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Satan's War on Free Agency
The war in Heaven was not about force! Stan s plan threatened accountability by offering a do as you please program without penalty. This book explains how both ancient and modern Gadiantons have used this FREEDOM PLAN to get elected. It also shows how parents unknowingly use this plan when they adopt the many love without law programs taught by the philosophies of men. This book exposes Satan s popular deceptions by helping reader s understand the difference between choice, freedom and agency.
154 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2003
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
December 20, 2021
Greg Wright does a great job using logic and scripture to explain how Satan works. The best way to protect ourselves and our families is to know what we are up against. I wish I had read this years ago!
August 21, 2019
I’ve been slowly working my way through this book, in order to study and ponder some of the ideas the author presents.
There was some really interesting points that I found true. The author’s main idea on how Satan wants to take away punishment for wrong doing, not the ability to choose, makes perfect sense.
However the book is entirely opinion. There were things here and there that bugged me. The author claims that he uses scripture for all his points, but doesn’t actually present scripture for all his claims.
What really ruined the book for me was when the author claimed that one could raise irresponsible children by not letting them cry themselves to sleep or that you could spoil an infant. Yeah like you could do too much for a BABY. Or even worse when he claimed parents focus too much on loving their kids.
“The focus here will be in law, not because love is unimportant, but because love is not usually what is missing”
In a survey done by relate (a relationship charity) found that “19% had never or rarely felt loved in the two weeks before the survey.” And that one in ten did not have one close friend.
The author made many ridiculous claims but had no evidence. I would be interested to read a scripture that tells someone don’t focus on love, since that’s usually not a problem..? Yeah right.
The greatest commandment is to love God. The second is to love our neighbor.
Some of the ideas in this book are good but it’s also filled with the philosophies of one man.
There was some really interesting points that I found true. The author’s main idea on how Satan wants to take away punishment for wrong doing, not the ability to choose, makes perfect sense.
However the book is entirely opinion. There were things here and there that bugged me. The author claims that he uses scripture for all his points, but doesn’t actually present scripture for all his claims.
What really ruined the book for me was when the author claimed that one could raise irresponsible children by not letting them cry themselves to sleep or that you could spoil an infant. Yeah like you could do too much for a BABY. Or even worse when he claimed parents focus too much on loving their kids.
“The focus here will be in law, not because love is unimportant, but because love is not usually what is missing”
In a survey done by relate (a relationship charity) found that “19% had never or rarely felt loved in the two weeks before the survey.” And that one in ten did not have one close friend.
The author made many ridiculous claims but had no evidence. I would be interested to read a scripture that tells someone don’t focus on love, since that’s usually not a problem..? Yeah right.
The greatest commandment is to love God. The second is to love our neighbor.
Some of the ideas in this book are good but it’s also filled with the philosophies of one man.
February 17, 2019
This book makes so much sense. This should be required reading for everyone.
March 10, 2021
A few interesting points but not enough for a book's worth. Lots of pedantic explanation mingled with scripture. Interesting point of view, but definitely crossing over into speculation.
September 11, 2021
Overall it really is a must read! He does a great job describing what Agency is and what is not. At the he talks about parenting which some points can seem controversial.
December 27, 2022
I thought this book was very well written!
June 25, 2025
This is what I needed to read at this time in my life. it really opened the eyes of my understanding about agency and how to apply that to parenting. An excellent read!
January 12, 2014
An author, attorney, and presenter that I respect expressed the fact that this "is one of the absolute best books I've ever read in my entire life." I thought that to be a very powerful statement, leading me to this little gem. Author Greg Wright, a church educational instructor, backs everything taught by scripture. My eyes have been opened!! Truly, the battle waged in the pre-earth life continues today over agency.
"Since our destiny is determined by our agency, the better we understand agency, the more likely we are to exert control over what the future brings.....Many believe the war was fought over choice or freedom, when in actuality the scriptures say it was fought over agency. Sadly, some think the war over agency has been won. The truth is the war rages on, only the battle ground has changed. Satan has again declared war on 'the saints of God, and encompasseth them round about' (D&C 76:29). Because we are opposed by one so brilliant and dangerous, our ignorance of him and his ways puts us at a serious disadvantage in a time when we are in great jeopardy. However, a thorough understanding of agency can actually give us the advantage in this war, because it is by the use of agency that we fight it. Agency is both our weapon and our defense," Wright opens in the introduction of the book.
