The Latent Power of the Soul

by Watchman Nee

"For the word of God is living, and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing even to the dividing of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and quick to discover the thoughts and intents of the heart" (Heb. 4:12). The peril of the believer is to confuse the spirit for the soul and the soul for the spirit, and so be deceived into accepting the counterfeit of evil spirits to the unsettling of God's work. The greatest advantage in knowing the difference between spirit and soul is perceiving the latent power of the soul and in understanding its falsification of the power of the Holy Spirit. Such knowledge is not theoretical but practical in helping people to walk in God's way. In this book, Watchman Nee shares his insight on The Latent Power of The Soul, The Christian and Psychic Force, and Spirit Force vs Psychic Force. Nowadays the atmosphere is so charged with the commotion of all kinds of counterfeit that the Lord seems to be calling the Church to come to a higher ground. Today's situation is perilous. May we "prove all things; hold fast that which is good" (1Thes. 5:21)

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Christian Non Fiction, Christian Living, Spirituality, Faith, Religion

86 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1972

About the author

Watchman Nee (Chinese: 倪柝聲; pinyin: Ní Tuòshēng; Foochow Romanized: Ngà̤ Táuk-sĭng; 1903–1972) was a Chinese Christian author and church leader during the early 20th century. He spent the last 20 years of his life in prison and was severely persecuted by the Communists in China. Together with Wangzai, Zhou-An Lee, Shang-Jie Song, and others, Nee founded The Church Assembly Hall, later which would be also known as the "Local churches" (Chinese: 地方教會). or more commonly as (聚會所) meaning "assembly hall"

Born into a Methodist family, Watchman Nee experienced a religious revival, and joined the Church of Heavenly Peace, Fuzhou in 1920 at age 17 and began writing in the same year. In 1921, he met the British missionary M. E. Barber, who was a great influence on him. Through Miss Barber, Nee was introduced to many of the Christian writings which were to have a profound influence on him and his teachings. Nee attended no theological schools or Bible institutes. His knowledge was acquired through studying the Bible and reading various Christian spiritual books. During his 30 years of ministry, beginning in 1922, Nee traveled throughout China planting churches among the rural communities and holding Christian conferences and trainings in Shanghai. In 1952 he was imprisoned for his faith; he remained in prison until his death in 1972.

Reviews

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very informative and eye-opening. From this I take away this quote in the conclusion:

"I believe many people are so rich and strong that they give no ground for God to work. I frequently recall the words, "helpless and hopeless." I must tell God, "All that I have is Yours, I myself have nothing. Apart from You I am truly helpless and hopeless." We need to have such a dependant attitude towards God that it is as if we cannot inhale or exhale without Him. In this way we shall see that our power as well as our holiness all come from Him. Whatever we have is from Him." (p. 85)

[Eli · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was a disappointment.

Nee's "Biblical" basis for believing in the latent power of the soul was shockingly speculative and lacking substantial warrant. He claims that Adam must have had supernatural powers, for how else could he have been able to tend to the Garden? On the basis of this reasoning Nee dedicates his entire book, warning Christians about the latent power of the soul - supernatural powers - that still exists within all humans. Nee attributes the supernatural behavior of Hindus and Buddhists to this latent power of the soul, and states that while God created this power, we no longer have the warrant to utilize it, but Satan wants us to use it to further his ends. Needless to say, this book is a chaotic mess.

Nee is typical of many "deeper life" writers in his day who quote Scriptures to make certain points that are wholly alien to the Scriptures themselves. For some reason these writers were incapable of seeing what they were doing, and wrote with an air of authority which they thought stemmed from God's Word but did not.

Nee actually states that it is possible to pray toward people instead of God, and by simply concentrating on the desire for good or bad things to happen, they will in fact happen. He doesn't encourage us to do this, but states that it works. However, Jesus said, "Which of you, by taking thought, can add one cubit unto his stature?" (Matt. 6:27)

Nee has written some good books which shouldn't be discarded because of this one, but I would never recommend this book of his. It only serves to promote superstition.

[Andrew · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't know how to think about it, but Watchman Nee's book The Latent Power of the Soul was certainly eye opening. The book finds scripture to describe the human body, spirit, and soul. In particular, it focuses on how the soul, powerful from the beginning, was immobilized at the Fall. Since then, Satan has been enticing humans with their own "soul power", seeking to counterfeit God's work and thereby steal His glory.

