He criticizes the lack of biblical basis for SLSW and censures it's excesses. Likewise he deplores the tendency to concentrate on "the Devil" to the exclusion of "the flesh" and "the world" and the obsession with many in the movement with Satanic Ritual Abuse (SRA) and an secret, underground satanic network. The problem is that he keeps his criticisms general and the fact is that many of the movement's pioneers like Charles Kraft fell hook, link and sinker for the SRA craze and still maintain it exists. He deals with disgraced Mike Warnke, but doesn't mention other flim flam men like Bob Larson.

On the issue of "generational curses" he punts. On the one hand, stating that their is "no direct biblical support" for their existence and robbing them of "3rd and 4th generation" text which is their main proof-text, while on the other, holding out the possibility (a very slight one at that) that there may be "indirect biblical support."

[The "indirect support" is practically non-existent. One of the demoniacs, jesus excorcises is mentioned to be demonized "from childhood." From this Arnold, reasons that the boy couldn't have been responsible, hence it might have been something a relative did. That putting it mildly, is stretching things. Secondly, "from childhood" is not the same as "from birth" or "from infancy." The other instance are the Kings of Judah "committing the sins of their fathers" as possibly lending support. This fails to account for righteous kings like Hezekiah and Josiah being the sons of wicked kings--still less does it explain who Manasseh the most wicked king of all would have the longest reign.]

The fact is that "generational curses" at least as understood by the "power evangelism/spiritual warfare" types is utterly new. Nothing in the Bible. Nothing in the Early Church even remotely hints at anything like it. The problem was when some missionaries like Charle Kraft and Ed Murphy went over to africa and found the belief in generational curses as well as malevolent entities generally. Kraft & Co. rather uncritically took this belief and mixed it with all sorts of western psychobabble.

Add to that the unfortunate tendency of Wagner and others to interrogate entities and think they can put any credence in what they say. The history of "deliverance" is full of demons claiming to be the spirits of the dead. That is no reason to believe them! My guess is that entities know that they won't be believed if they claim to be spirits of the dead so they claim to be "familial spirits"

The devasting consequences of this teaching is such that you have people running around worrying over what their grandparent or great grandparent might have done. Every illness, every setback is the product of demonic attack. (In many ways this is the flip side of the "name it and claim it" teaching. If the Lord don't buy you that Mercedes-Benz, then it must be satan mucking up the business)

With all this going around, Arnold only gives it one paragraph. He's too honest to say there direct biblical support but too embarassed to say that it's a crock. (After all "virtually all" practitioners in deliverance ministry "assert the reality of familial spirits.")

While recovering the NT teaching on evil spirits and the need for deliverance, the Spiritual Warfare movement has a lot of kooky ideas and what's need is for someone like Arnold to grasp the nettle firmly and start namimg names!


Best Book evaluating contemporary Spiritual Warfare so far   November 14, 2000
 10 out of 12 found this review helpful

This is the best book I've read on Spiritual Warfare so far! Scholarly, yet written in an understandable and readable fashion. Arnold shows keen awareness on what's been happening in contemporary spiritual warfare teachings.

The 3 questions he answers are, 1. What is Spiritual Warfare? 2. Can a Christian be Demon-Possesed? 3. Are We Called to Engage Territorial Spirits?

The issues he deals with are many. In this book, he manages to be very gentle and loving to both sides of the issue (charismatics and non/anti-charismatics ought to read this book because both can learn from what he has to say) and for that matter, very balanced.

If you're concerned about so called "territorial spirits" Arnold deals with it in a balanced fashion in question 3. If you're concerned about demons and their role in spiritual warfare and whether they can affect or inhabit a Christian, Arnold will provide biblical answers in question 2. And if you just want to know what in the world is spiritual warfare, and how ithe world, flesh and the devil relate to one another and the Christian, then read his answer to the first question.

Overall an excellent book that will bring much balance to the contemporary world of Spiritual warfare - drawing biblical insights from both the more classical and traditional mode of spiritual warfare teachings, as well as the more contemporary/chrismatic ideas on spiritual warfare. Since as Arnold says that, "Spiritual warfare is an integral part of the entire Christian experience", let us therefore seek to have a biblical and balanced view of Spiritual Wwarfare by reading this book! :) God bless!


BEST book about spiritual warfare, sound biblical viewpoint   October 9, 1997
 6 out of 9 found this review helpful

Clinton E. Arnold with his extensive knowledge of early Christianity and expert in biblical study of spiritual warfare has written the most biblical and soundest theology about this topic. He answers the 3 questions: What ist spiritual warfare, Can a Christian be demon-possessed, Are we called to engage territorial spirits. He also reflects on Peter Wagner book "Confronting the Powers". Excellent to read also for laypeople.


Arnold caputures the key questions and answers them   March 26, 1999
 5 out of 7 found this review helpful

Clinton Arnold has captured the essence of the issues surrounding spiritual warfare. He iw well versed in the issues relating to the topic and is well able to balance the variety of thoughts. He is taking an assertive yet measured approach to spiritual warfare and this book serves as a good primer on the topic.


Balanced Theological Address of Crucial Questions   February 23, 2004
 5 out of 6 found this review helpful

Dr. Arnold has developed an amazing written work on three important aspects of Spiritual Warfare. He addresses the issues of defining spiritual warfare, can a Christian be demon-possessed, and should we engage in warfare with territorial spirits. In this book, Dr. Arnold doesn't just explain his own personal opinion. He develops the theology behind the practices of others, provides Scripture references, and then concludes with what his study suggests is the truth regarding this issue.

Dr. Arnold gives good presentation for the view points that are not in harmony with his own personal convictions and he presents the material so that the reader can independantly develop their own interpretation. I appreciate his exhaustive study on these issues and this book explained so many things regarding spiritual warfare.

The information Arnold presents should be explained to and understood by every believer. Understanding the material presented does not require a background in SW but will require that the reader have a hunger to learn about these issues. That said, this book would be great reading for experienced Christians as well as new Christians.