I’m in the process of reading this book at the suggestion of two of my oldest and wisest friends. I’m two sections into the book, and find a lot in general I agree with. And that the area explored is one that is often overlooked. I do pick up hints of Heiser’s own agenda or interpretation view being cast out by the author. Personally I also observe a bit of pride in his mentioning even up front that he has found something new. Either hidden or misunderstood or deliberately neglected or massaged by all or most of the great theologians of the past and present. Below is the series of reviews of the book by Pastor Hughes I happened to find during another search I was doing. This is second review which raises questions on Heiser’s interpretation.
I do agree that the Bible speak openly about the Heavenly Realm. But like with the Book of Revelation, I don’t read it as a Hiding, it’s a Revelation and an important one. Paul’s warning in Ephesians 6 and the many other examples of false teaching and deception in the NT and the almost endless false worship experiences cataloged in the OT, warn us of how easy it is to get off the narrow path of truth. One reading this book should pray for protection and caution…yes there is an “Unseen” realm.
This is part 8, but as you can see it speaks to the core ideas that Heiser presents even from the beginning of the book. I look forward to reading all the reviews and finishing the actual book. Perhaps I will comment more later. From Pastor Hughes like you can find the whole I think 10 part series.
Rainbow Trout 