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Deliver Us from Evil: A Pastor's Reluctant Encounters with the Powers of Darkness
Are Christians at risk of demonic invasion?
Absolutely not , thought Pastor Don Basham when another pastor suggested evil influences might be causing turmoil in his church and failures in his ministry. But after more troubling and perplexing problems, Basham began to discover he was wrong.
In this page-turning account, Basham chronicles his reluctant journey from disbelief to acceptance in the existence of demonic spirits. More than a story, he imparts what he discovered about demons, the difference between infestation and possession, and how to engage in spiritual warfare. He also describes the biblical tools that bring about deliverance from demonic influence.
Through this moving story, you will learn how to recognize the presence of evil spirits, pray for deliverance and protect against demonic invasion. It's never too late. You can find the freedom and healing you need--and be an agent of deliverance to others.
Absolutely not , thought Pastor Don Basham when another pastor suggested evil influences might be causing turmoil in his church and failures in his ministry. But after more troubling and perplexing problems, Basham began to discover he was wrong.
In this page-turning account, Basham chronicles his reluctant journey from disbelief to acceptance in the existence of demonic spirits. More than a story, he imparts what he discovered about demons, the difference between infestation and possession, and how to engage in spiritual warfare. He also describes the biblical tools that bring about deliverance from demonic influence.
Through this moving story, you will learn how to recognize the presence of evil spirits, pray for deliverance and protect against demonic invasion. It's never too late. You can find the freedom and healing you need--and be an agent of deliverance to others.
224 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1972
6 people are currently reading
188 people want to read
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April 28, 2016
Into a world that is so real; that others will not talk about. Don Basham maybe gone into the heavenly gates, but his knowledge, wisdom and understanding about Jesus Christ deliverance from evil spirits lives on his book.
August 6, 2012
Don't let the fact that this book was written by a christian minister put you off from reading it. It's definately aimed at believers of Bible scripture, but I think that anyone curious could enjoy this.This book can be one of two, or three things depending on who's reading it. First it's Don Basham's story of how he was led into the deliverance ministry, and then depending on the person, it can either be seen as a sort of guide, or it can be seen as an intersting topic on ones religion.
If you're expecting over the top accounts like head spinning, or levitation you wont find it here. If you're interested in the truth behind this phenomenon then this is probably the closest you'll get on this subject. Basham doesn't give into sensationalism like many who write on this topic often do. He tells things as they happened, and he's so honest throughout, admiting to many of his mistakes along the way.
Even though this is not an over the top sensationalist story it still somehow gave me the creeps. I guess it's the topic coupled with the fact that it's written by a minister who seems to really stick to the facts. Whatever the case may be it certainly has me jumpy, and that's one of the reasons I love this topic! I love to be spooked, and reading about possession seems to be a sure way to get creeped out!
If you're expecting over the top accounts like head spinning, or levitation you wont find it here. If you're interested in the truth behind this phenomenon then this is probably the closest you'll get on this subject. Basham doesn't give into sensationalism like many who write on this topic often do. He tells things as they happened, and he's so honest throughout, admiting to many of his mistakes along the way.
Even though this is not an over the top sensationalist story it still somehow gave me the creeps. I guess it's the topic coupled with the fact that it's written by a minister who seems to really stick to the facts. Whatever the case may be it certainly has me jumpy, and that's one of the reasons I love this topic! I love to be spooked, and reading about possession seems to be a sure way to get creeped out!
June 22, 2017
A pioneering and still-in-print work on deliverance ministry. I found a second-hand copy of the first edition from 1972 with the bright yellow cover and New York Times-style column of text. Interestingly, the original subtitle was "The Story of a Man Who Dared to Explore the Censored Fourth of Christ's Ministry," which isn't as lurid or alluring as the later "encounters with the powers of darkness" subtitle paired with a profile shot of grotesque gargoyle (a cover that had he lived I suspect Basham would describe as "Grade-C movie stuff" (172).)
Basham's book is by no means lurid (unlike Rebecca Brown's discredited He Came To Set The Captives Free that I'm also currently reading). Don Basham tells his story of being a church pastor called step by reluctant step into deliverance ministry. He recounts his journey very engagingly--and at times compellingly--and with great candor. He admits his mistakes and the hard lessons learned as he walked by faith down a path that was far from beaten down in 1972.
(Basham also admits--in the preface to his 1974 book The Most Dangerous Game: A Biblical Exposé of Occultism--that Deliver Us from Evil was "published only after three years of close editorial supervision by John and Elizabeth Sherrill," authors of the charismatic classic They Speak with Other Tongues, which perhaps explains this book's being a hard to put down page-turner.)
I just finished reading Pat Legako and Cyndi Gribble's book Deliverance: Rescuing God's People, which was primarily a practical how-to manual for establishing a deliverance ministry punctuated by anecdotes and illustrations. Basham's book is the reverse--a memoir filled with fascinating stories with some counsel on how-to and how-not-to go about deliverance ministry. The books proved good complements to one another. It was also interesting to see in Basham's book the beginnings of a movement that by Legako and Gribble's time was well established and being finely tuned.
