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The Bondage Breaker
You can break the chains holding you captive.
Harmful habits, negative thinking, and irrational feelings can all lead to sinful behavior and keep you in bondage.
If you feel trapped by any of these strongholds in your life, know that you are not alone - you can break free.
Neil Anderson has brought hope to countless thousands facing similar spiritual attacks. In this significantly revised and updated edition of this popular bestselling book, he offers a wholistic approach to spiritual warfare that is rooted in the Word of God. As you read stories of others who have been locked in spiritual battles, you will learn the underlying whys and hows behind these attacks and discover the truth that sets people free in Jesus.
You don't have to live as if you are in chains. Break through your spiritual battles and find freedom in Christ with The Bondage Breaker.
Dr. Neil T. Anderson is founder and president emeritus of Freedom in Christ Ministries, with representation in over 70 countries. Formerly a professor of practical theology at Talbot School of Theology, he is the author or co-author of 70 books, including Victory over the Darkness, Discipleship Counseling, Letting Go of Fear, Managing Your Anger, Setting Your Marriage Free, and Setting Your Church Free. ficminternational.org
Harmful habits, negative thinking, and irrational feelings can all lead to sinful behavior and keep you in bondage.
If you feel trapped by any of these strongholds in your life, know that you are not alone - you can break free.
Neil Anderson has brought hope to countless thousands facing similar spiritual attacks. In this significantly revised and updated edition of this popular bestselling book, he offers a wholistic approach to spiritual warfare that is rooted in the Word of God. As you read stories of others who have been locked in spiritual battles, you will learn the underlying whys and hows behind these attacks and discover the truth that sets people free in Jesus.
You don't have to live as if you are in chains. Break through your spiritual battles and find freedom in Christ with The Bondage Breaker.
Dr. Neil T. Anderson is founder and president emeritus of Freedom in Christ Ministries, with representation in over 70 countries. Formerly a professor of practical theology at Talbot School of Theology, he is the author or co-author of 70 books, including Victory over the Darkness, Discipleship Counseling, Letting Go of Fear, Managing Your Anger, Setting Your Marriage Free, and Setting Your Church Free. ficminternational.org
272 pages, Paperback
Published January 1, 2019
72 people are currently reading
244 people want to read
About the author
Neil T. Anderson
286 books291 followersNEIL T. ANDERSON is founder and president of Freedom in Christ Ministries. He was formerly the chairman of the Practical Theology Department at Talbot School of Theology. He holds five degrees from Talbot, Pepperdine University and Arizona State University and Arizona State University and has authored several bestselling books on spiritual freedom, including Victory Over the Darkness and The Bondage Breaker.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
April 19, 2020
This book has been such a useful tool in my life to become more aware of the lies of the Devil. Having grown up in a church where spiritual warfare is not talked about or only in hushed tones because that’s what the “charismatic” churches did, this book has made me aware of the reality of the spiritual battles that are taking places over me. It has also given me such practical tools to help me understand what’s happening in that battle for my soul and mind and help me combat the lies with truth in Scripture and in my identity in Christ. Even if you don’t think you have experienced or are experiencing what you would call “spiritual warfare,” there are areas in all our lives where we have believed the lies of the Deceiver. And this book helps us renounce those lies, however small or insignificant, and turn back to Christ. I think everyone should read this book, and I rarely say that about any book.
February 18, 2025
Bondage Breaker by Neil T. Anderson is nothing short of transformative. This book is an invaluable resource for anyone seeking freedom from the emotional, spiritual, and psychological chains that bind them. Anderson’s insight into the nature of spiritual warfare and the power of truth to set people free is profound and empowering. What makes this book stand out is its recognition that true healing doesn’t occur in isolation. Anderson expertly integrates the need for both medical and spiritual care, showing how they can complement each other in a holistic approach to well-being.
Rather than suggesting a one-dimensional solution, Anderson acknowledges the importance of seeking professional mental and physical care while also addressing the deeper spiritual issues that may contribute to one’s struggles. This balanced approach is refreshing and practical, reminding readers that healing involves the mind, body, and spirit working together in harmony. There’s some medical problems that plague us and no amount of spiritual work or prayer will fix it. There’s also plenty of spiritual problems that get misdiagnosed and no amount of medicine will work. I appreciate the author recognizing this fact.
Bondage Breaker offers not only biblical wisdom but also practical steps for breaking free from oppression, addiction, and emotional wounds. Anderson’s compassion and clarity shine through in every chapter, making it a must read for anyone looking to regain control of their life through the power of Christ, while also recognizing the importance of medical and therapeutic support. This book is a beacon of hope for anyone longing to live in the freedom that is rightfully theirs. Highly recommended!
