Cleansing the Cosmos

Synopsis: Understanding evil spiritual forces is essential for Christian theology, yet discussion is almost always phrased in terms of "spiritual warfare." Warfare language is problematic, being dualistic, assigning a high degree of ontology to evil, and poorly applicable to ministry. This unique study proposes a biblically based model as the first alternative to a "spiritual warfare" framework for dealing with the demonic, thus providing insights for preaching, counseling, and missiology. Warren develops this model using metaphor theory and examining four biblical themes: Creation, Cult, Christ, and Church. Metaphors of cleansing, ordering, and boundary-setting are developed in contrast to battle imagery, and relevant theological issues are engaged (Boyd's warfare imagery, Barth's ideas of evil as "nothingness," and Eliade's notion of the sacred and the profane). The role of the Holy Spirit is emphasized and the ontology of evil minimized. This model incorporates concentric circles, evil being considered peripheral to divine reality, and provides a refreshing alternative to current "spiritual warfare" models. Endorsements: "In a well-informed study, Warren advances our understanding of evil. She shows that, in biblical traditions and from human experience, evil does not only invade and overrun, but violates boundaries, contaminates, and infects, and brings darkness, disorder, and chaos. . . . Warren shows evil is to be cleansed and relocated, involving the work of the Spirit and human choice to redefine sacred space and restore order." --Graham H. Twelftree, Distinguished Professor of New Testament, Regent University "In this stimulating and original work, Warren succeeds in pushing forward the discussion on how to think and speak of the presence of evil in the world. On the basis of thorough discussion and extensive counseling experience, she argues strongly that a 'cleansing the cosmos' model is preferable to that of 'warfare.' In doing this she both swims against the tide and opens up new horizons in a difficult but an important debate." --Nigel G. Wright, Principal, Spurgeon's College "Cleansing the Cosmos is scientifically informed, philosophically sophisticated, theologically robust, biblically faithful, and practically relevant! Scholars and practitioners across the academic spectrum will be challenged to reconsider what is known about spiritual warfare. With this book, the scholarly discussion on the perennially difficult topic of the problem of evil takes a quantum--even if chaotically counteractive--leap forward." --Amos Yong, Professor of Theology, Regent University Author Biography: E. Janet Warren is a family physician with an interest in psychotherapy, and an independent theological scholar.