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Immortal Combat: Confronting the Heart of Darkness
Today, far too many leading Christians water down the robust teachings of our Faith. Ignoring Christ s clear example and constant demand that we boldly confront evils, they preach an amicable, nonconfrontational, feel-good gospel. Instead of teaching the faithful to edify and enjoin the wayward, they urge them to pacify and submit . . . with catastrophic results personally, for the Church, and for society at large. Now comes Fr. Dwight Longenecker with this potent book that shows how, by engaging in the lost art of spiritual warfare, good Christians can cure this trend and repair the extensive damage it has caused. Here, without fear or favor, Longenecker maps out the myriad places where evil lurks in our world, shines a light on its many faces, and details the countless clever tricks it uses to hide. He delineates ten sturdy principles that must motivate all Christian warriors who hope to expunge evil and stop it from returning. And finally, he explains in fascinating detail the art of immortal combat, showing how self-sacrifice and contemplation of the Cross can bring victory over any evil, no matter how hidden or how grave. Be this book calls you to sanctity and is not for wimps. For sanctity is impossible apart from heroic virtue, and heroic virtue is impossible apart from spiritual warfare. As Fr. Longenecker puts it, Find a saint, and you ll find a warrior. These pages are a mighty guidebook for souls hungry to follow the way of the Christian warrior by taking up their crosses and following into immortal combat the King of the Universe, Jesus Christ, our Lord.
145 pages, Paperback
Published May 5, 2020
118 people are currently reading
146 people want to read
About the author
Dwight Longenecker
45 books79 followersDwight Longenecker was brought up an Evangelical, studied at the fundamentalist Bob Jones University, and later was ordained an Anglican priest in England. After ten years in the Anglican ministry as a curate, a chaplain at Cambridge, and a country parson, in 1995 Dwight was received into full communion with the Catholic Church. He has published in numerous religious magazines and papers in the UK, Ireland, and the USA, writing on film and theology, apologetics, Biblical commentary and Catholic culture.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
July 20, 2020
I have followed Father Longenecker on social media since I started blogging 15 years ago. I have picked up a few books that he has written, and also a few that he has contributed to. I became aware of this volume around the time that I finished Spiritual Warfare and the Discernment of Spirits by Dan Burke, Ad the two make excellent reads, ad really compliment each other. And both are books that are much needed in our world today. Michael H. Brown states in the introduction:
“You have in your hands a very good book, a very much needed book in an era in which the Church has largely lost sight of a major mission: direct confrontation with the devil. Is this not what Jesus was about? Did He not say He had come “to destroy the works of the devil” (1 John 3:8)? Wasn’t it Christ who said He would recognize His followers — would know them! — by several standards, the first of which was casting out devils (Mark 16:17)?
Other questions rise from those. Do we emulate Jesus? Does the modern Church? Do those at the helm of Catholicism roam the hinterlands, commanding demons to leave the afflicted, as Jesus and His apostles did?
The answer, all too often, of course, is no: too often, at Mass, the reading of the day concerns demonic manifestations, but the subsequent homily doesn’t mention them. There is little or no instruction in this regard. We rely instead on movies. In our hyperscientific, academic age, spiritual warfare has become subjectum non gratum. There are more canon lawyers — substantially more — than there are exorcists.”
The end of the description of this volume states:
“Here, without fear or favor, Longenecker maps out the myriad places where evil lurks in our world, shines a light on its many faces, and details the countless clever tricks it uses to hide. He delineates ten sturdy principles that must motivate all Christian warriors who hope to expunge evil and stop it from returning. And finally, he explains in fascinating detail the art of immortal combat, showing how self-sacrifice and contemplation of the Cross can bring victory over any evil, no matter how hidden or how grave.”
And that is what we get. We have a volume that was fearlessly written. It tackles many issues others would shy away from. And it brigs the light and love of Christ into those places. The chapters in the volume are:
Introduction
Part 1 The Heart of Darkness
1. War in Heaven
2. The Minotaur and the Labyrinth
3. The Dragon in the Garden
4. The Three-Headed Hound of Hell
5. Medusa and Her Sisters
6. Geryon and the People of the Lie
7. Murder and the Mob
8. Sacrifice and Scapegoats
Part 2 The Sword of Light
9. The Secret Son
10. The Little Lady
11. The Full, Final Sacrifice
12. Victim and Victor
13. Only the Penitent Man May Pass
14. Behold the Lamb
15. Liturgy and Liberty
16. The Swords of the Spirit
Further in the introduction we are told:
“And so it is that Father Longenecker ably tackles our culture of idolatry. He drills deep into this time of prevarication. Citing the mirages, exaggerations, and blatant untruths of our time, he shows how “people of the lie” have caused distress in every corner — and among those (don’t be fooled!) of every politico-cultural stripe.”
