Deliver Us from Evil.

Rating:
Summary: interesting story and survey
Review: Basham presents basic deliverance ministry principles through an auto-biographical discovery method. The early story of the author's movement into this ministry is drawn out, though the story line becomes less chronological as the book progresses. The later chapters are more topical, grabbing quick illustrations for support. **Those who read with a desire to practice these matters should heed previous warnings to be extremely careful.** Numerous examples attesting the principles of deliverance ministry are tastefully and unsensationally presented (as practiced by biblical scripture), though the book deals with a volatile, controversial, curiosity-arresting, and often-sensationalized topic. The principles of deliverance ministry are based upon the Lordship of Jesus Christ and the derived authority of biblical scripture. These principles appear to be sound, based upon the test that the author's purpose is to deliver people FROM lifestyles controlled by the evil realm and INTO lifestyles practicing biblically sound Christian discipleship under the control of the God's Spirit. That is to say: the author is not trying to lead people into any type of spiritual dependence other than dependence upon God through Jesus Christ. Many questions attending the author's story line go unanswered such as the place of deliverance in the doctrine of salvation, in the task of evangelism, and in worship. Also needful is a discussion of this ministry's special connection to and dangers for the charismatic practice of Christianity--especially since the author's initiation into this ministry came in his pursuit of charismatic living. Furthermore, nothing is stated regarding the spiritual and physical dangers to the practitioners of this type of ministry--surely warnings should abound throughout a thoughtful work on this topic. Finally, where does a reader learn more about trends in deliverance ministry over the years? One wonders if the book was meant to tell of the story of the process into deliverance ministry (approximately the first two-thirds of the book) after which the recognition for some symblance of safeguards called for the lists of principles scattered throughout, the topical intermediate matters in the chapters of the last third of the book, and the appendix notes. Of critical concern is that the book was written 8 years after the author's introduction to the world of deliverance ministry. The book has been rereleased 15 times, therefore updating, expansion, and reverification of the principles taught therein is reasonably expected, especially since the author's discoveries in the matter came through a grueling, drawn-out process. Did that process stop within 8 years? The reader's desire for more is answered with an appendix of notes from the author's "notebook." No references are provided to other standard works or to credible deliverance ministries.

Rating:
Summary: Many Good Aspects...
Review: I would agree with one of your reviewers that described the initial stages of the book "drawn out". In many ways Don Basham does generalize the processes and leaves the reader with a less than complete understanding of the practices of deliverance (Of course, if your head is in the sand you could claim sensationalism). Having some understanding into the apects of deliverance, this book was a reminder and/or a review of the lead-in and some of the struggles associated with a lack of knowledge around such dealings. It is, however, interesting that a book written back when deliverance was re-imerging in the churches of North America (1960's)remains relevant and consistent with todays patterns. I would not recommend that someone use this book as a begginners manual. Many books have been written by several credible men and women of God. My recommendation is that you research and read many of them and make yourself aware of the dangers of battling a very wise foe. Yes we do have the authority, He has already won the victory, but we must also be as wise as serpents and fully understand that unless we are under His total authority we are in grave danger.

Rating:
Summary: Snake oil peddaling at it's best.
Review: I'm surprised that this work is still in print. Basham capitalized on "The Exorcist" fame back in the 70's and apparently he's still milking it. He takes a few extreme psychiatric cases and puts his "demon possessed" spin on them and cleverly weaves stories out of them to convince the impressionable and gullible that demonic possession is real. Don't waste your time or money on this one.

Rating:
Summary: good , but be careful
Review: In this we are presented with several anomiles that escape good explanation except to the mystical realm that lies barely beyond thought, emotion, and even imagination. Mr. Basham's retelling lacks the convincing power of an actual convert from evangelicalsm to the liberal side of christianity. The only clear evidence we have from the records presented here was that his old CONGREGATION was not liberal. His old church being experienced in the christian healing arts however tend to back the real Basham as always a liberal, as well as his telling of his background in the spiritualist movement. My own opinion is that as many who have gotten into Spiritualism, including my own mother got scared of something they saw or felt in it all so much so they feel they need the extra need of a good offense -- hence the dramatics of the charismatic flavour. This might explain at least his extreme witch hunt with demons and also his strict adherance to a book(the Bible) rather than the person of Jesus Christ. Interesting to note that , and this might be my own freudian background creeping in here, but that i found some of his descriptions somewhat sexually charged; women are explained in admiring detail in somewhat questionable locales that would make it easy to cross that line. Given this plus his duplicity in regards to being an evangelical when in all obvious reasonings he never seems to actually have been in my own opinion would be to be careful of attempting to mimic such events. Why just be careful? why not shun the whole lot? One reviewer who is suppossedly one of Amazon.com's top 500 reviewers sais that this guys was milking the whole "Exorcist" movie movement and simply can't believe the guy STILL is. The reason I would still reccomend this book is because too many people these days are apt to worship medical science or give to easy credit to hippie magic brought to us through what is attempted to be entirely rational in herbal and holistic healing. This book introduces us to another possibility and even though I don't believe in that there are all those demons by the names mentioned I still believe in demonic forces and also the certain strangle-holds that even self-inflicted negative forces take ahold of people in. The very real forces of another realm but also part with the psychological can I believe be cast out by a mere word and the authority of the Name of Jesus Christ. I don't think He cares much whether we get the names right nor if we consider them psychological or physical as along as we consider these things that bind as very REAL and we use the power we have in His Name to set ourselves and others free. For it was freedom He was born, and Freedom he died and rose again. So to this effect I think such consideration of such forces to be as helpful and possibly even more than psychology and that this book is not that bad of a somewhat realistic and rational begginning for such things even if it be fictional to a degree and used for dramatics. If you have ever taught children or visited the better schools of thought in child psychology you will find that dramatics is a very good way to teach, but be careful.

Rating:
Summary: Simple, but the best book on deliverance
Review: This is to me the best book that I have read on deliverance, and I have read quite a few.It explains things simply and understandably with scriptures to back up his examples and conclusions. I thought I understood deliverance fairly well, but I gained a lot from this very interesting book. Perhaps it is just me, but I feel a lot more confidence in my authority, that God has given me, over demons since I finished reading this book.

Rating:
Summary: Finally, a north american (not an argentine) with power!
Review: You walk with Don Basham in his own exploration of spiritual realities and God's unfolding plan for the ministry of deliverance. It's an amazing journey as God gently guides him in this long neglected area of ministry. He gives us an honest look at his trials, successes and failures. A quick read -- it's a compelling story and hard to put down.