Although this book took me a little longer to complete, I spent a lot of time in the scriptures and thinking about what was taught. I especially loved the last few chapters after the concept of agency was taught and it became applicable to my life as a parent.
I highly recommend this book for any LDS member.
"Since our destiny is determined by our agency, the better we understand agency, the more likely we are to exert control over what the future brings.....Many believe the war was fought over choice or freedom, when in actuality the scriptures say it was fought over agency. Sadly, some think the war over agency has been won. The truth is the war rages on, only the battle ground has changed. Satan has again declared war on 'the saints of God, and encompasseth them round about' (D&C 76:29). Because we are opposed by one so brilliant and dangerous, our ignorance of him and his ways puts us at a serious disadvantage in a time when we are in great jeopardy. However, a thorough understanding of agency can actually give us the advantage in this war, because it is by the use of agency that we fight it. Agency is both our weapon and our defense," Wright opens in the introduction of the book.
Although this book took me a little longer to complete, I spent a lot of time in the scriptures and thinking about what was taught. I especially loved the last few chapters after the concept of agency was taught and it became applicable to my life as a parent.
I highly recommend this book for any LDS member.
July 16, 2011
This book came about because the author (as a missionary) was asked by a young woman to find the scripture stating that Satan's plan in the preexistence was to force all of God's children to do what was right so that all would be saved.
No such scripture could be found. So began a many-year study on what agency really means, what Satan's plan was really about, how it would have destroyed our agency, and how a third part of God's children could have been enticed to support it.
Though I don't necessarily agree with every application he makes to parenting, the principles are sound and important for parents to understand and apply (and singles, alike!). Great study; insightful and very interesting!
No such scripture could be found. So began a many-year study on what agency really means, what Satan's plan was really about, how it would have destroyed our agency, and how a third part of God's children could have been enticed to support it.
Though I don't necessarily agree with every application he makes to parenting, the principles are sound and important for parents to understand and apply (and singles, alike!). Great study; insightful and very interesting!
October 21, 2011
I'm very glad I read this book. I appreciated Bro. Wright's well supported proposal that Satan's plan of salvation was not one of force, but one of consequence-elimination, and that he continues pushing that agenda (quite effectively) here on Earth! Bro. Wright tended to repeat the same theme over and over throughout, almost ad nauseum, but he got the point across, supporting it always with lots of scriptures and modern revelation. My favorite part of this book was the section where he tells parents the importance of teaching consequences to our children as an application of the principle he promoted.
Current apostle Elder D. Todd Christofferson taught the same principle during Oct 2011 LDS General Conference!
Current apostle Elder D. Todd Christofferson taught the same principle during Oct 2011 LDS General Conference!
November 29, 2014
This book was recommended at a homeschooling conference as "THE best parenting manual you could ever hope to read" and I will admit that it was terrifically interesting to read the book through those lenses. This book challenges assumptions made by Mormons about Mormon doctrine and scripturally lays out how Satan's plan is actually different than how we've been taught. It has an entire chapter devoted to helping parents know how to teach their families about Satan's plan and how to avoid the traps he sets. This will definitely be one that I will re-read and refer to again and again. A must-read! (I'm happy to lend my copy to local friends!)
August 5, 2015
This is not my most favorite books on doctrine. I understand his view, I appreciate his references, but I think he misses the big picture and that is Satan will use any way to circumvent Heavenly Father's plan and try to interrupt Agency. We see this in the political and religious philosophies around the world. The books seems to be myopic in the one view point, as valid as it is. Choice does need to have consequence, knowledge of options, sometimes we aren't given that in the mortal existence. It is worth reading to open our minds, and to understand Agency. Free Agency is not in the scriptures, but Agency is, that gift to choose, along with the consequences of those choices.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 15, 2013
Spot on..... Satan is, and has always been, waging war on agency.
Wright did a great job of laying the case out from the pre-mortal existence throughout time - excellent writing.
I loved Wright's examples near the end of the book that illustrate his points. Even well-meaing people are "sucking into" this agenda of Satan's. We have to be so careful not to "take away" agency from our chlildren and others and "help" Satan out.
Excellent Book! I highly recommend it. Today's world is in such need for these types of well-written TRUTHFUL books.
Wright did a great job of laying the case out from the pre-mortal existence throughout time - excellent writing.
I loved Wright's examples near the end of the book that illustrate his points. Even well-meaing people are "sucking into" this agenda of Satan's. We have to be so careful not to "take away" agency from our chlildren and others and "help" Satan out.
Excellent Book! I highly recommend it. Today's world is in such need for these types of well-written TRUTHFUL books.
May 22, 2012
I won't say it's the best written nor well-researched book, but it contains some ideas I've never considered. If you're LDS I'd say this book is a must-read. If you're not LDS I'd be curious to how you would respond to it. It contains a lot of doctrines which as far as I know are exclusive to the LDS faith.
Some good parenting tips in it, as well. Here's a freebie for you--never reward negative behavior. Easier said than done, of course.
Some good parenting tips in it, as well. Here's a freebie for you--never reward negative behavior. Easier said than done, of course.
September 17, 2014
This is a fantastic read about a misconception that many of us have. Understanding Satan and his tactics is important to safeguard against him and I loved the parenting advice. Children need rules and consequences and our society is really going away from these basic needs - which is causing many problems in our families and society as a whole. Very enlightening read based on truth from the scriptures (and a little personal experience to help us understand better).
October 9, 2011
One of the best books I've ever read. It really made me think. And I gained a LOT of practical partenting advice at the end of the book. I highly recommend it. My husband (who doesn't like to read) is LOVING this book too! He has found so much gospel doctrine to inspire and teach! This book should be on every LDS parent's shelf....
April 4, 2010
This book is written by a Latter-day Saint and is primarily intended for and LDS audience. It is an insightful look at the concept of Agency--which is largely misunderstood by the LDS--and how to recognize the ways it is being undermined. This is a fundamentally important book for LDS.
April 22, 2010
I have met the author and attended a class in which he demonstrated the three things needed to have agency: At least two options; different results; and knowledge of the results. A most enlightening book.
November 8, 2010
Deep book, with lots of gospel insights, but it does get better at the end. He uses real examples of agency and how people use it correctly and how they don't. It's very interesting and I'm thinking of giving it to some of my relatives for Christmas.
August 29, 2021
There is great information on the differences between freedom and agency. I really like the parenting tips about the importance of following through and letting kids experience the consequences of their own choices.
March 9, 2012
I loved this book! It was very enlightening on what agency really means, and how Satan tries to destroy it. The last chapters on how agency applies to parenting is helpful too; it fits in nicely with Love and Logic.
August 23, 2012
Great book! Definitely a must read.Satan's plan is the same today as it was before, and it wasn't to force us to be good. So many of us fall into the trap of living his plan by trying to avoid the "force" plan.
September 10, 2013
He puts forth some theories that are fascinating to consider. When he compares Satan pre-mortal plan, to how the Gadianton robbers worked and took down the Nephite nation and then how this same plan is in action today. I've had so many interesting discussions with friends about this book.
June 14, 2014
There's some great parenting advice in this book. I do feel like it could've been condensed to an Ensign article. If you feel like you're weak in understanding God's plan and what agency and freedom truly are, this is a good read for you.
November 22, 2008
This is really a great book. I learned so much from it. It gave me lots ot think about. I really liked the last chapter where he shared stories about real life experiences & parenting advice.
October 13, 2009
Great read for those who have an interest in LDS religion.
January 11, 2010
I really liked the sections on parenting. Except for the spanking stuff. I've personally never found spanking to be effective. This is an important read.
February 7, 2010
A remarkable dissection of agency, choice and freedom. Once one grasps the subtle nuances of each, free agency becomes a horse of a different color.
April 26, 2010
A quick, easy read but full of insight. It greatly deepened my understanding of agency. Definitely worth reading.
January 18, 2011
The beginning of this book stated some things that I felt were a little over the top. Later on, the book came around though.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews