Customer Reviews

The Kingdom of the Occult

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This is the standard pertaining to the information that the Christian must know about the occult. Walter Martin has compiled the information which was edited and published by his daughter, Jill Rische and Kurt Van Gordon. I am so thankful that this book has been published!

I became a Christian in the '80's amidst the 'satanic panic'. The devil is everywhere, so Geraldo Rivera would have us believe. And, the publishing houses had a heyday putting out books about 'babies being concieved in hell' and an individual who used to be a doctor telling a ficticious story (though sold as the truth), not to mention the once famous Christian comedian, who posed as a satanic High Priest. The sad thing is, that the church took what they were saying and believed it.

I came out of satanism and I thought that many Christians were simply making satan and his minions out to be way more powerful than they actually are. This was exactly what satan wanted. Christians believing a lie, or the ficticious work of 'authors' and publishing houses. No one checked out their stories to see if they were telling the truth. Lots of misinformation about satan, demons, the occult and spiritual warfare was the result.

This book clears it all up. Literally. This book reflects the depth that Dr. Martin gave us in his work The Kingdom the Cults, which is a classic on the subject. He tackles the topic(s) and lists resources in order for the reader to offer help for those in the occult. A must read!

This book is exceptional. I am not a big reader but am interested in this area of study and I found this book hard to put down. It is easy to read and the information is thoroughly documented. It clearly explains the many frightening facets of the world of the occult.
As I was reading it I felt like I was in a college course completely engaged by the professor's teachings. It breaks down complicated beliefs in an easy to understand manner. I highly recommend this book to learn more about the occult. It is great source of information and a good book to keep in your personal library.

The Kingdom of the Occult is the kind of book every believer should, if not own, then at least read thoroughly and thoughtfully. With every 'new' idea that bombards contemporary society, it's imperative to know how it compares and conflicts with traditional Christianity. I feel the material contained in this book is even more important for parents today than ever before. Parents with children in today's schools need a clear understanding of what they're exposed to, if not from the teachers' own perspectives, then from what other kids share under the guise of something 'new'. It's too easy for assume those 'new' ideas are just innocent fads that will pass by. Unfortunately, they're not, and kids are especially vulnerable to the lure of the 'new' and different from that for which their parents stand. This book helps the reader identify and crystalize the response needed in the face of the waves of 'new' beliefs that seem to come more rapidly each day.

One warning: this isn't the kind of reading you can do in a weekend. While very readable in style, the material requires thought and consideration. I'm very glad I allowed myself the luxury of a number of months to pore over the information, to check with Scripture, to consider my responses, and, maybe most importantly, to devise a response for the time when one is required of me. But don't think this is just a reference book. It's far more, and I recommend it to any thinking person, believer or not.

"The Kingdom of the Occult" is the work of Jill Martin Rische, eldest daughter of Dr. Walter Martin, and Kurt Van Gorden, a minister and missionary. Dr. Martin, deceased in 1989, nevertheless, plays a major role in this work as noted by his daughter in the introduction.

"Years ago, I remember my father pacing the foyer of our home, leafing through a notebook of references on the occult. It had always been in the back of his mind to write a companion volume to 'The Kingdom of the Cults', but something always prevented him from beginning the new project."

Rische and Van Gorden have taken the skeleton formed by "The Bible Answer Man", edited transcripts from lectures to add some muscle, and then put on their own flesh to produce this body of work. And it is SOME body!

Cover to cover, the book is 733 pages in length. It includes a very solid index, a lengthy bibliography, plus two appendices. Sandwiched in between are 18 chapters loaded with material on almost any occult practice one might encounter. Some of these practices, of course, are the usual ones which come to mind when we talk about the occult: Satanism, Witchcraft, and Astrology. But there is much more here to sample than these standard dishes. One chapter (60 pages in length) deals with Kabbalah (probably my favorite chapter). There's a chapter discussing Psychic Phenomena. And, the authors even have material on the occult practices associated with UFOs!

