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Satan Cast Out
'This book leads away from speculation and toward Scripture; it presents Satan as he is and shows God as infinitely greater. It is as good a book as I’ve read on the subject and it receives my highest recommendation.' — TIM CHALLIES
Leahy presents a lucid, biblical account of Christian teaching on such issues as the existence of angels – good and evil; the present position and strategy of Satan; the witness of Old and New Testament to demonic activity; the demonic in church history; and the challenge of the demons to the church of Christ, especially on the mission field. While taking our 'adversary the devil' seriously, Leahy constantly emphasizes the victory of Christ over him, and the fact that, in the words of John Calvin, 'The whole of Satan’s kingdom is subject to the authority of Christ.'
Leahy presents a lucid, biblical account of Christian teaching on such issues as the existence of angels – good and evil; the present position and strategy of Satan; the witness of Old and New Testament to demonic activity; the demonic in church history; and the challenge of the demons to the church of Christ, especially on the mission field. While taking our 'adversary the devil' seriously, Leahy constantly emphasizes the victory of Christ over him, and the fact that, in the words of John Calvin, 'The whole of Satan’s kingdom is subject to the authority of Christ.'
181 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1975
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January 9, 2022
Leahy, Frederick. Satan Cast Out: A Study in Biblical Demonology. Carlisle, PA: Banner of Truth Trust, 1975.
This is a decent summary of evangelical scholarship concerning demonology around the time of the 1970s. To be sure, evangelical scholarship on the supernatural has increased a hundredfold since then, but one has to somewhere. Frederick Leahy writes with an easy style and the book can be read without difficulty in one afternoon. I do not agree with everything he says, but what he writes can get the student thinking through the issues.
He correctly says that angels are spirits (Leahy 12). True. What do we mean by “spirit,” though? Does ruach mean something closer to force or does it mean something like Origen’s pneuma?
While he urges us to avoid speculation, he says that each angel fell individually (13). Maybe, but he doesn’t give us any reason to believe that.
He holds to an amillennial reading of “Satan being bound” (27). I agree, but I think a better reading of “not allowed to deceive the nations” refers more to a final assault on the Mount of Assembly.
He says fallen angels are chained in darkness forever (29). This is certainly not the case. If all of the fallen angels are chained in the abyss, then how can Paul warn us about the powers in the heavenly places? It will not do to say that “their chain is really long.” In that case, there chain allows them to roam the whole earth; for all practical purposes they aren’t chained at all. Moreover, in that same paragraph he cites where the demons are pleading with Jesus not to send them into the abyss. Why would they say that if they were already chained?
He correctly identifies the Prince of Persia as a demonic being (52). He also notes that the Nazis were engaged in the occult (54).
He takes Merrill Unger to task for denying that Apollyon is Satan, but he gives no reason to believe that he is Satan.
He correctly identifies the satyr of Isaiah 13:21 as a demon (65).
He says the lying spirit of I Kings 22 is a demon (67). Maybe, but that raises a big problem: what is a demon doing in the presence of God? Moreover, by Leahy’s own reading isn’t this demon chained? If so, how is he in God’s presence?
He correctly notes that the occult is a gateway for evil spirits (72).
He correctly rejects the view that demonic possession was simply what the ancients called mental illness (79). In fact, that view is liberalism.
He did some good research in his chapter on demon possession in church history. I m surprised he didn’t mention the famous case of Lutheran pastor Johann Blumhardt. He does mention John Wesley’s poltergeist experience at Epworth (91 n.12; 119).
He gives an excellent rebuttal to the arguments of Jay Adams and others who say that because there was a cluster of demonic activity in Jesus’s day, it can’t happen now. Leahy responds, “It is fallacious to argue that because there seems to have been an intensification of demonic activity especially in the form of demon-possession, during our Lord’s earthly ministry, that the same phenomena are now either non-existent or extremely rare” (144-145). Well said.
The book is worth getting if you see it. It doesn’t replace Clinton Arnold’s two books on the subject, but it does give a good snapshot of evangelical thinking on the subject during the 1970s.
This is a decent summary of evangelical scholarship concerning demonology around the time of the 1970s. To be sure, evangelical scholarship on the supernatural has increased a hundredfold since then, but one has to somewhere. Frederick Leahy writes with an easy style and the book can be read without difficulty in one afternoon. I do not agree with everything he says, but what he writes can get the student thinking through the issues.
He correctly says that angels are spirits (Leahy 12). True. What do we mean by “spirit,” though? Does ruach mean something closer to force or does it mean something like Origen’s pneuma?
While he urges us to avoid speculation, he says that each angel fell individually (13). Maybe, but he doesn’t give us any reason to believe that.
He holds to an amillennial reading of “Satan being bound” (27). I agree, but I think a better reading of “not allowed to deceive the nations” refers more to a final assault on the Mount of Assembly.
He says fallen angels are chained in darkness forever (29). This is certainly not the case. If all of the fallen angels are chained in the abyss, then how can Paul warn us about the powers in the heavenly places? It will not do to say that “their chain is really long.” In that case, there chain allows them to roam the whole earth; for all practical purposes they aren’t chained at all. Moreover, in that same paragraph he cites where the demons are pleading with Jesus not to send them into the abyss. Why would they say that if they were already chained?
He correctly identifies the Prince of Persia as a demonic being (52). He also notes that the Nazis were engaged in the occult (54).
He takes Merrill Unger to task for denying that Apollyon is Satan, but he gives no reason to believe that he is Satan.
He correctly identifies the satyr of Isaiah 13:21 as a demon (65).
He says the lying spirit of I Kings 22 is a demon (67). Maybe, but that raises a big problem: what is a demon doing in the presence of God? Moreover, by Leahy’s own reading isn’t this demon chained? If so, how is he in God’s presence?
He correctly notes that the occult is a gateway for evil spirits (72).
He correctly rejects the view that demonic possession was simply what the ancients called mental illness (79). In fact, that view is liberalism.
He did some good research in his chapter on demon possession in church history. I m surprised he didn’t mention the famous case of Lutheran pastor Johann Blumhardt. He does mention John Wesley’s poltergeist experience at Epworth (91 n.12; 119).
He gives an excellent rebuttal to the arguments of Jay Adams and others who say that because there was a cluster of demonic activity in Jesus’s day, it can’t happen now. Leahy responds, “It is fallacious to argue that because there seems to have been an intensification of demonic activity especially in the form of demon-possession, during our Lord’s earthly ministry, that the same phenomena are now either non-existent or extremely rare” (144-145). Well said.
The book is worth getting if you see it. It doesn’t replace Clinton Arnold’s two books on the subject, but it does give a good snapshot of evangelical thinking on the subject during the 1970s.
August 27, 2014
A well researched and Bible-based approach to the topic of Satan and his demons. As a missionary in Kenya, I decided to read this book due to the prevalence of witchcraft and traditional religious beliefs within the culture and even within the Church. Experiences with individuals who struggle with possible demonic influence and/or possession is not uncommon in Kenya, and the handling of these cases both within and outside the Kenyan Church are normally rife with problems and characterized by Biblical error.
Tim Challies wrote a thorough review of this book - much better than I would be able to write: http://www.challies.com/book-reviews/.... As such, I will just provide a brief summary of the book which is detailed at the book's conclusion (pgs. 171-172):
1. Deliverance from demon-possession must not be viewed out of the Gospel context in which , in the New Testament record, it is firmly set.
2. Mere exorcism, in whatever name, is condemned by our Lord. When there is dispossession of a demon, it can only be because there is reposession of the victim - i.e., by the Holy Spirit as Christ reigns in the heart.
3. The fact that some have exorcised demons in Christ's name, proves nothing in itself (Matt 7:22). Our standard for belief and practice is the Word of God alone. We cannot substitute any observed phenomena, and our interpretation of them, for this divinely given rule.
4. We are not asked to diagnose cases of supposed possession. It is much wiser and safer in such situations to rely prayerfully in faith upon the proclamation of the Word of God, witnessing to and praying for the sufferer.
5. Nothing less than the "new birth" will meet the need of the demoniac or any other sinner. When this takes place the demon has been dispossessed. The only guarantee against possession is to be indwelt by the Holy Spirit, that is, to be "born again".
