Book Of The Month For May 2014: I Am Not Afraid

May 10, 2014 Posted in 2014 / Book of the Month / Canadian Lutheran / issuesetc.org / KFUOam.org

Book Of The Month For May 2014: I Am Not Afraid

"I Am Not Afraid: Demon Possession and Spiritual Warfare" by Bennett, Robert H.

2013 / Paperback / 240 Pages

Overview

While Africa and Madagascar seem like strange and faraway places, the world in which we now live has become much smaller than many of us could ever have imagined. Moreover, even our neighbors visit the local fortuneteller, read the horoscope page in the newspaper, and attend séances that seek to reach departed friends, lovers, and family members. Consequently, as we begin a journey into faraway places, we may soon find they are not as far away as we may have expected. — Chapter 3

I Am Not Afraid is Rev. Dr. Robert Bennett’s fascinating first-hand account of the spiritual warfare found within the Lutheran Church of Madagascar. Is spiritual warfare something new to the Church? Bennett reviews what the Bible, Church Fathers, and contemporary Lutheran leaders have to say.

Part One includes recent conversations dealing with spiritual warfare, an introduction into the Malagasy Lutheran Church, and the traditional Malagasy worldview. These are the stories of those who have been rescued from the darkness of sin and brought into the light of the Gospel.

Part Two looks to the Bible and the Church for explanation and historical perspective on the spiritual warfare found in the Malagasy Lutheran Church. Is it something only found in the time of Jesus and the apostles? What has the Church said in the past about such activities? Bennett explores the views of Martin Luther and other Lutheran leaders, and finally provides some helpful contemporary material and resources for dealing with spiritual warfare in today’s context.

Includes a glossary of key terms, transcripts of personal interviews, bibliography, Scripture index, and subject index.

About the Author

Rev. Dr. Robert Bennett is dedicated to studying Malagasy culture and the evangelism methods employed by the Malagasy Lutheran Church. He is Administrative Pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church and School in Reese, Michigan, and Adjunct Professor of Missions at Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Study Guide for I Am Not Afraid: Demon Possession and Spiritual Warfare

What Others Are Saying

"I found this book too fascinating to put down. This timely work will be of interest not just to Lutherans and those who share all its perspectives. It will be of interest to readers interested in the global church, in current views about demonology, and in Reformation views and especially historic Lutheran views about demonology."

—Craig S. Keener, MDiv, PhD, Professor of New Testament, Asbury Theological Seminary

"Dr. Bennett opens up fascinating insights into foreign realms of Madagascar and its flourishing Lutheran Church, reaching across barriers of disbelief, paganism, idolatry - liberating from the clutches of evil. He demonstrates how this merciful deliverance was part of Christ's Gospel and the Church's mission from the start. May this receive all attention it deserves and invite many to study the exciting world of faithful missions in Africa!"

—Bishop Dr. Wilhelm Weber, Lutheran Church in Southern Africa

"Dr. Bennett's book, I Am Not Afraid: Demon Possession and Spiritual Warfare, is a gift to the Church, for in it is presented a view of spiritual warfare and exorcism that is grounded in the Scriptures and connected to the life and work of the Church - a much needed perspective for the modern Christian."

—Rev. Thomas W. Dunseth, Associate Director of Deaf Mission for Asia

For a interview with the author on Reformation Rush Hour click here. The interview is in the last 20 minutes of the program.

You can also find Rev. Dr. Robert Bennett on Facebook and at his blog. His book was also reviewed in the Canadian Lutheran article "The Devil Made Me Do It" by Dr. William Mundt.

Want to know more? Listen to a 5 part extensive radio interview with the author on IssuesEtc.

1. Demon Possession and Spiritual Warfare, Part 1 – Dr. Robert Bennett, 5/12/14

2. Demon Possession and Spiritual Warfare, Part 2 – Dr. Robert Bennett, 5/16/14

3. Demon Possession and Spiritual Warfare, Part 3 – Dr. Robert Bennett, 5/19/14

4. Demon Possession and Spiritual Warfare, Part 4 – Dr. Robert Bennett, 5/21/14

5. Demon Possession and Spiritual Warfare, Part 5 – Dr. Robert Bennett, 5/21/14

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You can order this book online at Concordia Publishing House or by contacting our Church Office.

Book Of The Month For May 2014: I Am Not Afraid