Power Encounters: Reclaiming Spiritual Warfare

by David A. Powlison

A critique of the deliverance ministries movement, showing positive and negative sides of its fascination with the demonic and sensational accounts, with guidelines for a more biblical approach. This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0801071380
• ISBN13: 9780801071386
• Release Date: January 1995
• Publisher: Baker Books
• Length: 160 Pages
• Weight: 0.50 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 5.5" x 8.5"
• Age Range: 18 years and up
• Grade Range: Postsecondary and higher

Customer Reviews

Clear headed thinking

Powlison may not be the master of prose--but his pellucid argument persuades and compels. Powlison writes to counter the multitudinous and less than biblical "manuals" on spiritual deliverance and exorcism that have flooded the Christian market. While he doesn't discount the possibility of power encounters--he makes the case that the most typical spiritual warfare modeled in the Scriptures is not the expulsion of demons--but plain vanilla confession, repentance and reception of forgiveness. Not very sexy--but dead on and far more helpful than the usual fare.

Recommended

Powlison gives a very strong argument for why modern "demon-deliverance" ministries miss the mark. If you are involved in such ministry, you need to read this book - it will at the very least challenge some of your beliefs and practices (it did for me).

OUTSTANDING

Despite the exotic and interesting topic, this is not an obviously exciting read. Powlison is not a particularly sharp or polished writer. Basically humorless, sometimes ponderous, nevertheless this is a truly exceptional book. Powlison (Ivy League Ph.D., ex-missionary, full-time counsellor) has thought deeply about his subject and he makes an unanswerable case. His critique is compassionate, balanced, and generous. Honestly, this is the most important book I have read all year.

Well-researched & challenging though not abrasive.

Dr. Powlison has written a book which is both timely and practical. While one may disagree with a few of his conclusions (this writer does), these will likely be doctrinal differences. His work is solidly biblical and essentially quite sound and trustworthy. He brings up important and occasionally challeging points, yet does so in a humble way which others should strive to emulate. It should also be readily comprehended by the average reader, so one without the benefit of a bible college or seminary education need not worry.

Probably the best balanced view of spiritual warfare.

Powlison struck a response cord. With so much out there in the religious book market about demons, Satan, angels, etc., this book put it all together. The author's analysis of "power" miracles in the Bible was refreshing and insightful. I've recommended this to several of my colleagues in thelogy.