entre o BEM e o MAL. Em alguns gêneros isso é mais claro do que em outros, mas é por isso que existem vilões e mocinhos. A Bíblia, por ser um conjunto de livros, está cheia dessa temática. Até Criminal Minds!
Enfim, mas saindo da literatura e afins, nossa vida é sempre uma luta entre o BEM e o MAL. E quer você acredite ou não, existe um mundo espiritual que cerca este mundo físico o tempo inteiro. Existe uma batalha entre o BEM e o MAL, e essa batalha está sendo travada pela nossa alma.
Eu sei que tem gente que não acredita que o Diabo existe e outros que acreditam até demais. Os dois extremos podem causar problemas.
O livro inicia questionando por que existe tanta maldade no mundo, o que/quem causa. A parte 1 fala sobre a batalha que citei acima. A parte 2 fala sobre quem é o Diabo (e o que ele pode e não pode fazer). A parte 3 fala sobre Deus e quem Ele é. E a parte 4 se concentra em nossa guerra espiritual.
Eu não tinha uma ideia exata do que eu estaria lendo quando escolhi esse livro, mas o título me chamou a atenção. Uma das coisas boas sobre essa leitura é que dá para perceber que o autor é centrado e bem equilibrado em suas colocações. E quando ele expressa uma opinião pessoal, ele deixa bem claro e explica seus motivos. Por exemplo, há uma parte em que ele fala sobre coisas que acreditamos ser "inofensivas" e que estão presentes em nossa cultura, literatura, TV, etc. O autor cita alguns livros e autores (muitos que eu já sabia ou já tinha lido a respeito) e explica seu ponto de vista, afirmando que ele acredita ser um ataque direto às famílias e principalmente às crianças.
Outro ponto no livro é sobre como a Igreja se tornou apática e não está cumprindo seu papel e a mensagem cristã se tornou vazia. Gostamos de falar sobre bençãos, prosperidade, bondade de Deus, mas esquecemos que Ele não prometeu uma vida aqui na Terra livre de conflitos e sofrimentos. Os ataques não estão limitados à certas pessoas. TODOS nós vamos ser atacados e sofrer oposição.
O livro também fala sobre a questão das doenças (uma questão que geralmente gera muita confusão.). Será que toda doença vem do Diabo como alguns defendem? (não vou responder nem compartilhar a resposta do autor). E ele faz a distinção entre opressão diabólica e depressão.
O autor oferece algumas soluções para que nossa batalha não seja tão mais difícil do que já é, sendo a oração uma das principais armas nessa guerra. "O Mal será derrotado por um exército de joelhos".
E pode até parecer que tudo isso não tem jeito, já que sabemos que essa luta vai ser travada por toda a vida, mas sabendo que o mais importante é "viver todos os momentos na graça e misericórdia de Deus, deixando que o Espírito nos leve onde podemos fazer o melhor." E a gente já sabe que no fim das contas, Deus é muito mais poderoso e a guerra já foi vencida.
SOBRE O TÍTULO:
"Ese hombre no tiene madre" é uma expressão em espanhol usada para se referir a meninos inclinados para o mal e destruição. Por isso o autor escolheu essa expressão como título do livro para descrever quem o Diabo realmente é.
Desde sempre um dos temas sempre encontrado na Literatura é a luta entre o BEM e o MAL. Em alguns gêneros isso é mais claro do que em outros, mas é por isso que existem vilões e mocinhos. A Bíblia, por ser um conjunto de livros, está cheia dessa temática. Até Criminal Minds!
Enfim, mas saindo da literatura e afins, nossa vida é sempre uma luta entre o BEM e o MAL. E quer você acredite ou não, existe um mundo espiritual que cerca este mundo físico o tempo inteiro. Existe uma batalha entre o BEM e o MAL, e essa batalha está sendo travada pela nossa alma.
Eu sei que tem gente que não acredita que o Diabo existe e outros que acreditam até demais. Os dois extremos podem causar problemas.
O livro inicia questionando por que existe tanta maldade no mundo, o que/quem causa. A parte 1 fala sobre a batalha que citei acima. A parte 2 fala sobre quem é o Diabo (e o que ele pode e não pode fazer). A parte 3 fala sobre Deus e quem Ele é. E a parte 4 se concentra em nossa guerra espiritual.
