Dancing With the Devil: An Honest Look Into the Occult from Former Followers

by Jeff Harshbarger

Recognizing the real face of the occult

 

Its tentacles have infiltrated the very fiber of our day-to-day existence. Its symbols adorn our buildings, our currency, and the clothes and jewelry we wear. Its followers are legion, some of them blind to their own devotion while others pour out effort and intellect searching for an understanding of the divine.

 

It is the occult, and it dominates the world’s mind-set.

 

Jeff Harshbarger and his friends know about occult practices. After two unsuccessful suicide attempts and an offer to become a human sacrifice, Jeff left his life of Satanism to pursue a life with God. Dancing With the Devil tells his story along with the stories of nine others who have walked similar paths,

·          Satanism

·          Witchcraft

·          Demon possession

·          Spiritualism

·          Psychic vampirism

 

Each author’s account reveals the spiritual truths that enabled him or her to break free. Their stories weave a tapestry that shows the true face of the occult and the path we can take to break Satan’s hold on those caught in its crosshairs.

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction

224 pages, Paperback

First published September 4, 2012

Reviews

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Dancing with the Devil" is a collection of testimonies from ten people who were once involved in occult practices (or, in one case, it was the son who was) and who are now Christians. They talked about why they were drawn to the occult, what it did to their lives and how they felt emotionally while involved in the occult, what finally freed them from what had become a life of torment, some information about what people believe in Wicca, witchcraft, Satanism, etc., and how Christians can effectively reach out to those involved in the occult.

I was interested in this book because a teen girl I care about has gotten engaged to a boy who says he's both a Christian and a Wiccan. This book did a good job at explaining the mindset of those who get involved with the occult--including those who think they can be both Christian and involved in the occult. Overall, I felt the people writing these testimonies had a solid understanding of what the Scriptures teach about demons and the occult, so I felt that they were giving solid advice. I'd recommend this book to Christians interested in the occult (so you know why it's dangerous) and to those looking for advice on reaching out to those involved in the occult.

I received a review copy of this book from the publisher.

[Brian Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book exposes the dark side. It's written by former occultists who eventually gave their lives to Christ. Many of their testimonies are so dramatic that you may find some of it hard to believe.

[Alex Furner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really believe all Christians should read this. Witchcraft and the occult have been fantasised by hollywood into simply harry potter with a wand or a horror film like the Conjuring. So when someone mentions witchcraft, the image is of hollywoods depiction and the Church is unaware that what lurks in the shadows is very much as active as it was in biblical times.

Jeff opens talking about just how common occult engagement is, and the chances are is that we know someone who practices it. They themselves may not consider or view it as evil, while the rest of the world views it as superstition. From crystals and horoscopes (divination) to satanic rituals, the occult takes many forms

All of these stories rightfully bring their testimony back to Christ and give him the glory. I have been challenged to pity rather than condemn those practicing witchcraft and other New Age practices, as the running theme of these stories is that the people had no intent on being evil, and satan had deceived all of them into thinking they would be looked after.

We Christians need to be aware of these things so we can minister to those around us who are knowingly/unknowingly engaging in such practices. The Church has no shortage of these people and they are children who need to come home.

[SilverReader · Rating 4 out of 5]

- Would like a little more depth from the stories. Like the story was minimal and the whole "Christianity" message was more extended at each and every story.

- Too much advertising of other books. Regardless if its the author's stuff or not.

Still, great read.

[Eric Curfman · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not what I thought. It pushed way too much religion. This is one of the reasons why people leave, because they are always pushed

[Jeremy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Counter-cult style testimonies. While I recognize the importance of this style of Christian work, I would stress the importance of nuance and moving away from scapegoating. While it's understandable for those who leave one spiritual/religious background for Christianity to reject the former strongly, doing so does not necessitate a black and white approach or preclude multifaith dialogue, charitable postures towards occult practitioners, or defending people within such spiritualities from unfair and untruthful characterizations.

[MIcah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book helped introduce me to a topic the vast majority of believers abandon. If it weren't for this book of testimonials regarding the occult I would've learned the hard way. I can honestly say I've experienced certain supernatural incidents that align with what is mentioned in this book so for that reason alone I recommend this to anyone who is new to Christianity and questions the modern day church. You'll find you weren't the only one questioning modern day Christianity and why people have always misrepresented Christ.

[Bridget Holbert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great insight

Really learned a lot reading these different accounts of people who have been involved with the occult. Each account the person was delivered! This book gives good advice on how our conduct should be when approaching someone who is involved in any occult.

[Benjamin Wallin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Praise God for this Book!! This book has saved my life and mind!!

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