Empathy for the Devil

Finding Ourselves in the Villains of the Bible

By: JR. Forasteros

Narrated by: Lyle Blaker

Length: 6 hrs and 48 mins

Publisher's summary

Do we have anything in common with the bad guys of the Bible? The sins of wrath, idolatry, and abuse of power are closer to us than we think. How do we guard against them? We learn not only by following moral exemplars; we also need to look at the warnings of lives gone wrong.

In this fictionalized narrative, JR. Forasteros reintroduces us to some of the most villainous characters of Scripture. He shows us what we can learn from their negative examples, with figures such as Cain, Jezebel, King Herod, and even Satan serving as cautionary tales of sin and temptation. Forasteros vividly tells their stories to help us understand their motivations, and his astute biblical and cultural exposition points out what we often miss about their lives.

We soon discover that we might have more in common with these characters than we would like to admit. But by the grace of God, we can avoid their mistakes and be freed from our own villainous tendencies. Take a fresh look at the scoundrels of Scripture, and find sound pastoral guidance here to walk the path of righteousness.

©2017 eChristian (P)2017 eChristian

A look into motive....

It was exciting to look back at the stories of old with a little more purpose. And, the line about “Could we be walking in their path just a few steps behind....”. Wow! That will make ya think!

Brings a new perspective to the book!

I was a little bummed to find out JR wasn’t reading this book, but Lyle did an amazing job! He was a great performer, and navigated his way through fiction and non-fiction chapter wonderfully!

The performance combined with the amazing book written by JR is a force to be reckoned with! The book is crucial for is to understand in today’s world where we can be so polarized in so many issues, but JR gives a glimpse into what healthy empathy looks like, and understanding those around us (especially our enemies, and those who are seen as evil).

He also shares caution for us to look out in our own lives as “you don’t become evil overnight, it happens day by day”, and is something that any one of us can fall into!

Hello, Saints and Sinners.

Empathy for the Devil is a fresh reminder that we are all fallible creatures in need of divine grace. The book blends together the perfect amount of fiction, personal anecdote, and scripture to humanize these biblical characters and give us a glimpse into the motivations that made them villains. With the help of this fantastic book, may we avoid the same pitfalls as these biblical villains and learn to be a little more empathic toward that mean old devil.

Brings the Bible to life... from the Bag Guy's POV

I love the fictional aspects of this book. it really brings classic Bible stories to life in an amazing way... and from the Bad Guy's POV!
The essays that follow are insightful, occasionally convicting, but really it's the stories that make this a great book!

Evil in All of us

IN Empathy for the Devil, JR does a great job of giving insight and perspective into our perception of evil people. In America we are so polarized that this book has become even more important. We all need to learn empathy for all, especially those we perceive as evil. This book is a great exercise in challenging how we have perceived some of the most irredeemable people in the Bible.

Not What I expected

I think that was part of the purpose of the book was to not be sure what to expect. when I first started reading the book, or listening to it, I didn't think I would find myself empathizing with these people in the Bible who did these horrible things to others. but what a way to look at it and to understand that they are just like me. I highly recommend this book. highly recommend you take the time to read it or listen to it and really just understand what God is telling you.

questionable title but great content!

I was a little skeptical about this book as a Christian book, given the title of it but once I got into it, it was very eye opening. I never thought of the villains in the Old and New Testament in such a way that the author lays them out. Especially the view of Satan. This is a great read and great reference tool for your Bible study collection.