Eu não tinha uma ideia exata do que eu estaria lendo quando escolhi esse livro, mas o título me chamou a atenção. Uma das coisas boas sobre essa leitura é que dá para perceber que o autor é centrado e bem equilibrado em suas colocações. E quando ele expressa uma opinião pessoal, ele deixa bem claro e explica seus motivos. Por exemplo, há uma parte em que ele fala sobre coisas que acreditamos ser "inofensivas" e que estão presentes em nossa cultura, literatura, TV, etc. O autor cita alguns livros e autores (muitos que eu já sabia ou já tinha lido a respeito) e explica seu ponto de vista, afirmando que ele acredita ser um ataque direto às famílias e principalmente às crianças.
Outro ponto no livro é sobre como a Igreja se tornou apática e não está cumprindo seu papel e a mensagem cristã se tornou vazia. Gostamos de falar sobre bençãos, prosperidade, bondade de Deus, mas esquecemos que Ele não prometeu uma vida aqui na Terra livre de conflitos e sofrimentos. Os ataques não estão limitados à certas pessoas. TODOS nós vamos ser atacados e sofrer oposição.
O livro também fala sobre a questão das doenças (uma questão que geralmente gera muita confusão.). Será que toda doença vem do Diabo como alguns defendem? (não vou responder nem compartilhar a resposta do autor). E ele faz a distinção entre opressão diabólica e depressão.
O autor oferece algumas soluções para que nossa batalha não seja tão mais difícil do que já é, sendo a oração uma das principais armas nessa guerra. "O Mal será derrotado por um exército de joelhos".
E pode até parecer que tudo isso não tem jeito, já que sabemos que essa luta vai ser travada por toda a vida, mas sabendo que o mais importante é "viver todos os momentos na graça e misericórdia de Deus, deixando que o Espírito nos leve onde podemos fazer o melhor." E a gente já sabe que no fim das contas, Deus é muito mais poderoso e a guerra já foi vencida.
SOBRE O TÍTULO:
"Ese hombre no tiene madre" é uma expressão em espanhol usada para se referir a meninos inclinados para o mal e destruição. Por isso o autor escolheu essa expressão como título do livro para descrever quem o Diabo realmente é.
October 29, 2013
(4.5 / 5)
I received this book from the publisher after reading an e-mail sent from Worthy Publishing about the blog tour that this post is a part of. I must say that the title and blurb intrigued me.
Having read the book, I found myself in a bit of a waffle, hence why there is a 4.5 lily rating.
Overall, I found the writing compelling and impassioned. Mr. Cruz's sincerity and passion for his mission comes across in the book - I admire and respect that very much.
What may have me waffling is the tone. This is possibly the case because I want to compare it to On Heaven and Earth by (then) Cardinal Bergoglio and Rabbi Skorka. Granted, I have only started reading On Heaven and Earth and am not, as yet, even a third of the way through, but, to me, the tone is suited more to my tastes.
That is not to say that there is anything inherently wrong with the tone in Mr. Cruz's book. This being my first read of any of Mr. Cruz's writings, I do not have a comparison to his other works, I would like to believe that it conveys the author's passion for his message and for seeing as many people as possible receive it.
Great read and great message as well as a recommended read.
(Cross-posted to Amazon, Facebook, and Lily's Reviews ( http://lilysreviews.livejournal.com ) which is also hosting a giveaway through Nov. 2)
I received this book from the publisher after reading an e-mail sent from Worthy Publishing about the blog tour that this post is a part of. I must say that the title and blurb intrigued me.
Having read the book, I found myself in a bit of a waffle, hence why there is a 4.5 lily rating.
Overall, I found the writing compelling and impassioned. Mr. Cruz's sincerity and passion for his mission comes across in the book - I admire and respect that very much.
What may have me waffling is the tone. This is possibly the case because I want to compare it to On Heaven and Earth by (then) Cardinal Bergoglio and Rabbi Skorka. Granted, I have only started reading On Heaven and Earth and am not, as yet, even a third of the way through, but, to me, the tone is suited more to my tastes.
That is not to say that there is anything inherently wrong with the tone in Mr. Cruz's book. This being my first read of any of Mr. Cruz's writings, I do not have a comparison to his other works, I would like to believe that it conveys the author's passion for his message and for seeing as many people as possible receive it.
Great read and great message as well as a recommended read.
(Cross-posted to Amazon, Facebook, and Lily's Reviews ( http://lilysreviews.livejournal.com ) which is also hosting a giveaway through Nov. 2)
November 2, 2013
The Devil Has No Mother
By Nicky Cruz; Worthy Publishing, 2012/2013
"The Devil Has No Mother" is a great follow up book to the best selling book, "Run Baby Run" by Nicky Cruz.
Once a gangster, later turned Christian, Nicky Cruz does a fantastic job describing the challenges faced by humanity today. Though times have undoubtedly changed over the years, the devil still has a hold on many people today, and is fervently trying to gain more. Today's technological world makes the fight that much more complex.
Cruz sets out great examples of both the devil's work, as well as describing how God can protect us all from the devil's handiwork.
Well written, easy to read, and quite thought provoking, "The Devil Has No Mother" is a great read and possibly leading step in the acceptance of God in our lives. Bravo, Nicky Cruz!!
I received this book for free to review. I am a member of Net Galley, Librarything, Goodreads and the Pengun Book Club. I also maintain a book blog at debettenson.wordpress.com - relatively new, but growing!!
By Nicky Cruz; Worthy Publishing, 2012/2013
"The Devil Has No Mother" is a great follow up book to the best selling book, "Run Baby Run" by Nicky Cruz.
Once a gangster, later turned Christian, Nicky Cruz does a fantastic job describing the challenges faced by humanity today. Though times have undoubtedly changed over the years, the devil still has a hold on many people today, and is fervently trying to gain more. Today's technological world makes the fight that much more complex.
Cruz sets out great examples of both the devil's work, as well as describing how God can protect us all from the devil's handiwork.
Well written, easy to read, and quite thought provoking, "The Devil Has No Mother" is a great read and possibly leading step in the acceptance of God in our lives. Bravo, Nicky Cruz!!
I received this book for free to review. I am a member of Net Galley, Librarything, Goodreads and the Pengun Book Club. I also maintain a book blog at debettenson.wordpress.com - relatively new, but growing!!
November 4, 2013
This is such a phenomenal book!! It is a message Christians HAVE to hear! Many of us Christians have become way too complacent to the tricks and deceits that the devil and his demons use; we have become ignorant, living our lives oblivious to the spiritual battle going on around us. When is the last time we have had such a heart for sharing the Gospel with those who are destined for hell? The Lord wants to work through us--will we let Him?
Nicky Cruz sums it up so well: "...it's time for a new movement in the Church. It's time for waking up to the danger posed by the devil. And even more, it's time for waking up to the power of God and all he wants to do in us, through us, and around us." This is a MUST read for all Christians!!
Thank you to Worthy Publishing for providing this book to me as part of their blog tour. The opinions in this review are my own.
Nicky Cruz sums it up so well: "...it's time for a new movement in the Church. It's time for waking up to the danger posed by the devil. And even more, it's time for waking up to the power of God and all he wants to do in us, through us, and around us." This is a MUST read for all Christians!!
Thank you to Worthy Publishing for providing this book to me as part of their blog tour. The opinions in this review are my own.
October 30, 2013
It has been fifty years since Nicky was converted from being a gang leader in New York city. He has spent those fifty years battling the efforts of the devil. Nicky has seen a disturbing trend in churches - Christians becoming complacent about spiritual warfare. This book is Nicky's wake up call to the church. He shares many of his own experiences battling the devil. He reminds us the devil is real and is our enemy. Nicky also shares the resources God has provided and gives us encouraging stories of victory. See my full review at http://bit.ly/1adG2Do.
October 23, 2013
A christian book explaining the ways the devil can attack us and how we can keep him out of our lives. No matter how strong the devil is, God is stronger. The devil will go down fighting. He will cheat, lie, steel, kill and destroy. God will triumph over satin. A book for believers and non believers.
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February 17, 2014 this is a book for Christians who believe in good and feel the devil has negative or evil influence on them. I enjoyed this book. It was a interesting read.
February 13, 2014
It is an excellent book. Insightful. Nicky Cruz has a way of simplifying his message that the Devil is real. A must read for Christians everywhere.
January 2, 2015
Great book! Little bit scary at the beginning. :) But I felt encouraged at the end!
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