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Twilight Labyrinth, The: Why Does Spiritual Darkness Linger Where It Does? (Spiritual Mapping)

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I owe a huge debt to Dr. Otis for his research regarding this subject. The author launched his research to determine why spiritual darkness exists where it does. It is clear that territorial spirits are both real and Biblical. But, as believers we need to go a step further and understand why are they there and how can we seek God's guidance in overcoming their harmful effects.

Twilight Labyrinth is not a quick read. The early chapters provide an introduction and make the research relevant. The next third of the chapters discuss historical concepts, spiritual beliefs and psychological realities, pointing toward their cause and effect relationships. Finally, the book offers a summary of why darkness exists where it does based on Brother George's research.

This work requires effort and maturity on the part of the reader, however it offers a conclusion that should be understood by all church leaders. If you are ready for an indepth study into spiritual warfare, This book is for you.

Mr. Otis has spent seven years of investigation traveling to nearly fifty nations of the world to offer to the Body of Christ, the Church, a searing report on the workings of the enemy in the world from ancient times until now. This book will equip serious intercessors with enough information to target their prayers with accuracy, causing damage in the spiritual realm analagous to the damage caused by "smart bombs." He deserves a PhD for all of the intricately documented research he conducted (60 pages of notes!). This book is for those Believers in Jesus Christ serious about their prayers & intercession. He went there so we don't have to, and God bless him for that! Some topics he covers: How the enemy, the Dragon, reveals himself to humanity; How ancient man migrated out from Mt.Ararat to settle the earth, and the pacts he made with the enemy; How the enemy has been able to enslave mankind throughout the ages; and strategies for re-taking territory that has been lost to the enemy over the millenia.

Well worth reading, The Twilight Labyrinth provides a framework and historical overview regarding how corporate sin and trauma, have opened the gates for demons to exercise darkness over entire populations. The ideas presented seem to be based on well researched facts. While well written, non-native English speakers may have to use a dictionary as an aide. Highly recommended to anyone doing spiritual mapping in Asia. The section on shamonism is very helpful.

George Otis Jr. Matches personal accounts and recorded experiences with a tracing of the historical development of the spiritual strongholds that still exist today. From the beginning, Man was intended to have an unbroken relationship with his Creator, but due to the Fall from Grace, he brought generations of suffering to the world. Now, we have deliverance from the spiritual forces of darkness through Our Savior. Scholarship, resources and a plan to defeat the strongholds are all covered in this work! It is a "must-read" for any person that wishes to understand the difficulty that Christians face in the evangelizing of certain nations, including our own. Definitely a book to be discussed!

George Otis Jr asked the question, "Why does spiritual darkness linger where it does?" (subtitle; p. 200) and he came up with the answer -- because there are evil spirits that have influence over the territories of the world. Otis admits that his ideas don't have much support in Scripture (p. 197), but then claims that the very fact that people around the world in non-Christian circles believe in territorial spirits makes them real, "They are real becaue millions of people over the centuries have believed them to be real" (p. 197).
An important principle of biblical interpretation from a Reformation perspective is that the context of Scripture must be considered. A proof that Otis is twisting Scripture to fit his own beliefs and the beliefs of non-Christians around the world (who according to the Bible believe lies) is easily discovered by looking at the context of passages from Ezekiel and Daniel (p. 192 ff) which are commonly used by people in his camp to support the idea of territorial spirits. In Ezekiel 28:2b the Scriptures make clear the identity of the ruler of Tyre: "In the pride of your heart you say, 'I am a god; I sit on the throne of a god in the heart of the seas.' But you are a man and not a god, though you think you are as wise as a god." The Scriptures are clear! Also Daniel writes of "Michael, one of the chief princes" who came to him 21 days late because he was resisted by the "king of Persia." In the greater context of Scripture and in the immediate context in Daniel (Otis only uses one verse for his support, Daniel 10:13, p. 200), the king of Persia had many human characteristics that spirits do not possess. Thus, in context, the king of Persia was a human being.
As one who sat under Otis's teachings and believed the same things that he believes, but who subsequently did master's degree level studies of the Scriptures and theology, I now whole-heartedly disagree with his basic premise and conclusions. Otis believes that human beings are not born with a sinful nature, thus, he has come up with these new teachings. Otis's concentrated attention on demons and their activities, and that admittedly from a non-Christian perspective, is very troubling and not in the norm for Christian studies which should be concentrated on the Lord Jesus Christ and spreading the true Gospel. His idea that Christians must get control of territorial spirits before the Gospel can have its full effect is contrary to Scripture and experience. Outside of the dangerous false teaching, Otis is a very convincing and good writer.

I have read many books about spiritual warfare and this is the first that I have read that makes me have to take a break and gather my thoughts. It seriously makes you think and opens your eyes to many of the things of the spirit. I'm only on page 114 and I am blown away. Most spiritual warfare books only tell you what spirit does this and how it does that, but this book takes you to the core. Where did this spirit come from and HOW did it get that way? Where is the open door? It is excellent. This book also shows how the enemy works through animals. Wonderful!

George Otis's book is the most fascinating book I have ever read regarding spiritual warfare. It should be required reading for anybody involved in ministry work, including church elders. For me, it answered many questions about why things have happened in my own personal life as well as was a fascinating explanation to some of the studies I have done on Far Eastern religions. George Otis provides extensive footnotes at the end of the book which contain further explanation and anecdotes regarding his subject matter. I kept two bookmarks in this book as I was reading...one in the main area of the book and one at the footnotes so I could easily check out the further explanations and stories as I read along.

I have read this book several times and each time gain new insight into the world of spiritual warfare. It is extremely well written, well organized, and thought-provoking. Even though it isn't absolutely necessary to agree with every bit that's been searched and researched and analyzed, I can't very well say I know more than he does. I recommend this book to others often and always try to keep a spare copy to loan out. It's one of the best -- if not THE best -- on the historical elements of spiritual warfare that I've read in the past dozen or so years.

This book is not a quick read, but is definitely worth the time to dig out the rich morsels. Mr Otis has done so much of the hard work & research & compiled a very informative book that answers so many questions while presenting even more. Very thought provoking. I highly respect that the information is presented in a very factual & balanced way, and he doesn't mince words where the Word of God speaks on these topics. His faith is very evident, but there is room for the individual reader to seek the Lord for themselves & draw their own conclusions as the Lord personally leads them.
"The Twilight Labyrinth" has brought a great deal of confirmation to issues that the Lord was already speaking to me on. Thank you Mr Otis for sharing your lifes work so that other intercessors can also join in the battle to see the kingdom of darkness bend the knee to the Kingdom of Light as scripture tells us that "at the name of Jesus, every knee will bow in heaven and on earth"

IN DEPTH, WELL RESEARCHED YET AN EASY & ENJOYABLE READ. I AM PASSING THIS COPY AROUND AMONG FELLOW INTERCESSORS. GREAT BOOK-A CLASSIC ON WARFARE-EVERY PERSONAL LIBRARY NEEDS THIS!