Featuring a new introduction by Neil T. Anderson, this freshly re–covered edition of his bestselling book The Bondage Breaker (more than 1.2 million copies sold) leads readers away from the shadows and shackles in their lives and toward the freedom that comes when they

• realize they have the right to be free
• confront the power of Satan
• fight the temptation to do it their way
• trade deception for grace
• affirm their identity in Christ

Neil Anderson ultimately helps people break negative thought patterns, control irrational feelings, and break out of the bondage of sinful behavior. Those struggling will discover how to embrace the promise of Jesus to win the spiritual battles that confront them.

Christianity postulates that when one becomes a Christian, a whole new being is created....one indwelt by the Holy Spirit. If a house divided against itself cannot stand, why would a believing Christian accept a theory that that new being could then actually be posessed by demons while believing God lives in his heart? Tempted by evil, yes; prone to sin, of course (and still eligible for God's forgiveness when he repents); but indwelt by Satan or his minions? This is the picture that Anderson paints in "The Bondage Breaker", saying his "Freedom sessions" can free Christians from such posession. I'm not a theologian, but as an adult Christian I see no biblical support for this theory.

There are other problematic ideas in Anderson's book, primarily concerning his examples of counseling. Early on he talks about a woman he describes as suffering from schizophrenia. Perhaps this is an accurate diagnosis for this woman, but as a mental health professional with 18 years' experience with the chronically mentally ill, I can tell you that visual hallucinations are quite the exception in someone suffering only from schizophrenia (this particular woman was seeing snakes in her bed); usually that signifies some organic problem, such as substance abuse, a head injury, etc. Furthermore, Anderson talks about one "Freedom" session with her after which she no longer had the hallucinations as if she was "cured" from her schizophrenia. Really? What kind of follow-up did Anderson do? Psychotic disorders go in cycles; people have "breaks" which last a certain amount of time after which remission, which can last for years, occurs. Does he know she didn't have another break later? Did he talk to family members about other symptoms she might be having at home? Did he even see her the following week to be sure the "snakes" had not returned? Anderson does not say.

I would be the last to say that prayer is not important in helping us cope with the tribulations that face us, including emotional illness and the fallout from earlier trauma. I believe spiritual healing can and does occur. I also believe the biblical teachings about spiritual warfare....that there is a source of evil from outside the world that trips us up when it can. Neil Anderson and I are in agreement spiritually about whom to turn to to fight that evil: Jesus Christ. But when Anderson implies that salvation in Christ is not enough to prevent demon posession, and when he boasts that his formulae can "cure" illnesses he shows little understanding of, I shudder as a fellow believer.


A Real Education   November 13, 2002
 47 out of 55 found this review helpful

_The Bondage Breaker_ is a real education in the spiritual realm. Anderson cuts to the very root of many of the problems we see around us. The demonic realm is exposed for what it is. Too often, we couch deep spiritual problems in psychological terminology. Anderson cuts through the psycho-babble and strikes at the roots.

John 10:10 tells us that the thief comes to kill, to steal and destroy. Anderson shows us how to see his nefarious plan for what it is, and to deal with it by the power of Jesus Christ.

I enjoyed very much the love and tenderness for people with which Anderson speaks. It undergirds the entire book. Love is a powerful weapon that we weild against the forces of darkness. Serving God's people seems to be Anderson's motivating force.
At the same time, his no-holds barred, take no prisoners approach to the darkness and bondage leave no room for doubt.

This book is powerful. Every pastor should know these principles.


The Illusion of Freedom   July 30, 2001
 32 out of 72 found this review helpful

If you are a Christian, this is not the route you need to go. Anderson's concept of knowing "who you are in Christ" is appealing to our sinful nature that wants to "deserve" something. Frankly, we need to remember that we deserve only death ("for the wages of sin is death") and that any focus on ourselves will take the focus off of Christ. And let's be realistic. If you are making 65 statements each day for 30 days that all begin with "I", how are you really going to focus on Christ?

I am not saying that all of Anderson's theology in the book is flawed, but that's what makes it dangerous. It is like having a grilled steak, peppered with arsenic. Sure, most of what is there is good tasting steak, but the little bits of arsenic will kill you.

