Neo-Paganism. That was the class and that was the first time I came across Marcia Montenegro. I was watching the World Religions Conference held at Answers in Genesis (AiG). I was not able to attend, but was able to watch all the presentations on PureFlix. Cults and the occult has always fascinated me. Not in the way that I want to be involved, but in a curiosity type of way. As a teenager, that curiosity got a little too close to the fire. Thankfully, the Holy Spirit kept me from going down that path. Make no mistake though, the fascination and appeal can be very strong. That’s why I don’t watch shows like Charmed, Buffy the Vampire, Ghost Hunters, and other such shows anymore. It’s like playing with fire. The conviction by the Holy Spirit cannot be misunderstood and I now know that sometimes even curiosity can be a bad thing. We tell our kids not to play with fire, neither should we.
But back to Ms. Montenegro. I was very interested to hear what she had to say. After all, she had been an astrologer for many years and did many of the things that have always intrigued me. Things I know to be demonic, but I wanted to know if they were real. She was not a part of that anymore as she had given her life to Jesus. She now works to enlighten people about the power of these things and how Jesus is the answer, not New Age, Wicca, Neo-Paganism, or any other religion. It was through this lecture that I became interested in her and her ministry.
So I headed over to her website, read a bunch of her material, and bought her book. It was updated and revised in 2013 and I love it! The number one reason I love this book is because each chapter deals with a specific issue and at the end of the chapter, Montenegro gives you ways to speak to your kids about the issue. She gives Biblical answers to questions kids might have, she gives you questions to ask your kids, and all of it points to the Bible while leading your kids, logically, through the subject matter. I cannot say enough how important this is. After reading her book, you will know why.
The author writes this book in such a way that it is easy to understand. Not only is it easy to understand, but you don’t feel silly for not knowing it. She shows you how the paranormal is infiltrating our lives without us even knowing. You are also learning what you need to know without dipping into something you shouldn’t be dealing with. This is a safe book to learn about unsafe things. That is important.
All throughout her book, Montenegro is explaining to you what each practice is, how it works, how demonic forces are at work, what the Bible says specifically about that practice, and how you find it in today’s society. Even in some Christian circles. Satan is sneaky and, often, what sounds good and Biblical actually isn’t. It is actually a forbidden practice portrayed as good and Godly. You finish the book with a good knowledge of what each practice is and how the Bible specifically says that we are not to engage in it at all. Montenegro is very adamant that even if you are just around it, or unknowingly participating, you can bring yourself into contact with demonic forces. Something we, as Christians, are never supposed to do.
What I love about “Spellbound” is that the author does not preach at you. When you read this, you aren’t feeling condemned by her. Her approach is to teach you and let you come to your own decisions. Make no mistake, she is very bold in her assertions that these practices are wrong, but she leads you through what the practice is and then what the Bible says, so that you can get to the Biblical answer yourself. What’s great about this method is that when you get to the end of the chapters, where you talk and discuss with your kids, you fully understand what the Bible says. So you can use her guide to walk it through with your kids as well. Kids are smart. If shown the truth, they can see it. But they have to be shown.
I cannot recommend this book enough. I absolutely think all Christian parents should read this book. Don’t be worried that it was published 7 years ago. It is applicable today and it shows that our children are at more risk than we even realize. Even my homeschooled child has been bombarded with the paranormal, despite my efforts to keep it from her. Protect your kids by giving them the tools to know when they are engaging in something that in something paranormal so they can make the right decision. Protect your kids by teaching your kids. This book will help you do exactly that.
FOLLOW ME
