3 Crucial Questions about Spiritual Warfare (Three Crucial Questions) [Paperback]

Clinton E. Arnold (Author)

Book Description

Series: Three Crucial Questions | Publication Date: August 1, 1997

What is spiritual warfare? Can a Christian be demon-possessed? Are we called to engage territorial spirits? Arnold offers knowledgeable, accessible answers to these provocative questions, which stand at the heart of evangelical discussions of the supernatural. Throughout the book he presents a contemporary understanding of the spirit realm and encourages his readers to gain an accurate and sober-minded understanding of spiritual warfare.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Clinton E. Arnold, professor of New Testament language and literature at Talbot School of Theology, is a noted authority on spiritual warfare. He is the author of Power and Magic: The Concept of Power in Ephesians, Powers of Darkness: Principalities and Powers in Paul's Letters, and The Colossian Syncretism: The Interface between Christianity and Folk Belief at Colossae. His Ph.D. degree is from the University of Aberdeen.

Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Baker Academic; Reprinted edition (August 1, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0801057841
• ISBN-13: 978-0801057847
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.5 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #76,848 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Clinton E. Arnold (PhD, University of Aberdeen) is professor of New Testament language and literature at Talbot School of Theology in LaMirada, California.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best Book evaluating contemporary Spiritual Warfare so far, November 13, 2000

By 

Jonathan Koh (Singapore) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: 3 Crucial Questions about Spiritual Warfare (Three Crucial Questions) (Paperback)

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!

10 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Balanced Theological Address of Crucial Questions, February 23, 2004

By 

Robert D. Ison "Helping You Find New Hope" (Marion, KY) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: 3 Crucial Questions about Spiritual Warfare (Three Crucial Questions) (Paperback)

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.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Spitual Warfare Excellence!, January 12, 2010

By 

Reverend R. G. Johnson (Oxford, UK) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: 3 Crucial Questions about Spiritual Warfare (Three Crucial Questions) (Paperback)

This is, without a doubt, the best book I have ever read supporting the questionable view of many Christian teachers, and that is "Can a Christian be influenced by a demon?"
My own experience in deliverance agrees wholeheartedly that it can, and does. Many who disagree with the thesis on the basis of a spatial consideration--i.e.How may a demon occupy the same space as the Holy Spirit? Clinton Arnold tackles this question in a very balanced and biblical way (in spite of an opposite view on this page!) Are there demons in the Church? Yes there are!
He also provides enlightening evidence of early Christian Church teaching regarding deliverance and spiritual warfare in 1st century churches, especially those entering Christian life for the first time, something the modern church appears to have forgotten about completely. I have been a Christian now for 32 years, and NO ONE has ever asked me if I have any spiritual problems residing in my life.
An excellent book for anyone to read regarding the topic of "Spiritual Warfare"!!
A six star book on the subject matter.