Basically, I think this book is trying to persuade you that you are not at fault and the fault instead lies in an entity called, "sin" (this is easily seen from a real counseling situation he includes the transcript of) or in some "spirit of...." As Christians, we should be looking more to our own responsibility and just fall down on our knees and say simply, "I sinned."

Remember, what is popular is not always (or even usually!) what is right. Freedom belongs to any Christian at the moment of salvation. If not, what in the world were we saved from???

**A quote from Anderson's counseling session on p. 50, "When we act out of character with who we really are, the Holy Spirit immediately brings conviction because of our union with God, and we often take it out on ourselves." If the Holy Spirit is indeed convicting us, then that must mean we have done something wrong so we SHOULD blame ourselves. Who else would there be to blame? Anderson needs to see the difference between putting blame where it belongs (on us!) and condemnation. We ARE to accept the blame. This is how subtly Anderson twists the truth of Scripture. Steer clear of his teachings because even good, supposedly solid Christians have been mislead by this counterfeit "freedom."


Occult Christianity -- "The bondage maker"   June 3, 2005
 28 out of 71 found this review helpful

An unfortunate mixture of Christianity and pagan demonology. Neil Anderson is no doubt a sincere Christian. However, his teachings on this subject are harmful, causing believers to doubt one of the chief blessings of the Gospel.

At the heart of Anderson's doctrine is the idea that demons can transmit thoughts into the minds of Christians. But, unless I missed it, he provides no clear Scriptural support for this astounding theory. The principal examples he cites are people who were apostates -- Judas and Ananias. (Page 64) He gives no Biblical examples of ordinary believers who, after the Resurrection, had thoughts implanted by demons.

Anderson ignores the force of numerous Scripture passages, teaching that Jesus has destroyed the devil's power over believers. (See e.g. Heb. 2:14; Col. 2:15; Matt. 28:18)

Instead, Anderson takes out of context "spiritual warfare" verses such as Eph. 6:12. That was clearly written to believers in Ephesus who were going through human persecution. Paul reminds them that their battle is not with the people persecuting them, but with demonic power influencing the persecutors. (Why else would the Ephesians be confused? Why would they think they were outwardly struggling with people, with "flesh and blood," when they were instead inwardly struggling with demonic thoughts?)

It is one thing to teach that demons can indirectly influence Christians, through pagan society. It is another thing to claim that demons can directly interfere with the thought life of believers.

Anderson's doctrine produces happy nonChristians, and unhappy Christians. Before Christ, people are ignorant of demonic influences. After conversion, though, Anderson teaches believers that their minds can be flooded with demonic thoughts.

Are people to accept Christ, only to be told that demons can attack their minds? This demonic-telepathy doctrine is very disturbing to sensitive and introspective people. It also conveniently takes the focus off the real problem -- our own selfish motives. This doctrine bears bad fruit, and cannot be true.

It is unclear why this unsound doctrine has survived so long, and even thrived in many Christian circles. Perhaps it is due to the short-term benefits pastors see, when congregations have a new-found interest in "spiritual things." Perhaps it is due to the lack of any popular books presenting a contrary view. Whatever the reason, the reader should proceed with a healthy skepticism.


A close look at truth and spiritual warfare.   October 13, 1998
 27 out of 27 found this review helpful

Neil Anderson's "matter of fact" approach is wonderful. I'm so impressed that the focus is on the use of TRUTH rather than POWER to fight the enemy. It is the truth that sets us free, and Anderson does a fantastic job of making sure biblical truth is emphasized rather than experiencial gimmicks.

The spiritual battle we face is a battle for our mind. Bondage Breaker exposes Satan's tactics of using temptation, accusation and deception by equipping us with the truth that identifies those tactics-- rendering them ineffective.

It is most important that Christians understand their identity in Christ; and the power, authority and freedom we have in knowing God's truth. "The Bondage Breaker" exposes subtle lies, and helps clarify what our focus should be.

This book is especially good for those who are struggling with negative or sinful thoughts; addictive behavior; issues of guilt or unforgivness and intense spiritual attacks.

Every Christian should get "The Bondage Breaker"!