Powers of Evil: A Biblical Study of Satan and Demons

Rating:
Summary: Theological research how it should be.....
Review: no no no. for one thing this book doesnt even deserve ONE star. for another, although i have nothing against Christians, i'm a Demonic Hunter(and witch), i track and consort demons often in other words. the author of this book doesnt seem to know a lot about Demons. i found it a rather pathetic attempt to make you feel safer and happier with God. ...and i never will be but this book was just ridiculous.

Rating:
Summary: ack. what IS this?!
Review: no no no. for one thing this book doesnt even deserve ONE star. for another, although i have nothing against Christians, i'm a Demonic Hunter(and witch), i track and consort demons often in other words. the author of this book doesnt seem to know a lot about Demons. i found it a rather pathetic attempt to make you feel safer and happier with God. ...and i never will be but this book was just ridiculous.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent Writing on Satan and Other Evil Spirits
Review: Page's "Powers of Evil" is an excellent study on Satan, fallen angels, demons, and evil spirits from a Christian perspective. The book is such a fine approach to the topic that a motivated person reads straight through the whole book. It seems the author's motivation for writing this book derives from today's confusion about Satan and evil spirits. People "are confronted by a bewildering array of conflicting ideas and claims" about these supernatural beings. The author is convinced that "the [Christian] Bible's authority is primary" for understanding the nature and actions of Satan and his angels. Moreover, it is wise to read the Holy Scripture for getting a true picture of these celestial beings and being able to distinguish between a meaningful statement and nonsense about Satan and evil spirits. He writes: "One cannot expect to be able to assess contemporary phenomena with discernment without having a solid grasp of what the Bible actually teaches". Dr. Page uses the Christian Bible very carefully as the main authority for his research and conclusion. Furthermore, he takes into consideration many commentaries and other writings about the topic. Page's book is very well developed and outlined. First, he writes about Satan, fallen angels, demons, and evil spirits in the Old Testament. Afterwards, he is focused on Satan and Jesus in conflict as well as Jesus' mastery of the demons (New Testament). Finally, Dr. Page writes about the apostolic teaching concerning Satan and the powers of evil (New Testament). Page's discussion of every explicit reference to Satan and other evil spirits in the Christian Bible and the brief excursus on exorcism in the modern world are very insightful and supportive. Analyzing such a difficult topic and referring to modern forms of appearances through God's Word, extensive research and a clear mind make this book an excellent academic and valuable writing. Page's book can certainly assist people to understand the "world" of Satan and evil spirits as well as the mastery of all these evil spirits through Christ Jesus.

Rating:
Summary: Superstition is not dead: POWERS OF EVIL proves it
Review: Sydney H. T. Page, professor of New Testament and academic dean at Edmonton Baptist Seminary, suggests that demons actually exist and are the cause of evil in the world. On page 269, he states, "The reality of the devil and his underlings is supported by the authority of Scripture and of Christ himself. Those who regard the Bible as divine revelation and who believe that Jesus was infallible cannot simply disregard what they both teach with regards to evil spirits....The belief that the devil ultimately stands behind evil provides a powerful incentive for combating it....The Christian who takes the demonological teaching of the Bible seriously can confront temptation with confidence." Professor Page would have better served his readers if he had recognized the wisdom of the ironic statement he offers on page 270: "There is the danger of accepting beliefs and practices that are superstitious."
I purchased this book in the hopes of getting a scholarly commentary on demonology in the NT. My hopes were in vain. I got a book filled with a superstitious man's views on demons and the devil.

Rating:
Summary: Superstition is not dead: POWERS OF EVIL proves it
Review: Sydney H. T. Page, professor of New Testament and academic dean at Edmonton Baptist Seminary, suggests that demons actually exist and are the cause of evil in the world. On page 269, he states, "The reality of the devil and his underlings is supported by the authority of Scripture and of Christ himself. Those who regard the Bible as divine revelation and who believe that Jesus was infallible cannot simply disregard what they both teach with regards to evil spirits....The belief that the devil ultimately stands behind evil provides a powerful incentive for combating it....The Christian who takes the demonological teaching of the Bible seriously can confront temptation with confidence." Professor Page would have better served his readers if he had recognized the wisdom of the ironic statement he offers on page 270: "There is the danger of accepting beliefs and practices that are superstitious."
I purchased this book in the hopes of getting a scholarly commentary on demonology in the NT. My hopes were in vain. I got a book filled with a superstitious man's views on demons and the devil.

Rating:
Summary: Theological research how it should be.....
Review: This was a very interesting and informative read. The author had clearly done his homework. Instead of propping up his personal and/or denominational agenda, he gave equal play to various interpretations. At the same time, he would explain why a particular interpretation was strained or altogether wrong.

I have yet to find a better Biblical exploration of the subject of demonology. Far to often such books are full of paranoia, speculation, and extra-biblical quotations. This was a well-grounded and scholarly approach to one of the tougher subjects in Christian theology. Favorable consideration should be given "Powers of Evil."