Demonology Past and Present

by Kurt E. Koch, Kurt Koch

A thorough discussion of the work of demons and the firsthand observations of people involved in demonic activity.

Genres: Nonfiction, Horror, Religion

161 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1973

Reviews

[Adrienna · Rating 2 out of 5]

Used for research purposes.

[Joseph VanBuren · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this as research for a series of stories I am writing that takes place during the 80s/90s satanic panic era. I wanted to get some insight into psychological thinking of the time regarding demonic possession vs. mental illness, etc. This book gave me that, but it also gave me some great Christian perspective on how to effectively recognize and defend against demonic attacks. Much more practical than I expected. Some of the language and scientific thought are outdated, for sure (it was written in 1973), and at least one part is completely racist and can be disregarded. But that doesn't disqualify the whole book. A lot of "woke" readers these days read one thing they disagree with then discount the entire work and denounce the writer. Being that biased and close-minded severely limits your knowledge and the sources it comes from. I don't judge books that way. So while I found a few parts to be completely laughable, I also found some valuable information on a subject that not many people tackle in a biblical way.

[Ethan · Rating 3 out of 5]

A compilation of the author's talks given in various contexts related to his research into and experiences with demonic possession and demonic influence, especially in comparison and contrast to psychological issues.

This work is rather old; the Kindle edition is a photo facsimile of a text reprinted in 2000 but written almost twenty years earlier than that. Such helps to inform some of the author's attitudes and postures to matters scientific.

The author does well at characterizing what he has experienced and his strong warning against any kind of dabbling in the occult, even ouiji boards, is important - it can be a gateway for forces to start interacting with you which you want nothing to do with. The author takes the prospect of demonic possession and influence seriously without becoming overly obsessed, finding the demonic in only a few situations.

The title is much more sensational than most of the book substance. caveat emptor.

[Jaime · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good book to read for those who are interested in the nature of demonic possession and how to reach out to those who are possessed and eventually help heal them. The author, a scholar on the subject wisely spends time providing background, defining terms and beliefs, giving biblical examples and connections, and experiential insight into the topic of exorcism. There is some repetition but the applications are different in the different presentations. One can sense the author's heart and passion for deliverance throughout his writings. This key and what helps the book flow. As a result, the collections make a concise book that is readable and well-organized. The last chapter helps guide and direct the reader about demonic possession and the path to deliverance.

[Calinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

As usual, Kurt Koch provides interesting and informative material on the occult and demonology. This book is different from many of his other works in that it is a collection of essays written from notes of lectures that he delivered at various times. So the format is a little different, but the substance is still solid.