An Important Book, But...

There is much to be praised in the book, Deliver Us From Evil: A Manual Of Exorcism. In the book Phillip Gagnon provides a logical presentation of the problem of the demonic and what he believes to be a helpful response for pastors in the Lutheran Church. Gagnon recognizes the many pastors have not been properly trained to deal with the problems of spiritual warfare and demonic possession. Gagnon is not the first to undertake the task of providing a helpful manual for his Lutheran brethren. Darrell McCulley, author of the self published book titled, A House Swept Clean: A Biblically Balanced Pattern for the Diagnosis, Exorcism, and Pastoral Care of the Victims of Demonic Possession, also recognized the need to train pastors to deal with the problem of the demonic. Both of these authors were responding to the lack of theological education they received in this area during their seminary training. Because of the need for an ongoing conversation on this topic.

I recommend both of these books. However, I find similar problems that each of the authors have fallen into. What are they? They have looked to suspect sources, namely, The Roman Catholic exorcist who receive much of their information from the demons they battle. To be sure, Gagnon, as does McCulley, recognizes the problem of listening to a lying spirit. However, the sources they quote have received much of their supposed knowledge by the same spirits both authors recognize as suspect.

While Lutherans have failed to deal academically with the subject of demonic possession within the last century, they had much to say on the topic in the past. Maybe, these authors did not recognize this and as a result looked for assistance in the wrong corners. However, there is a wealth of good information on how to deal with Satan and his demons within historic Lutheranism. Moreover, there are Lutheran Church around the world who have continued to practice exorcism while recognizing the problem of the demonic.

Where did this book go wrong? It gives the devil too much credit and power. There are cautions and procedures that the author finds helpful and even necessary, but they have no grounding in Scripture. This should be a warning sign to any Christian, but to Lutherans such a problem is not easily dismissed.

With all of this said, I hesitantly recommend this book to pastors desiring to learn more about dealing with the diabolic. It is a well thought out treatment on the subject. Yet, I caution that it is not to be read as a manual of exorcism, as the title implies. There is much in this book to be praised, but there is much that should be taken with great caution.

To learn more about the subject and how Lutheran Churches in other parts of the world see, I Am Not Afraid: Demon Possession And Spiritual Warfare. This book has been peer reviewed and doctrinally approved by the LCMS.

I Am Not Afraid: Demon Possession and Spiritual Warfare

I Am Not Afraid: Demon Possession and Spiritual Warfare

This is an incredible book that addresses a matter most are afraid to talk about but deep down know its true...this book can end many of the problems folks have in life...read the section on oppression rather than possession and you will find your answers....