Summary of Content
The book begins with a clear disagreement with the misconceptions by today’s Christian, of the existence of demons and the influence of the spiritual world. Anderson states that Christians currently perceive demons to be of the past and dormant in this day and age.
This, he further emphasizes by bringing to light psychologists and scientists view of every spiritual influence to be attributed to mental illness. He firmly detests the fore mentioned notion by quoting from the Bible to prove that the spiritual world is indeed still in existence.
The second part of the book has an emphasis on the perception of the world as a two tier system. By this he means that the society currently views the world in two separate domains consisting of the spiritual world where God is confined while the natural world runs under scientific laws.
In this part he stresses the point that any spiritual battle that Christians have to go through is all in the mind. To be won by denying one’s self. Anderson also discusses the absolute importance of Christ’s recognition as a Christian (Anderson, 2000).
To conclude, the last part elucidates the relevance of acknowledging one’s position in Christ. He further sheds light on the fact that redemption from the laws of sin and death are only achieved once one is born again. Moreover, in the last part, Anderson, expressly states the steps to freedom.
Each of the steps is clearly explained with advice on working on the issue. The notion that the battle is fought once is ruled out as Anderson states that the battle is never over as it requires maintenance. To conclude, there is a chapter on how to help others in finding freedom through Christ.
Evaluation of strengths and Weaknesses
It goes without saying that the book has both strengths and weaknesses. One of the major strengths of this book is that as much as Anderson may face some criticism from the Christian community with regards to some topics, the truth is that he supports his arguments with direct quotes form the scriptures.
However, although he quotes from the scriptures, it is still debatable, with regards to the extent of influence by evil spirits on a true Christian.
His approach to healing is from a very well thought out perspective. As a matter of fact, he explains how systems such as the family influence dysfunctional behavior and how this can in turn influence physical behavior.
Moreover, the book is filled with a biblical understanding of most of the experiences that Christians go through in everyday life. There is an array of examples and personal experiences that are clearly outlined in the text to further relay the message. In short, it is quite practical as one can easily relate to the content in print.
However, despite majority of the strengths of the book there is also a weakness in that Anderson focuses more on spiritual evil as the cause of sin. Although he does not clearly point this out, the text generally implies that demons have a greater role to play regarding the decisions we make hence have somewhat greater control over the believer’s decisions.
The truth is that the scriptures do acknowledge that there is temptation that can be attributed to evil spirits therefore it is upon Christians to resist temptation. Consequently, the act of falling into temptation is a decision of the flesh (Still, 2010).
Personal Reflection and Application
Upon reading this book, I have come to accept the reality of the existence of the spiritual world which is parallel to ours. As a Christian, I have found new knowledge about the influence that the spiritual world has in our everyday existence. This has forced me reflect on how I can enhance my faith and get to know the word better by reading the scriptures more often and by extension help other members in my society.
I have decided to keenly follow the steps to freedom as outlined in the book so as to enjoy absolute freedom form the evils of sin of death. Yet, I do this bearing in mind that I have to maintain the mental battle by walking in truth, confession as well as repentance.
The truth is that the new knowledge I have gained will be essential in my motive to spread out the message to others so as to enlighten them on ways of dealing with the spiritual world. Moreover, the book has made clear the misconceptions that the current society has towards the spiritual world.
Overall, the book has changed my general attitude towards life in terms of how much I believe in myself. I now believe that through Christ I am important as the feelings of self-depreciation and worthlessness have been suppressed.
Not to mention, I now understand and acknowledge the ability of evil forces to pose a threat and I do not underestimate their capabilities hence the decision to take up the challenge of a daily victory in Christ through resistance of the devil’s persistent accusations. The battle to victory is all in the mind and through Christ and it has been a useful tool for my personal and spiritual growth.
References
Anderson, N. T. (2000). The bondage breaker study. Eugene, Ore.: Harvest House Pub..
Still, W. (2010). Towards spiritual maturity: overcoming evil in the Christian life (Rev. ed.). Fearn: Christian Focus.