For many Christians, the concept of spiritual warfare involves scenarios that are often enchanting, extravagant, and even parapsychological. Hard-lined skeptics respond by treating it instead as an archaic and outmoded superstition--a farce. While we might think a simple reading of Scripture will settle the matter, this has not been the case since those writing on the subject are (tacitly) influenced by dubious philosophical commitments and presuppositions left unchecked. This groundbreaking book incorporates philosophical reasoning in formulating for the everyday Christian a robust biblical doctrine of spiritual warfare. It is a serious but readable attempt to understand what spiritual warfare is by addressing both the theological and philosophical issues involved. The Conqueror's Tread dares to take a reasoned approach to pressing questions such as:
-Do supernatural beings really exist? If so, what are they and what can they do?
-Are there territorial spirits?
-Is exorcism a part of spiritual warfare?
-Does spiritual warfare involve speaking aloud, prayerwalking, and breaking curses?
-What can evil spirits do to Christians? Can Christians be demon-possessed?
-Why would God allow his people to be in a state of conflict with evil spirits?
-What is Christian holiness and how do we pursue it?
-What role does apologetics have?
and many more!
Shandon L. Guthrie is an adjunct instructor of philosophy at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. He is the author of Gods of this World: A Philosophical Discussion and Defense of Christian Demonology (Pickwick; 2018) and has written and contributed to a number of published academic works on the subjects of angelology and demonology.
“The concept of spiritual warfare is a familiar one to Christians, but how should it best be understood? Through a combination of deft hermeneutics, clinical argumentation, and methodical analysis, Guthrie builds a systematic theory of spiritual warfare that is firmly grounded in both philosophy and Scripture. The Conqueror’s Tread is a lively, engaging, and accessible sequel to Gods of This World.”
—Lloyd Strickland, Manchester Metropolitan University
“The Conqueror’s Tread stands out brilliantly among books concerned with the subject of spiritual warfare specifically, and more generally, that of angels and demons. . . . Guthrie adeptly combines philosophy and theology while also addressing areas of apologetics and evangelism. The payoff is biblically sound and answers to the overarching question ‘What does Jesus’s conquering look like for the everyday believer?’ From the average reader to pastors and teachers, this is a sorely needed book for the church.”
—Jonathan King, International Pastoral Training Director, Family Discipleship Ministries
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