Basically, each chapter takes a specific occult practice and provides a brief introduction. Then the authors discuss the basics of this practice. If there are variations within this practice, those are also shared. Included in the material are case studies (often conducted by Dr. Martin himself). The chapter comes to a conclusion by presenting a Scriptural response to this religion. Finally, the authors provide some recommended resources to help the reader if they need additional information.

In order to review this work, I read the book from beginning to end. This was quite an effort, in fact, it was pure torture! Several months have passed since I received the book and began my trek through the chapters. If you are looking for a book to sit down and read straight through, this is NOT that book.

But if you want a solid reference work on the various occult practices, this is the one for you. Although I believe Dr. Martin's "The Kingdom of the Cults" is a better work, "The Kingdom of the Occult" deals with many difficult (and strange) religious groups and it does so in extensive detail. If you are involved with individuals or groups caught up in one of the occult movements and want to better understand the movement so you can reach the people involved, this IS the work you need.

As a reference work, I heartily recommend "The Kingdom of the Occult".

The Kingdom of the Occult is comprised of edited portions of Walter Martin's various lectures and writings as well commentary on Martin's work and original material by Rusche and Van Gorden. It offers an overview of the occult, ranging from Paganism to spiritual warfare with a lot in between. Each chapter follows a standard format. They all begin with a list of "quick facts," followed by introductions that serve as summaries of whatever particular practice is the focus of the chapter before moving into case studies from Walter Martin's experience with these various groups and practices. These are followed by a Scriptural responses and then the chapters are closed out with concluding remarks and a recommended resources list. The book is rounded out with two appendices, a 22 page bibliography, and a 19 page subject index.

As a reference book this is a wonderful resource. I wouldn't personally recommend reading it straight through as it can be somewhat tedious at times, but when a question arises concerning a certain occult practice or belief then this, I think, would be one of the first places to turn. The final chapter on evangelism is worth noting as the authors haven't lost sight of the fact that the most important reason to study the occult is to be able to offer help to those trapped in it; to be able to offer hope in something better, Jesus Christ.

Seemingly out of the blue a co-worker struck up a conversation with me about ouija boards and provided links to several stories online. Frankly, those stories give me goose bumps. That's one of the many reasons why I'm grateful for The Kingdom of the Occult.

This is the follow-up volume Martin intended to publish after his now-classic The Kingdom of the Cults, but wasn't able to before his death. So, his daughter and his research assistant used his copious notes along with updated information to complete this excellent resource. They accomplished well Martin's objective to provide quality information for the Christ-follower to use to combat the ideas of the various forms of occult belief. Yet, they are clear not to vilify those who hold these beliefs (the hate-the-sin-yet-love-the-sinner concept).

The vast amount of information in this book was presented cohesively and appealingly, informatively, yet without being dry. Each chapter offers Quick Facts page that help provide succinct overviews (and reminders, too) as well as case studies that add credibility and real-world understanding.

I strongly urge each follower of Christ to keep this worthy book on their shelf for reference. In today's increasingly global society, and given the wide ranges of beliefs that fall under the umbrella of "occult", this educational book will help in our struggle that is not against flesh and blood. (Ephesians 6:12)

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Book Review
The Kingdom of the Occult by Walter Martin, Jill Martin Rische and Kurt Van Gorden published by Thomas Nelson.

