Customer Reviews

Occult ABC: Exposing Occult Practices and Ideologies

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(1)
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2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

The late Kurt Koch was a German Lutheran minister who held a Doctrate in Divinity. This book has a "dictionary" type format. The cases in the book come from Dr. Koch's own files. I find Dr. Koch's books a relief over spurious books on the occult such as the "Satan Seller". This book is similar to some of Koch's other books such as "Between Christ and Satan" and "The Devil's Alphabet". This book is larger than the previous 2 mentioned, goes into more subjects, and has a larger section on deliverence from occult bondage. Mr. Koch writes from his own expierneces, not just merely writing what fundamentalist might want to hear. The of the subjects include "The 6th and 7th Books of Moses", "Rosicrucians" "levitation" "Satan Worship" and things you would expect. It also includes some subjects that are out of place like "Rock Music" and Homosexuality" (although I was surprised by Koch's view that gays are born that way). Koch's views come from his expirences as a counselor...he doesn't always go with what fundamentalists my view subjects. This makes the book refreshing.

This is an excellent book to give a foundantion of understanding in many areas of the occult. There are some areas that I disagree with Mr. Koch, but on the whole I feel he is on target in his assessments on the subjects at hand. Warning: this book does not give in depth analysis of any area of the occult, 1-2 pages is the normal.

The reviewer who stated that this book is a hard read is in error. I am a college graduate, but certainly I am not so smart that I cannot appreciate a less than academic treatment of a subject matter. Koch admits from the outset that he intentionally wrote this book in a non-scientific fashion so as to make it readable for academic and non-academic types. That said, the book is an excellent primer for those who are new to cults and the occult. Unless you are a practicing occultist yourself, there will be something in this book that you didn't know. I found Koch's coverage of occult bondage among Christians, especially among pastors and ministers, to be especially revealing. It certainly explains many things that I have witnessed over the years. That I have never heard the subject of the Satanic and occult danger to Christianity preached from any pulpit in the world speaks volumes in and of itself. All Christians should have this book in their library.

A reference source for years, reminds one of the many snares Satan has set for us. How often we are casually asked the question, "what sign are you?" Even by fellow Christians ignorant of the dangers of Astrology. And with the recent rise in popularity of Yoga, even at many local health clubs, this book is right on target in its warnings. How many seemingly harmless practices believers fall into, not knowing the consequences can be harsh. Well needed in this age of growing deceptions

The write up of the book is detailed and promises a wealth of information regarding the title. A quick read of the introduction and a little research on the author leads one to believe this will be the be all and end all of reading material required on the topic. The content of the book turns out to be a simple collection of stories which only give a basic and unsophisticated review of what the topic could possibly be about. This leaves one with the option of giving up or doing extensive research on the topic to full in the vast blanks left by the book. This is the same review I have left for another book by the same author and this is purely because the book is written in the exact same way. I have images of a little old man reminiscing about his past with a quill in his hand and an old scroll laid out next to his inkwell. I would have honestly have preffered something a little more factual and to the point.

I haven't read much on the occult, but as a Christian I was naturally interested in learning about the enemy. I would recommend this book to anyone sincerely interested in learning more about how the devil works in our world. Kurt Koch approaches this very powerful and dangerous issue with a very thorough understanding and amazing first hand experience through counselling many thousands of people through occult-related oppression. Dr Koch rightly shows the enormous influence Satan has and the many ways demonic power can influence the lives of people. It is incredible how much we in western culture underestimate just how pervasive the occult really is. Dr Koch makes it clear that God has ultimate authority over all works of darkness, yet even born-again Christians should not underestimate the power of Satan. "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." (Ephesians 6:12)

Some may not like this book, because the Author has worked long and hard to help many people escape the snares of Occult bondage. Those especially currently involved in the Occult, and Liberal Christians will absolutely not like this book and will severely criticize it. I have seen this over, and over, and over again.

Never the less, any Bible believing Christian who wants a thorough grounding / understanding in the Occult and deliverance would do very,very well to read / study this book. It gives a brief overview of many different forms of occultism, as well as, many of the Author's case histories from his many years of counseling experience. I have seen many similar trends of sorrow and devastation in the lives of family and friends who've involved themselves in many of the Occult practices mentioned in this book. This book has been a foundational work in my education on occultism, and deliverance. I cannot recommend it enough.

One should remember that the Author's use of the English language is of a secondary nature. Therefore, there may be some minor errors in spelling, etc (which the publishers should have corrected). That being said, READ IT, READ IT, and continue to READ and STUDY IT, being certain to seek the Holy Spirit's input, and continual guidance on how best to utilize what you have read. Also,don't neglect daily Bible study, and prayer so that the enemy of your soul won't get a foothold. You want to be well grounded Spiritually, and have good prayer support before you embark into the field of deliverance. Don't engage it lightly, by any means.

Peace and Blessings to God's People, those who hold to the testimony of Jesus.

Rev. Dr. Kurt Koch was trying to balance variety, helpful advice and book size. He did a good job. A book with more variety, more scripture and advice would be twice as big and be priced out of the market.

When I handed it out at church, some people looked at the size of it and turned it down on that basis. Those that read it, though, were fascinated and awed.

I know many will try and discount this man or try and say that it is not helpful, but you also must rememebr that the BIble is only one key in knowing cults. The Word of God, the Holy Bible also says you must be able to discern the spirits of this evil world and age and beyond. I am witness to many people that have been abused by satanism, cults and all of this has come from the beginning of time where the enemy, the dragon, who is Lucifer, satan, deceived out of hatred towards the Holy God, who is Christ, the redeemer of all. By the way if you are still someone who cannot accept Jesus as God, remember when CHrist spoke these words: I AND THE FATHER ARE ONE. IF YOU HAVE SEEN ME, YOU HAVE SEEN THE FATHER. HE WAS BORN OF THE HOLY SPIRIT OF GOD, SO HE AND GOD ARE ONE. PERIOD. AND THAT PROVES IT. HE CAME AS A MAN TO SHOW US THE WAY. HOW COULD HE NOT? TRUTH PEOPLE. Anyways, I also have had understanding of the satanistic illuminati where all of this stems from with satan as their god, masonry included. People, isn't it about time people grew up and realized what is REALLY going on in our so called governments of the world, many churches and the united nations? WAKE UP TIME:)

Unless you are totally ignorant of the various areas of the occult, this book will be of no real help to you. There is no Scriptural treatment of the subjects with little logical or critical assessments given of the areas either. The best the book has to offer is a lengthy list of anecdotal stories provided, ostensibly, as proof and/or examples - stories which, of course, cannot be checked out for accuracy or truthfulness. I was hoping the book could be used as a reference. I was wrong.