6. While a true believer, who is part of Christ's body and indwelt by the Spirit of God, cannot be the abode of a demon, our study has shown that he may be influenced by Satan and even become, for the time being, his unwitting tool.
7. When confronted by manifestations of demonic activity in a community, the Church should emphasize in her ministry the lordship of Christ, and especially His victory over Satan and his minions. If this goes out of focus in the mind and devotion of the Church, she will become enfeebled and afraid.
8. The whole Church is involved in the confrontation of satanic forces. If there is a crisis in missions today it is largely because there is a crisis of faith in the Church, and particularly in respect of the lordship of Christ. Yet where faithful witness and service are still found, even if fragmented, prayer and obedience will not be fruitless or in vain.
9. The worship of the Triune God through the risen Christ, and the proclamation of Christ's victory, are always infinitely stronger than all demonic forces in their strongest combinations.
10. Being "filled with the Holy Spirit" is a prerequisite for service in an area where demonic presence is obvious, as indeed for all Christian service! It is unlikely that the forces of evil will retreat before carnal Christians.
Tim Challies wrote a thorough review of this book - much better than I would be able to write: http://www.challies.com/book-reviews/.... As such, I will just provide a brief summary of the book which is detailed at the book's conclusion (pgs. 171-172):
1. Deliverance from demon-possession must not be viewed out of the Gospel context in which , in the New Testament record, it is firmly set.
2. Mere exorcism, in whatever name, is condemned by our Lord. When there is dispossession of a demon, it can only be because there is reposession of the victim - i.e., by the Holy Spirit as Christ reigns in the heart.
3. The fact that some have exorcised demons in Christ's name, proves nothing in itself (Matt 7:22). Our standard for belief and practice is the Word of God alone. We cannot substitute any observed phenomena, and our interpretation of them, for this divinely given rule.
4. We are not asked to diagnose cases of supposed possession. It is much wiser and safer in such situations to rely prayerfully in faith upon the proclamation of the Word of God, witnessing to and praying for the sufferer.
5. Nothing less than the "new birth" will meet the need of the demoniac or any other sinner. When this takes place the demon has been dispossessed. The only guarantee against possession is to be indwelt by the Holy Spirit, that is, to be "born again".
6. While a true believer, who is part of Christ's body and indwelt by the Spirit of God, cannot be the abode of a demon, our study has shown that he may be influenced by Satan and even become, for the time being, his unwitting tool.
7. When confronted by manifestations of demonic activity in a community, the Church should emphasize in her ministry the lordship of Christ, and especially His victory over Satan and his minions. If this goes out of focus in the mind and devotion of the Church, she will become enfeebled and afraid.
8. The whole Church is involved in the confrontation of satanic forces. If there is a crisis in missions today it is largely because there is a crisis of faith in the Church, and particularly in respect of the lordship of Christ. Yet where faithful witness and service are still found, even if fragmented, prayer and obedience will not be fruitless or in vain.
9. The worship of the Triune God through the risen Christ, and the proclamation of Christ's victory, are always infinitely stronger than all demonic forces in their strongest combinations.
10. Being "filled with the Holy Spirit" is a prerequisite for service in an area where demonic presence is obvious, as indeed for all Christian service! It is unlikely that the forces of evil will retreat before carnal Christians.
February 25, 2025
A great book on demonology from a confessional reformed perspective. More detailed than Joel Beeke's Fighting Satan but not as academic as Graham A. Cole's Against the Darkness. Chapters 5, 6, and 8 which deal with demons in the Old Testament, New Testament, and church history are especially good. I found the parts dealing with the satyr in Isaiah and the prince in Daniel especially helpful.
November 2, 2025
Quick read (one day let’s go!) but packed with good content. Leahy’s examples are a tad dated but his exegesis is solid. Easily my top recommendation for basic intro to a reformed view of spiritual warfare.
September 28, 2021
Leahy's demonology is decent, if somewhat lacking. The good is that it is thoroughly biblical, and he does not get lost in the weeds of extra-biblical sources or speculations. His insistence that Satan is an enemy already defeated and bound by Christ is a sober answer to much of the spiritual pandemonium that might otherwise ensue.
The less good is that sometimes he reaches a conclusion through less biblical foundation than perhaps is necessary for his conclusion. He does not much explore contrary opinions that are also biblically argued, and thus commits a number of exegetical non-sequiturs. This is particularly seen in his treatment of Satan's role before his defeat at the cross. He also regards the apostolic period as of an identical redemptive historical character as the present age, which becomes problematic as he attempts to sort out the past from present from future tenses.
The less good is that sometimes he reaches a conclusion through less biblical foundation than perhaps is necessary for his conclusion. He does not much explore contrary opinions that are also biblically argued, and thus commits a number of exegetical non-sequiturs. This is particularly seen in his treatment of Satan's role before his defeat at the cross. He also regards the apostolic period as of an identical redemptive historical character as the present age, which becomes problematic as he attempts to sort out the past from present from future tenses.
July 15, 2019
Most discussions on Satan either go too far from Scripture and are sensationalized, or are too sterile and render the spiritual realm as virtually inconsequential. My own Reformed tradition has often erred in this second idea, which is why Leahy's book is so helpful. Writing as a Presbyterian, he takes Satan and the forces of evil very seriously and builds a robust view of spiritual warfare, yet is careful to remain grounded in the Bible.
April 29, 2015
A straightforward and unapologetically biblical examination of demonology (historical and modern). The conclusion that the casting out of demons is better effected by fervent prayer and the preaching of the Word--as opposed to sacerdotal exorcism--is a thoroughly refreshing one.
February 24, 2013
A very helpful book on a relatively unexplored topic.
May 11, 2023
Mostly helpful book put out by Banner of Truth on demonology. With a lot of emphasis today on the "unseen realm" it is helpful to balance those types of views with scripture and theological concepts. This is not to say that the other views are all wrong, but there is a heavy reliance on ancient near eastern beliefs that, while helpful in many ways, can muddy the waters of how we understand revealed knowledge about the spiritual realm. Leahy mostly does this in this shorter, non-comprehensive book.
July 21, 2023
VERY good. Modern Reformed theology tends to ignore Satan and his angels, while Pentecostal types seem to be obsessed with them. This book is much better balanced, and seems to reflect more of the perspective of the Reformers themselves.
December 16, 2024
Helpful but dated
July 5, 2025
The most helpful treatment of biblical demonology I've read to date. It's thoroughly biblical, clear, and succinct. Leahy mostly addresses biblical data—albeit at a high level—with a few practical implications. His amillennial perspective influences his interpretation in a few spots and in a few others I would appreciate a bit more biblical explanation and foundation behind his conclusions, but on the whole this is a great place for someone studying biblical demonology to begin. Would love a resource that addresses biblical demonology at a more granular level and includes more significant pastoral implications, but that's not what this book is meant to do!
December 12, 2021
Great book! Gives a lot of information about demons and Satan. I was hoping to read more about what specifically caused Satan to rebel, the angels to follow him, Satan's personality before and after his fall, the actual powers of the various good and bad angels and Satan, where Satan and the angels and the demons physically live, what Satan and the fallen angels do with their time every day, why the fallen angels cannot just repent and go back to heaven as we humans do when we make a million mistakes and become better people afterwards. None of this was explained in this book. However, there is still a lot of great information in this book, I learned a lot. The book talks about missionary experiences with demon possession, and a LOT of theological ideas about demons from Calvin and Luther and other people.
May 6, 2023
Professor Leahy and Banner of Truth published a helpful primer for understanding what the Bible says about Satan and demonology with a Reformed perspective. Leahy boldly defends Scripture and affirms all opinions, experiences and practiced must conform to Scripture or be rejected.
He challenges both liberal theologians, who reject the supernatural, and conservative theologians who are embarrassed by it.
Leahy strongly supporters the reality of demonic possession of unbelievers, recognizes the reality of spiritual oppression of Christians but offers little pastoral and practical help in dealing with either. Especially lacking is how to care for Christian who “may be influenced by Satan and even become, for the time being, his unwitting tool,”
He challenges both liberal theologians, who reject the supernatural, and conservative theologians who are embarrassed by it.
Leahy strongly supporters the reality of demonic possession of unbelievers, recognizes the reality of spiritual oppression of Christians but offers little pastoral and practical help in dealing with either. Especially lacking is how to care for Christian who “may be influenced by Satan and even become, for the time being, his unwitting tool,”
July 27, 2021
When I consider this book from my own angle, looking to add to my understanding of demonology, it's a bit disappointing. Several things are insufficiently argued, though the conclusions are largely solid and biblical.
When I consider the book as a response to excesses and deficiencies in contemporary demonology, both on the liberal and the charismatic sides, this is an excellent lay-level book. I'd recommend it to anybody coming from a broadly charismatic background where there have been excesses on this subject.
When I consider the book as a response to excesses and deficiencies in contemporary demonology, both on the liberal and the charismatic sides, this is an excellent lay-level book. I'd recommend it to anybody coming from a broadly charismatic background where there have been excesses on this subject.
February 25, 2021
I have read a number of demonologies, including John Nevius and Merrill Unger's works. I find this to be most excellent and in agreement with the testimonies of personal friends who are missionaries and indigenous gospel ministers in Africa, Latin America, South Asia, and the Middle East. I recommend this book highly and am especially in agreement with the author's conclusion that the only effective tactic against the demons that afflict people is the gospel's proclamation. Bravo!
October 24, 2024
This is a great resource on a neglected subject. This is a Banner book so it comes from the Reformed/Presbyterian perspective and deals with the supernatural. Leahy maintains an evenhanded perspective throughout. Critiquing both hyper-spiritualist and those who deny the presence of angels and demons. If you are working through any of the possession passages in the Gospels I would highly recommend!
November 11, 2018
A helpful and relatively straightforward treatment of this subject which is rarely addressed in a substantial or level-headed way. I read this in relation to some questions which arose from studying the book of Job.
July 16, 2024
This book didn't really tell me anything I didn't already know. If you know your Bible then don't expect any surprises. The writer does well to stick to Biblical interpretation and not drift into anything outside of that.
An enjoyable read that was well written and easy to understand.
An enjoyable read that was well written and easy to understand.
November 27, 2024
A sober, concise and Biblical book on how the demonic and occult should be viewed. Careful weighing of supernatural experiences of missionaries and others are made. Analysis of church history and biblical data is thorough. However, a modern reader could see this book as a tad dry (only downside).
September 5, 2017
I don't agree with everything in the book but his conclusions are spot on. If you want a BIBLICAL approach to the subject of demonology it will be hard to find a better one.
August 29, 2018
A very good read. If one or two places had been clear, I would have given it a 5*.
April 17, 2020
A solid, biblical perspective.
July 27, 2021
A solid book on the subject of the devil and demons. It helps give a clear biblical position of being aware and on the watch but not consumed with fear.
September 17, 2022
Thorough.
September 20, 2023
Good, but has some error mixed it. Too bad the writer is still a proud pagan polytheist.
Not a real protestant, but more neo-Catholic.
Not a real protestant, but more neo-Catholic.
December 28, 2023
One of the best theology books I have ever read.
March 12, 2025
Very good Bible based reasoned approach to how we should view the realm of Satan and the fallen angels (ie demons), possession, exorcism, and etc., from a Reformed perspective. Highly recommend.
October 23, 2014
A good book for examining some of the biblical texts on Satan and demonology from a Calvinistic perspective. Leahy tries to focus on developing a biblical theology of demonology and avoid drawing conclusions from extra-biblical data, which is a good thing. But his treatment of the texts could be more thorough, and he almost always goes wrong whenever he discusses lexical issues / word studies. His treatment of the original languages is very unreliable. This may in part be due to the book being dated. The later chapters that are not focused on biblical exegesis can at times be cliche. It is a very worthwhile book to read and probably an essential work for anyone studying this subject, especially because his approach is for the most part very sober.
January 20, 2015
Aside from pop culture's explanation of demonic activity (and the crazy cooks inside the church), Christians have very little help in understanding the spiritual world from a biblical perspective. Frederick S. Leahy is a Westminster guy steeped in the Reformed tradition, and this is to his advantage as he approaches the activity and extent of demons in the world today. This book is worth your time. It is optimistic, realistic, and exemplifies the dominion of Christ in all the world.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews