WM525 SPIRITUAL WARFARE

Transcription

1 Dr. Michael Pocock WM525 Spiritual Warfare / 2 hrs Dallas Theological Seminary , mpocock@dts.edu May WM525 SPIRITUAL WARFARE I. COURSE DESCRIPTION A course that prepares Christian workers to help themselves and others experience victory over spiritual opposition from the world, the flesh, or satanic sources in their own or others cultures. 2 hours II. COURSE OBJECTIVES A. Cognitive The student will recognize the forms that spiritual opposition takes in North American and in other cultures. The student will be acquainted with resources for dealing with the spiritually oppressed. B. Behavioral The student will develop a balanced, biblical basis for dealing with spiritual opposition. The students will develop a ministry approach to individuals caught up in satanic and cultic involvement. C. Affective D. Rationale The students will develop confidence in their ability in the Lord to confront spiritual opposition in their own lives and ministries. Scripture clearly indicates that there will be spiritual opposition to ministry in all world cultures. Yet many are unprepared for this reality. Christian workers need to be able to deal with opposition as it relates to adherents of world religions, especially the folk religions of animistic cultures. III. COURSE TEXTBOOKS A. Required 1. Arnold, Clinton E. 3 Crucial Questions about Spiritual Warfare. Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, (198 pages). 2.Beilby, James K and Paul R. Eddy, eds. Understanding Spiritual Warfare: Four Views. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, (215 pages of text) B. Suggested: 1. Hiebert, Paul G. Understanding Folk Religion. Grand Rapids: Baker Books, (359 pages). 2. Moreau, Scott A. Deliver Us from Evil: An Uneasy Frontier in Christian Mission. Monrovia, CA: MARC-World Vision, (312 Pages).

2 WM525 Spiritual Warfare 2 3. Anderson, Neil. The Bondage Breaker. Eugene, OR: Harvest House Pub C. Reserve Pocock, Michael, Gailyn Van Rheenen and Douglas McConnell. The Changing Face of World Missions. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, (Assigned chapter: The Spiritual Warfare Orientation to Missions. M. Pocock. Powlison, David. Power Encounters: Reclaiming Spiritual Warfare. Grand Rapids: Baker, (A longer treatment of what Powlison calls The classical approach to spiritual warfare to which he gives an updated and briefer treatment in Beilby and Eddy, above.) IV. COURSE REQUIREMENTS Refer to Section VII Course Lectures and Assignments for deadlines. (Students taking the course for 3 credit hours must also meet requirements listed in section IX below.) A. Reading Assignments 1. The student will read required texts totaling 413 pages. 2. Students will also read 300 additional pages from collateral sources, including articles or papers posted on class website and bibliography selections/internet NOTE: At the end of the semester (final due date of papers for this course), students will submit a written record of their required and collateral reading, listing the title, author and number of pages for each article/text read. B. Written Assignments 1. The student will submit a three-page, double-spaced review of the Beilby and Eddy text. 2. The student will submit a three-page, double-spaced review of Arnold s book. 3. The student will write two, half-page papers in which they interact with certain course issues. See the course schedule for topics and due dates. 4. The student will write an 8- to 10-page (typed, double-spaced), documented, research paper following Turabian style. Using no fewer than 10 sources, the student will research and expand on any issue in spiritual warfare that particularly concerns him or her. Some suggested themes are found at the end of the syllabus. C. Quizzes and/or Exams 1. The student will complete a quiz covering the Power Walk Kit verses.

3 WM525 Spiritual Warfare 3 V. COURSE POLICIES A. Letter/Numerical Grade Scale A B C D F 0-69 A B C D A B C D B. Weight Given to Course Requirements for Grading 1. Beilby and Eddy text Evaluation 20% 2. Arnold Evaluation 20% 3. Power Walk memorization and quiz 20% 4. Completed reading beyond texts 10% 5. Research Paper 30% C. Class Participation The course follows the lecture/discussion method. Therefore, students will regularly attend and participate in class. Students should refrain from using cell phones, laptop computers, or other devices in a manner that distracts others in the class. Unless permitted by the professor, students should turn off all electronic devices during exams ( Student Handbook 1.19, D. Late Assignments Assignments received after the due date will be penalized by subtracting one numerical point from grade for every 1 day late (including weekend days). The professor cannot accept any work after 4:30 p.m.,(last Due Date). Extensions beyond that date require approval by the Registrar s Credits Committee. Refer to the Student Handbook for additional policies related to late work. E. Absences The number of permitted absences equals twice the number of times the course meets each week. Coming late to class three times equals one absence. Each unexcused absence over the prescribed limit results in a reduction in the student s final grade as prescribed in the Student Handbook Students who are auditing and want this class listed on their DTS transcripts must attend 75 percent of the lectures ( Student Handbook 1.3.2). F. Assignment Submission Procedures for World Missions Courses Students who live in the DFW area should submit all assignments in hard-copy format at the WMIS Department (Faculty Annex Building) open M-F, 8am- 4:30pm), to the professor s assignment basket (black wire baskets located at the front desk). Students who live outside DFW may submit assignments in hardcopy format via U.S. mail or via fax # Mail should be post-marked by the assignment s due date. Faxes must be sent by 4:30 p.m. on the due date. Assignments will not be accepted through except in extenuating circumstances that are pre-approved by the professor. Student will write his/her name, folder number, course #, and assignment title on all assignments. G. WMIS Announcements World Missions and Intercultural Studies (WMIS) announcements are the primary way WMIS announces events and information pertinent to World

4 WM525 Spiritual Warfare 4 Missions and Intercultural Studies. Students enrolled in World Missions classes will automatically be added to the WMIS list. H. Plagiarism The website, Turnitin.com, defines plagiarism as the use of another s original words or ideas as though they were your own. Any time you borrow [copy] from an original source and do not give proper credit, you have committed plagiarism ( Plagiarism is academically dishonest and contrary to biblical standards of integrity. Any course work involving dishonest academic practices will be graded as zero without any resubmission permitted. In each case the Office of the Dean of Students will be notified ( Student Handbook). VI. COURSE SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION DTS does not discriminate on the basis of disability in the operation of any of its programs and activities. To avoid discrimination, the student is responsible for informing the Coordinator of Services for Students with Disabilities and the course instructor of any disabling condition that will require modifications. VII. COURSE OUTLINE I. Introductory matters. A. Course overview, students concerns, and course organization. B. The scope of spiritual opposition transcultural manifestations. C. The scope of spiritual opposition levels of demonic influence. D. World views and spiritual warfare. E. The assurance of triumph in spiritual warfare. II. Sources of spiritual difficulties. A. Satan and demons. B. The world system. C. Human nature (sin nature). III. Paths into problems. A. The tactics of Satan fear and deception. B. Four paths of exposure to demonic influence. C. Childhood trauma and dissociative identity disorder (previously called multiple personality disorder). D. Reflection on exposure to demonic influence. IV. Personal defense against spiritual opposition. A. Resource review. B. Maintaining the liberty to which we were called. V. Ministry in the midst of spiritual opposition. A. Counseling troubled individuals. 1. Developing discernment. 2. The counseling premises of Neil Anderson, Steps to Freedom in Christ. 3. Application of Steps to Freedom 4. Application of Steps to Freedom 5. A comprehensive counseling strategy. 6. Follow-up, support, and referral.

5 WM525 Spiritual Warfare 5 B. Outreach ministries regional struggles. 1. Power encounter evaluation and recommendation. 2. Territorial spirits. a. Reality of specific demonic responsibility. b. Biblical indications. c. Patterns of opposition in Asia. d. Patterns of opposition in Africa. e. Patterns of opposition in Latin America. f. Patterns of opposition in Europe. 3. Role and practice of prayer for unevangelized areas. VI. Problems and excesses in spiritual warfare or deliverance ministries. A. The basis of ancestral demonic difficulties. B. The question of authority to minister. C. Binding and loosing (dealing with the strong man ). D. Identifying and talking with demons. E. Maintaining balance in spiritual warfare. VII. COURSE LECTURES AND ASSIGNMENTS Date Prior to 1st class Assignment Read: > Begin reading Arnold, Three Crucial Questions, > Bielby and Eddy OR Hiebert, Folk Religions Memorization note: For the memory verses, use NIV or PowerWalk cards only (Do not use other Bible translations. There are hints on the final quiz that only correspond to these versions) Date Lecture Topics Corresponding Readings and Assignments Mon. 5/15 8AM Course introduction: Prof and students, syllabus review, and course rationale. Power Walk explanation 9AM The Scope of Spiritual Opposition: Transcultural Manifestations. 10:15 Break 10:30AM The Scope of Spiritual Opposition: Levels of Manifestation 11:00AM World Views and Spiritual Warfare Read Arnold p Memorize: Eph. 1:19-23 Faith for Victory Read: Arnold 54-73, Bielby Memorize: Col. 2:9 Folk Religions : Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Spiritist or shamanist manifestations 12:00Noon Break 1:00PM The Sources of Spiritual Opposition: 2:00PM A Brief Theological and Practical Review of Satan and Demons A Brief Theological and Practical Review of the World System A Brief Theological and Practical Review of the Fallen Nature and the Flesh 3:00PM Key Tactics of Satan: Deception and Fear Bielby: 47-87, and or Hiebert, Memorize: Gloria Patri Write: Half page: my chief struggles at the moment. Read: Pocock Sources of the Conflict, and Speak of the Devil! Memorize: Position in Christ Col 2: Read: Bielby p Memorize: Eph 6: Write: half to one page

6 WM525 Spiritual Warfare 6 How fear or deception have been problems for me. Date Lecture Topic Assignments Due Tues 5/16 Weds 5/17 8:00AM The Paths into Demonization: Matlick s Approach in Four Categories 9:00 AM Reflection on Paths Leading to Problems 10:00AM Break 10:15AM Frequent Forms of Spiritual Interference in Christian Ministry and Missions 11:15AM Resource Review: Maintaining Personal Victory and What is Available for Personal Help and Outreach? 12:00 Noon Lunch Break 1:00PM Video: In the Grip of Evil Explores possession and exorcism from religious and psychological viewpoints and shows Roman Catholic and Evangelical cases (Charles Kraft) 2:00 PM Discussion: Observations and questions on varying forms of exorcism 3:00PM Break 3:15PM Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) Developing Discernment in Counseling 8:00AM A Counseling Approach: Anderson s Steps to Freedom in Christ 9:00AM A Comprehensive Counseling Strategy 10:00AM Break 10:15AM The Issue of Power Encounter: Confrontation with Demonically Controlled Persons in Evangelistic Ministry 11:15AM Introduction to the Issue of Territorial Spirits: Video-"Praying Through the Window" 12:00Noon Lunch Break 1:00PM Evaluation of the Territorial Spirits Orientation to Ministry. 2:00PM Helping Believers Emerging from Demonically Oriented Backgrounds: Video Delivered from the Power of Darkness (New Tribes Missions) 3:00PM Break 3:15PM Role and Practice of Prayer for Unevangelized Areas Due: Research paper Topic, outline and sources. Read Arnold p Read Bielby p Memorize: Eph 6:11-12, Victory Assurance Read Bielby: Memorize: James 4:7. Note over the break following WEC Week, write your review of Bielby. Due: Written evaluation Bielby. Work on Final project. Memorize In the Name of Jesus. Read or familiarize self w Neil Anderson, Bondage Breaker. On reserve Memorize: 1 John 4:4 Read: Pocock, ch 5 Changing Face of World Missions, The spiritual warfare orientation to missions. On class website. Memorize: Admission and Confidence Prayer

7 WM525 Spiritual Warfare 7 Date Lecture Topic Assignments Due Thurs 5/18 8:00AM Problems and Excesses in Spiritual Warfare and Deliverance: 9:00AM Ancestral Demonic Difficulties (student participation) 10:00AM Break 10:15AM Authority to Minister (student participation) Binding and Loosing: Dealing with the "Strong Man" Identifying and Talking with Demons 11:15AM Regional Issues in Spiritual Warfare 12:00Noon Lunch Break 1:00PM Maintaining Balance in Spiritual Warfare Due: Read Arnold p Written evaluation of Arnold Memorize The Doxology Work on project Memorize: Confident Humility Phil 3: Pass out the Power Walk quiz To be assigned 6/9 Due: Completed research paper. Completed Power Walk quiz. Reading Report (see page 9). VIII. SUGGESTED RESEARCH PAPER TOPICS Note: Students are welcome to choose other topics covering issues of greater personal or ministry concern. A. Are Christians today authorized to cast out demons? B. An examination of New Testament texts indicating demon expulsion is a process involving prayer, fasting, and time. What is the textual evidence for "prayer and fasting" as a means to demon expulsion in Matt. 21 and Mark 9:29? C. An exposition of a key Bible passage relative to spiritual warfare. D. Examine the case for territorial spirits and prescribe preparation for ministry in an area where particular spirits may be actively opposing the gospel, ministry, or ministers. E. Examine the texts that indicate God may make use of evil spirits or of Satan to perform some service for Him (1 Sam. 16:14; 2 Cor. 12; etc.). F. Can and/or should believers "bind Satan"? G. Is there a connection between ancestors who were involved in occult or demonic practices and their offspring? Is Exodus 20:4-6 the basis for difficulties suffered by children of occult-oriented parents? Do other O.T. and/or N.T. passages indicate other outcomes for children of parents who sin?

8 WM525 Spiritual Warfare 8 H. Explain and evaluate an occult, animistic, or non-christian practice from another culture that seems to have demonic overtones. Give a biblical and practically helpful plan to deal with the phenomenon. I. Case studies where demonic, carnal, or worldly elements can be distinguished as causative factors of troubles experienced by an individual or group. Include a biblical solution. J. An extensive review including biblical and theological assessment of Gregory Boyd s God at War. Include a projection of how the points he makes apply, helpfully or otherwise, to deliverance ministries. K. Problems presented by spiritism in folk, or popular, expressions of Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, or Christianity. (Note that 70-80% of all Muslims are folk Muslims. Other major religions face the same situation, and spiritism is more evident.) IX. REQUIREMENTS FOR THIRD HOUR OF CREDIT Students taking this course for 3 hours of credit must adjust the syllabus according to the following guidelines: 1. Increase your reading to total 1250 pps. (713 for 2 hours, 350 more for third hour) Your readings may be from any text listed in the bibliography as assigned for the class or from other material (Internet sources). 3. Write an additional three-page review of a single textbook (not article). An example would be Powlison s Power Encounters: Reclaiming Spiritual Warfare, or Anderson The Bondage Breaker. 4. Extend your major paper from 8-10 pages to 15 pages, using no fewer than 20 resources. Alternatively, you may write a major paper of 8-10 pages and a second paper of 5 pages on another issue of spiritual warfare. 5. Turn in extra review, final paper and reading report on the final due date given for the two-hour students final paper and reading reports. Always indicate on your cover sheet that your work is for 3 hours of credit.