Rather than suggesting a one-dimensional solution, Anderson acknowledges the importance of seeking professional mental and physical care while also addressing the deeper spiritual issues that may contribute to one’s struggles. This balanced approach is refreshing and practical, reminding readers that healing involves the mind, body, and spirit working together in harmony. There’s some medical problems that plague us and no amount of spiritual work or prayer will fix it. There’s also plenty of spiritual problems that get misdiagnosed and no amount of medicine will work. I appreciate the author recognizing this fact.
Bondage Breaker offers not only biblical wisdom but also practical steps for breaking free from oppression, addiction, and emotional wounds. Anderson’s compassion and clarity shine through in every chapter, making it a must read for anyone looking to regain control of their life through the power of Christ, while also recognizing the importance of medical and therapeutic support. This book is a beacon of hope for anyone longing to live in the freedom that is rightfully theirs. Highly recommended!
April 7, 2022
I love what the author says about identity in Christ, and the basis for being free from bondage. That is excellent. I also appreciate that the author does not attribute any and every problem people have to demons.
Although, some of the demonic influence stories seemed a little far fetched, and I found myself raising an eyebrow every now and then.
One thing that bugged me (and this has nothing to do with the book’s content, but the presentation.) I listened to the audiobook, and several times throughout the narrator would mispronounce words. Like the verb “prophesy” he would pronounce as the noun “prophecy.” Not a big deal, but it was distracting for me.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the meat and the foundation of this book, even if the outer branches seemed a little iffy at times.
Although, some of the demonic influence stories seemed a little far fetched, and I found myself raising an eyebrow every now and then.
One thing that bugged me (and this has nothing to do with the book’s content, but the presentation.) I listened to the audiobook, and several times throughout the narrator would mispronounce words. Like the verb “prophesy” he would pronounce as the noun “prophecy.” Not a big deal, but it was distracting for me.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the meat and the foundation of this book, even if the outer branches seemed a little iffy at times.
November 15, 2025
Takes forever to get to the point. After reading I felt like I was being guilted into sucking all the fun out of life because there are real serious matters we must be after at all times. We can let our guard down for even a second; not even for game night.
There is a lot of good points made on the importance of knowing your identity in Christ; but I didn’t need 12 chapters of sales pitch on how Neil’s steps are just so great and impressive or even powerful enough to save the day even if only partly done. Neil says the first step when I’m helping someone is to have them read my book… interesting.
For me the stars stared falling after the story of the lady he “didn’t have time for” and how nothing helped her until he had made time in his uber important life to do the magical steps to freedom. Then suddenly everything was ok. Really made me question what the author is trying to sell here. How was it that his reframing of the scripture was the only means for all of these peoples deliverance? I know god can use people for his purposes, but I’m not sure how the self promotion book tour fits in.
At the end of the day we can’t forget, heaven is after we die and we will have struggles until then. Don’t expect to obtain perfection while still in your sin wreaked body and broken world; and no amount of Neil’s steps can change that. If his reframing of scripture helps you, great. But he is not Paul or the Holy Spirit so don’t expect his self help book to give you any more than the bible has already.
There is a lot of good points made on the importance of knowing your identity in Christ; but I didn’t need 12 chapters of sales pitch on how Neil’s steps are just so great and impressive or even powerful enough to save the day even if only partly done. Neil says the first step when I’m helping someone is to have them read my book… interesting.
For me the stars stared falling after the story of the lady he “didn’t have time for” and how nothing helped her until he had made time in his uber important life to do the magical steps to freedom. Then suddenly everything was ok. Really made me question what the author is trying to sell here. How was it that his reframing of the scripture was the only means for all of these peoples deliverance? I know god can use people for his purposes, but I’m not sure how the self promotion book tour fits in.
At the end of the day we can’t forget, heaven is after we die and we will have struggles until then. Don’t expect to obtain perfection while still in your sin wreaked body and broken world; and no amount of Neil’s steps can change that. If his reframing of scripture helps you, great. But he is not Paul or the Holy Spirit so don’t expect his self help book to give you any more than the bible has already.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 26, 2024
This is an amazing read for Christians no matter where they are in their stage of their walk with Christ. I know that this book has helped me process through some lies and struggles I have had with my faith, and I love how it includes the "steps to freedom" at the end of the book. This book helps me understand better how the spiritual world is real. I grew up in a culture where spiritual warfare was happening all around me, but my parents struggled to believe or be able to identify that it was present. I was told to be wary when people said that they had been affected by spiritual warfare, and I understood where my family was coming from. But, it is so important to also acknowledge that in God's strength alone, something can be done about the spiritual warfare that is occurring. God is more powerful!
February 22, 2022
the only thing that kept putting me off was the consistent "buy my other book" . it feels to scammy for me :/ this was good. I feel like the book (for me at least) gave this impression that once you go through these steps, you'll be free. it felt like those ad's where it's like "every other company is bad but if you go through my company, you'll have a success!!" type of vibe. whereas in the end of this book Neil FINALLY mentions that it might not work for some people and you'd have to repeat those prayers for 40 days. why wasn't this mentioned throughout the book?! again, feels scammy.
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this did have bibical truth which was good
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this did have bibical truth which was good
January 5, 2023
Neil Anderson's analytical approach and scriptural supplication to spiritual warfare favors trust in the eyes of every Christian reader, whether overtly charismatic or reserved cessationist. I trust his approach to an often misused and misunderstood facet of Christian life. While I don't fully agree with the extensiveness of his steps to freedom in Christ, I do give merit to everything else he has written. I believe it is an often overlooked (understandably) facet of Christianity: the spiritual world and its affect on human life. Neil does an excellent job bringing clarity to the suffering Christian and provides practical application for fighting the battle against the enemy.
October 31, 2024
Exegesis was lacking. There are some things that are helpful but they are not couched in correct exposition of the text, therefore poorly done… read while looking at scripture to ensure that he is drawing out application that scripture concludes rather than using scripture to back up his claims.
His focus on identity in Christ is good and helpful… but fight against spiritual warfare has animistic flavor which is not ultimately helpful or hopeful.
1.75/5 🌟
1st read for SW in Ministry with McKinley: 10/29-31/2024
His focus on identity in Christ is good and helpful… but fight against spiritual warfare has animistic flavor which is not ultimately helpful or hopeful.
1.75/5 🌟
1st read for SW in Ministry with McKinley: 10/29-31/2024
January 20, 2022
Brings up some good points but not much I hadn't heard before. I was expecting something different, along the lines of Derek Prince's "They Shall Expel Demons." Anderson leans more toward believing God's promises and repeating prayers as a form of deliverance. Sure those help but many times, the individual needs being prayed over and casting of demons in order to be liberated, something Mr. Anderson doesn't believe in.
October 2, 2021
Not the best devotional. Didn’t personally care for the author’s attitude toward mental health in some devotionals. While I do believe in the power of prayer, I personally don’t believe in the “pray it away” mentality. Granted, some devotions in this book were incredibly insightful to my daily walk with God.
May 12, 2022
3.75 rounded up. Super interesting. Don’t agree 100%, but there is a lot of convicting ideas with scriptural support. There is much truth to the hazards of an apathetic thought life when we have been called to take every thought captive. Lots of food for thought.
August 7, 2024
I think it was a good looking to the spiritual fight that we deal with, and how it is not just a fight of the physical world, but the immaterial. Some things I do not agree with in this book, but over all helpful and interesting 🧐
March 21, 2025
Eh. There are some good points made in here and some truly powerful testimonies. However, a lot of it feels like the author is self-promoting. He also shares a lot of others deepest struggles, but doesn’t have his own vulnerability in here which makes it feel a bit surface level.
February 1, 2020
Most books start strong and end weak. I thought this book was the opposite.
August 10, 2021
Humble self assessment
November 21, 2021
A great book to help conquer negative thoughts and feelings - a pathway to being free!
November 9, 2023
Really enjoyed reading this book as part of the curriculum for Restore Training
July 7, 2024
So good! Have a whole new perspective on spiritual warfare.
June 18, 2025
This book has some good takeaways he’s a good writer but the spiritual warfare is extreme so be cautious of that!
August 25, 2025
I read the step by step guide of the book. Can’t give a full review cause I didn’t read the full book
August 25, 2025
Incredible stories that help you see the power of truth and deceit of Satan
November 7, 2025
A PDF to the Audio book would be so helpful.
September 23, 2022
You can definitely tell he is Arminian in his understanding of human nature and this probably informs his practice of counseling. You can also see the dispensationalist view of the end which bleeds into this counseling as well which is unfortunate.
Very simplistic use of Scripture for example, many uses are correct uses like that of Romans 7 which speaks about someone who currently is a Christian. But there are some poor uses of Scripture like that may conclude that we can do the same things and walk in the same authority as the Apostles.
Finally, I get this book is a discussion over his time in counseling ministry but it still seems like a self-promotion with a lot of marketing toward his other books as well, rather than a counseling book mixed with an autobiography.
I generally would not recommend this book unless for critical reading of how theology ought to shape our counseling and counseling methods.
Very simplistic use of Scripture for example, many uses are correct uses like that of Romans 7 which speaks about someone who currently is a Christian. But there are some poor uses of Scripture like that may conclude that we can do the same things and walk in the same authority as the Apostles.
Finally, I get this book is a discussion over his time in counseling ministry but it still seems like a self-promotion with a lot of marketing toward his other books as well, rather than a counseling book mixed with an autobiography.
I generally would not recommend this book unless for critical reading of how theology ought to shape our counseling and counseling methods.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews