To read or not to read?

[Berting]

I've been thinking lately if I'll read this book but somehow I'm hesitant.
It seems like(for me)it's not Christian fiction at all.
Would anyone of you recommend this to Christian readers?
Is it helpful for our faith in Christ?

Thanks! God bless everyone! :)

[Wm. Scott]

Personally, I recommend a certain amount of "Demonology" as a part of a Christian's intellectual diet. Of course, as C. S. Lewis said, mankind can have two equal errors on demons. One is to diminish or disbelieve in them entirely, and the other is to have an unhealthy interest in them.

It is because of this balanced view that I highly recommend Lewis's The Screwtape Letters as a primer to Demonology.

Myself, I study deeper levels, such as the Watchers and the Nephilim of Genesis 6. I recommend the writing of Tom Horn (of whom I am currently reading Exo-Vaticana), L. A. Marzulli, and Rob Skiba to learn about these. I would also recommend reading the First Book of Enoch, and reading anything written by Paradox Brown.

On a personal level, I believe we are entering into the era where Christian eschatology will soon be fulfilled, so I think it is prudent that Christians invest a little more time in demonology than they might under normal conditions, as to recognize wherein they are influencing society as a socio-economic structure.

As far as demonology in fiction, I have read Peretti some. Fiction is not a good place to learn demonology. It can load your mind with pre-suppositions about how demons operate. And its all a little too theatrical for me. I prefer Brian Godawa's "Nephilim Chronicles", as it is admittedly "speculative", but in no way is contrary to the Bible. As far as asking whether it is Christian or not, you have to do some research into the author's intent in writing the book. It usually doesn't take long to discover who the author's real master is. If Christ is not enthroned in His rightful place, have none of it.

And, if you are still in doubt, God will surely reveal whether such a literary undertaking is prudent. Just ask Him, in earnest, whether you should read this or not.

Keep in mind, if you are a new, un-developed Christian, that God may say, "No" now, but allow you to read it once He has worked on you a while and built up your spiritual constitution. Demonology is touchy at best. God will typically keeps new converts away from it in favor of more fundamental studies like Soteriology. But when God takes you into Eschatology, expect it to cross into Demonology. At that point, it is difficult to divorce Eschatology from Demonology.

[J.S.]

I am a huge fan of Tosca Lee's work (Demon included), and I would recommend her novels to those who like to think outside the box. However, if one is not comfortable with speculative looks into the lives of Biblical (and demonic) people, then her books probably aren't for them.

If you'd like, you can read my review of Demon and see what you think.

http://jsbaileywrites.blogspot.com/20...

[J.S.]

I believe that Lee's purpose in writing Demon was to show how God gives people a second chance when they mess up by sinning.

[Mark]

I loved this book. It was one of my favorites other than Iscariot. The book will make you think and show you how the world is influenced not only for good but evil too. Just because someone is evil doesn't mean that can't do good.

[Tina]

I loved it.

if you're worried about it being contradictory to Scripture, you're safe. It's accurate..

After all, demons would have been there. :-)


It also doesn't romanticize demons, or Satan at all.

Give it a shot, you can always stop.

Also, engage Tosca on social media or email .. She often is chatty with readers, and answers questions. :-)

[Lori]

Without a doubt I find this book one of the most powerful books that a Christian can read.

My review of it at Radiant Lit (Godly Lit for Savy Chicks!) http://radiantlit.com/2010/11/review-... if you would like to see what I had to say about it. No spoilers I promise! I have purchased this book for friends who are Christians and they have all talked about how incredibly it impacted their faith.

[Jess]

Hi Robert,

I will post my review of Demon here. Don't worry. I was skeptical as well. :)


Tosca Lee has crafted a tale that communicates the fall of Lucifer and the redemption of man in a new and fresh way. I am sure I will not say anything new that has not been said, but this was a fantastic idea fleshed out in a way I could not have imagined. It has deepened my appreciation for God's mercies, and opened my eyes even further to His unimaginable love for the 'clay' man.

I was skeptical at first, reading a story that appears to 'humanize' a demon. I had nothing to fear... Only those who are blinded to the truth have something to fear, and that fear is real.

[Cathy]

Yes, read! I've read Lewis' The Screwtape Letters, and Demon is as good, if not better, in my opinion. As someone else said, it is not contrary to Scripture, and it was an incredible read. I also agree with the poster who suggested it probably isn't recommended for brand-new believers, especially if you hear God nudging you away from it.

[Berting]

Wow, thanks for all your replies! By reading all of it, I believe I have the eagerness to read this book might as well recommend it to my friends and maybe God will reveal something to me during or after reading this book. Thanks again everyone! God bless us all! :)

[Berting]

Jess wrote: "Hi Robert,

I will post my review of Demon here. Don't worry. I was skeptical as well. :)


Tosca Lee has crafted a tale that communicates the fall of Lucifer and the redemption of man in a new an..."

Hi Jess! Yes, I would love to see your review about this book. It's seems obscure and I'm pretty excited to read it now. :) God bless you indeed :)

[Jess]

Robert wrote: "Jess wrote: "Hi Robert,

I will post my review of Demon here. Don't worry. I was skeptical as well. :)


Tosca Lee has crafted a tale that communicates the fall of Lucifer and the redemption of ma..."

Hi Robert,

I posted the text of my review in the comments above. Enjoy if you do give it a read. Demon is not conventional, but it is worth the read.

[Rod]

I'm curious if this story shows how clearly Lucifer and Demons are experts at lies and violence? There is most likely nothing good or confused about them. (They went to WAR against God.) There is no redemption for them and their nature is beyond any of God's compassion.

I just watched the mini-series on TV called Fallen. What a horrible twist on the demon. In order for the story to work they had to remove Jesus. Demons everywhere are cheering i'm sure. :D

It's amazing how confused most Christians are about Demons.

Personally I would love to read Tosca Lee's Demon book. Just to see if it agrees with The Bible or silliness like Bob Larson - or the messy adventure of Frank Peretti.

[Ashley]

Absolutely. In spite of it's somewhat foreboding title, Demon has some of the most beautiful descriptions of creation that I have ever read - on par with C.S. Lewis' description in The Magician's Nephew. And that's only in the first few chapters. ^.^

[Lori]

Rod wrote: "I'm curious if this story shows how clearly Lucifer and Demons are experts at lies and violence? There is most likely nothing good or confused about them. (They went to WAR against God.) There is n..."

Demon had some of the most incredible (sometimes chilling) and insightful views of demons I've ever imagined. Not so much that it's steeped in evil and you see all of the horrid stuff there, but you do see what they think about creation and specifically US as His creation.

I felt it stood apart from Larson's (I'm avoiding the use of descriptive phrases here - my mother was a massive Larson fan when I was a kid. That voice of his shaped a lot of things for me that needed to be 'unshaped' later...) tales and Peretti's adventures. I would stand it alongside the Screwtape Letters more than either of the others.

[Mindy]

Hi Robert.

Demon is a terrific, thought-provoking work of fiction. You need to take it as that- fiction. It's not Bible. It's fiction based on fact- if you consider the Bible fact, which it is. She uses artistic license- we don't know what happened actually at the Fall of man- she paints a vivid picture of what that could have looked like. And she weaves her imagination with Bible Truth throughout the book. In it she presents spiritual warfare exactly as that- "This is war." And in the end, she makes it our decision to follow Christ, or to not. Throughout the story, even the demon talks about God's love for us, the fact that he gives us time after time and chance upon chance to choose Him, how patient He is with us. Does it strengthen my faith in God? I see more clearly, am able to see how God spared me and not the fallen angels. Yes, I can more easily trust a loving God Who loves me that much.