The practical for us is to resist our own devices of influence: crowd, emotion, and mind manipulation. Instead, we ought to pursue His means only - ask God for His wonder working Spirit: depend upon Him. This seems to apply well to revivals, faith healers, and even the true tasks of prayer, joyfulness, and evangelism.

I find Watchman Nee's applications real and helpful, but I'm only skeptical of the argument he used to get there. Soul power is a new concept for me.

[Milly · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm not sure if you'll ever find a spiritual book as deeply profound as this one. Consequently, Watchman takes you back to the beginning of creation and explains expounds on the spiritual behind the physical of all that still affects you and me in the world all around us.

Great foundational source of inspirational spiritual knowledge…
Regards, Milly

[Dr. Paul T. Blake · Rating 4 out of 5]

My summary of Nee's comments in this book: mankind has supernatural powers inside himself that are separate from God's supernatural powers. However, as soon as man accesses/utilizes these, they become demonically fueled. Therefore, we must stay away from them. Hope that helps.

[India Lee Starks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book stopped me in my tracks. It’s eye-opening on more than one level, and more than one eye. After one of the chapters I had to stop, pray and repent immediately. Watchman Nee is unprecedented in his instruction, topics, and depth of topic coverage still, to this very day! He treads on the deeper meanings of our faith and our journey, but does so in a way a child could understand it! Given the lack in authentic, Holy Spirit lead teaching, I don’t know what I would have done without Watchman Nee’s books! He has undone a lifetime of incomplete and incorrect teaching! This book is a must read - as are all his books!!

[Teferi Butasha · Rating 3 out of 5]

i have got some insights of how present paranormal actions or miracles are performed.specially,agree with that Satan is using this man's forbidden power to confuse with miracles done by the God.but i hardly understand how he integrates this with the condition of the church today.

[Gerald · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fantastic piece from the renowned Watchman Nee. A friend in the Lord advised me to read this book and I did not regret doing that.
This book shades more light about the first man that God created in the garden of Eden and the amazing power He bestowed on as a living soul. The author does this with convincing scriptural references.
This book explains that miraculous events that are not from God can be attributed to the performer being able to draw from the latent power of the soul that God hid away after the fall of Adam.
There were some things written in this book that I disagree with but all in all, it was a good read.
If you are new to Watchman Nee books, I will not suggest you start off with this one. You will be better starting with 'The Normal Christian Life' or 'The Spiritual Man'.

[Olivia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Watchman Nee is a great writer in terms of helping any lay person understand deep spiritual matters concerning the spirit and the soul. The devil has deceptively crept into our society and is using different means to have man submit to him by using mans' soul i.e. through things like yoga, meditation, and many eastern religious practices. Surprisingly in the church the devil has also maneuvered in and distorted spiritual practices that, without knowledge and discernment many believers are worshiping him while thinking they are worshiping God. Reading this book therefore gives much knowledge and revelation to every believer seeking to walk blamelessly and in purity with God. May we not be those who perish for lack of knowledge.

[Esther Hong · Rating 4 out of 5]

"What power do you want—what you may feel or what you cannot feel?" As soon as I heard, I understood. I therefore answered, "I want what I cannot feel." So she said, "You must remember that there is no need for people to feel the power which comes from the Holy Spirit. Man's duty is to obey God. For the power of the Holy Spirit is not given for man to feel."

The first man Adam became a living soul. The last Adam became a life-giving spirit (1 Cor. 15:45).
The soul itself is living, yet it cannot make others live. But the spirit is not only living in itself, it can also make others live. Only the spirit is capable of quickening people into life.

Other verses: Jn. 5:19; 12:24-25

[Al Green · Rating 1 out of 5]

Seems like he is building a story parallel to that of the Bible; from Adam to Apocalypse, Satan is just trying to harvest man's soulish power.
No Bible verses to uphold the ideas... He just tries to manipulate you with cheap tricks, like repeating 'we christians know that...' or 'It is obvious that', without giving any actual argument

The man is confused. He takes new age and budhism and parapshichology for real, and then tries to argue that somehow God provided these powers but doesn't want us to use them? What?

So, just second-class science-fiction...

[Sam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Discusses the difference between the power of the soul and the spirit. Satan harnesses the power of the soul which Adam had before the fall. God works only in the spirit and wants us to deny the power of the soul. Gives explanations and examples of the power of the soul. We need to consider in our worship and prayers to God, from what source are we drawing from. Power of the soul works by the more you think it the more it’ll be true.

[Royce Ratterman · Rating 1 out of 5]

A good work for the researcher and enthusiast. Read for my personal research on left/right brain function, LSD effects, and savant syndrome. I found this book's contents helpful for my studies. This work seems to overlap other similar studies. A short read for the interested individual, but not factually Biblically based. Looking at humans with the eyes of 'current' perception forces one to speculate on latent powers rather than innate abilities.

[Debra]

Reads like a thesis, very repetitive and quotes only from one source, aside from the big book. Don't agree with some statements such as animals are so base and "mere flesh", science and scripture have already proven otherwise. Understandably it was written in 1933. Not too persuasive but there are strong points. It's important to read carefully.

[Mae Cannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

"My hope for today is that you may be helped to know the source and the operations of the latent power of the soul."

[Margaret · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the book but wondered if some Christians wouldn't be able to grasp what the author was talking about in regards to the subject matter and this fact might be more damaging than helpful.

[Jeremie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought it was great. However, i am having a hard time with his quoting of the Bible. Must be read carefully.

[Catherine Finger]

A glimpse of heaven a al Nee-splendid!

[Linda Keller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Seldom heard

Very interesting study of a topic seldom discussed in Christian circles today. Great description of soul power and it's use.

[Samuel Maina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wow!

Ascetism and a lot whole lot of stuff has been dealt with......

http://sfy.co/i18wu

[Kate Andjelkovich · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Review, "Latent Power of the Soul" by Watchman Nee.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Watchman Nee was a man before his time! I believe it was written well over 60 years ago, however, his writings are still prevalent about the Charismatic movement today. I think Nee encountered a lot of different religions during his life especially as he lived in China. He seemed to carry a lot of knowledge on Buddhism and Taoism. Nee warns Christians of a "psychic force" that springs up from the soul and how these forces are starkly similar to that of other religions.

To start, Nee distinguishes between the soul and spirit. He claims that Adam had a supernatural soul with the ability to do things we cannot do such as name every animal, work in the Garden, and be in the presence of God. He states that these are things humans today cannot do because of the Fall. Since then, humans have struggled with the latent power of the soul and using it for their gain. Nee spends a lot of time on this subject and oftentimes, it was somewhat confusing. Nee speculates that all other religions are a product of this soul power as many miraculous things have occurred in these other religions. He goes on to say that they are demonic and makes the connection with Charismatic practices with the same soul power. Thus, Nee believes that this use of the soul power from Adam is always selfish and self-serving. Nee believes that holy laughter, prophecy, speaking in tongues, and more (in the Charismatic circle) are from this psychic force of the soul and not the Holy Spirit. To be clear, Nee believes in Charismatic gifts but takes a conservative approach. At times, he sounds like an old man complaining about the Charismatic kids playing on his lawn but it is for good reason.

Finally, Nee warns Christians of the soul power hidden within us. That we should die to that part of ourselves and sacrifice that to God. When we do not, God cannot work because He cannot use it for His glory. He asks us not to force our power into situations of healing, prophecy, etc. Nee recommends we pray, "'All that I have is Yours, I myself have nothing. Apart from You I am truly helpless and hopeless.' We need to have such a dependent attitude towards God that it is as if we cannot inhale or exhale without Him" (p. 85). When we die to the latent power of the soul, which can be found in every religion, we make room for the fruit of the spirit and exhibit true Christlikeness.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Was very happy to learn a few very important things for a Christian.

In particular, the difference between hypnosis and a real prayer towards God.
Someone may direct his prayers towards the person for whom he prays instead of directing them towards God who is in Heaven.
"Your prayer is answered, but not by God. Even though
you do not know hypnosis, what you have secretly done has fulfilled
the law of hypnotism. You have released your psychic force to
perform this act. "
"God wants us to send our prayers to heaven by faith, regardless if our feeling be good or
bad, or even if there be no feeling."
"In appearance you are praying, but in actuality you are oppressing that person [for whom you are praying] with your psychic power. "

Also, one more very important passage denotes that only the spirit is
able to give life. The soul is useless.
"The soul is itself alive and has life in itself. The spirit, however, is
able to give life to others and cause them to live. The soul is itself
living, yet it cannot make others live. But the spirit is not only living
in itself, it can also make others live. Only the spirit is capable of
quickening people into life. The soul, no matter how strong it is,
cannot impart life to others. “It is the spirit,” says the Lord, “that
giveth life; the flesh profiteth nothing” (John 6.63)."

Thank you! :)

[Olamide OPEYEMI · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think the author helps us with sufficient biblical evidence to discern the difference between the soul and the spirit, especially in Christian work. He rightly points out the danger of using underhanded, psychic means to achieve some measure of success in God's work.

While I do share most of the caution that our brother has towards psychic injections into the Christian experience, I wonder if we may not become "over-careful", such that we will fear to ever use our minds, since it is given by God for a purpose (Romans 12:2). You know, a state where we gullibly refuse to allow our minds to work at all.

However, in all fairness to the author, he reasonably reaffirms the proper use of the mind, without venturing into realms where the devil, and many of his deceived helpers, can highjack its use. I believe every Christian should read this for it will help us to be wary of works and wonders done (and even verified) yet, it is through dark means.

The conclusion is this: regardless of all your natural abilities, you must not depend on yourself or else it won't be able to serve God's purpose. The admonished death to self is actually trusting in the LORD and not leaning on our own understanding.

[Christy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review is more a summary for myself to understand what from this book was meaningful for me.

The things I took away were how easy it is to operate in your own “soul power” or fleshly power, the need to understand that we must be fully dependent and open to the Holy Soviet leaving all results to Him, and that it is God who gives life and it takes us dying to ourselves that gives us resurrection life - not our life but the Life of God for not only ourselves but also others.

I think however Nee overemphasized, as a corrective point, the “uselessness” of emotions. I think God can and does use our emotions. I think he could have also been a little clear on what testifies to the true operating the Spirit vs all the time spent on what shows a counterfeit.

I’m sure this book is controversial on some levels but I did love the ending. It is a classic and beautiful way of looking at serving God. Worth reading the book to read the ending.

[Andy Valadez · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The Latent Power of the Soul" explains all of the false religions and clarifies the duality of the Holy (God Spirit) and Latent (soul and body) humanism. Adam was super hero powerful at the beginning when he fell and confided us to our soul and body, but not as powerful as when God gave him super human powers to rule the Earth and and preserve it.

Our struggle as humans is to tap into the latent human soul power that resembles Godliness, but falls short. Only through Christ can we truly find our purpose, power and eternity with God. All else demonstrates the secrets within us that God gave us, but in the end we are still only human without God. With God, all things are possible.

Truth = Jesus/Yeshua. His blood, our mission. On mission.

[Candice · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is pure fear mongering. It is entirely speculative and not based on Scripture. Its doctrines like this which have led to spiritual gifts not being used in the church. Nee suggests we should be constantly watchful lest we accidentally perform witchcraft. That we use our flesh to control our soul, lest it gets out of hand and curse people and ourselves. That all emotion is "soul power" and from the devil. That evil read scripture can lead to hypnosis.

What happened to , "do not fear," " I will never leave you nor forsake you," "sing a new song," "make a joyful noise," that we should pray for each other and lay hands, "blessed is the man... Who meditates (on Torah) day and night"

Nee had a baseless insight that led to a counter-Scriptural argument based in fear.

[Filipe Geremias · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gostei muito. Em um mundo onde somos constantemente levados pela emoção nas palavras e melodias construídas para impactar os corações e centradas no homem, saber como não deixar a humanidade tomar conta de tudo e colocar Deus como o ponto central de tudo é essencial para manter o verdadeiro evangelho vivo. No fim do livro a carta sobre como identificar aquilo que vem de Deus e aquilo que é do homem traz um texto impactante e poderoso para não se enganar nas tantas fantasias e doutrinas humanas.

[Quarms Adu · Rating 5 out of 5]

This indeed is an eye opener. I read this book based on the recommendation of the author of He Came to Set The Captives Free. Made the book make a whole lot of sense. I now understand how the Hindus, Buddhist's etc are able to Chanel their latent soul to do the things they do. I highly recommend this book

[geoffrey ellerby · Rating 5 out of 5]

A feast for the spirit!!

What a great meal this book has been! I feel like l have just completed a delicious 4 course meal. If you are hungry, l definitely recommend you pick this book up and eat to your heart's content!

[Joshua Jimenez · Rating 3 out of 5]

Like the Spiritual Man, this book is a bit meandering at times and convoluted but as always Nee has something to say. He cannot and should not be easily dismissed. I would like to hear a smarter man than myself review it critically.