By: Matt Cortinas

Our society is grappling with an alarming escalation of aggression and violence. You see the world around you and observe how evil is thriving in different forms, such as in religion, politics, the economy, domestic disputes, cyberbullying, mass shootings, terrorism, and even wars. But often, we disregard the problem of evil by simply attributing the violence and aggression to mental illnesses. 

While this notion could be true in some cases, it isn’t always the right approach to see violence. To address this critical notion of rising violence in our society, Cornelius Ogundele, a renowned pastor and Psychologist, has penned a thoughtful book, “The Rise and Fall of Satan.” 

You often wonder why sometimes even the kindest souls get drawn towards doing something evil. Ogundele’s book gives you the idea that it is the work of Satan, who deceives and controls our thoughts. The book also explains how individuals are tempted and deceived by Satan. So, when we as a society deny the existence of Satan, we are letting it deepen its grip on our world. 

Although it may seem a very simplistic view of evil, Ogundele has beautifully backed it up with psychological theories, religious history, and cultural nuances. Besides, Ogundele’s own experiences add a thought-provoking layer to this book.  

What “The Rise and Fall of Satan” is About?

Essentially, Ogundele’s book is a well-researched and thoughtful exploration of the existence of evil and the eroding human morality. It addresses society’s ill-formed assumptions about the disturbing rise in violence. We often don’t even consider Satan to be a force behind all the violent atrocities. 

However, the reality is quite opposite. The tale of Satan is established in almost all scriptures, cultural history, and even philosophical theories. Whether it’s the Quran or the Bible, both acknowledge the existence of an evil force that is an enemy of humankind. The book also examines Satan’s activities in Religion, Politics, and the Economy. It explains how Satan has used and is still using political leaders throughout human history to manipulate religious people to promote their political and economic agenda for personal gains.

On the other hand, if you are an agnostic, denying the existence of God and Satan, you will find the findings of “The Rise and Fall of Satan” to be challenging. The reason is it is backed by extensive research from different domains. Besides, Cornelius Ogundele’s experiences of growing up in a Muslim family and becoming a Christian, along with closely observing the Yoruba culture.

The book has effectively defined Satan in the context of social culture and psycho-spiritual analysis. This is why, no matter which school of thought you belong to, you may find it disturbing yet will be able to take away some intriguing lessons from it. 

Cornelius Ogundele has fascinatingly combined social, cultural, and religious views to give readers a complete account of the existence of Satan. It takes a unique approach to tackle the age-old problem of evil and why humans commit brutality. 

The book mainly defines Satanic power and how it influences the human brain. However, it also gives a message of faith and hope to Jesus’s believers. Ogundele shares that even though evil seems too powerful in the present, steadfast believers will surely defeat it in the future. In the end, evil can never overpower the bright light of goodness. 

Is “The Rise and Fall of Satan” Worth a Read?

In philosophical and theological domains, the problem of evil is probably the starting point of every thought-provoking discussion. Without understanding and finding answers to the existence of evil, you can never move forward with your beliefs. This isn’t only true for Christianity but goes for every other religion and even the atheist views. 

“The Rise and Fall of  Satan” is a strikingly innovative take on the problem of evil. Instead of pointing fingers at something arbitrary, such as mental illnesses, it tells you to see Satan. It helps you to observe how Satan deceives humans and manipulates them with their thoughts. 

You get insights into Satan’s existence from various perspectives. You get to understand the psychological underpinnings, sociocultural aspects, and scriptural interpretations related to the existence of Satan. 

The best thing is the author’s diverse background, and his journey of becoming a Christian born into a Muslim family gives the book great depth. It is an excellent read for anyone interested in the philosophical and theological debates about the existence of good and evil. 

Where to Find “The Rise and Fall of Satan”

If you are fascinated by the ideas of Cornelius Ogundele and want to give “The Rise and Fall of Satan” a read, you can find it on multiple platforms. It is available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Ogundele’s website. You can order it in paperback, hardcover, and the digital version from Kindle. 

Published by: Martin De Juan