The volume will help us look at ourselves and be honest with ourselves. Fraying from a mythological example and from the ‘people of the lie’. Father Longenecker uses the Heart of Darkness to look at ourselves and the fallen world. Then in the second part of the book he focuses on the Sword of Light.
This book will help us realize the way the gospel has been watered down, and because of that why it is ineffectual. In our lives and in the world. We will gain afresh insight into our true enemy. How he slithers and how he hides, and how he constantly tries to manipulate. And we are given tools to help in the battle against him. This book is a manual, a guide, and also a warning.
You can take the challenge and like a soldier entering bootcamp pick up the book and work through it. And using this book to help prepare for the battle ad then enter the fray. This is an eye-opening book and one that I believe every Christian should read!
Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More.
Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2020 Catholic Reading Plan!
“You have in your hands a very good book, a very much needed book in an era in which the Church has largely lost sight of a major mission: direct confrontation with the devil. Is this not what Jesus was about? Did He not say He had come “to destroy the works of the devil” (1 John 3:8)? Wasn’t it Christ who said He would recognize His followers — would know them! — by several standards, the first of which was casting out devils (Mark 16:17)?
Other questions rise from those. Do we emulate Jesus? Does the modern Church? Do those at the helm of Catholicism roam the hinterlands, commanding demons to leave the afflicted, as Jesus and His apostles did?
The answer, all too often, of course, is no: too often, at Mass, the reading of the day concerns demonic manifestations, but the subsequent homily doesn’t mention them. There is little or no instruction in this regard. We rely instead on movies. In our hyperscientific, academic age, spiritual warfare has become subjectum non gratum. There are more canon lawyers — substantially more — than there are exorcists.”
The end of the description of this volume states:
“Here, without fear or favor, Longenecker maps out the myriad places where evil lurks in our world, shines a light on its many faces, and details the countless clever tricks it uses to hide. He delineates ten sturdy principles that must motivate all Christian warriors who hope to expunge evil and stop it from returning. And finally, he explains in fascinating detail the art of immortal combat, showing how self-sacrifice and contemplation of the Cross can bring victory over any evil, no matter how hidden or how grave.”
And that is what we get. We have a volume that was fearlessly written. It tackles many issues others would shy away from. And it brigs the light and love of Christ into those places. The chapters in the volume are:
Introduction
Part 1 The Heart of Darkness
1. War in Heaven
2. The Minotaur and the Labyrinth
3. The Dragon in the Garden
4. The Three-Headed Hound of Hell
5. Medusa and Her Sisters
6. Geryon and the People of the Lie
7. Murder and the Mob
8. Sacrifice and Scapegoats
Part 2 The Sword of Light
9. The Secret Son
10. The Little Lady
11. The Full, Final Sacrifice
12. Victim and Victor
13. Only the Penitent Man May Pass
14. Behold the Lamb
15. Liturgy and Liberty
16. The Swords of the Spirit
Further in the introduction we are told:
“And so it is that Father Longenecker ably tackles our culture of idolatry. He drills deep into this time of prevarication. Citing the mirages, exaggerations, and blatant untruths of our time, he shows how “people of the lie” have caused distress in every corner — and among those (don’t be fooled!) of every politico-cultural stripe.”
The volume will help us look at ourselves and be honest with ourselves. Fraying from a mythological example and from the ‘people of the lie’. Father Longenecker uses the Heart of Darkness to look at ourselves and the fallen world. Then in the second part of the book he focuses on the Sword of Light.
This book will help us realize the way the gospel has been watered down, and because of that why it is ineffectual. In our lives and in the world. We will gain afresh insight into our true enemy. How he slithers and how he hides, and how he constantly tries to manipulate. And we are given tools to help in the battle against him. This book is a manual, a guide, and also a warning.
You can take the challenge and like a soldier entering bootcamp pick up the book and work through it. And using this book to help prepare for the battle ad then enter the fray. This is an eye-opening book and one that I believe every Christian should read!
Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More.
Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2020 Catholic Reading Plan!
August 29, 2020
In the words of my friend Helen: “this book is a game changer”.
June 11, 2020
The author splits up the book into two parts: "The Heart of Darkness" and "The Sword of Light." Yet, I found it all pretty dark. In the first part he uses evil mythical creatures to highlight the vices of humans. I did not find this particularly effective, although there are several nuggets, especially in light of all that is going on in early 2020 that were very apt (see esp. pp. 48-50, 55-56, & 67-69). But this is really fire and brimstone stuff. Not a lot of nuance here - human nature is severely fallen and we are very sinful. It may jar the reader into more seriously considering his faults and failings but don't look for much help in the first part. Yet, this thrust also invades a substantial amount of the second part, as well. We are given hope as the second part proceeds, though.
Overall, I did not find this a particularly inspiring or helpful book. As I say, some good nuggets, and an opportunity to take a harder look at one's fault, but I just found it too harsh. Probably best for those who need the proverbial two-by-four for a wake-up call.
Overall, I did not find this a particularly inspiring or helpful book. As I say, some good nuggets, and an opportunity to take a harder look at one's fault, but I just found it too harsh. Probably best for those who need the proverbial two-by-four for a wake-up call.
November 10, 2020
Really good explanation of how power, pride, prejudice, and retaliation are not just a part of the evil in the world, but within our own himan hearts.
April 2, 2021
A lot of good material here. Although Longenecker is a Roman Catholic priest, that is muted (until the end), and so there is a lot of "mere Christianity," along with several deep insights into how Evil works in us, and in the world.
May 17, 2020
Every sentence in this book fills a hunger and a quest my heart has been on for 7 years. Fr. Dwight marshalls a legion of rich, mythical visions and characters to lead us down into the labyrinth of sin that has silenced our mystical Eden.
Unmasking evil comes at a cost - our personal choice to keep going, or to turn away. It's a war, and no one gets to bookmark it and check out.
We're in the Church Militant, and yet not the Church military industrial complex. As someone riveted by the gruesome acts and legends of the ancient world, Fr Dwight drops a plumb line of clarity down through the morass. He exposes the deep lie at the core of the human experience. And shows how it has built up into the great structures and rituals of culture and history.
The second half of his book is the antidote. And what a draught of elven wine it is! He takes us on a sweeping journey beside the Secret Son, the hidden mission deep behind enemy lines that is the Story of Salvation.
Like Tolkein, Fr Dwight's book is needed because it does something utterly crucial for the human person. It remythologizes theology. It puts it back into context. It moves it from the rarified air of head-knowledge down into the heart and guts of our imagination and experience. It makes it real, personal, and exciting.
Our modern experience of Christianity idealizes Spock as the Christian ideal. Father shatters this, and holds up Sam, and Lucy, and St Therese. Small, sacramental, self-giving.
This book must be required reading for every family, and should be introduced to children who have reached the reading age for Narnia, mythology, and Star Wars. It is a reminder of the infinite game we all live, and our fellowship stands on the edge of a knife. But, as ever, the penitent man shall pass.
It is the penitent man who will reignite the music of the spheres, and the Church that is sending our world ringing with joy back into the cosmos. We are no longer the silent planet. We are heirs to Gondor and Golgotha. Deep Heaven awaits.
Unmasking evil comes at a cost - our personal choice to keep going, or to turn away. It's a war, and no one gets to bookmark it and check out.
We're in the Church Militant, and yet not the Church military industrial complex. As someone riveted by the gruesome acts and legends of the ancient world, Fr Dwight drops a plumb line of clarity down through the morass. He exposes the deep lie at the core of the human experience. And shows how it has built up into the great structures and rituals of culture and history.
The second half of his book is the antidote. And what a draught of elven wine it is! He takes us on a sweeping journey beside the Secret Son, the hidden mission deep behind enemy lines that is the Story of Salvation.
Like Tolkein, Fr Dwight's book is needed because it does something utterly crucial for the human person. It remythologizes theology. It puts it back into context. It moves it from the rarified air of head-knowledge down into the heart and guts of our imagination and experience. It makes it real, personal, and exciting.
Our modern experience of Christianity idealizes Spock as the Christian ideal. Father shatters this, and holds up Sam, and Lucy, and St Therese. Small, sacramental, self-giving.
This book must be required reading for every family, and should be introduced to children who have reached the reading age for Narnia, mythology, and Star Wars. It is a reminder of the infinite game we all live, and our fellowship stands on the edge of a knife. But, as ever, the penitent man shall pass.
It is the penitent man who will reignite the music of the spheres, and the Church that is sending our world ringing with joy back into the cosmos. We are no longer the silent planet. We are heirs to Gondor and Golgotha. Deep Heaven awaits.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 27, 2024
I've read this book twice now and got even more out of it the second time. Fr. Longenecker uses the Minotaur, Cerberus, Medusa, and Geryon to capture the darkness of original sin, the sin of the world. His powerful characterization of our human struggles and our need for God's saving Grace is convicting and hopeful. This book is not a feel good journey through some sort of "just be kind" Christianity. Fr. Longenecker presents the battle with Satan as a daily fight that truly requires Christian soldiers and an active, assertive faith.
The first 2/3 of the book might discourage the meek in how they capture our flaws and failings. However, the stout-hearted are rewarded with hopefulness as Fr. Longenecker makes the case for Jesus Christ as God's final solution for original sin and the fight against Satan.
I have read the book and listened to the audio book, finding both richly entertaining, intellectually challenging, and spiritually stimulating. Thank you Fr. Longenecker! Onward Christian Soliders!
The first 2/3 of the book might discourage the meek in how they capture our flaws and failings. However, the stout-hearted are rewarded with hopefulness as Fr. Longenecker makes the case for Jesus Christ as God's final solution for original sin and the fight against Satan.
I have read the book and listened to the audio book, finding both richly entertaining, intellectually challenging, and spiritually stimulating. Thank you Fr. Longenecker! Onward Christian Soliders!
June 8, 2023
This was such a good book! Growing up Protestant I feel like sin wasn’t talked about much. Of course we talked about forgiveness of sin and repentance, but not much on specific sins and how to combat them. We all struggle with power, pride & prejudice. While we might think that we are really good people, I can see in my own life how I am not exempt from the sin of power, pride & prejudice. I enjoyed how Fr. Longenecker specifically talked about what it means when you say Jesus saved us from our sin. When we forgive someone we are in a way repenting of that persons sin. So when Jesus died for the forgiveness of our sin, He was the ultimate sacrifice for the repentance of our sin. Very well written book!
August 11, 2020
The most important book of your life
Do you find yourself wondering why you can't get a break? That there is some sort of jinx in your life? Have you tried bringing life down to it's bare essentials with a resolve to take it has comes? Only surrounding yourself with 'good'? Sharing motivational memes? Or do you lose sleep at night at injustice in the world? Do you seethe at those who 'sleep walk' through life? Who are not awake? Do you feel relieved that you are awake, woke, red pilled, blue pilled, black pilled, crunchy, left, right? Stop. Read this book. It is the most important book of your life.
Do you find yourself wondering why you can't get a break? That there is some sort of jinx in your life? Have you tried bringing life down to it's bare essentials with a resolve to take it has comes? Only surrounding yourself with 'good'? Sharing motivational memes? Or do you lose sleep at night at injustice in the world? Do you seethe at those who 'sleep walk' through life? Who are not awake? Do you feel relieved that you are awake, woke, red pilled, blue pilled, black pilled, crunchy, left, right? Stop. Read this book. It is the most important book of your life.
June 23, 2020
Why Jesus Came
Hard to read because it makes you look at the evil inside each human being. But there is hope!
He uses myths and literature to illustrate the monsters of sin in us.
Definitely worth reading, and includes a clear explanation of why Jesus came to earth -- the Secret Son. Also , the biggest sin is the pride of believing or having to prove oneself "right" at the expense of others.
Hard to read because it makes you look at the evil inside each human being. But there is hope!
He uses myths and literature to illustrate the monsters of sin in us.
Definitely worth reading, and includes a clear explanation of why Jesus came to earth -- the Secret Son. Also , the biggest sin is the pride of believing or having to prove oneself "right" at the expense of others.
June 28, 2020
Absolutely incredible. Must read. Explains exactly what happened when Adam & Eve fell, what the “Sin of the World” is and how the suffering, death & resurrection of Jesus unleashed a victory over it. This book articulates that simmering below our nice exterior lies our own heart of darkness (your pride, power & prejudice, leading to rivalry & resentment) but how choosing Jesus is the only way out and it’s founded in humility.
June 28, 2023
Does a fantastic job of revealing our corrupted human nature and unmasking who is really behind the curtain, controlling our everyday lives.
Slightly terrifying but a terrific read! I would recommend to an Catholic who wants to grow deeper in their faith, and challenge their perspective of the world.
Slightly terrifying but a terrific read! I would recommend to an Catholic who wants to grow deeper in their faith, and challenge their perspective of the world.
August 30, 2020
simply Jesus 1; Satan 0!
Simply put Satan has already lost the battle and the war. Fr. Longenecker shows the how and why in simple understandable laanguage. What's left is application. Are you up to it?
Simply put Satan has already lost the battle and the war. Fr. Longenecker shows the how and why in simple understandable laanguage. What's left is application. Are you up to it?
October 1, 2020
A must read for all Christians
Father Longenecker gives answers to questions I never thought about until now. Now that I read it I will reread it again so it all sinks in. Brilliant
Father Longenecker gives answers to questions I never thought about until now. Now that I read it I will reread it again so it all sinks in. Brilliant
April 30, 2021
What a TERRIFIC book for our times! And loaded with literary references - fun!
September 20, 2021
Fr. Longenecker is a voice of anchoring reason in this confused modern age. Thank you Father!
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews