4 out of 4 stars
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Satan and Me and OBE by Bob Dowell is the author’s account of two out-of-body experiences he had at different stages of his life. When the author was a child, he suffered an emergency appendectomy and found himself in hell being tormented by Satan. The incident stuck with him for his entire life. Decades later, the author underwent another medical issue, this time as a saved Christian. Miraculously, he once more encountered the devil and had an entire conversation with Satan about his motives, perspective on God, and why Satan thinks he’s winning the war in heaven.
The author’s conversation with the devil takes the form of a dialogue and recounts the events of the Bible from Satan’s perspective. The author acts as both interviewer and narrator. Satan describes his cunning, his victories, and his defeats while the believer offers a more biblically sound account of the devil’s influence on humanity. The conversation essentially fills in the “off the record” moments throughout biblical history, offering more understanding of early humanity’s plight, weaknesses, and sin.
This book supplies answers to questions some believers may have always wondered about. For instance, what did the snake tell Eve in order to convince her to eat the forbidden fruit? Why was Cain’s offering unacceptable to God? What happened in heaven before earth was created? What exactly was Satan’s role throughout Israel’s history? Among others.
This book is split into three acts and an epilogue. The first act covers the Old Testament, the second and third acts cover the New Testament, and the epilogue delves into Revelation. The devil wants to prove through examining biblical record that he is winning the battle against God. Dowell counters the devil with evidence to prove his gains are temporary; Satan’s defeat is already decided. Both parties argue their cases like lawyers, questioning and refuting each other’s reasoning.
This book is certainly interesting and fun to read, but I’m not sure how fellow believers will react to it. The devil’s demeanor is disarming (which made me uncomfortable), and he apparently has a penchant for puns. Satan and the author almost seem like a pair of old rivals having a friendly debate. Also, given that this is the devil, I found myself skeptical of just about everything Satan said, even if it made sense. He is the great deceiver, after all.
The book was professionally edited, and I only noticed two errors. This book could be helpful to new believers because it highlights important biblical events and clearly explains them. I particularly enjoyed the portions that focused on Paul’s evangelism.
I enjoyed reading this book, so I rated it 4 out of 4 stars. The main difficulty with this story is there’s no way to prove anything the devil relates is true. However, the author‘s sincerity in his message to save others through God’s word definitely stands out.
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Satan and Me and OBE
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