Powers of Darkness: Principalities Powers in Paul's Letters

Title

Powers of Darkness: Principalities Powers in Paul's Letters

Files

School/Department

Talbot School of Theology

Description

Satan worship. Witches. New Age channelers. The last two decades have witnessed a vast upsurge in occult activity. Scores of popular books have warned Christians of the dangers and urged them to do battle against these spiritual forces. Few books, however, have developed a careful biblical theology on demons, principalities and powers. Clinton Arnold seeks to fill this gap, providing an in-depth look at Paul's letters and what they teach on the subject. For perspective, he examines first-century Greek, Roman and Jewish beliefs as well as Jesus' teaching about magic, sorcery and divination. Arguing against many recent interpretations that have seen principalities and powers as impersonal social, economic and political structures, Arnold contends that the New Testament view is that such forces are organized, personal beings which Jesus defeated at the cross and will bring into full subjection at his return. In his concluding section Arnold suggests practical ways in which Christians today can contend with the forces of evil. A thoughtful, biblical look at an urgent challenge facing the church.

Keywords

Occultism -- History; Powers (Christian theology) -- History of doctrines -- Early church, ca. 30-600

ISBN

978-0830813360

Publication Date

2-3-1992

Document Type

Book

Publisher

InterVarsity Press

City

Downers Grove

Disciplines

Biblical Studies

Powers of Darkness: Principalities Powers in Paul's Letters


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