Sitting with Spirits: Exploring the Unseen World in the Margins of Christianity, Bob Doto, (New Old Traditions, 2020).
The world was once populated by a multitude of gods and demigods, good and bad spirits, angels and demons. The Enlightenment coupled with scientific and technological advances have caused the demise of many of these spiritual entities over the years. Thunderstorms no longer involve Zeus, but rather high and low pressure areas, and cold and warm fronts. Boys falling into campfires are no longer caused by demons but by epilepsy. Men living among the tombs are not possessed by legions of demons but rather are paranoid schizophrenics.
Bob Doto in his book Sitting with Spirits, challenges his readers to entertain the possibility of a spirit world complete with holy spirits, evil spirits, restless spirits and messages from the grave.
After reading the book, I’m still not convinced of Doto’s point of view. I’m too entrenched in the Enlightenment. I did, however want others to know about the book should they be interested in investigating this side of the spirit world.
I have not done extensive reading in this genre. Doto’s book, I think, is one of the more well-thought-out books that has been written about the spirit world. Doto does attempt to merge his view of the spirit world with Christianity. I find his treatment of Biblical passages to be haphazard and weak. His arguments don’t stand up and he doesn’t address the “fraud factor” that is so prevalent in spirit world experiences.
I recommend that you pass on this book. There are better ways to spend your money and time.
I received this book free from the author and/or publisher through the Speakeasy blogging book review network. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.