Non-fiction book by Mary E. DeMuth; review by Patti Richter
Mary DeMuth is an organized thinker and writer. The staff at Harvest House Publisher likely knew this before hearing—and accepting—her idea to write a book about spiritual warfare.
How many women write books about spiritual warfare? Probably not many, especially the stay-at home kind. Theologians mostly write them—Charismatic ones perhaps especially. So what does a writer of fiction and parenting books have to add to the weighty subject of wrestling against principalities and powers?
The title of DeMuth’s newest book, Beautiful Battle: a Woman’s Guide to Spiritual Warfare, suggests a different perspective. But it produces curiosity: How can spiritual warfare be beautiful?
The answer comes soon enough. DeMuth’s introduction mentions the “immense beauty of Jesus . . . the One who battles before and behind us . . .”
The author identifies the battles that women in particular face. She offers strategies that work to defeat Satan’s devices. However, Beautiful Battle has more to say about the One who fights for us than the one who wages war against us.
Unhealthy attitudes and perspectives can be a set-up for spiritual attack. DeMuth shares her own battles honestly, with details that take the reader out of the classroom and into the field. She takes us further too than her own experiences by including the stories of others.
Beautiful Battle points out the chinks in our armor without pointing a finger. Instead, by confessing her own sometimes faulty thinking, DeMuth demonstrates how we can become vulnerable to Satan. One such confession should resonate with many: “Though I know God isn’t the vendor of a perfectly stress-free life, deep down I believe He owes me. Isn’t that what the abundant life is all about? My Happiness?”
Mary DeMuth is a great list-maker. With 12 books published, she’s had lots of experience with them. Her helpful lists of ideas are sprinkled throughout Beautiful Battle. She follows up each suggestion with a bit of explanation through an example or scripture.
I liked all of DeMuth’s ideas of ways to free ourselves from an addiction to personal happiness. But I stubbed my toe, spiritually, on suggestion number six: “Actively rejoice when something is amiss,” based on 1 Thessalonians 5:16.
Ouch. I’m still feeling it.
Blue Ribbon News special contributor Patti Richter works as journalist, writing news and feature stories, book reviews and more for many Christian publications. She lives in Heath with her husband Jim.
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