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The Unseen Battle: Spiritual Warfare, the Three Rebellions, and Christ's Victory Over Dark Powers
We Live in a World at War. Do You Know Who You are Fighting. . .and Why?
Weaving through the Old and New Testaments, Joel Muddamalle uses Paul's supernatural household framework—the idea that God has both a supernatural and a human family—to explain the cosmic worldview of the Bible. Cutting through the noise of conspiracy theories and fanaticism, the theological framework in The Unseen Battle will give readers a biblical and balanced understanding of spiritual warfare. Readers
Gain clarity about geopolitical and cosmic war by understanding what Deuteronomy 32:8-9 teaches about our origin story.Understand what the Bible teaches about demons, angels, and God's divine council, and how spiritual warfare impacts believers.Discover the real reason for the division and disunity in our world, and the unexpected but crucial answer we find hiding in plain sight within the supernatural worldview of the Bible.The Unseen Battle equips Christians to make sense of evil powers, what God is doing in the world today, and the part we play in it.
Weaving through the Old and New Testaments, Joel Muddamalle uses Paul's supernatural household framework—the idea that God has both a supernatural and a human family—to explain the cosmic worldview of the Bible. Cutting through the noise of conspiracy theories and fanaticism, the theological framework in The Unseen Battle will give readers a biblical and balanced understanding of spiritual warfare. Readers
Gain clarity about geopolitical and cosmic war by understanding what Deuteronomy 32:8-9 teaches about our origin story.Understand what the Bible teaches about demons, angels, and God's divine council, and how spiritual warfare impacts believers.Discover the real reason for the division and disunity in our world, and the unexpected but crucial answer we find hiding in plain sight within the supernatural worldview of the Bible.The Unseen Battle equips Christians to make sense of evil powers, what God is doing in the world today, and the part we play in it.
256 pages, Paperback
Published January 27, 2026
137 people are currently reading
387 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
January 29, 2026
If you have come across this book, there is a good chance you've read Michael Heisser's 'The Unseen Realm'. And if thats the case, you are probably wondering if its worth reading this? is there anything more Joel can add? Is the info different to Mikes? Well, I can tell you that you should read it. Joel was friends with Michael and Mrs Heisser wrote the intro for Joels book. She states that Joel is picking up the batton and running with Michaels work, and that this book is highly complementary to his work.
I dont think this book covers new ground, but it does look at the divine council texts through a new lens. Its a much shorter book and easy to digest, well worth a read even if you have read the Unseen Realm recently.
This following paragraph summarises the differences well thanks to my helpful AI friend:
Heiser (The Unseen Realm): Explains what the Bible teaches about the spiritual world — angels, divine council, Nephilim, cosmic structure, and ancient context.
Muddamalle (The Unseen Battle): Uses that worldview to frame spiritual warfare as a narrative of rebellion and redemption — focusing on Christ’s victory and practical understanding for believers today.
I dont think this book covers new ground, but it does look at the divine council texts through a new lens. Its a much shorter book and easy to digest, well worth a read even if you have read the Unseen Realm recently.
This following paragraph summarises the differences well thanks to my helpful AI friend:
Heiser (The Unseen Realm): Explains what the Bible teaches about the spiritual world — angels, divine council, Nephilim, cosmic structure, and ancient context.
Muddamalle (The Unseen Battle): Uses that worldview to frame spiritual warfare as a narrative of rebellion and redemption — focusing on Christ’s victory and practical understanding for believers today.
February 6, 2026
This is going to be very nerdy, but given the topic of biblical literacy, I don’t think it’s too far off base: The Unseen Battle relates to Michael Heiser’s The Unseen Realm the way the Star Wars Expanded Universe relates to the original trilogy. It assumes you’ve accepted the core premise, then spends its time expanding the world, filling in the logic, and extending the story into adjacent territory rather than retelling what came before.
Just as the Expanded Universe doesn’t re‑explain the Force or re‑argue Vader’s identity, Muddamalle doesn’t attempt to re-litigate Heiser’s foundational claims about the unseen spiritual realm. Instead, he treats them as settled canon and asks the next question: What does this framework look like when you push forward into the New Testament? The result feels less like a sequel and more like a meaningful universe-expansion—familiar concepts, but applied differently, with new emphases and implications.
Importantly, this is a popular-level adaptation of Muddamalle’s doctoral work, and it shows in a good way. The content is thoughtful and well-researched without feeling like a dry, ivory-tower exercise. His personality comes through clearly, aided by analogies steeped in Chicago lore, which give the book a grounded, human feel rather than an abstract theological one.
As an audiobook, Muddamalle’s narration is personable and genuine. If you’re familiar with his podcast appearances, his delivery here feels consistent—natural, engaged, and not overly scripted, even though he’s reading his own text. That said, from a strictly audio-only perspective, I wouldn’t fully recommend this format. The conceptual density frequently made me wish I could pause, highlight, or visually trace ideas. I’ll likely pick up the Kindle version down the road for that reason alone.
One caveat that likely shaped my experience: some of Muddamalle’s more distinct contributions didn’t land with the full impact they might have otherwise, simply because I’ve already heard him develop these ideas in podcast spaces (including shows like Blurry Creatures). In that sense, parts of the book felt “soft-launched” in the broader audio-sphere before reaching print. That’s not a fault of the book—it’s more like already knowing certain Expanded Universe plotlines before picking up the novel. For readers who don’t regularly consume Joel’s content elsewhere, or who are new to the Divine Council worldview within Christian theology, this material will likely hit much more forcefully.
My main critique is tied to expectations set by the subtitle. While the theological framing is strong, the portion addressing “current” spiritual warfare felt comparatively thin. If you’re looking for sustained, practical engagement with contemporary application, this section may feel underdeveloped relative to the book’s strengths elsewhere.
All that said, this is a strong and worthwhile contribution, particularly for readers who have already been convinced by Heiser and are ready to explore the implications rather than re-argue the premise.
Read via Audible.
Just as the Expanded Universe doesn’t re‑explain the Force or re‑argue Vader’s identity, Muddamalle doesn’t attempt to re-litigate Heiser’s foundational claims about the unseen spiritual realm. Instead, he treats them as settled canon and asks the next question: What does this framework look like when you push forward into the New Testament? The result feels less like a sequel and more like a meaningful universe-expansion—familiar concepts, but applied differently, with new emphases and implications.
Importantly, this is a popular-level adaptation of Muddamalle’s doctoral work, and it shows in a good way. The content is thoughtful and well-researched without feeling like a dry, ivory-tower exercise. His personality comes through clearly, aided by analogies steeped in Chicago lore, which give the book a grounded, human feel rather than an abstract theological one.
As an audiobook, Muddamalle’s narration is personable and genuine. If you’re familiar with his podcast appearances, his delivery here feels consistent—natural, engaged, and not overly scripted, even though he’s reading his own text. That said, from a strictly audio-only perspective, I wouldn’t fully recommend this format. The conceptual density frequently made me wish I could pause, highlight, or visually trace ideas. I’ll likely pick up the Kindle version down the road for that reason alone.
One caveat that likely shaped my experience: some of Muddamalle’s more distinct contributions didn’t land with the full impact they might have otherwise, simply because I’ve already heard him develop these ideas in podcast spaces (including shows like Blurry Creatures). In that sense, parts of the book felt “soft-launched” in the broader audio-sphere before reaching print. That’s not a fault of the book—it’s more like already knowing certain Expanded Universe plotlines before picking up the novel. For readers who don’t regularly consume Joel’s content elsewhere, or who are new to the Divine Council worldview within Christian theology, this material will likely hit much more forcefully.
My main critique is tied to expectations set by the subtitle. While the theological framing is strong, the portion addressing “current” spiritual warfare felt comparatively thin. If you’re looking for sustained, practical engagement with contemporary application, this section may feel underdeveloped relative to the book’s strengths elsewhere.
All that said, this is a strong and worthwhile contribution, particularly for readers who have already been convinced by Heiser and are ready to explore the implications rather than re-argue the premise.
Read via Audible.
February 14, 2026
Superbly Presented
I have been a believer for over 30 years. The first church I was in was a Pentecostal church. We believe in signs and wonders and deliverance from demonic beings, and deliverance prayers were the focus of our spiritual warfare.
Therefore, I love how Joel presented a biblical, scholarly, but understandable explanation of what true biblical spiritual warfare is, what's the stakes, the history that brought us to this place, and our undeniable role to play as the redeemed Sons of God who will eventually be reunited with our heavenly family and we will rule and reign all of creation with Christ. Furthermore, the spiritual beings that used to enslave us, will be judged by us, with Christ!
THIS IS GOOD NEWS!!!
I have been a believer for over 30 years. The first church I was in was a Pentecostal church. We believe in signs and wonders and deliverance from demonic beings, and deliverance prayers were the focus of our spiritual warfare.
Therefore, I love how Joel presented a biblical, scholarly, but understandable explanation of what true biblical spiritual warfare is, what's the stakes, the history that brought us to this place, and our undeniable role to play as the redeemed Sons of God who will eventually be reunited with our heavenly family and we will rule and reign all of creation with Christ. Furthermore, the spiritual beings that used to enslave us, will be judged by us, with Christ!
THIS IS GOOD NEWS!!!
January 31, 2026
Scholarly leaning but not too difficult for the avid lay-learner to understand. I may not be on board with EVERYTHING Joel writes here, but the overwhelming majority is absolutely wonderful and should be something about which all Christians are educated. Churches have GOT to start digging deeper than the surface-level “lessons” that Scripture teaches. The Bible is a much bigger story than we preach from pulpits and teach in small group studies. The New Testament is best understood through the lens of the Old Testament. And we have to begin educating every day Believers on the value of 2nd Temple literature when it comes to understanding the cultural context that should go into our Scriptural interpretations. Non-inspired doesn’t equal worthless. Joel provides a great analogy for this in his book.
If you are Heiser fan, you’ll adore this book. If you’re wary of Heiser, Joel brings clarity to the often confusing way Heiser wrote. You’ll also appreciate that Joel’s doctoral adviser ended up being Patrick Schreiner after Heiser’s passing. So if you hoped for someone a bit more… orthodox… to have had a hand in these thoughts, you got your man.
If you are Heiser fan, you’ll adore this book. If you’re wary of Heiser, Joel brings clarity to the often confusing way Heiser wrote. You’ll also appreciate that Joel’s doctoral adviser ended up being Patrick Schreiner after Heiser’s passing. So if you hoped for someone a bit more… orthodox… to have had a hand in these thoughts, you got your man.
February 21, 2026
Over the last couple of years, I’ve been listening to really interesting podcasts (primarily Blurry Creatures, Lord of Spirits) and getting into ideas about the ancient world of the Old Testament and how the early church understood the spiritual realm.
Since I’m more of a reader than a listener, I’ve been trying to find good literature on these topics and I’ve read several books but Dr Muddemalle’s is the BEST and most comprehensive I’ve found!! (It came out of his doctoral dissertation, which is plain from all the wonderful footnotes and bibliography!)
He gives a very readable account from the earliest parts of the Bible through the NT and brings in the work of scholars from the early church to modern day. If you’re a “Bible nerd” or language nerd, you’ll find a satisfying amount of explanation on various concepts and etymology.
The idea that we are IN an unseen battle and are meant to be an integral part of it, is not new to me. But the reasons for it, the background, what the work of the cross really means for us and this battle is really clearly spelled out.
His main point: God made for Himself a household - both a heavenly and an earthly one. At one point of rebellion (and Dr Joel goes through several) God designated “gods” or heavenly beings to reign over/steward the nations, while He Himself chose Abraham to become Israel. These gods wanted the worship of humans for themselves and so, until Jesus’ death and resurrection, there existed God’s chosen people (Israel) and the rest of the human world. The work of the cross (multi-layered, and complex, certainly) was to take back all other nations from these gods and reunite God’s ORIGINAL household to include the Gentiles.
Rather than worrying about this war - though it is real, active, affects lives - we are to demonstrate God’s ultimate victory over His enemies by existing as a UNIFIED church! Christ said the world would know the Father because WE love each other and are one.
Very good for the scholar, and the casual Bible reader who wonders what some of those odder passages in the Bible mean.
So glad to have such a thorough work-through of this topic!!
Now to read “Lord of Spirits” - a work from one of the orthodox priest hosts of THAT podcast!! Stay tuned!
Since I’m more of a reader than a listener, I’ve been trying to find good literature on these topics and I’ve read several books but Dr Muddemalle’s is the BEST and most comprehensive I’ve found!! (It came out of his doctoral dissertation, which is plain from all the wonderful footnotes and bibliography!)
He gives a very readable account from the earliest parts of the Bible through the NT and brings in the work of scholars from the early church to modern day. If you’re a “Bible nerd” or language nerd, you’ll find a satisfying amount of explanation on various concepts and etymology.
The idea that we are IN an unseen battle and are meant to be an integral part of it, is not new to me. But the reasons for it, the background, what the work of the cross really means for us and this battle is really clearly spelled out.
His main point: God made for Himself a household - both a heavenly and an earthly one. At one point of rebellion (and Dr Joel goes through several) God designated “gods” or heavenly beings to reign over/steward the nations, while He Himself chose Abraham to become Israel. These gods wanted the worship of humans for themselves and so, until Jesus’ death and resurrection, there existed God’s chosen people (Israel) and the rest of the human world. The work of the cross (multi-layered, and complex, certainly) was to take back all other nations from these gods and reunite God’s ORIGINAL household to include the Gentiles.
Rather than worrying about this war - though it is real, active, affects lives - we are to demonstrate God’s ultimate victory over His enemies by existing as a UNIFIED church! Christ said the world would know the Father because WE love each other and are one.
Very good for the scholar, and the casual Bible reader who wonders what some of those odder passages in the Bible mean.
So glad to have such a thorough work-through of this topic!!
Now to read “Lord of Spirits” - a work from one of the orthodox priest hosts of THAT podcast!! Stay tuned!
February 20, 2026
This was really my first exposure to The Divine Council theory and my mind is blown. Joel does a phenomenal job walking you through scripture and tying God’s meta-narrative together finding its culmination at the death, burial, resurrection and ascension of Christ.
Upon finishing this book I was left with a deeper understanding and appreciation for Yahweh, his word, and his sovereign plan for the redemption of his multiethnic family. I also feel like I have a better understanding of the supernatural forces at work and the obscure passages of scripture. Joel does a good job of not leading the reader into a weird fixation on the celestial beings but continuously points you back to the Gospel.
This book is well researched, academically driven and clearly written by a biblical scholar who is passionate about what he is writing. It is easily accessible and provides plenty of opportunity for deeper study. The audiobook is really well done and easy to listen to, but I also needed to purchase the kindle version so I could highlight, make notes, look up all the scripture and read every footnote. I want everyone I know to read this!
Upon finishing this book I was left with a deeper understanding and appreciation for Yahweh, his word, and his sovereign plan for the redemption of his multiethnic family. I also feel like I have a better understanding of the supernatural forces at work and the obscure passages of scripture. Joel does a good job of not leading the reader into a weird fixation on the celestial beings but continuously points you back to the Gospel.
This book is well researched, academically driven and clearly written by a biblical scholar who is passionate about what he is writing. It is easily accessible and provides plenty of opportunity for deeper study. The audiobook is really well done and easy to listen to, but I also needed to purchase the kindle version so I could highlight, make notes, look up all the scripture and read every footnote. I want everyone I know to read this!
February 2, 2026
Deftly reveals the felt, but unseen battle that impacts us all and how we can stand in the fight.
Like a practiced curator, Muddamalle draws your attention past the delicately woven tapestry to the hidden warp threads that support everything. Writing in a way that is easy to understand, yet with research to substantiate his assertions, I gained an increased awareness of the role that the unseen battle plays in my everyday life and how it has a vital impact on the world that I do see. Not lost is the importance that this information plays in how I chose to live my life and stand firm in loyal faith to King Jesus. This book is for anyone interested in learning more about the cosmic battle that has been taking place and will continue until Jesus Christ comes again to make all things new and swallow death up in victory.
Like a practiced curator, Muddamalle draws your attention past the delicately woven tapestry to the hidden warp threads that support everything. Writing in a way that is easy to understand, yet with research to substantiate his assertions, I gained an increased awareness of the role that the unseen battle plays in my everyday life and how it has a vital impact on the world that I do see. Not lost is the importance that this information plays in how I chose to live my life and stand firm in loyal faith to King Jesus. This book is for anyone interested in learning more about the cosmic battle that has been taking place and will continue until Jesus Christ comes again to make all things new and swallow death up in victory.
January 27, 2026
I really like the "three rebellions" framework, and I appreciate the deep research behind the project. I would have liked more development of the pastoral edge of the spiritual warfare discussion, and though I appreciated the short length from a readability standpoint, I would have actually liked more development of some of the ideas. A solid expansion/exploration of some of Heiser's core ideas, and an easy recommendation for big fans of The Unseen Realm.
Video review here: https://youtu.be/aqb2ewjncwI
Video review here: https://youtu.be/aqb2ewjncwI
February 10, 2026
I’ve been a big fan of Dr. Joel for a few years now. I first heard him on the Blurry Creatures podcast and he’s become a favorite guest.
This book feels like the synthesis of everything he has taught about on Blurry Creatures.
Joel lays out the three big rebellions at the beginning of the Bible and how they go much deeper than what we recognize with a cursory reading. We are in a battle, whether we see it and recognize it, or not. The spiritual has always been apart of our story. The enemy is not dumb and he wants us blind to the unseen battle around us.
Joel does a great job of walking us through the cosmic worldview of the Bible. The Heiser influence is everywhere. And that’s a very good thing in my opinion!
This book will help you build a new framework for how to view the wild and crazy times we live in.
This book feels like the synthesis of everything he has taught about on Blurry Creatures.
Joel lays out the three big rebellions at the beginning of the Bible and how they go much deeper than what we recognize with a cursory reading. We are in a battle, whether we see it and recognize it, or not. The spiritual has always been apart of our story. The enemy is not dumb and he wants us blind to the unseen battle around us.
Joel does a great job of walking us through the cosmic worldview of the Bible. The Heiser influence is everywhere. And that’s a very good thing in my opinion!
This book will help you build a new framework for how to view the wild and crazy times we live in.
February 4, 2026
DCW? must read
January 31, 2026
As a fan of Joel Muddamalle’s work through his appearances on the “Blurry Creatures” podcast, as well as acquainted with his mentor Michael Heiser’s work, I knew this would be an instant hit. My assumptions were confirmed upon completing this book.
The content traces a beautiful arc between what is unseen or under-acknowledged within the spiritual realm and what we see as the application in our lives. There is a battle raging over our souls. The enemy, though, has been defeated, and is lashing out to do the most damage he can before the end of all things.
Mechanically speaking, Muddamalle could’ve done with a better proofreader and harsher critic in the writing process. Some disjointedness appears as he adapted his dissertation into an approachable reflective work, as well as a plethora of typos and grammatical errors. This, however, does not detract from the book, and is simply my picking of nits.
The content traces a beautiful arc between what is unseen or under-acknowledged within the spiritual realm and what we see as the application in our lives. There is a battle raging over our souls. The enemy, though, has been defeated, and is lashing out to do the most damage he can before the end of all things.
Mechanically speaking, Muddamalle could’ve done with a better proofreader and harsher critic in the writing process. Some disjointedness appears as he adapted his dissertation into an approachable reflective work, as well as a plethora of typos and grammatical errors. This, however, does not detract from the book, and is simply my picking of nits.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews