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Questions Christians Ask
Did the devil make me do it?
An introduction to what the Bible says about the devil, evil spirits and demon possession
80 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2013
4 people are currently reading
164 people want to read
About the author
Mike McKinley
47 books17 followersMike McKinley is the author of Passion, Did the devil make me do it? and Church Planting is for Wimps. Since 2005 he has been pastor of Guilford Baptist Church in Sterling, Virginia. Before that, he served on the pastoral staff of Capitol Hill Baptist Church in Washington DC, having received his MDiv from Westminster Theological Seminary. Mike is married to Karen, and they have five children.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
March 3, 2021
Well then, Did the devil make me do it? Here the author takes us through a well thought through; where, what, when and how of it all?! A careful and considerate, scriptural argument for the spiritual battle that takes place throughout the question?!?
It most certainly is a Short book that hits the main talking points on this subject. Does it tackle the subject in depth to any extent, No. But what it does do is give a great overview. Including The more taboo ones in current western Christian circles as “demon possession” and “devil vs mental health” etc.
A mercifully short book on such a interesting and somewhat under discussed topic in modern western church culture. The book is very accessible for both Christians and those looking into the faith for the first time. Or those simply looking into Satan and demons in general?
Although brief in some areas it is a good foundational book and introduction to the way Satan/ The devil works in modern society and the world today.
It most certainly is a Short book that hits the main talking points on this subject. Does it tackle the subject in depth to any extent, No. But what it does do is give a great overview. Including The more taboo ones in current western Christian circles as “demon possession” and “devil vs mental health” etc.
A mercifully short book on such a interesting and somewhat under discussed topic in modern western church culture. The book is very accessible for both Christians and those looking into the faith for the first time. Or those simply looking into Satan and demons in general?
Although brief in some areas it is a good foundational book and introduction to the way Satan/ The devil works in modern society and the world today.
June 25, 2018
This is a well done book! I don't give out many five stars, but this deserves one. Great primer on Biblical Satanology/Demonology.
July 13, 2013
The Devil made me do it? We have heard this expression before and maybe possibily used this ourselves, however is it possible that Satan can make us do anything. Well if he can, his power is greater than the creator and how can the creation be greater than the creator. It cannot. There is a healthy view of who Satan is and what he can do. And yes, he is a creature that has the bible has indicated, is out to destory and wreak havoc on God's creation. That means you and me no matter what you believe. The study is short and gets to the point of how Satan can destory our faith and ultimately our lives. It all starts with a lie...Did God really say? Did God really say, its my body I can do what I want, Did God really say, if you love somebody, you should be able to marry them, even though I designed marriage to be between one man and one woman. Yes, the bible is filled with those that did not take the design to heart but suffered the consequences. Satan greatest arsonal is a little truth (God loves me so I can live as I want and desire) with lie. I do not write this under the impression that I believe all truth and I live my life accordingly, because of my sin, I too believe in the lies and struggle. However, the more I fight against this struggle, glory is given to God. Not because of any good thing I have done, but what He has done and his great mercy.
Book is very helpful in seeing in a healthy light the power of deception and how Satan can use that to undermine our faith and steal God's glory.
A complimentary review copy was provided to me by Cross Focused Reviews (A Service of Cross Focused Media, LLC). I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own
Book is very helpful in seeing in a healthy light the power of deception and how Satan can use that to undermine our faith and steal God's glory.
A complimentary review copy was provided to me by Cross Focused Reviews (A Service of Cross Focused Media, LLC). I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own
July 8, 2013
After my conversion to Christianity almost 10 years ago, I had very little understanding of what the Bible truly has to say about Satan, demons and evil spirits, save for what Hollywood was pumping out on both tv and movies. Like Mike says in the Introduction to his book, I knew that "the devil was real" but that knowledge didn't really affect my life on a day-to-day basis. However, in God's Providence, I was joined a different church due to some doctrinal differences with the church I got saved out of and I was immediately bombarded with spiritual warfare by my new Pastor who prayed against the work of Satan and evil spirits before every sermon. Talk about a 180 degree turn! I determined to study the Scriptures and look back through church history to see what other men that I trusted had to say about spiritual warfare and the books written on that topic are surprisingly scarce unless you delve into the Charismatic movement. The most widely read book on the subject of spiritual warfare from people I trusted was William Gurnall's "The Christian in Complete Armour". Mike's book is a more concise book than Gurnall's magnum opus on spiritual warfare, but they are very similar to each other.
