Spellbound: The Paranormal Seduction of Today's Kids

by Marcia Montenegro

Our culture is saturated with the supernatural. TV shows such as Medium, Charmed, and Lost all have an "other-worldly" theme. Most of them blur the lines between good and evil. This past year was a "record" year for Hollywood in the production of films that dealt with the supernatural/paranormal. While we choose our entertainment, our kids don't often have the luxury of choosing whether to be exposed to these things at school.

This book seeks to present a lucid and comprehensive examination of the paranormal and occult by breaking down the principles of paranormal practices, giving key points about the practices so that parents can readily identify them. The book discusses the occult view of supernatural energy and of good and evil, and how these concepts are seen in some popular literature and movies. The book also explains the dangers and gives a biblical basis for concern. Christian parents need to be equipped to discuss these matters with their children!

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Parenting, Christian Non Fiction

256 pages, Paperback

First published July 21, 2006

About the author

Marcia Montenegro is a former professional astrologer who was involved in seeking out the supernatural, as well as being involved in paranormal New Age practices. She was compelled by the intense love of Jesus to give up occult practices and turn to him as her Lord and Savior. Because of her background, she understands the appeal and dangers of the paranormal and now lectures on these topics around the country and on the radio. She is a member of Cherrydale Baptist Church and lives in Arlington, Virginia.

Reviews

[Tri · Rating 1 out of 5]

The book is really a list of supernatural/occult/pagan terms followed by a bible verse calling it bad, then punctuated weirdly with verses where God actually called for it to be used under his name. It’s repetitive in that most of the articles say the same thing using the same verses.

The oddest part of the book is including fictional elements being used in stories, such as Dungeons and Dragons or Star Wars, as being satanic. The author doesn’t really draw the line between satan-infused magical elements in a story versus something like Superman. Theres also a suggestion that all religions and practices are considered satanic and that nobody should draw inspiration from things other than Christianity for storytelling.

If there’s one positive to draw from this, it’s knowing this book hasn’t gotten a wider audience and that it’ll remain that way.

[Laurie Bluedorn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author Marcia Montenegro, former professional astrologer, now believer in Jesus Christ, wrote this book to "inform parents about the basics of the paranormal" but more importantly, to warn us of the real danger of the now widespread, near common place, occurrence of all things occultic. We have now become desensitized "to the bizarre, to violence, and to evil. This desensitization gradually increases, but often in ways so subtle, the person is unaware of it. It is as if invisible calluses develop on the person's spirit, mind, and emotions. This effect may only be noticeable to others after a period of time." This chapter "Calluses on the Soul" alone is worth the price of the book.

[Leah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book after being required to read a slightly disturbing play for a class, and found this book to be really insightful and helpful. Due to the author's knowledge on the subject, she is able to adequately explain the dangers of the occult and how to effectively deal with it in our culture. She does this by supporting her position on each topic with bible verses and comparing the false promises of the occult to the very real, accurate, and loving promises of the LORD.

[Sharon Frigon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Be aware of the enemies tactics

I am an involved grandfather and with my wife we see the influence of the paranormal on our children and especially our grandchildren. This book has filled in many gaps I have had about Satan and his tactics but most importantly how the author from her own experience shows the victory we already have in Jesus and His word to help our children and kids to also have victory over Satan and his lies.

[Monica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Los conceptos del ocultismo explicados de una manera sencilla, además de tener preguntas guías al final de cada capítulo para poder discutir con los niños y enseñarles a diferenciar cada uno para que tengan el discernimiento de identidad aquello a lo que Dios llama malo.

[T. R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book is informative and very helpful for parents. Marcia gives a lot of questions parents can ask kids that can lead to further discussions in each chapter.

While not academic heavy, the book would do well to read in small portions because of everything that gets covered.

[Rocky Woolery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting reading about this subject from one who was one a practitioner.

[Sara Christians · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marcia Montenegro provides a very good resource for parents navigating children's media

[Kristal Holtzclaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must read

.
Definitely recommend for parents trying to raise Christian kids. I really like the end of each chapter with discussion questions for your kids

[Patrick]

I no longer have young kids. Maybe when I have grand kids

[C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must read for everyone. For any adult that has had odd experiences as a child, or ventured into "New Age" to try and understand things. This book gives very detailed and useful information about how the slippery slope of New Age can lead to literal occultic practices (all being sold to people as "spiritual", "enlightened" and the big pot of "self help"). If you are a parent, then arguably it's even more important to read this book- there is so much subtle and also not so subtle coercion of kids views to believe what is occultic magic is normal- QED Harry Potter.
Fantastic book, well written, highly recommended.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very helpful book. It has given me lots of insight into the subtle exposure of New Age/occult ideas to children and adults in our media and culture. The questions at the end if each chapter were helpful to aid in discussion with my teen daughter.

[John English · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty good book.

It is a book about paranormal things, written from a Christian perspective.
The author gives helps for parents in dealing with this issue.

[Sergio Alonso Méndez · Rating 3 out of 5]

Los niños hoy en día están expuestos a muchos elementos paranormales. Buenos puntos. No es una novela.

[Susan Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book exposing some of the dangers and allure of the paranormal.