On Spiritual Combat: 30 Missions for Victorious Warfare

by Dave Grossman, Adam Davis

Civilization is fighting to survive tragic times.

On Spiritual Combat is a spiritual warfare guide for military members, law enforcement officers, first responders, and all sheepdogs. It prepares their hearts and minds for battle, teaching them to identify, understand, and fight evil forces. Each day includes:
powerful readings
encouraging Scripture
meaningful hymns
questions for reflection
recommended reading from On Combat, the seminal resource on physical combat by Dave Grossman.  
With God, we will rise as virtuous Christian warriors who defend and protect the innocent, helpless, and oppressed.

Genres: Religion

384 pages, Leather Bound

Published May 5, 2020

About the author

Lt. Col Dave Grossman is the author of On Killing and On Combat as well as several science fiction books.

In 1998 Lt. Colonel Grossman retired from the military as Professor of Military Science at Arkansas State University. His career includes service in the United States Army as a sergeant in the U.S. 82nd Airborne Division, a platoon leader in the 9th Infantry Division (United States), a general staff officer, a company commander in the 7th Infantry Division (United States) as well as the U.S. Army Rangers and a teacher of psychology at West Point.

Grossman's first book, ''On Killing: The Psychological Cost of Learning to Kill in War and Society'' is an analysis of the physiological processes involved with killing another human being. In it, he reveals evidence that most people have a phobic-level response to violence, and that soldiers need to be specifically trained to kill. In addition, he details the physical effects that violent stresses produce on humans, ranging from tunnel vision, changes in sonic perception, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Grossman argues that the techniques used by armies to train soldiers to kill are mirrored in certain types of video games. The conclusion he draws is that playing violent video games, particularly Light gun shooters of the First-person shooter-variety (where the player holds a weapon-like game controller), train children in the use of weapons and, more importantly, harden them emotionally to the task of murder by simulating the killing of hundreds or thousands of opponents in a single typical video game.

His second book, ''On Combat: The Psychology and Physiology of Deadly Conflict in War and in Peace'', is an extension of the first, intended to provide coping strategies for dealing with the physiological and psychological effects of violence for people forced to kill in their line of work (soldiers and police officers).

Grossman uses blunt language that draws the ire of gamers - during the heights of video game controversy, he was interviewed on the content of his books, and repeatedly used the term "murder simulator" to describe first-person shooter games.

Since his retirement from the Army, Grossman has founded the Killology Research Group and continues to educate law enforcement officers and soldiers in the techniques he has studied for improving outcomes in lethal encounters. He also speaks at civilian events on ways to reduce violence in society and deal with the aftermath of violent events such as school shootings.

Reviews

[Brendan Shea · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an outstanding book.

There is no other book that comes close to having the value of The Holy Bible, but this book has somewhat in common with that incomparable book the quality of serving as a balm to someone suffering from fear, temptation or discouragement.

I "read" this on audible, and the narrator/author is a fervent, sincere Christian.

I found at first that I was unable at first to assimilate all the meaning and content of the book, but then discovered that those were good goals, but that I could also just listen and absorb, and reap the benefit of the truths and encouragement.

If you are looking for a book that helps you get back on track when pulled down by depression, caught up in sin or tempted, or when you are in terror of the (defeated) enemy's significant power, this book is an excellent tool.

I feel that I can come back to this Audible version anytime, to get a helping of stability, hope and faith, similar to what a Christian anthem, verse or friend can often impart.

I highly recommend it for those specific reasons.

[Rick Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Colonel Grossman and Adam Davis collaborated and wrote a fantastic tool to use in spiritual combat. The book is easy to use, easy to read, and broken into 31 missions. I used it as a daily devotional.

[Michael Fox · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read many of Col. Grossman’s books. I have attended his seminars. He even helped me develop classes for officers and dispatchers in my agency. Dave has helped many of my coworkers deal with after effects of combat. Now he is helping church safety teams “armor up” for spiritual combat. I would recommend this book to anyone gearing up to fight that battle.

[Troy Kechely · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a fan of Grossman's excellent books on the psychology of combat, this book tied in well to those as well as the world of spiritual combat that all Christians must partake in whether they realize it or not.

[Albert Hehr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Probably one of my favorite religious books I’ve read. I copied passages and prayers that applied to me more than others and it really brought me close to the work of God. Amazing read and well presented.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dave Grossman understands the sheepdog mind. Even if you've never been in combat, if you see yourself as a guardian of people you care about, this is a great read. Resourceful and based on God's Word. Highly recommend.

[Randall Snyder · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book I will be re-reading occasionally, the lessons for combining our Holy mission with Christ to the missions as sheepdogs was enlightening.

[Traci Navarrette · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ordinarily I find the author’s writing to be interesting and thought provoking. This book was so overly religious it came off as clunky. As a non-religious person, I’ve found other Christian devotionals much more pointed and inspiring, using scripture to guide the reading. This book was just the author reading a bunch of scripture and telling you to read it again and tell your friends. Directionless and disappointing.

[Mason Frierson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The others have shared a perspective that many Christians have missed they're doing it in a biblical and positive motive message that lets people follow along with a deeper understanding rather than an emotional thrust Would have achieved , It is well researched, good references, I bought one for myself and given one away.

[John Rimmer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Maybe a 2.5 star...there were places that I thought were insightful and encouraging, but there were others that were a quagmire of platitudes or ankle-deep sentiment.

[Keary C Kwasnicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Book

This is a great book on the Spiritual Battles we face as Christian’s. It gives us great tools as we serve in the Lord’s Army.

[Andy Valadez · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good guide for the sheepdog defender/protector. Spiritual combat is different from Spiritual Warfare.

[Marion · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good read. A practical guide to spiritual combat based on military principles and experience. A lot of ideas found also in other warfare books. Contains a lot of hymns. Encouraging. Explains spiritual battles to everyone engaged in the battle for the salvation of souls. The author is passionate about what he writes about. If I could, I would give it 4 and a half stars.