The Gottesdienst Crowd TGC 545 – Book Talk: Spiritual Warfare and Deliverance
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Sep 3, 2025 Harold Ristau, a theology professor and author, dives deep into his book on spiritual warfare and deliverance. He discusses the necessity of pastoral training in confronting demonic oppression and the role of suffering in faith. The conversation touches on the delicate balance of spiritual and psychological issues, emphasizing the importance of self-examination. Ristau also highlights the need for compassion and readiness among pastors when guiding their congregations through these challenging topics, along with the significance of recognizing demonic influence in today's culture.
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Episode notes
Pastoral Duty, Not Spectacle
- Deliverance ministry should be treated as a normal pastoral function, not a sensational specialty.
- Success is measured by keeping people connected to Christ and the church, not by dramatic expulsions of demons.
Suffering Shapes Faith
- Lutheran theology frames suffering as a normal, formative Christian reality rather than a failure.
- Suffering can deepen faith and keep people dependent on Christ instead of on spectacular results.
Check Medical Causes First
- Always rule out medical and psychological explanations before concluding demonic activity.
- Ask targeted questions about occult involvement, sexual sin, and drug use as common entry points for demonic influence.
