A clear, biblically grounded guide to spiritual warfare in modern America.
Drawing from real pastoral encounters, Afraid: Demon Possession and Spiritual Warfare in America examines how spiritual conflict continues to affect homes, families, and communities today. Robert H. Bennett brings these experiences into conversation with Scripture, offering a steady framework shaped by Christ's victory over sin, death, and the devil--rooted in the Lutheran tradition.
Rather than sensationalizing the demonic, this book addresses it with clarity and restraint. Accounts of occult influence, unexplained disturbances, and spiritual oppression are not answered with speculation, but with the church's means of grace--confession and absolution, Baptism, and the Lord's Supper. Here, spiritual warfare is not fueled by fear, but faced in the confidence of Christ's finished work.
Bennett also examines the growing spiritual confusion in American culture--from folk religion to modern forms of animism--showing how these beliefs can leave people vulnerable to deception. With pastoral care and theological precision, he directs readers to the truth that answers every accusation: righteousness in Christ alone.
Readers will learn:
- How to discern spiritual oppression without falling into superstition
- How the Word of Christ, preached and prayed, addresses real fear and anxiety
- How pastors and congregations can respond with calm, faithful care
- How life in Word and Sacrament anchors Christians in spiritual conflict
Written by a parish pastor with firsthand experience, Afraid equips both church leaders and lay readers to face spiritual realities with confidence--trusting the Lord who has already claimed the battle as His own.
The Reverend Doctor Robert H Bennett grew up in Michigan where he served as Pastor to Our Savior Lutheran Church of Benzonia and Trinity Lutheran Church and School of Reese, Michigan. Dr. Bennett holds the degrees of B.A. from Concordia University, Ann Arbor (Human Resource Management), M.Div. (Exegetical Studies), S.T.M (Exegetical Studies) and PhD (Missiology) from Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne Indiana. His PhD research focused on the growth of the Lutheran Church of Madagascar (F.L.M.). Dr. Bennett's research led to the publishing of his first book on titled, I Am Not Afraid: Demon Possession and Spiritual Warfare. Dr. Bennett is the Executive Director of Luther Academy and also serves Concordia Theological Seminary as a International Missions Specialist and visiting professor of missiology.