A strength and appeal of Basham's book for me was his turning to the Bible to prove all things. I admired his opening concordances and flipping pages in his Bible to record in a notebook all instances of evil spirits or of occult activity--no Bible Gateway or fancy software to do the heavy lifting. The hard work paid off as Basham creates a biblically-based deliverance ministry, free from the "folk doctrines" that were surrounding deliverance then (and still). For example, eccentric church lady Sister Sadie criticizes Basham for failing to bind the evil spirit before casting it out, and for not commanding it "back to the pit" (93), claiming the expelled demon would now be free to possess someone else. Basham writes of his researching these charges and finding they are pieced together from gospel episodes not necessarily addressing deliverance, so while they sound good, they fail when put into context (99-100).
Sister Sadie also demands to know how long Basham fasted before attempting a deliverance, citing the incident where the disciples tried and failed to cast out a demon and were admonished by Jesus, "this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting" (Matthew 17:21, Mark 9:29). Basham admits that in special cases fasting appears to be necessary, but not in all (100). As a proponent of fasting for spiritual strength and power, I was a little disheartened by Basham's breezy dismissal of the subject, but must acknowledge his exegesis was sound. (Basham helpfully includes as an appendix "Pages from My Notebook," a collection of some salient notes he made while on this journey.)
Perhaps the greatest strength of the book is Basham's balanced approach to deliverance. He distances himself from those who went down the rabbit hole and "began discovering demons behind the coffeepot" (202), and he by no means exonerates individual Christians from their guilt and responsibility to war against sin and temptation. He distinguishes between two categories of evil that plague the believer: (1) the carnal self that is "an actual part of ourselves" and which must be crucified through prayer and self-discipline, and (2) evil spirits that have "invaded us from the outside [which] must be evicted" (98, emphasis in original). I fear this distinction is lost in a lot of deliverance ministry today, with the demons taking the rap for our own shortcomings (aka Flip Wilson's "the Devil made me do it!" defense).
In a testimony to his honesty in a book promoting deliverance ministry, Basham exhorts his readers to "remember that your problem may have nothing to do with demon activity!" (204). Basham expresses his impatience with the "number of languorous or wistful souls requesting deliverance from the 'demons' of tobacco, laziness, worry, envy, or what have you, when the real trouble is their lack of self-control, trust, love, and other hard-won virtues. Before you decide you have a demon, apply the test: have you submitted your problem to sustained prayer, discipline, and obedience to what you believe God is telling you? Only when these things have really been tried--and failed--is it time to consider deliverance" (204). Wow! Contrast that "take ownership" attitude to the prevailing zeitgeist of victimization in many churches where virtually everyone is urged to seek deliverance, the implication being it's not your fault--your bad habits and besetting sins are caused by demons and are not the result of your weak-willed indulgence of the flesh and sin.
As much as I enjoyed reading this book and found it informative and edifying, it suffered its shortcomings. The "Face Up with a Miracle" and "The School of Faith" chapters were a dry, desert span in an otherwise fast-moving book, both dealing in detail with Basham's writing an earlier book and his handwringing over trusting God for money after quitting the pastorate. They struck me as self-indulgent padding to bump the page count over 200. And like so many preachers, Basham too often casts himself as the hero of his own narratives. Those who oppose him and embarrass him will eventually be humbled and admit Basham was right all along (e.g., Sister Sadie, Mrs. Stern, Willard Thompson). There is also the vexing "I won't name names" dodge, like his referring to "One well-known Bible teacher, whom I greatly respect and admire..." (200). Just name the guy, already!
And finally Basham succumbs to many a pastor's penchant for telling unsubstantiated stories that stretch credulity and just beg for a citation, like when he claims, "In one Midwestern city I gave a series of six Bible studies, only one of which dealt with the deliverance ministry. The newspapers ignored five of the talks but gleefully played up the sixth: 'Preacher Warns Faithful to Beware of Little Red Devils'" (199). Really, Don? Since when do newspapers--plural!--cover and report on Bible studies? I want to know which city and which paper ran that headline.
An interesting historical note for those familiar with the tempest in a teapot that was the "Shepherding Movement," it's origin is detailed here in "Postlude: Members One of Another," in which Basham, Derek Prince, Charles Simpson, and Bob Mumford "placed himself and his ministry under the authority of the other three, pledging to support, encourage, correct, and pray for one another as men brought together in common service' (211). This decision to join their ministries came as a result of the fall into a "particularly tragic form of immorality" by an unnamed "fellow minister" and "fine man" (whom I confidently suspect was Pentecostal healer and deliverance minister A.A. Allen). I discovered this postlude was snipped from later editions of Deliver Us from Evil, perhaps as a result of Derek Prince and Bob Mumford's breaking from and denouncing the movement after influential televangelist Pat Robertson likened it to "witchcraft" and to Jonestown without the Kool Aid (Wikipedia article, "The Shepherding Movement").
That unfortunate sidebar to Basham's work and ministry should not cloud the power of this book, which has remained in print for a whopping 45 straight years. And deservedly so. I heartily recommend it as the insightful story of a pastor following God's leading into uncharted territory and also as a still relevant and practical primer on deliverance ministry.
Basham's book is by no means lurid (unlike Rebecca Brown's discredited He Came To Set The Captives Free that I'm also currently reading). Don Basham tells his story of being a church pastor called step by reluctant step into deliverance ministry. He recounts his journey very engagingly--and at times compellingly--and with great candor. He admits his mistakes and the hard lessons learned as he walked by faith down a path that was far from beaten down in 1972.
(Basham also admits--in the preface to his 1974 book The Most Dangerous Game: A Biblical Exposé of Occultism--that Deliver Us from Evil was "published only after three years of close editorial supervision by John and Elizabeth Sherrill," authors of the charismatic classic They Speak with Other Tongues, which perhaps explains this book's being a hard to put down page-turner.)
I just finished reading Pat Legako and Cyndi Gribble's book Deliverance: Rescuing God's People, which was primarily a practical how-to manual for establishing a deliverance ministry punctuated by anecdotes and illustrations. Basham's book is the reverse--a memoir filled with fascinating stories with some counsel on how-to and how-not-to go about deliverance ministry. The books proved good complements to one another. It was also interesting to see in Basham's book the beginnings of a movement that by Legako and Gribble's time was well established and being finely tuned.
A strength and appeal of Basham's book for me was his turning to the Bible to prove all things. I admired his opening concordances and flipping pages in his Bible to record in a notebook all instances of evil spirits or of occult activity--no Bible Gateway or fancy software to do the heavy lifting. The hard work paid off as Basham creates a biblically-based deliverance ministry, free from the "folk doctrines" that were surrounding deliverance then (and still). For example, eccentric church lady Sister Sadie criticizes Basham for failing to bind the evil spirit before casting it out, and for not commanding it "back to the pit" (93), claiming the expelled demon would now be free to possess someone else. Basham writes of his researching these charges and finding they are pieced together from gospel episodes not necessarily addressing deliverance, so while they sound good, they fail when put into context (99-100).
Sister Sadie also demands to know how long Basham fasted before attempting a deliverance, citing the incident where the disciples tried and failed to cast out a demon and were admonished by Jesus, "this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting" (Matthew 17:21, Mark 9:29). Basham admits that in special cases fasting appears to be necessary, but not in all (100). As a proponent of fasting for spiritual strength and power, I was a little disheartened by Basham's breezy dismissal of the subject, but must acknowledge his exegesis was sound. (Basham helpfully includes as an appendix "Pages from My Notebook," a collection of some salient notes he made while on this journey.)
Perhaps the greatest strength of the book is Basham's balanced approach to deliverance. He distances himself from those who went down the rabbit hole and "began discovering demons behind the coffeepot" (202), and he by no means exonerates individual Christians from their guilt and responsibility to war against sin and temptation. He distinguishes between two categories of evil that plague the believer: (1) the carnal self that is "an actual part of ourselves" and which must be crucified through prayer and self-discipline, and (2) evil spirits that have "invaded us from the outside [which] must be evicted" (98, emphasis in original). I fear this distinction is lost in a lot of deliverance ministry today, with the demons taking the rap for our own shortcomings (aka Flip Wilson's "the Devil made me do it!" defense).
In a testimony to his honesty in a book promoting deliverance ministry, Basham exhorts his readers to "remember that your problem may have nothing to do with demon activity!" (204). Basham expresses his impatience with the "number of languorous or wistful souls requesting deliverance from the 'demons' of tobacco, laziness, worry, envy, or what have you, when the real trouble is their lack of self-control, trust, love, and other hard-won virtues. Before you decide you have a demon, apply the test: have you submitted your problem to sustained prayer, discipline, and obedience to what you believe God is telling you? Only when these things have really been tried--and failed--is it time to consider deliverance" (204). Wow! Contrast that "take ownership" attitude to the prevailing zeitgeist of victimization in many churches where virtually everyone is urged to seek deliverance, the implication being it's not your fault--your bad habits and besetting sins are caused by demons and are not the result of your weak-willed indulgence of the flesh and sin.
As much as I enjoyed reading this book and found it informative and edifying, it suffered its shortcomings. The "Face Up with a Miracle" and "The School of Faith" chapters were a dry, desert span in an otherwise fast-moving book, both dealing in detail with Basham's writing an earlier book and his handwringing over trusting God for money after quitting the pastorate. They struck me as self-indulgent padding to bump the page count over 200. And like so many preachers, Basham too often casts himself as the hero of his own narratives. Those who oppose him and embarrass him will eventually be humbled and admit Basham was right all along (e.g., Sister Sadie, Mrs. Stern, Willard Thompson). There is also the vexing "I won't name names" dodge, like his referring to "One well-known Bible teacher, whom I greatly respect and admire..." (200). Just name the guy, already!
And finally Basham succumbs to many a pastor's penchant for telling unsubstantiated stories that stretch credulity and just beg for a citation, like when he claims, "In one Midwestern city I gave a series of six Bible studies, only one of which dealt with the deliverance ministry. The newspapers ignored five of the talks but gleefully played up the sixth: 'Preacher Warns Faithful to Beware of Little Red Devils'" (199). Really, Don? Since when do newspapers--plural!--cover and report on Bible studies? I want to know which city and which paper ran that headline.
An interesting historical note for those familiar with the tempest in a teapot that was the "Shepherding Movement," it's origin is detailed here in "Postlude: Members One of Another," in which Basham, Derek Prince, Charles Simpson, and Bob Mumford "placed himself and his ministry under the authority of the other three, pledging to support, encourage, correct, and pray for one another as men brought together in common service' (211). This decision to join their ministries came as a result of the fall into a "particularly tragic form of immorality" by an unnamed "fellow minister" and "fine man" (whom I confidently suspect was Pentecostal healer and deliverance minister A.A. Allen). I discovered this postlude was snipped from later editions of Deliver Us from Evil, perhaps as a result of Derek Prince and Bob Mumford's breaking from and denouncing the movement after influential televangelist Pat Robertson likened it to "witchcraft" and to Jonestown without the Kool Aid (Wikipedia article, "The Shepherding Movement").
That unfortunate sidebar to Basham's work and ministry should not cloud the power of this book, which has remained in print for a whopping 45 straight years. And deservedly so. I heartily recommend it as the insightful story of a pastor following God's leading into uncharted territory and also as a still relevant and practical primer on deliverance ministry.
October 23, 2019
I leant a lot.
November 13, 2019
This book came as a surprise to me. I didn't think I would like it as much as I did. If truth be told, I went into it a bit critical and skeptical. I'm just not one to subscribe to all these manifesting spiritual things. But the way the book was written, you know that Don Basham was really experiencing this. For what reason he was 'chosen' to deal with this phenomenon events is another story (though he wrote the details of how he called into this ministry).
But by him coming from a completely conservative background to be thrown in the midst of manifestations of evil, it is quite bizarre and had me thinking a lot. The book was well written on this subject and I learned a lot.
To read my short review of Don Basham's Deliver Us from Evil (1973), CLICK HERE: https://www.richardangelus.me/2018/05...
But by him coming from a completely conservative background to be thrown in the midst of manifestations of evil, it is quite bizarre and had me thinking a lot. The book was well written on this subject and I learned a lot.
To read my short review of Don Basham's Deliver Us from Evil (1973), CLICK HERE: https://www.richardangelus.me/2018/05...
August 16, 2021
I read the original 1972 version of this book. I mainly wanted to read the Postlude - "Members One of Another." This described the origination of "The Fort Lauderdale Five, the influential leadership group of what came to be known as the Shepherding Movement of the 1970's and 1980's.
The meeting took place after midnight on October 8, 1970, at the Galt Ocean Mile Hotel in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Present at the meeting were Don Basham, Bob Mumford, Charles Simpson, and Derek Prince. Not present was Ern Baxter. ("The Shepherding Movement Controversy and Charismatic Ecclesiology" by S. David Moore.)
Basham's book deals with demons and exorcism. I didn't care for it. When you're a hammer, everything is a nail. I wouldn't recommend it.
The meeting took place after midnight on October 8, 1970, at the Galt Ocean Mile Hotel in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Present at the meeting were Don Basham, Bob Mumford, Charles Simpson, and Derek Prince. Not present was Ern Baxter. ("The Shepherding Movement Controversy and Charismatic Ecclesiology" by S. David Moore.)
Basham's book deals with demons and exorcism. I didn't care for it. When you're a hammer, everything is a nail. I wouldn't recommend it.
March 18, 2023
This is part of my read-everything-the-Sherrill's-have-written as this is part of the first books John and Elizabeth Sherrill published for their own Chosen Books. You can tell by reading it, they were very involved.
This is Dan Basham's memoir of getting involved (reluctantly) in deliverance ministry. (And for the uniformed, that is setting people free from demonic influence, or what you might call casting out demons.) I think what I appreciated most was that Bashaam felt completely and totally unqualified and continued to almost bumble along for years! He shows how he learned and messed up along the way.
It was totally fascinating. And certainly makes you examine your own self, addictions and strongholds.
This is Dan Basham's memoir of getting involved (reluctantly) in deliverance ministry. (And for the uniformed, that is setting people free from demonic influence, or what you might call casting out demons.) I think what I appreciated most was that Bashaam felt completely and totally unqualified and continued to almost bumble along for years! He shows how he learned and messed up along the way.
It was totally fascinating. And certainly makes you examine your own self, addictions and strongholds.
February 13, 2023
In a culture dominated by Western rationalism and naturalism. We often reject any such notions of the spiritual realm and warfare. This book provides a honest portrayal of a ministers journey who similarly rejected Jesus teachings on demon possession and suchlike. To then having his own personal stories of how God slowly lifted the veil from his mind so that he could then obey Jesus commission to His disciples to go and set the captives free. It was an enjoyable, easy read and affirmed a lot of the teaching I have heard previously.
February 5, 2022
An interesting perspective from a form of religious extremism on life in general. All inconveniences and troubles are to be explained by demonic possession! From your failing marriage to drug addiction; exorcism and God will fix that right up. If it doesn't work, then you obviously do not believe God enough. Fool proof method. Troubling to think that this is not only what the writer truly believes, but his followers too.
July 10, 2021
When I picked this up at a thrift store, I knew it would be entertaining. It definitely didn't disappoint in that department, but the actual theological content is dubious at best.
December 15, 2021
I like memoirs, and I appreciated how Basham walked step by step through how and why his life changed.
March 20, 2017
I gave this book five stars because it is well written and interesting. That said, I would take it all with several grains of salt and a hefty does of skepticism as I would any book on the supernatural. Still, it is interesting and a good read. If you're not Christian or into deliverance ministry, it gives a good look into that and what is believed and how it came about.
May 29, 2014
About the Book:
Are Christians at risk of demonic invasion?
"Absolutely not," thought Pastor Don Basham when another pastor suggested evil influences might be causing turmoil in his church and failures in his ministry. But after more troubling and perplexing problems, Basham began to discover he was wrong.
In this page-turning account, Basham chronicles his reluctant journey from disbelief to acceptance in the existence of demonic spirits. More than a story, he imparts what he discovered about demons, the difference between infestation and possession, and how to engage in spiritual warfare. He also describes the biblical tools that bring about deliverance from demonic influence.
Through this moving story, you will learn how to recognize the presence of evil spirits, pray for deliverance and protect against demonic invasion. It's never too late. You can find the freedom and healing you need--and be an agent of deliverance to others.
About the Author:
Don Basham (1926-1989) was a longtime pastor ordained in the Disciples of Christ. He was chief editorial consultant for New Wine magazine and wrote more than a dozen books, including True and False Prophets and The Way I See It.
My Review:
Chronicling your experiences help others that will some day follow in your footsteps. The author while ministering in his church was able to come in to conflict with many forms of demonic possession. At first he didn't believe in or want to believe that he was in the presence of such things but after someone's suggestion and after his own investigating he begins to see just how much the devil is infiltrating his congregation.
I recommend this book to those ministers that will begin their Pastoral studies and need to know what is out there and that these things are in fact real today. Seeing this mans experience is something that could help them if the need is ever there while they are ministering or pastoring.
Reading the experiences the author had, didn't really cause me to not believe him more than it caused fear in me. Some of the events described are mildly terrifying, probably more so because my husband and I are about to embark on our own pastoral ministry. Staring into the eyes of Satan is I'm sure, a very real experience---but one nevertheless less terrifying because God is with us through it all and will protect us from whatever the devil hands out.
**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from Chosen Books.
Are Christians at risk of demonic invasion?
"Absolutely not," thought Pastor Don Basham when another pastor suggested evil influences might be causing turmoil in his church and failures in his ministry. But after more troubling and perplexing problems, Basham began to discover he was wrong.
In this page-turning account, Basham chronicles his reluctant journey from disbelief to acceptance in the existence of demonic spirits. More than a story, he imparts what he discovered about demons, the difference between infestation and possession, and how to engage in spiritual warfare. He also describes the biblical tools that bring about deliverance from demonic influence.
Through this moving story, you will learn how to recognize the presence of evil spirits, pray for deliverance and protect against demonic invasion. It's never too late. You can find the freedom and healing you need--and be an agent of deliverance to others.
About the Author:
Don Basham (1926-1989) was a longtime pastor ordained in the Disciples of Christ. He was chief editorial consultant for New Wine magazine and wrote more than a dozen books, including True and False Prophets and The Way I See It.
My Review:
Chronicling your experiences help others that will some day follow in your footsteps. The author while ministering in his church was able to come in to conflict with many forms of demonic possession. At first he didn't believe in or want to believe that he was in the presence of such things but after someone's suggestion and after his own investigating he begins to see just how much the devil is infiltrating his congregation.
I recommend this book to those ministers that will begin their Pastoral studies and need to know what is out there and that these things are in fact real today. Seeing this mans experience is something that could help them if the need is ever there while they are ministering or pastoring.
Reading the experiences the author had, didn't really cause me to not believe him more than it caused fear in me. Some of the events described are mildly terrifying, probably more so because my husband and I are about to embark on our own pastoral ministry. Staring into the eyes of Satan is I'm sure, a very real experience---but one nevertheless less terrifying because God is with us through it all and will protect us from whatever the devil hands out.
**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from Chosen Books.
May 28, 2014
“Are Christians at risk of demonic invasion? "Absolutely not," thought Pastor Don Basham when another pastor suggested evil influences might be causing turmoil in his church and failures in his ministry. But after more troubling and perplexing problems, Basham began to discover he was wrong. But after more troubling and perplexing problems, Basham began to discover he was wrong. In this page-turning account, Basham chronicles his reluctant journey from disbelief to acceptance in the existence of demonic spirits. More than a story, he imparts what he discovered about demons, the difference between infestation and possession, and how to engage in spiritual warfare.”
>b>In Deliver Us From Evil: A Pastor’s Reluctant Encounters With The Powers of Darkness, Pastor Don Basham brings us his story of how he came to understand and believe in demonic influences in the lives of professed Christian’s. In his groundbreaking efforts to bring about this before unheard of deliverance ministry, we learn about the ups and down… triumphs and mistakes that he made along the way. In his candor, he even admits to some very powerful mistakes that may, or may not have inflicted serious, if not fatal harm.
However, in his faithfulness, Pastor Basham pushes through the rough experiences and brings about an entire ministry devoted to helping countless numbers of Christians with evil influences in their lives.
Through his story, we are able to learn how to recognize the presence of evil spirits, pray for deliverance from them and how to protect against demonic invasion. This is a powerful book with some graphic details. I’m not sure that I would recommend this book to a new Christian, but I would recommend it to anyone who wonders or doubts that a Christian can be influenced by satan and his minions.
*Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book through the Chosen Books Blogger Review Program, in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own, and no monetary compensation was received for this review.
*Reviews of this book were posted at the following locations:
Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Deeper Shopping, Goodreads, and to be featured on my blog at http://titus3.wordpress.com
>b>In Deliver Us From Evil: A Pastor’s Reluctant Encounters With The Powers of Darkness, Pastor Don Basham brings us his story of how he came to understand and believe in demonic influences in the lives of professed Christian’s. In his groundbreaking efforts to bring about this before unheard of deliverance ministry, we learn about the ups and down… triumphs and mistakes that he made along the way. In his candor, he even admits to some very powerful mistakes that may, or may not have inflicted serious, if not fatal harm.
However, in his faithfulness, Pastor Basham pushes through the rough experiences and brings about an entire ministry devoted to helping countless numbers of Christians with evil influences in their lives.
Through his story, we are able to learn how to recognize the presence of evil spirits, pray for deliverance from them and how to protect against demonic invasion. This is a powerful book with some graphic details. I’m not sure that I would recommend this book to a new Christian, but I would recommend it to anyone who wonders or doubts that a Christian can be influenced by satan and his minions.
*Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book through the Chosen Books Blogger Review Program, in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own, and no monetary compensation was received for this review.
*Reviews of this book were posted at the following locations:
Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Deeper Shopping, Goodreads, and to be featured on my blog at http://titus3.wordpress.com
March 30, 2018
Don Basham entered ministry in 1968. Early in his ministry, he hadn't given much consideration to the subject of deliverance and demons. But through a series of struggles and life events, he was eventually thrust into power-filled encounters with the demonic world. His discovery of the Power of Jesus Christ to rule over demons led him into a "deliverance ministry" that promised some wild times.
I love this book because it chronicles his move from disbelief in demons to acceptance of their reality, to his direct involvement in battling their oppressive strongholds in people's lives. In doing so, this book gives us a behind-the-scenes glimpse of his progressive steps into this supernatural world. This type of discovery of the deliverance ministry was typical of so many faith leaders during the Charismatic Renewal of the 1960s and 1970s. During that time, many Christians began rediscovering the truth and reality of the spirit-world and the supernatural Power of God.
This world is not new to Christians, being practiced as normal by the early Church that was established after the ascension of Christ. But such supernatural experiences were largely lost during the ensuing 2000 years. During the pentecostal revival of the early 1900s and the so-called "Charismatic Renewal" of the 60s and 70s, Christian ministers and others began once again to practice the deliverance ministry - the deliverance of people from demonic oppression. Don Basham was in the group of men and women that spearheaded its rediscovery during that time.
An early version of the book's cover says, " . . . Don Basham found himself drawn reluctantly into the subject of deliverance as time and again he was confronted by stark evidence that people he met and knew were inhabited by what the Bible describes as 'evil spirits.' As, slowly, step by reasoned step, he moves from disbelief in demons to acceptances of their reality, you will find yourself reading a detective story, a logical putting together of cues, a fascinating, true-life adventure." I have read this book several times.
I love this book because it chronicles his move from disbelief in demons to acceptance of their reality, to his direct involvement in battling their oppressive strongholds in people's lives. In doing so, this book gives us a behind-the-scenes glimpse of his progressive steps into this supernatural world. This type of discovery of the deliverance ministry was typical of so many faith leaders during the Charismatic Renewal of the 1960s and 1970s. During that time, many Christians began rediscovering the truth and reality of the spirit-world and the supernatural Power of God.
This world is not new to Christians, being practiced as normal by the early Church that was established after the ascension of Christ. But such supernatural experiences were largely lost during the ensuing 2000 years. During the pentecostal revival of the early 1900s and the so-called "Charismatic Renewal" of the 60s and 70s, Christian ministers and others began once again to practice the deliverance ministry - the deliverance of people from demonic oppression. Don Basham was in the group of men and women that spearheaded its rediscovery during that time.
An early version of the book's cover says, " . . . Don Basham found himself drawn reluctantly into the subject of deliverance as time and again he was confronted by stark evidence that people he met and knew were inhabited by what the Bible describes as 'evil spirits.' As, slowly, step by reasoned step, he moves from disbelief in demons to acceptances of their reality, you will find yourself reading a detective story, a logical putting together of cues, a fascinating, true-life adventure." I have read this book several times.
May 19, 2014
In Deliver Us From Evil Don Basham tells the story of his deliverance ministry. The mindset Basham started out with would never have predicted such a career. He was irritated when a fellow minister suggested the problems he was encountering in his Pennsylvania church might have their source in
Basham’s reaction:
The book goes on to tell how God opened his eyes to demonic activity around him and drew him into a line of work that consumed years of his life. His stories illustrate principles of how to recognize demonic oppression, how he took Jesus as his example when dealing with the demonic, and things he learned from his failures as well as his successes. He also addresses subjects like how demons get in, the conditions necessary for deliverance, and how to keep one’s life free from their return once the unclean spirits have been exorcised. He illustrates every teaching point with examples from his years of experience.
Basham is a gifted storyteller and this was a fascinating read. Though the book was first published in 1972, it’s as relevant today as ever for professionals (ministers, counselors) and lay people alike.
I received Deliver Us From Evil as a gift from the publisher, Chosen Books, for the purpose of writing a review. One star off for the difficulty I had reading the NetGalley Kindle review copy, where about a quarter of the sentences contained no spaces between words.
“…a spiritual adversary. An ‘enemy in high places.’ The Bible calls him Satan…”
Basham’s reaction:
It was an effort to keep my face straight. Surely the man didn’t literally … ‘That’s the trouble with biblical literalists,’ I fumed as I roared away. A pat answer for everything so we’re saved the discomfort of thinking. The man belonged in the Middle Ages! Satan indeed! (Kindle Location 327).
The book goes on to tell how God opened his eyes to demonic activity around him and drew him into a line of work that consumed years of his life. His stories illustrate principles of how to recognize demonic oppression, how he took Jesus as his example when dealing with the demonic, and things he learned from his failures as well as his successes. He also addresses subjects like how demons get in, the conditions necessary for deliverance, and how to keep one’s life free from their return once the unclean spirits have been exorcised. He illustrates every teaching point with examples from his years of experience.
Basham is a gifted storyteller and this was a fascinating read. Though the book was first published in 1972, it’s as relevant today as ever for professionals (ministers, counselors) and lay people alike.
I received Deliver Us From Evil as a gift from the publisher, Chosen Books, for the purpose of writing a review. One star off for the difficulty I had reading the NetGalley Kindle review copy, where about a quarter of the sentences contained no spaces between words.
August 9, 2016
If I had to describe this book in one word it would be riveting, because once I started reading it I couldn't put it down until it was finished! Don Basham was reluctant in every sense of the word where demons and the deliverance ministry was concerned. Mr. Basham was like so many, dealing with financial issues as well as what I would consider a stagnant ministry, but he never considered that perhaps he might be under demonic attack, and when a fellow pastor mentioned this he sort of shrugged it off. Thing is God wanted to use Mr. Basham and it seemed at every twist he would be confronted with this subject over and over until he could no longer deny that evil spirits are all to real and that God had a plan to use him in this type of ministry.
Eye opening yet a little unsettling this book certainly took me on a spiritually eye opening journey. I found Mr. Basham's writing style very down to earth and easy to relate to, he shares his triumphs but also admits that he made mistakes as well. He shares the knowledge that he learns allowing the reader to learn how evil can infiltrate their lives without them even knowing it, but he also provides clear ideas on how to keep that from happening. Originally published in 1972 the writing style doesn't feel dated and Mr. Basham's experiences and the demons he encountered are really is just as relevant today as they were then. Anyone looking to gain power over the enemy should really read this book, after all if we believe in God and the Bible we have to believe that Satan exists.
A complimentary copy of this book was provided for review.
Eye opening yet a little unsettling this book certainly took me on a spiritually eye opening journey. I found Mr. Basham's writing style very down to earth and easy to relate to, he shares his triumphs but also admits that he made mistakes as well. He shares the knowledge that he learns allowing the reader to learn how evil can infiltrate their lives without them even knowing it, but he also provides clear ideas on how to keep that from happening. Originally published in 1972 the writing style doesn't feel dated and Mr. Basham's experiences and the demons he encountered are really is just as relevant today as they were then. Anyone looking to gain power over the enemy should really read this book, after all if we believe in God and the Bible we have to believe that Satan exists.
A complimentary copy of this book was provided for review.
February 13, 2015
While this book is encouraging for one who has been struggling with all sorts of issues that "could be" demonic, it has led to several more arguments with my wife about "seeing the goblins". Basham does point out that we should not see goblins in every shadow, but I don't recall him bringing up the equally important concern that "the devil made me do it" is not a legitimate excuse. It is worth pointing out that, though he explains that Christians don't exactly get "controlled" by demons, we can most certainly get harrassed by them and even get our spiritual teeth kicked in by them if we wade too deeply into their strongholds. And, yes, every one of us has a weakness the devil knows about that, if left unchecked, can very quickly take us from "deacon" to "depraved".
From reading this book, I get the impression that, once a demon is cast out, it does not have the power to harrass us or get revenge. That being said, what do you do when you seem to be surrounded by demons--stabbing holes in your car radiator, busting through your roof in a rainstorm, giving you strange health problems that go away when you pray for them but come right back as something else, overwhelming your life with problems--what do you do? And worse yet, how do you keep them from taking out their revenge on your loved ones?
From reading this book, I get the impression that, once a demon is cast out, it does not have the power to harrass us or get revenge. That being said, what do you do when you seem to be surrounded by demons--stabbing holes in your car radiator, busting through your roof in a rainstorm, giving you strange health problems that go away when you pray for them but come right back as something else, overwhelming your life with problems--what do you do? And worse yet, how do you keep them from taking out their revenge on your loved ones?
August 31, 2016
Deliver Us From Evil by Don Basham was written in 1972, but it's been repackaged and given an updated cover. This book details Pastor Basham's reluctant change from believing that Christians can't be possessed by demons to believing that not only can they be possessed by demons, but that deliverance should be performed for many things - epilepsy, smoking, drug addictions, and more.
I was enjoying and agreeing with this book for about the first half - I believe that Satan does work today, wreaking havoc in our churches and lives, oppressing Christians, and possessing non Christians. I also believe that the church at large today often downplays potential demonic activity and tends to want to never blame anything on demonic activity. However, Don takes it a step further and claims that born again Christian believers can literally be possessed by demons. I do not believe that at all. There are many great resources on the internet explaining this concept biblically and showing why a Christian cannot be demon possessed, and I would suggest reading them before reading this book. Therefore, I took many of these stories with a large grain of salt. It was an interesting book.
I received a copy of this book from Chosen Books in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
I was enjoying and agreeing with this book for about the first half - I believe that Satan does work today, wreaking havoc in our churches and lives, oppressing Christians, and possessing non Christians. I also believe that the church at large today often downplays potential demonic activity and tends to want to never blame anything on demonic activity. However, Don takes it a step further and claims that born again Christian believers can literally be possessed by demons. I do not believe that at all. There are many great resources on the internet explaining this concept biblically and showing why a Christian cannot be demon possessed, and I would suggest reading them before reading this book. Therefore, I took many of these stories with a large grain of salt. It was an interesting book.
I received a copy of this book from Chosen Books in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
December 29, 2016
It's an intriguing premise to be sure, but something about the whole thing feels inauthentic. It may just be the writing style, but much of the book feels over-the-top and embellished. As a practicing Catholic, I'm not denying that what the author describes can happen, but the melodramatics of it all seems a bit off kilter. Throughout the writing the author seems pressed to convince you that this really did happen, rather than just tell the story. This could stem from his own disbelief at what was happening, but the stories end up being more self-serving for those that may already believe in this phenomena, rather than presenting an unbiased narrative of demon possession for skeptics. This is backed up by some solid spiritual advice, but ultimately it all feels hollow; like the whole novel is missing something.
The writer also tried desperately to play up the mysterious nature of the subject matter, but was either unable or unwilling to do so. I was especially aggravated by the repeated and frequent use of the "Little did I know..." and "It was only a matter of time before..." shtick. Used once it's cliché, used frequently it shows a real inexperience with well-written suspense.
The writer also tried desperately to play up the mysterious nature of the subject matter, but was either unable or unwilling to do so. I was especially aggravated by the repeated and frequent use of the "Little did I know..." and "It was only a matter of time before..." shtick. Used once it's cliché, used frequently it shows a real inexperience with well-written suspense.
June 9, 2014
I disagree that demons can actually inhabit a Christian, which Basham seems to be saying. However, I do know that demons can oppress true believers because of sin, because they allow that kind of persecution from the demonic realm. Satan will take and use any means to ruin a believer's witness. When a Christian allows such inroads, then trouble follows.
This book should be a must read for any church body. Basham gently, but inexorably outlines how Christians deceive themselves and other members of the body. Then he exposes how Satan uses such to encroach upon our peace of mind that is our right because of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.
Just as God deals with each of us individually, so does Satan and his minions. This book unlocks those so called secrets, and shines a bright light upon the workings of the demonic realm.
Buy the book, read it, pass it along to your sisters and brothers in Christ, teach a class on it. The body of Christ is sick with unbelief, and we need this kind of knowledge to make her well, and strong, and flourishing within the power of God so that others will see the light and come to Christ. Amen!
This book should be a must read for any church body. Basham gently, but inexorably outlines how Christians deceive themselves and other members of the body. Then he exposes how Satan uses such to encroach upon our peace of mind that is our right because of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.
Just as God deals with each of us individually, so does Satan and his minions. This book unlocks those so called secrets, and shines a bright light upon the workings of the demonic realm.
Buy the book, read it, pass it along to your sisters and brothers in Christ, teach a class on it. The body of Christ is sick with unbelief, and we need this kind of knowledge to make her well, and strong, and flourishing within the power of God so that others will see the light and come to Christ. Amen!
May 30, 2014
Yes, I will admit I read this book in a little under 2 reading sittings. I knew of demon delieverance and read them. I was captivated by it, but yet this type of warfare is a very notable book to read.
I was drawn in real quick but also know that this book is a book to read for delieverance but it also points out many things because we need to be ready to fight the enemy. For we have Christ who is stronger than any demon or force around us.
** I was sent this book from Choosen for my honest opinion and review.****
I was drawn in real quick but also know that this book is a book to read for delieverance but it also points out many things because we need to be ready to fight the enemy. For we have Christ who is stronger than any demon or force around us.
** I was sent this book from Choosen for my honest opinion and review.****
August 4, 2014
It's a book about spiritual warfare and one pastors encounters with demons and evil spirits. It is a hard pill to swallow because some of the incidences seem so far-fetched. I suppose unless your in that situation you can never really know. In the back is pages from the pastors notes which includes references to bible scripture.
September 16, 2016
Basham examines the spiritual arena of warfare and cleansing. This book may be a struggle to those who are not biblical-based Christians. He does speak of the relaxation against evil and how evil has flourished. There is also a section on prayer and prepping one;s self for battle.
December 5, 2013
This book was a real eye opener but that is not necessarily a good thing and i don't believe it to be of benefit so i don't recommend this book particularly to new Christians, vulnerable or sensitive souls.
September 19, 2016
I was expecting something more along the lines of The Exorcist in terms of demon deliverance so I wasn't a huge fan. There were a few intriguing segments but I mostly felt like I trudged through this book.
January 11, 2012
Cant argue with someones personal story. Very compelling!
Read
February 10, 2013Book kicked off a new wave of interest by Pentecostals in casting out demons.
January 7, 2015
This is the first book that I read in 2015. Some very good insight and some other things that should be filtered through. All in all, it was not wasted time to read this book.
Read
February 15, 2019Awesome book! The devil has plans on all of Gods people and this is just one story of how he tried to throw this man off God's path. A must read for any serious Christian.
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