Customer Reviews

Dialogues With the Devil

5 star:		(18)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is one of those books where the author is almost incidental; the protagonists (Michael and Lucifer) have taken over the book completely. I thought when I began the book that this was just another cute idea, but soon found myself lost in the power of the debate within the first few pages. This is an unsettling book. It manages to challenge just about every idea and comes up with some real insights. For instance the genuine love of Lucifer for the Creator! Not at all what one would expect from scriptures! The fatal antagonism springs from Lucifer's near indignation over the imperfections of humankind, which in his distorted perception are an affront to the Creator and his works, and hence must be wiped out. Mercy has no place in Lucifer's Weltanschaung; a jealous pride dominates all other emotions. Yet he is not a figure of evil per se; his motivation is to vindicate himself before the Creator, and to that end he is prepared to lay waste to all. By contrast Michael, despite the classical illustrations of a stern visage with a flaming sword, is painted as a personage of deep empathy, rather than vengeance. Each time I have re-read this book it has left me shaken and humbled, and I have learned new insights each time. When first published this book must have raised a storm. Today, it is still a prize, even though many of its gender and other stereotypes, now outdated, can be annoying at times. Try to read it in the context of its times. Also the Judeo-Christian theological context makes for a restricted readership. For all that however, this has a firm place on my shelf of favorites. Well worth a try.

First published in 1967, it's a moving piece of work. Lucifer is presented in the old Hebrew/Christian tradition ... not totally fallen ... not beyond redemption until he tempts mankind into complete destruction. The book is a series of letters between Michael the Arch Angel, and his brother. They each present humanity's case from their respective points of view ... Lucifer's as God's great mistake, giving us immortal souls ... Michael is our defender. It is well worth the read. And make sure you check out the prologue.

This book is very topical today. The world is in a state of chaos that this book describes all too well. Janet sees through other eyes, as always and keeps your interest until the last word. St. Michael can nearly make you pity poor Luciel, but in the final analysis, it is God's will being done. I have read it many times and will read it many more times. I believe anyone would benefit from reading it. I am thankful that there have been writers like Janet Taylor Caldwell. She has never written a bad book. Now all I am looking for is a hardbound copy. My old paperback is falling apart!

I would like to give this book more of a "4.5 stars" rather than flat 4, only for a little bit of slowness midway through the novel. Really 'Dialogues With The Devil' was supremely intriguing and thought-provoking and can rather knock the reader back at first. The author is well-disguised under the personas of Lucifer and Michael, with both archangels offering up their own ideas of humanity and the reasons for its downfall.
One of the most interesting ideas Caldwell explores is the idea of multiple races in the universe. Even though there is the distinct Christian influence (even though the author says herself he never thought of herself as especially religious) there is a nice bit of science fiction thrown in that takes this novel out of the realm of strict religious fiction. In the realm of Caldwell's Lucifer and Michael, God has created not just one but thousands of 'earths' and placed different types of humans on each one, subjecting all to tests similar in nature to the garden of Eden from the bible. Lucifer is also taken from a more...agreeable...perspective than most religious writing. His fall in this novel resulted from Lucifer's rejection of humans rather than hatred or jealousy of God. So Lucifer still loves God and the other angels; this entire book is a giant conversation between Michael and Lucifer, who refer to each other as brothers.
Overall I found it very interesting and unique, and the ideas presented to be worth thinking over long after the book is finished.

This book gives flavour to one of the greatest stories ever told in human history. The fall from heaven and grace is portrayed not onely as romantic and violent, but political as well. This book details the arguments for therebellion in such clarity and passion that one cannot help but be moved. For anyone who is interested in this story, I would recomend the screwtape letters. There is also an amazing muslim rendition of the story of the fall in a qaurterly magizine called "banned poetry"

What *is* human nature ? The format of this book is reminiscent of the "Screwtape Letters" by CS Lewis, but it's much better. With each letter (chapter) you read your opinions about the nature of Man will sway by the lure of good argument. The result of this is that by the end of the book you've had to think through each of their points and ultimately come to your *own* conclusion about what is inherent in us and what is learned. You do NOT have to be a christian to read this book! I am not and it is one of me very favorite books. Though I have never read anything else by Taylor Caldwell (as I understand it it's all much different), I hold a high degree of respect for the author by the sheer brilliance of this one book.

I read this book when it first came out. Then I read it many times over the years. It is probably one of the most thought provoking books I've run across. Who would ever think that one could find compassion for Lucifer and his great loss of God! I felt so lucky to be a human being with a soul worthy of redemption. Now looking for a new hardcover edition to pass through my family.

This is one of the most thought provoking commentaries on the conflict of heaven and hell and how man fits into the whole picture. You actually begin to side with Lucifer! That is, until you realize his big failing is the biggest fall of all...the pride that comes before the Fall. An astounding book. Written a bit from the Catholic viewpoint, but only in regards to how the Lucifer refers to the Virgin Mary. I cannot say enough good things about this book...I have two copies on my bookshelf, since one is almost continuously in the hands of one of my friends.

This book is possibly one of the most well-thought out books I have ever read. It gives a completely different perspective on the possible personality traits of Michael the archangel and his arch enemy, Lucifer. It will really make you think.

I had just seen The Excorcist when I read this book. And it made me understand why Lucifer hates humans as He does. However; Michael, also an Archangel has some nice things to say about us.
God has a wonderful sense of humor.
You be the Judge.