Escaping the Cauldron: What You Should Know About the Occult
Collection One—Ghosts and the Paranormal
by Kristine McGuire
ISBN: 978-0557328383
188 pages

From the Book Cover: The media environment of the 21st Century poses many difficult and troubling questions to the modern Christian—particularly on the subject of the supernatural. Often, these questions seem to have no answer. This book seeks to provide an answer, from a scriptural basis and with the view of a former Christian Witch and Medium.

I was unsure what to expect from Escaping the Cauldron: What You Should Know About the Occult—Ghosts and the Paranormal. There is so much in today’s media about the paranormal, and most of it is too frightening for a layperson like me to pay much attention to, much less read an entire book about. But from the moment I started reading the first chapter, I knew this book would be different.

Kristine McGuire educates readers about the dangers of the occult, while maintaining a focus on the Deliverer—Jesus Christ. She does a masterful job of walking that fine line between giving too much credence to the powers of darkness, and not giving enough.

The author describes how she, a Christian from early childhood, was lured into the mystical realms of the supernatural. Wicca was her starting point, from which she eventually moved into practicing witchcraft as a “Christian witch,” ghost hunter, and medium.

Despite her spiritual wanderings, God maintained His grip on her. While reviewing the audio recording of a ghost hunting expedition, her eyes were suddenly opened. She recognized the witchcraft as sin, fell before the Lord in confession, and was delivered from the darkness.

There are several accounts from her days as a ghost hunter and witch, but they are given matter-of-factly, without the terrifying sensationalism so prevalent in today's media. Most importantly, she uses those examples to educate readers about the dangers and reality of the occult and to point them to the solution—Jesus.

This book addresses questions many Christians have about the paranormal, such as Are ghosts real and are they spirits of people who have died? and How should Christians respond to paranormal activity? There is a chapter about dangerous games many people, including children, play which can inadvertently make them vulnerable to spiritual darkness.

I could hardly put this book down. It’s an easy read but will make a huge impact on your life. It will make you more aware of the dangers and lure of the occult, and will deepen your faith by reminding you that Jesus is the answer to life’s problems—not a ghost hunter, psychic, or medium.

Note: Kristine McGuire writes a column for PositivelyFeminine.org called Everyday Life with God.

Copyright © by Brenda King Share

Disclosure of Material Connection: The author received a complimentary review copy of this book from the publisher, and was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are her own. This is being disclosed in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."