When I received this work to review I initially thought it just another book on the Occult. How wrong I was with that initial assumption. I have found the text to be scholarly, readable and most convicting. The authors approach to the Occult is threefold (1) historical analysis of key facts connected with the rise of the occult, (2) theological evaluation of the occult's major teachings, and (3) apologetic contrast from the viewpoint of biblical theology, with an emphasis upon exegesis and doctrine.
Immediately the dimension of darkness is discussed as being one of "spiritual darkness" controlled by Satan and his hosts. This section describes the condition of Satan and his demons giving Biblical proofs that reinforce the reality of Satan but also how an individual is affected by this darkness.
The text enters a history of Satan from historical past through the present and into the future. Most people find Satan hard to wrap their brain around because they have become numb and accepting of Satan's dimensional darkness. This book is structured in such a way that the numbness will give way to old knowledge. The reader leaves this book considering the strategies of Satan and the effect his reality has on people today.
Spurring the reader towards personal self examination of the highest kind when experiencing the occult happens naturally because even though an individual experiences a phenomenon it does not make it valid as a standard for truth according to the authors. They are right and this is where the follower of Jesus must decide to have Scripture as the plumb line of truth or not; and if not then truth is avoided while an individual tickles his own fancy. But the choice to tickle ones fancy can have dire consequences for that person.
Throughout this book Scripture is referenced in abundance supporting the truth that God finds the occult detestable in all its forms. Once a person, for what ever reason, enters the world of the occult it then becomes a matter of Satan seducing them away from Christ. Even in today's church, ideas, according to the authors, are infiltrating the congregation. A few of these ideas are: (1) Personal experience is emphasized over the ultimate authority of Scripture, (2) Key Biblical doctrines are reinterpreted, (3) The modern church becomes the new Israel, (4) Tolerance of all faiths is tolerated at the expense of doctrinal integrity and (5) Spiritual maturity is ignored in favor of emotional experiences. For all Christians these ideas need to be reflected on and perhaps we all need to hold up a mirror to ourselves.
Change must start with a person understanding Scripture and that this is a war, one that Christ has won with His blood while we dilute it with our lack of study, understanding and critical thinking. If we turn off our brains we can succumb to any ideas that anyone throws around.
If you ever had any doubts that Demons were real this book will bring things into focus. The doctrine of Demons is an area folks don't hear much about these days and I have to ask myself why after reading this book. One paragraph goes like this, "The Church must face hardship, work to spread the gospel, and do all the duties of its calling, so we can say, along with the apostle Paul, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith" (2 Tim. 4:27). That must be the testimony of every Christian: the great race, the course, and the faith..."
Defining the Demon. According to Dr. Martin the word demon is derived from the Greek word daimonion, meaning an evil spirit or spirits, comparable in meaning to pneumatic too akathartoo, meaning unclean spirit. Jesus rebuked unclean spirits and equated demons with them. What do demons do? Well a few things would be: They disseminate errors among men, and seek to seduce believers, 1Ti 4:1. As seducing spirits they deceive men into the supposition that through mediums (those who have "familiar spirits," Lev 20:6, Lev 20:27, e.g.) they can converse with deceased human beings. Hence the destructive deception of spiritism, forbidden in Scripture, Lev 19:31; Deu 18:11; Isa 8:19. "Demons" tremble before God, Jam 2:19; they recognized Christ as Lord and as their future Judge, Mat 8:29; Luk 4:41. (e-sword)
From Bible Believers Commentary: Luke 8:28, 29 When he (the demon) saw Jesus, he begged Him to let him alone. Of course, it was the unclean spirit who spoke through the pitiful man. Demon-possession is real. These demons were not mere influences. They were supernatural beings who indwelt the man, controlling his thoughts, speech, and behavior. These particular demons caused the man to be extremely violent--so much so that when he had one of these violent convulsions, he broke the chains that were intended to restrain him and ran off into the wilderness. This is not surprising when we realize that cooped up within this one man were enough demons to destroy about two thousand pigs (see Mar 5:13). Luke 8:30, 31 The man's name was Legion because he was possessed by a legion of demons. These demons recognized Jesus as the Son of the Most High God. They knew too that their doom was inevitable, and that He would bring it to pass. But they sought a reprieve, begging Him that He would not command them to depart at once into the abyss.
This book lays the foundation for offensive strategy against Satan, it is important to all of us in the context of culture to have an understanding of the occult to better sidestep snares and take offensive action. As you read this book reality begins to settle on your mind in terms of being in battle where our resource for victory is Jesus Christ. Kingdom of the Occult is a fine work examining all aspects of the occult within the context of culture. Also this book has a multitude of resources and notes which clarify information.
Terry Grondahl, MA

The Kingdom of the Occult is a much welcome update to the late Walter Martin's long-time bestseller The Kingdom of the Cults. Here is a brief selection of some of the topics covered in this updated edition:

* The Doctrine of Demons
* Kabbalah
* Eastern Mysticism and the New Age
* UFOs
* Satanism
* Godess Worship, Witchcraft, and Wicca
* Demon Possession and Exorcisms
* Christian counseling and the Occult

There is a consistent layout throughout the book, with each chapter expanding on each topic under the following headings:

* Quick Facts
* History
* Case Studies
* Theology
* Resources

I especially liked this layout as it was conducive to finding the information you needed very quickly. Readers will gain a lot of insight and new knowledge from this book. It truly is a must have for every church and home library. My overall rating for this book is 4 stars.

Author information:

The late Dr. Walter Martin authored twelve books and was a recognized as the "father" of the modern Christian Counter-cult Movement. A pioneer in the field of teaching by tape, Dr. Martin recorded more than 5,000 audio tapes on general biblical subjects. Dr. Martin pioneered the development of seminars dealing with cults and the problems of secularism in education. Dr. Martin was the founder and president of the Christian Research Institute and the host of the nationally syndicated radio talk show The Bible Answer Man.

Jill Martin Rische is currently completing her Master's Degree in Humanities/History of Religion at California State University. She is Dr. Walter Martin's eldest daughter and the author of several books. Jill and her husband, Kevin, are the Managing Editors on the 2003 edition of The Kingdom of the Cults (Bethany House) working with Dr. Ravi Zacharias as the General Editor. The Risches are also the founders of Walter Martin Ministries and the producers of the nationwide radio show Essential Christianity, featuring Dr. Walter Martin as "The Original Bible Answer Man".

Kurt Van Gorden has contributed chapters on cults, the occult, and world religions to several books, including Dr. Walter Martin's Kingdom of the Cults (1985 edition) and Josh McDowell and Don Stewart's The Deceivers and The Occult. He wrote Mormonism for the Zondervan series on Cults and World Religions. Kurt Van Gorden is an ordained minister and directs two missions to the cults, Jude 3 Missions and the Utah Gospel Mission. The Utah Gospel Mission began in Salt Lake City, Utah, in 1898 and is the oldest existing mission to the cults.

Disclaimer:
This book was provided for review by Thomas Nelson.

The Kingdom of the Occult is sweeping and a very well written scholarly introduction to and review of paganism and the occult from a Christian perspective. The authors should be commended having outdone themselves with this work.

A careful chronological approach is employed that includes names, dates, definitions, content, with relational dependencies (the latter is much appreciated). You can actually follow the evolution of occultism from ancient paganism right through all of the strains we encounter in the world around us today. One could spend years purchasing and reading a great many books to garner the information this one so eloquently and accessibly puts right at your disposal.

But this is no encyclopedia of the occult to be used strictly as a reference. The authors have carefully integrated Christian apologetics and Biblical theology at each step ensuring that you get the perspective and tools you need to live victoriously over both the deception and limited power of Satan, demons, and the occult.

This is a book every Christian should own and read. Parents get it and protect yourselves and your families. Much of your confusion and misunderstand will dissipate as you read The Kingdom of the Occult. 100 stars.

I got this book some months ago and it took me some time to make my way through it. It contains many references to other works and sources some were links to websites others were books/audio recordings. I found it interesting as i read the book at how much occult practices have made it into our everyday lives. That is if you live in America and have cable/satellite tv. You may be surprised at the knowledge you have of different occult practices even though you don't practice them or realize that you are being influenced by them. As one other post mentions this would be a good book to use if you have friends that want to learn about the different occults and the level of influence they have on our world today.