Disarming the Darkness [Hardcover]

Calvin Miller (Author), Eugene H. Peterson (Foreword)

Book Description

Series: Growing Deeper | Publication Date: January 1, 1998

This book explores spiritual battle as an often misunderstood facet of the Christian life.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

Many Christians either are ignorant of or choose to ignore the role of spiritual combat in the Christian life. The result is needless anxiety, strife, and confusion. Calvin Miller opens our eyes to the reality of spiritual warfare. He shows how we can combat spiritual forces as we learn to rely on Christ more. Disarming the Darkness explores the often-misunderstood place of spiritual combat in the Christian life. It shows how to avoid the pitfalls and fight in a way that is modeled on the Scriptures. Stories from the author's life and from the experience of men and women today offer concrete examples that underscore practical guidance, especially for overcoming the influence of evil in three key areas of temptation: money, sex, and power.

From the Author

Calvin Miller is the author of many books, including The Singer Trilogy, Hunger for Meaning, and The Book of Jesus. He is currently professor of communications and ministry studies at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He and his wife, Barbara, reside in Fort Worth, Texas

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 160 pages
• Publisher: Zondervan Publishing Company (January 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0310201969
• ISBN-13: 978-0310201960
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,765,206 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Calvin Miller has written over 40 books of popular theology and inspiration. A former pastor, he is professor of preaching and pastoral ministry at Beeson Divinity School in Birmingham, Alabama. He and his wife, Joyce, have two grown children.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Don't take it as fiction! Spiritual Warfare is real!, October 11, 2000

By 

Special Reporter (Seattle, Washington) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Disarming the Darkness (Hardcover)

This is one of the few books I've read that, if I were an unbeliever in God through Jesus Christ, would start me thinking in new directions towards believing. The theme remains constant: that it is impossible to not be involved in spiritual warfare, a topic that is the whole of all life. There is no neutral place in which to hide from both good and evil spiritual forces, no place of perfect indifference (a belief of itself is an evil tactic!). It is also one of the few books about spiritual warfare that is strongly anchored in the Bible, not just the author's opinions. While I disagree on a few points (e.g., that demons lead people to buy lottery tickets, but can I prove that they don't?), Miller and Peterson's work is in good alignment with the Scriptures. It is the closest thing I have found to date that wasn't somewhere out in space. It is a perfect start for new believers as well as would-be believers, and is strongly reinforced by the author's pastoral experience. I'm glad to see other writers who are not afraid to mention the sonship of Jesus Christ, rather than just the generic use of the word "God." Some of the topics discussed in this book take some Christian maturity to fully grasp, challenging some parts of different beliefs, but the overall tone is sincere, candid and sober. "Disarming the darkness" is one of the few perfect books that the enemy (the devil) prefers not to be promulgated. The enemy savors thoughts of his non-existence by people on earth, so books like this-like real believers-are the salt in his wounds. This is one enemy, the authors indirectly point out, who is beyond mercy and for whom we should not feel the least bit sorry. Merely acknowledging the enemy's existence is half the battle (to a greater spiritual understanding); the other half is "disarming" his three favorite tactics: misuse of money, sex and power. I'm glad I found this book. I am very critical of "religious" (more importantly: spiritual) books, as I am with myself when it comes to these matters. Miller and Peterson's book offers reassurance that believers are tuned to the same frequency before we get off the sinking ship. I found it surprisingly short, only 160 pages, wishing the book was longer. I hunger for words like this. I look forward to a second edition. "Disarming the Darkness" should be required reading for all Christians, and also for those who are considering conversion in the slightest. Get it, read it!

17 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Balanced presentation that leads to liberty, March 5, 1999

By 

Kevin J. Mccullough "kevinconservative" (Small town in Southern Illinois) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Disarming the Darkness (Hardcover)

This book, like many of Miller's works, blends imagination and 'humanness' with the wonderfully liberating foundation of the Word. There are so many off-the-wall presentations dealing with the influence of evil in our lives, this book is a joy to experience. Without underestimating the power and presence of the Evil One in the world, Miller clearly puts the proper perspective on the Christians stand. For Miller, the operative word here is Christian. If you are not fully given to Christ and open to the protection and leading of the Holy Spirit, you can expect problems and pain. If, on the other hand, we are true vessels for Him ... there is no fear and no risk. Calvin Miller is an expert in practicality and scripture ... a perfect blend.