Originally written as a master's thesis in 1972, A Manual of Demonology and the Occult was published by Zondervan Publishing House in 1973. Its publication sparked a large wave of people seeking relief from demonic oppression to descend upon Pastor Philpott and his congregation in Marin County, CA. This reprint is still timely to bring much needed attention to the problems caused when a culture "dabbles" then becomes committedly engaged in occult practices. Because "contemporary occultism" is ubiquitous in 2021, many are suffering and need the biblical information and approaches to deliverance that this manual offers. Discussion questions at the end of each chapter help focus the reader.
Philpott outlines various approaches in understanding the demonic and the problems of interpreting biblical material on the subject, including the problem of theodicy (how can a good God allow evil in the world) as found in both the Hebrew and Greek scriptures. Other subjects include the origin and nature of demons, the allure of immorality, power, and knowledge, the need for submission to God and resistance to the devil, and more. Included is a selected glossary and listing of biblical passages related to demonology. This book, in collection with two related volumes-Deliver Us from Evil and Deliverance Handbook-are all the Christian lay minister needs to equip and under gird deliverance work.