The book is only 80 pages long and has 5 chapters total. The chapters are as follows:
Chapter 1 - Origins: Where did Satan come from?
Chapter 2 - Activity: What is Satan like and what does he do?
Chapter 3 - Control: What is demon possession?
Chapter 4 - End: How did Jesus defeat Satan?
Chapter 5 - Walk: How should we live in a world where Satan still prowls?
Mike does a very good job of getting his ideas across in a manner that is simple in its approach, but very effective. Truth be told, I am still pondering over "Chapter 3 - Control: What is demon possession?" to see if I agree with what Mike presented (I finished this book a couple of days ago, so this chapter was truly something that stuck in my head and has caused me to search the Scriptures). At the beginning of the chapter, Mike deals with the origin of demons based on 2 Peter 2:4, Jude 6 and Revelation 12:9 with which I am in full agreement. He moves on from the origin of demons to point out that their power is a limited power versus an unlimited power (which is something that Hollywood tends to forget quite often). Up to this point my head was nodding in complete agreement with Mike, but then he moves on to "So what is demon possession?" and this is the part of the chapter that has really got me pondering. He makes the following statement that I will let you read for yourself before commenting on it:
"One thing the Bible doesn't tell us, however, is that demons possess anyone. In fact, several times in Scripture people are said to have demons (eg: Luke 4 v 33), but demons are never said to have people! The word 'possessed' is an unhelpful translation of the Greek word 'daimonizomai' (the New Testament was originally written in Greek). That word has the sense of being under the influence of a demon, being 'demonised' if you will."
Now, I must say that I definitely agree with his definition of the Greek word "daimonizomai" and the quote above would not be something that I completely disagree with, but where I am struggling to agree with him is where he says the following right after the preceding quote: "Look carefully at people who are described as being afflicted by demons in the New Testament. Only two of them are what we normally think of when we think about being 'possessed' by a demon: the man at the synagogue in Capernaum in Luke 4 v 33-36 and Mark 1 v 21-28, and the Gerasene demoniac in Luke 8 v 27-38 (also in Matthew 8 and Mark 5). Both of these men have lost control of their mental faculties and are used by the demons as their mouthpiece." That quotes leaves me wondering what Mike would do with Acts 8:4-7 which says: "Now those who were scattered went about preaching the word. Philip went down to the city of Samaria and proclaimed to them the Christ. And the crowds with one accord paid attention to what was being said by Philip when they heard him and saw the signs that he did. For unclean spirits, crying out with a loud voice, came out of many who had them..." Acts 8:7 seems pretty clear to me that these demons came out of the Samaritans which would constitute that the Samaritans were demon possessed/controlled.
All-in-all, this really was a great book and something that I plan to recommend to others who want to understand what the Bible has to say about spiritual warfare and the fact that we, as born-again believers in Christ, definitely need to be aware of the devil and his motives and ways, but we don't need to have an unhealthy fascination with him nor should we tremble at his power and rage. If I want to keep the devil at bay, then I need to be transformed by the renewing of my mind by constantly reading and meditating on the Word, and by putting what I have learned into action (make sure that my orthodoxy matches it with my orthopraxy).
I was given a free copy of this book by the publisher, The Good Book Company, as part of a review program on Cross Focused Reviews. I was under no obligation to provide positive feedback only honest feedback.
The book is only 80 pages long and has 5 chapters total. The chapters are as follows:
Chapter 1 - Origins: Where did Satan come from?
Chapter 2 - Activity: What is Satan like and what does he do?
Chapter 3 - Control: What is demon possession?
Chapter 4 - End: How did Jesus defeat Satan?
Chapter 5 - Walk: How should we live in a world where Satan still prowls?
Mike does a very good job of getting his ideas across in a manner that is simple in its approach, but very effective. Truth be told, I am still pondering over "Chapter 3 - Control: What is demon possession?" to see if I agree with what Mike presented (I finished this book a couple of days ago, so this chapter was truly something that stuck in my head and has caused me to search the Scriptures). At the beginning of the chapter, Mike deals with the origin of demons based on 2 Peter 2:4, Jude 6 and Revelation 12:9 with which I am in full agreement. He moves on from the origin of demons to point out that their power is a limited power versus an unlimited power (which is something that Hollywood tends to forget quite often). Up to this point my head was nodding in complete agreement with Mike, but then he moves on to "So what is demon possession?" and this is the part of the chapter that has really got me pondering. He makes the following statement that I will let you read for yourself before commenting on it:
"One thing the Bible doesn't tell us, however, is that demons possess anyone. In fact, several times in Scripture people are said to have demons (eg: Luke 4 v 33), but demons are never said to have people! The word 'possessed' is an unhelpful translation of the Greek word 'daimonizomai' (the New Testament was originally written in Greek). That word has the sense of being under the influence of a demon, being 'demonised' if you will."
Now, I must say that I definitely agree with his definition of the Greek word "daimonizomai" and the quote above would not be something that I completely disagree with, but where I am struggling to agree with him is where he says the following right after the preceding quote: "Look carefully at people who are described as being afflicted by demons in the New Testament. Only two of them are what we normally think of when we think about being 'possessed' by a demon: the man at the synagogue in Capernaum in Luke 4 v 33-36 and Mark 1 v 21-28, and the Gerasene demoniac in Luke 8 v 27-38 (also in Matthew 8 and Mark 5). Both of these men have lost control of their mental faculties and are used by the demons as their mouthpiece." That quotes leaves me wondering what Mike would do with Acts 8:4-7 which says: "Now those who were scattered went about preaching the word. Philip went down to the city of Samaria and proclaimed to them the Christ. And the crowds with one accord paid attention to what was being said by Philip when they heard him and saw the signs that he did. For unclean spirits, crying out with a loud voice, came out of many who had them..." Acts 8:7 seems pretty clear to me that these demons came out of the Samaritans which would constitute that the Samaritans were demon possessed/controlled.
All-in-all, this really was a great book and something that I plan to recommend to others who want to understand what the Bible has to say about spiritual warfare and the fact that we, as born-again believers in Christ, definitely need to be aware of the devil and his motives and ways, but we don't need to have an unhealthy fascination with him nor should we tremble at his power and rage. If I want to keep the devil at bay, then I need to be transformed by the renewing of my mind by constantly reading and meditating on the Word, and by putting what I have learned into action (make sure that my orthodoxy matches it with my orthopraxy).
I was given a free copy of this book by the publisher, The Good Book Company, as part of a review program on Cross Focused Reviews. I was under no obligation to provide positive feedback only honest feedback.
September 18, 2014
Despite its relative brevity, 'Did the devil make me do It?' is a balanced and Scripturally soaked exploration of the Bible's teaching on Satan, demons, and evil spirits. I appreciated McKinley's desire to let the Bible speak in context on the issue, especially for those passages rarely given that opportunity (2 Corinthians 10:3-5; Matthew 12:43-45). Also, McKinley's exploration of timely questions such as "Are demons just a way of explaining mental illness?" and "Should Christians perform exorcisms?" was insightful. All in all, 'Did the devil make me do it?' is great primer on the topic. I am looking forward to exploring more titles from the series (Questions Christians Ask).
November 30, 2016
A helpful and readable introduction to biblical demonology and spiritual warfare. Avoids speculation without being superficial, and moderates certain ideas without being naive. McKinley's treatment of some issues is unsatisfactory, especially on the fall of angels and demon possession, but I would be very happy to give this to a younger Christian as a good overview. The way he applies the teaching to daily life, encouraging alertness to Satan but without panic, is particularly valuable.
July 19, 2018
The topic of Satan, demons, demonic influences and spiritual warfare can often be considered a controverisal and scary concept. More Charismatic churches talk about exorcisms whereas other churches refuse to touch the issue at all. So where can we find a happy medium? In this short book, McKinley shares Scriptural insights explaining and laying out basic concepts, Scriptural insights, and practical applications. He addresses issues such as whether Satan is truly an angel of light, whether demonic influence in the Bible was just a primitive way of understanding mental illness and also common misconceptions some people may have about the Devil. Although the book is too short to touch on many topics (it's intended as a pocketguide not a theological thesis), it does lay the general groundwork and gives a broad overview. In the end of the argument, McKinley points out that just as CS Lewis says, there are two ways to have an unhealthy preoccupation with the Devil - one is to find him behind every bush and the other is to ignore him completely. Christians should not be afraid of the Devil as Jesus has won victory over him, but nor should they forget the forces of evil around the world.
July 11, 2013
Did the Devil Make Me Do It? by pastor and author Mike McKinley is a short yet highly relevant book on the topic of Satan and more importantly, how we as believers are to both understand our enemy and by understanding the enemy, how to properly fight against his efforts to steal, kill, and destroy.
I must say receiving this book was rather timely as this very topic came up for discussion in a Facebook forum I am involved in. The question as to Satan’s origins and how various passages in Scripture should be interpreted, specifically whether those passages actually depict Satan’s fall from heaven or whether they are more indicative of describing more earthly concerns, was one that was presented for discussion. McKinley’s approach to the origin of the enemy is very honest and I believe is well in keeping with a proper understanding of passages such as Isaiah 14. While Isaiah may have not been actually describing Satan’s fall from heaven, that does not mean Scripture is not clear on the character of the enemy nor can we state that Scripture does not desire for us to understand how our enemy operates. It is these issues which McKinley aptly discusses in great detail and that form the backbone of his book.
The very title of McKinley’s book is also very apt as it interacts with the false impression that most people have about Satan. As noted in another excellent book, Torn to Heal by Mike Leake, “Dualism is the idea that the universe is in a cosmic battle between two forces - one good and one evil - with neither side completely able to master the other. In its Christian form, "this view is sometimes refined to make Satan either the personification of evil or the personal evil genius behind evil, in exactly the same way that God is the genius behind good...however, in this view neither Satan nor God is absolute; neither is omnipotent.” McKinley avoids such a false approach correctly noting a very fundamental truth, that of “the evil one is always, and in every way, subservient to the will of God.” While Satan may have what on the surface appears to be some level of authority on this earth, McKinley rightly states “while Satan is a powerful being with authority in the realm of demons, he never has independence from God or power that begins to rival God’s.” McKinley wonderfully states the posture believers must have when combating the evil one or when suffering comes our way. In all things, we must “resolve in our hearts and minds that we will trust God’s goodness and wisdom in all circumstances.” Why? Because God is sovereign and the enemy is not.
The chapter on demons and demon possession was truly enlightening. Many people rightly ask if Christians can be demon possessed. McKinley does an excellent job of explaining in great detail what terms like demon possession actually mean pointing out the more likely approach according to Scripture is that believers cannot be possessed. With that said, attacks against believers by demons and the evil one are certainly a reality although never outside God’s sovereign control. Furthermore, McKinley does an wonderful job reminding the reader of the type of battle we are engaged in, one that is a fight against principalities and spiritual wickedness that manifests itself in sinful behavior. His overview of what strongholds mean was biblically sound and a salient reminder that behind sinful behavior is spiritual depravity. It is not that the devil makes anyone do anything. Conversely, he merely preys upon our sinful desires in an effort to lure us away from serving God in all we do. This is why the believer must constantly don the full armor of God as we engage in this cosmic battle, one which McKinley adroitly reminds us “God is the victor and the devil’s destruction has been sealed.”
This of course begs the question of if God is the victor, why does evil still take place in the world. This is a question that often trips up believers and McKinley expertly addresses this issue by reminding us the final victory has been won, however, we live in a now but not yet scenario. We have the ultimate victory over sin and death, but until Christ returns to finally vanquish the enemy, sin, and death, we will still remain engaged in a battle, one that is won, but one that still is being fought in part. McKinley describes Satan as a “fatally wounded animal, lashing out and trying to do damage with his last moments. He is dangerous, but power and authority is found in the name of Christ; the outcome of the battle is not in doubt.”
McKinley’s “Did the Devil Make Me Do It?” is perhaps the best 78 page book I have ever read to date on spiritual warfare and who the enemy is while constantly focusing on God’s sovereignty. Short yet insightful, a quick read yet full of biblical truth, this book will provide valuable perspective on the nature of the battle we are in, how we are to fight it, and the reality that the outcome has been decided. These three truths are ones all believers need to grasp and to share with others who have questions about this topic. I highly recommend this excellent little book as a primer on spiritual warfare and how it should be fought. It is highly appropriate for scholars and layman alike and no, the devil did not make you do anything.
I received this for free from The Good Book Company via Cross Focused Reviews for this review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 : "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
I must say receiving this book was rather timely as this very topic came up for discussion in a Facebook forum I am involved in. The question as to Satan’s origins and how various passages in Scripture should be interpreted, specifically whether those passages actually depict Satan’s fall from heaven or whether they are more indicative of describing more earthly concerns, was one that was presented for discussion. McKinley’s approach to the origin of the enemy is very honest and I believe is well in keeping with a proper understanding of passages such as Isaiah 14. While Isaiah may have not been actually describing Satan’s fall from heaven, that does not mean Scripture is not clear on the character of the enemy nor can we state that Scripture does not desire for us to understand how our enemy operates. It is these issues which McKinley aptly discusses in great detail and that form the backbone of his book.
The very title of McKinley’s book is also very apt as it interacts with the false impression that most people have about Satan. As noted in another excellent book, Torn to Heal by Mike Leake, “Dualism is the idea that the universe is in a cosmic battle between two forces - one good and one evil - with neither side completely able to master the other. In its Christian form, "this view is sometimes refined to make Satan either the personification of evil or the personal evil genius behind evil, in exactly the same way that God is the genius behind good...however, in this view neither Satan nor God is absolute; neither is omnipotent.” McKinley avoids such a false approach correctly noting a very fundamental truth, that of “the evil one is always, and in every way, subservient to the will of God.” While Satan may have what on the surface appears to be some level of authority on this earth, McKinley rightly states “while Satan is a powerful being with authority in the realm of demons, he never has independence from God or power that begins to rival God’s.” McKinley wonderfully states the posture believers must have when combating the evil one or when suffering comes our way. In all things, we must “resolve in our hearts and minds that we will trust God’s goodness and wisdom in all circumstances.” Why? Because God is sovereign and the enemy is not.
The chapter on demons and demon possession was truly enlightening. Many people rightly ask if Christians can be demon possessed. McKinley does an excellent job of explaining in great detail what terms like demon possession actually mean pointing out the more likely approach according to Scripture is that believers cannot be possessed. With that said, attacks against believers by demons and the evil one are certainly a reality although never outside God’s sovereign control. Furthermore, McKinley does an wonderful job reminding the reader of the type of battle we are engaged in, one that is a fight against principalities and spiritual wickedness that manifests itself in sinful behavior. His overview of what strongholds mean was biblically sound and a salient reminder that behind sinful behavior is spiritual depravity. It is not that the devil makes anyone do anything. Conversely, he merely preys upon our sinful desires in an effort to lure us away from serving God in all we do. This is why the believer must constantly don the full armor of God as we engage in this cosmic battle, one which McKinley adroitly reminds us “God is the victor and the devil’s destruction has been sealed.”
This of course begs the question of if God is the victor, why does evil still take place in the world. This is a question that often trips up believers and McKinley expertly addresses this issue by reminding us the final victory has been won, however, we live in a now but not yet scenario. We have the ultimate victory over sin and death, but until Christ returns to finally vanquish the enemy, sin, and death, we will still remain engaged in a battle, one that is won, but one that still is being fought in part. McKinley describes Satan as a “fatally wounded animal, lashing out and trying to do damage with his last moments. He is dangerous, but power and authority is found in the name of Christ; the outcome of the battle is not in doubt.”
McKinley’s “Did the Devil Make Me Do It?” is perhaps the best 78 page book I have ever read to date on spiritual warfare and who the enemy is while constantly focusing on God’s sovereignty. Short yet insightful, a quick read yet full of biblical truth, this book will provide valuable perspective on the nature of the battle we are in, how we are to fight it, and the reality that the outcome has been decided. These three truths are ones all believers need to grasp and to share with others who have questions about this topic. I highly recommend this excellent little book as a primer on spiritual warfare and how it should be fought. It is highly appropriate for scholars and layman alike and no, the devil did not make you do anything.
I received this for free from The Good Book Company via Cross Focused Reviews for this review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255 : "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
July 29, 2023
A useful part of the 'Questions Christians Ask' series. As a primer, it reads well and is well structured.
The 5 chapters are compact and eminently readable. I suppose I read the whole book, over 2 sittings, in about an hour or so.
The only thing I didn't really like about the book was the critique of CS Lewis' Screwtape books. I am certain there are other more influential popular writers who would have been more beneficial in critiquing.
By and large, I feel these small books are helpful, but they would be more helpful if there was perhaps a reading list attached for further research and study.
A 3-star read.
The 5 chapters are compact and eminently readable. I suppose I read the whole book, over 2 sittings, in about an hour or so.
The only thing I didn't really like about the book was the critique of CS Lewis' Screwtape books. I am certain there are other more influential popular writers who would have been more beneficial in critiquing.
By and large, I feel these small books are helpful, but they would be more helpful if there was perhaps a reading list attached for further research and study.
A 3-star read.
October 5, 2023
Suffice to say, particularly at this short length, this is an immensely helpful and very readable book on an important but often-misunderstood topic. It joins the aforementioned previous excellent efforts in this series on the Holy Spirit and Homosexuality. I would recommend this book to pretty much any follower of Jesus, and to the interested seeker wondering about spiritual things. McKinley’s calm style, and wonderful emphasis on the Victory of Jesus combine to make this an excellent and very helpful little book.
Full Review: https://www.thomascreedy.co.uk/book-r...
Full Review: https://www.thomascreedy.co.uk/book-r...
August 23, 2023
First, I thought this book would be more about temptation; it is about the spiritual realm.
Second, this has been a GREAT series, but this is now my least favorite of the series.
Admittedly, this is a crazy topic for such a short book and it's nearly impossible to discuss this subject without veering into the realm of unknown, but I didn't think this book held up as well for the just-stick-to-the-biblical-facts method that I've seen in the series' other books. It's an OK book, but I'd much rather direct someone to a book like Heiser's Supernatural for the same material.
Second, this has been a GREAT series, but this is now my least favorite of the series.
Admittedly, this is a crazy topic for such a short book and it's nearly impossible to discuss this subject without veering into the realm of unknown, but I didn't think this book held up as well for the just-stick-to-the-biblical-facts method that I've seen in the series' other books. It's an OK book, but I'd much rather direct someone to a book like Heiser's Supernatural for the same material.
February 12, 2024
I found him to make a couple assumptions with his Biblical references that this verse is talking about Satan which actually doesn't mention him. However, if he gives a very detailed view of the Devil, misconceptions and most importantly, directing the glory in all thought on Satan to bring us closer to God.
May 29, 2025
Really helpful points to think about resisting the devil with the assurance and certainty of Christ's power and defeat over him. Encouraging me to have humility in understanding, trusting in Gods goodness and mercy
June 27, 2018
Very readable short book. It has some very good parts but also quiet brief in parts that need more biblical data.
April 14, 2023
It was decent but nothing too novel here.
October 23, 2023
Very helpful resource!
July 12, 2013
Did the Devil make me do it? is one of the many excellent short books published by The Good Book Company. This book asks and answers some basic questions about the Devil in about 80 pages. Here are some of the questions: Where did Satan come from?; Why does Satan have so many names?; What is Satan like and what does he do?; What is demon possession?; So should Christians perform exorcisms?, etc. Now I won’t say the author asks and answers every conceivable question about Satan, but Mike McKinley (MDiv at Westminster Theological Seminary, Pastor of Guilford Baptist Church in Sterling, Virginia), is incredibly thorough in this brief work.
Some might wonder what kind of theological or exegetical depth McKinley can obtain in 80 pages. Quite a bit, actually. With regards to the events surrounding the fall of Satan, He argues that Isaiah 14 is NOT an explicit (or primary) reference to the fall of Satan, but rather the text clearly refers to a historical person, the King of Babylon. Also, in the handling of 2 Peter and Jude, the author takes the position that these passages describe the general fall of demons, not a specific group of more depraved demons chained up until the final judgment.
I think my favorite part of the book was the inclusion of biblical lists. For example, in answering the question So should Christians perform exorcisms? , McKinley lists 9 ways Jesus interacted with demons and 3 general ways the disciples interacted with demons. These brief descriptions tagged with scripture references are helpful for novice Christians who are trying to lay a foundation of biblical demonology.
My only criticism is found in McKinley’s treatment of demon possession versus demon oppression. For some reason, the author seems to make confusing or ambiguous statements. He says,
“One thing the Bible doesn’t tell us, however, is that demons possess anyone. In fact, several times in Scripture people are said to have demons, but demons are never said to have people! ”
He later continues,
“So if you put all this evidence together, ‘demon possession’ is a term that we might do well without. While people in the Bible are said to ‘have a demon’ and demons are said to ‘enter into people’, for the most part this demonizing results in attack and influence more than that total personality domination implied term ‘possession’.”
My question for the author is this: Is Jesus casting out a demon or simply shooing away a bothersome and annoying demon? I believe Scripture is clear that a demon or demons inhabit an individual. To be clear, McKinley later on affirms that a Christian cannot be possessed by a demon, but again, this section is disappointing because of its lack of clarity.
Conclusion
Overall, this book is a wonderful and needed addition to the genre of biblical demonology. Local churches would be wise to replace Merrill Unger’s classic work Biblical Demonology with this brief literary treasure.
Some might wonder what kind of theological or exegetical depth McKinley can obtain in 80 pages. Quite a bit, actually. With regards to the events surrounding the fall of Satan, He argues that Isaiah 14 is NOT an explicit (or primary) reference to the fall of Satan, but rather the text clearly refers to a historical person, the King of Babylon. Also, in the handling of 2 Peter and Jude, the author takes the position that these passages describe the general fall of demons, not a specific group of more depraved demons chained up until the final judgment.
I think my favorite part of the book was the inclusion of biblical lists. For example, in answering the question So should Christians perform exorcisms? , McKinley lists 9 ways Jesus interacted with demons and 3 general ways the disciples interacted with demons. These brief descriptions tagged with scripture references are helpful for novice Christians who are trying to lay a foundation of biblical demonology.
My only criticism is found in McKinley’s treatment of demon possession versus demon oppression. For some reason, the author seems to make confusing or ambiguous statements. He says,
“One thing the Bible doesn’t tell us, however, is that demons possess anyone. In fact, several times in Scripture people are said to have demons, but demons are never said to have people! ”
He later continues,
“So if you put all this evidence together, ‘demon possession’ is a term that we might do well without. While people in the Bible are said to ‘have a demon’ and demons are said to ‘enter into people’, for the most part this demonizing results in attack and influence more than that total personality domination implied term ‘possession’.”
My question for the author is this: Is Jesus casting out a demon or simply shooing away a bothersome and annoying demon? I believe Scripture is clear that a demon or demons inhabit an individual. To be clear, McKinley later on affirms that a Christian cannot be possessed by a demon, but again, this section is disappointing because of its lack of clarity.
Conclusion
Overall, this book is a wonderful and needed addition to the genre of biblical demonology. Local churches would be wise to replace Merrill Unger’s classic work Biblical Demonology with this brief literary treasure.
July 17, 2013
In this short but informative book, Mike McKinley takes a very balanced and Biblical approach to the doctrine of the Devil and demons.
When reading Christian books on the Devil, we usually find them at two extremes:
-Demons are behind every sin and Satan has almost as much power as God.
Or
-Satan and demons were just metaphors in the Bible and there is no literal Devil in the world today.
McKinley has written a book that takes the middle ground. There is a Devil and he has power but is not all powerful. Not every sin we commit comes from Satan. Sometimes we are lead away by our own lust.
We tend to think that Satan is the evil version of God. We see it in cartoons where the two angels are sitting on the guy’s shoulder. One is telling him to do the wrong thing and the other telling him to do right.
In reality, the Devil is God's Devil. I don't mean that God makes the Devil do bad things. I mean that God has authority over Satan. God can stop Satan at any time. God allows Satan to do what he does because He has a plan.
As you can see from the table of contents, McKinley delves into some very intriguing questions.
TABLE OF CONTENTS:
1. Origins: Where did Satan come from?
2. Activity: What is Satan like and what does he do?
3. Control: What is demon possession?
4. End: How did Jesus defeat Satan?
5. Walk: How should we live in a world where Satan still prowls?
I truly enjoyed this book. Even though McKinley tackles some tough questions, he does it in easy to read and a simple to understand language.
I highly recommend this book, especially to young believers who have not read the subject.
I give it 5 out of 5 stars.
Book Information:
Publisher: The Good Book Company (2013)
ISBN: 9781908762306
Page Count: 80
I received this book, free of charge, from Cross Focused Reviews and The Good Book Company in exchange for an honest review.
When reading Christian books on the Devil, we usually find them at two extremes:
-Demons are behind every sin and Satan has almost as much power as God.
Or
-Satan and demons were just metaphors in the Bible and there is no literal Devil in the world today.
McKinley has written a book that takes the middle ground. There is a Devil and he has power but is not all powerful. Not every sin we commit comes from Satan. Sometimes we are lead away by our own lust.
We tend to think that Satan is the evil version of God. We see it in cartoons where the two angels are sitting on the guy’s shoulder. One is telling him to do the wrong thing and the other telling him to do right.
In reality, the Devil is God's Devil. I don't mean that God makes the Devil do bad things. I mean that God has authority over Satan. God can stop Satan at any time. God allows Satan to do what he does because He has a plan.
As you can see from the table of contents, McKinley delves into some very intriguing questions.
TABLE OF CONTENTS:
1. Origins: Where did Satan come from?
2. Activity: What is Satan like and what does he do?
3. Control: What is demon possession?
4. End: How did Jesus defeat Satan?
5. Walk: How should we live in a world where Satan still prowls?
I truly enjoyed this book. Even though McKinley tackles some tough questions, he does it in easy to read and a simple to understand language.
I highly recommend this book, especially to young believers who have not read the subject.
I give it 5 out of 5 stars.
Book Information:
Publisher: The Good Book Company (2013)
ISBN: 9781908762306
Page Count: 80
I received this book, free of charge, from Cross Focused Reviews and The Good Book Company in exchange for an honest review.
July 20, 2013
How would you like a down-to-earth volume that would make sense of the Devil and demons? One without bizarre extremes but still fully believed in demonic reality? Then you need this volume by Mike McKinley and published by The Good Book Company in its Questions Christians Ask series.
He gives background on the issue and even tells how African Christians laugh at Westerners who disbelieve the reality of demons. He strikes the right balance between understanding what we need to know about such things without getting obsessive or too deep into it. He respects that The Lord has told us what we need to know and asks us to be simple concerning evil beyond that.
He tells us of the origin of Satan and explains the names of Satan. He describes him as trying to destroy God’s creation as his vigilant motivation. He outlines the tactics Satan uses against us while remembering that the Devil is not all-knowing.
He talks about what he feels demon possession really is, and he distinguishes it from mental illness. Demonic strongholds are discussed without them seeming as insurmountable as some present them. He offers sane advise if you feel you come in contact with demonic activity.
The book is helpful and aimed at laymen. I might disagree on a few small points, like his
explanation of Isaiah 14, but I still recommend this volume.
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 .
He gives background on the issue and even tells how African Christians laugh at Westerners who disbelieve the reality of demons. He strikes the right balance between understanding what we need to know about such things without getting obsessive or too deep into it. He respects that The Lord has told us what we need to know and asks us to be simple concerning evil beyond that.
He tells us of the origin of Satan and explains the names of Satan. He describes him as trying to destroy God’s creation as his vigilant motivation. He outlines the tactics Satan uses against us while remembering that the Devil is not all-knowing.
He talks about what he feels demon possession really is, and he distinguishes it from mental illness. Demonic strongholds are discussed without them seeming as insurmountable as some present them. He offers sane advise if you feel you come in contact with demonic activity.
The book is helpful and aimed at laymen. I might disagree on a few small points, like his
explanation of Isaiah 14, but I still recommend this volume.
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 .
June 4, 2014
One of Satan’s ploys is two-fold: to get people to disbelieve his existence or to become dangerously obsessed with him. Cutting through the fog of unwise doubt and undue devotion, McKinley examines the nature of Satan. He is careful not to speculate beyond what God has revealed in Scripture (and even debunks some popular misconceptions concerning key passages). While this series’ scope is introductory, McKinley’s astute observations should steer those with questions toward a proper understanding.
October 30, 2014
Really good. McKinley judiciously answers the main questions we all have about who is Satan and what is he up to in our cursed world. Balanced, biblical, and concise. Highly recommended, not as the final word on all questions, but as a great first, short, and fairly comprehensive word. I'm loving this series from the Good Book company!
April 11, 2015
This is an excellent short book about Satan and his work. It strikes a Biblical balance between the obsession some have with Satan and demons and neglecting the reality. It also gives application about living in a world where Satan is active. I highly recommend this book.
October 14, 2013
A careful, clear, and concise study of Satan and temptation.
August 25, 2016
I really enjoyed this short informative book about the devil and how he fits in the world.
This book stuck to biblical facts which is always refreshing when writing on this topic.
This book stuck to biblical facts which is always refreshing when writing on this topic.
May 5, 2015
Excellent sensible scriptural book. Really good.
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