Product Overview
Spiritual writer, theologian, and philosopher Fr. Robert Spitzer, S.J., Ph.D., tackles the topic of recognizing and overcoming spiritual evil. His focus is the human heart. His goal: our spiritual and moral transformation, which leads to true peace and genuine happiness.
The book is divided into two main parts: (1) the realities of God's goodness and of spiritual evil, and (2) recognizing and overcoming the diabolical tactics of deception, temptation, and sin. The author synthesizes the best advice given by Catholic spiritual masters throughout the ages and gives a practical guide to implementing it in our busy lives.
Father Spitzer provides the biblical and theological background of Jesus' victory over evil. He also explores the reality of the devil, including extraordinary manifestations of diabolic activity such as possession. With insights from modern psychology, he shows how prayer can transform the subconscious psyche, making us better able to resist temptation, detach from the world, and grow in holiness.
Editorial Reviews
"Father Spitzer has written yet another wonderful book: a guide to pursuing the Christian life more faithfully and a liberating call out of darkness through the gifts of the Church, the practice of virtue, and the experience of prayer."
— Most Rev. Charles Chaput, O.F.M. Cap., Archbishop Emeritus of Philadelphia
"This book is a chillingly thorough summary of the evidence for demonic activity in our world. It is useful for us to know how the devil gets his toehold by means of deceptions, temptations, and the seven deadly sins."
— Scott Hahn, Ph.D., Author, Rome Sweet Home: Our Journey to Catholicism
"Fr. Spitzer has successfully delivered a short course on spiritual warfare in a very compelling and readable way. It confirms much of what I've learned as a diocesan exorcist, but created a greater understanding of how personified evil disguised as a condition/affliction can gain a foothold in our societal and personal psyche. Christ vs. Satan is a resource for evangelization to understand why a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and living a life of virtue matters!"
— Fr. Gary Thomas, Diocese of San Jose, CA, subject of The Rite: The Making of a Modern Exorcist
"Drawing on Sacred Scripture, Catholic doctrine, literature and art, and his own considerable scholarship and pastoral experience, Fr. Spitzer offers a thoughtful and profound presentation of an urgent topic. The section on the Evil One's strategy to undermine and corrupt culture is especially insightful and helpful."
— Fr. Peter John Cameron, O.P., Founding Editor-in-Chief of Magnificat
"Fr. Spitzer emerges in this splendid book as a lucid torchbearer of truth, exercising reason to exorcise demonic deception."
— Joseph Pearce, Author, Literature: What Every Catholic Should Know