The Twilight Labyrinth: Why Does Spiritual Darkness Linger Where It Does?

by George Otis Jr.

How "leases" with the spirit world have been made (and renewed) over millennia, and how God works through his messengers today to break those leases.

Genres: Christian, War, Spirituality, Nonfiction

416 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 1997

Reviews

[John · Rating 2 out of 5]

Otis's book engages the question: what is the relationship between our physical world and the supernatural? Otis takes about as large a lens as you could imagine in considering the question including everything from a consideration of a host of myths, to humanity's true mental and spiritual capacity, to human migration. Otis is strongest when he is closest to scripture and to sharing the many stories of supernatural encounters. When on these topics we are challenged and reminded about how anti-supernatural and culturally informed our view and experience of Christianity is. When confronted by these stories and scripture, I'm reminded just how materialist my world is. It's an impoverished worldview that needs to be challenged. Further, Otis commendably points us where we need to be pointed: to prayer and to be reminded of God's sovereign hand at work in the world.

When Otis strays from this ground, I find him much less convincing. Multiple chapters are spent on his consideration of humanity's original physical and mental capacities as well as his consideration of continental drift and migration patterns. I'm far from an expert in either of those categories, but I don't believe Mr. Otis is, either, and his presentation is far out of the scientific consensus on such matters. He's welcome to make speculations, and some may even be right, but I fear that mixing in such speculation in an area he holds no real expertise with the degree of confidence he puts forth only muddles and diminishes his strength of witness elsewhere.

Overall, "The Twilight Labyrinth" was an interesting and unique read, but could have been strengthened.

[Honeybee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not for the faint of heart, this book is a fascinating read about demonic strongholds--where they are, how they got there and why they are able to hold on so tenaciously. George Otis, Jr., the producer of the Transformation video series featuring world revivals, has done his homework. Having traveled the globe to acquire his information, Otis includes extensive footnotes that document the results of seven years of extensive research, interviews and personal encounters with the supernatural.

Twilight Labyrinth covers ancient history from the Fall to the Great Flood and following. You'll read about the development of languages, people groups and religions. Hear eyewitness accounts of unbelievable demonic manifestations, religious rituals and power encounters that make scenes from The Exorcist look like a child's fairy tale. The book concludes with practical tips on how to deal with demonic strongholds, both on a personal/local and cultural/regional scale.

Whether you are currently on a foreign mission field or preparing to go, this book should be required reading. If you are part of a missionary's intercessory team or a member of a prayer group seeking international revival, this book will provide powerful insights in how to cast down the powers of darkness and usher in the light of life at home or abroad.

[Mary Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book definitely has its moments. There is helpful information for all Christians regarding spiritual warfare, specifically, information concerning why spiritual darkness lingers in areas to differing degrees. The book tends to drag in places, and there were several places where I disagreed with the author's conclusions. (I got particularly annoyed when he spoke about Adam & Eve, Noah, Babel, etc., because he spoke as if he were there. Many of the things we wrote about were so speculative, and, yet, he spoke as if they were facts.)

Anyway, I thought the last two chapters, in particular, had good, practical advice for engaging in prayer against evil. The stories were the best part of the book, though. Some are so crazy they're hard to believe, but they'll definitely make your hair stand on end!

[Jonathan · Rating 2 out of 5]

The last part was helpful enough that I kept from giving it just 1 star, which is where it would be if I was only evaluating it based on part 1. Understanding spiritual darkness and spiritual warfare is important. Otis says a number of things that are really important to hear and were helpful to me. But the entire basis he builds in Part 1 feels so far from the truth - I think his theology is wrong, his history is wrong, and his science is wrong. Most of all, the manner in which he tries to make his case seems untrustworthy at almost every stage, which makes me less likely to trust even the potentially helpful things he says in part 2. I think these are good things to talk about, but I don't think that Otis is the right person to be put up at the forefront of discussion.

[Zach Johnston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very eye opening. Otis gives incredible insight by relating the spiritual climate around the world with biblical history. While the amount of information and research that went into the book can be overwhelming, he finishes with practical tips to help with the application. A very good guide through the battle we are all a part of.

[Shirley · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very in depth look into the spirit realm. I would only recommend reading this if you are a more mature believer and ready to take on the depth of this book. A definite must read for the intercessor. Loved the book, George makes everything very easy to read and understand with a very indepth topic

[Patti · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very informative book however, I found it very hard and often depressing at times to read.

[Alison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic. Is you have any interest at all in the ins and outs of demonic forces and how to work against them, read this.

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

Archaeology traces more than language & blood lines in this book. How closely related are religions & spirituality between cultures around the world & through time?

[Sovannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definately not what i expected the story to be with the title. Very fascinating and professional. Great read!