Book Review: Did the Devil Make Me Do It?

Did the Devil Make Me Do It? (Questions Christians Ask). By Mike McKinley. The Good Book Company. pp. 80. 2013. (List Price $7.99 Paperback)

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5 out of 5 stars

The Questions Christians Ask series is pretty straightforward: it seeks to answer questions that Christians are asking. In my ministry context I frequetly get questions related to the Devil:

• Does he really exist? How did he come to be?
• Can he read our thoughts? Should I not pray audibly so he won't know what I'm worried about?
• Can he make me sin? Can I be possessed?

Sometimes the answer is simple and quick. Other times I have to do some Bible study. Now I can offer them this book.

From the beginning, McKinley bases his assertions on the Bible and is hesitant to say anything that he can't back up with the Word of God. He says, "It is not normally wise to speculate when dealing with a subject that inspires this much imagination and superstition." Too many people make claims based on their or others' experiences as though they carry the weight of authority that rightly belongs only to the Bible. Here the author lets the reader know right away that the rest of the book will be focusing on what the Bible says, not what the author claims to have experienced.

An example of the author's committment to avoid speculation comes from his answer to the question of Satan's origins. Although many (myself included) would look to Isaiah 14, a passage addressed to an early king that uses symbolic language that could be seen as a reference to Satan's self-corruption. McKinley has his doubts that the passage really speaks to Satan's fall from grace, and I respect his decision not to speculate here.

In all, the book is an excellent introduction to this topic and will likely satisfy a new believer's honest questions. I highly recommend it.

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review. The opinions expressed are my own.