Dressed to Kill: A Biblical Approach to Spiritual Warfare and Armor by Rick Renner

Dressed to Kill: A Biblical Approach to Spiritual Warfare and Armor Reviews

• 
  Adam Balshan

  1 star [Theology]
  I have a rule about finishing books before writing a review. Thus, I finished this book only to warn the world against self-published authors who claim to be “Greek experts.” Self-published, you ask? The publisher is “a division of Rick Renner Ministries.” Any neutral publisher with one semester of exegetical training would have used the manuscript for toilet paper. I am sorry for the emotional effect this scathing review could evoke, because Renner is a brother in Christ. However, books must be judged on their merits, not on the piety, intentions, or even good missionary work of their authors. Corruption of scholarship is a detriment to Biblical Studies.
  
  Writing: 0.5 stars (Awful)
  My Writing category’s 1-star description is “Frustrating,” but that would be too generous in this case. Hyperbole and dumbed-down prose are constant. The book repeats entire paragraphs. It employs exclamation marks and italics like a conspiracy theorist with a free blog. It artificially balloons concordance words into text, ranging from paragraphs to pages long. The book ends at page 463, but if one were to take out every iteration of the words “very,” “extremely,” “always,”—and every other fluffy adjective, adverb, and superfluous phrase typically found in 3rd-grade essays, one might reduce the page count by 100.
  
  Use: 1 star (as an Example of Gaping Holes)
  Dressed to Kill is the best example I know of that warps Greek glosses into ill-fit, campy preaching characterized by unnecessary points. The book’s only academic use would be to exemplify exegetical fallacies to the analytical student who—having read an exegetical textbook like Carson or Barr—thought that their examples of fallacies were contrived, or couldn't happen in real life. Renner provides hundreds of them.
  
  Truth: mostly 0.5 (Patently Untrue), with a small amount of 2.5 (Common Knowledge).
  Exegetical fallacies riddle nearly every original-language attempt Renner makes. His knowledge of Greek seems wholly imprisoned by The Etymological Fallacy, and dependent upon facile concordances like Strong’s (which is so worthless in real exegesis that I was forbidden to use it in seminary). Apparently, none of his knowledgeable friends or colleagues have directed him to the last 100 years of linguistic theory.
  
  The only bit of this book that rises to the mediocre is his spiritual application. Decent truths exist in some of them, but they are the sort most Christians have heard if they have gone to church more than a handful of years.
  
  Finally, he ends the book by adding a seventh piece of “armor” to the Bible’s six—the lance. He says Paul “clearly” had it in mind, without making any argument for it. He just asserts it a few times over the course of a few pages, then takes it for granted.
  
  Conclusion
  I implore you, reader: do not be deceived by glowing reviews of this book written by people who have possibly never even spelled the word “exegesis.” Stay away from the works of original-language gurus who fabricate meaning based upon homiletic expedience. If you receive this book as a gift, truly its best redemption is providing fuel for a winter fire. Even re-gifting it will propagate corruption of the study of Biblical Greek, making it harder for non-scholars to enjoy the beauties and glory of the New Testament.
• 
  Sean

  The Armor of God is an intriguing section of Ephesians. And while I appreciate the work and research that Renner put into this project, I can't really get behind it. The research for the armor itself is lacking, but what saves it is the full color inserts in the middle of the book. The historical armor is intriguing, but Renner's description of it is not entirely helpful. This is more of a survey/basic read and I actually found more historical information in the children's section of my local library. I bought this book because the cover was awesome and I used that to teach a series on this subject to my students. The pictures saved this purchase. It is very heavy on faith theology. At times it can be painfully redundant. And on more than one occasion I noticed creative liberty taking precedence over credible research (like when Renner goes so far as to add a piece of armor not found in Ephesians chapter 6). This book walks a fine line for me and wasn't exactly what I expected. It did give me some helpful insights and thoughts, but it's not one I would recommend to my family or my students.
  
  
  
  
• 
  Jennifer B

  By far, the most complete book on spiritual warfare I've read!!
• 
  Carrie Daws

  This book is an incredible reference to the Roman soldier's uniform in New Testament times. And the author's discussion of the Greek terms and their meanings is tremendously helpful to visualizing and understanding what the apostle Paul meant when he describes the armor of God in Ephesians 6. I truly learned a lot without feeling talked down to or inadequate in any way.
  
  That being said, I struggled with a few things in the book. First, the author makes quite a few absolute statements that require more thinking on my part--not that I won't agree with him, but I'm not convinced he's completely correct either. And a few of those statements are more supposition, so I'm not entirely sure anyone from the modern age can know for sure. Additionally, he is very repetitive, and at times wordy, going into far more explanation than is necessary. This became somewhat annoying, and I found myself skimming sections of most of the chapters. And once or twice, he skimmed over a critical detail without much discussion, which I think has caused some of the confusion in a few of the reviews I read of this book (like he declares the belt of truth is the written word of God while the sword of the Spirit is the spoken word of God).
  
  This is a fantastic book for anyone who wants to better understand spiritual armor but should not be read (like all books) without carefully considering what's being presented. It's suitable for most audiences who can handle academic discussions of weapons and modes of war.
• 
  Sandy Van der meulen

  One of the most balanced book on spiritual warfare I've read. The armor section with full color pics was a huge plus!! He takes each piece of the armor and gives not only the historical background but also the spiritual implications of each. It was definitely a game changer!!
• 
  Lana Shaw

  I found this author to be up there with Derek Prince on balancing depth of material with simple execution. So although this book is rich with information, it is an easy read.
• 
  Tanya

  I have never been so happy to finish a book. And, to be honest, the only reason I finished was because it was recommended by someone I respect and I was to far in to dnf. I don’t know if this author was given a specific word count or page count he had to meet but apparently there was something. This book could’ve been half the length. The amount of repetition was ridiculous. And, again in all honesty, I’m questioning a bit of his doctrine and theology. I’m sure some of that is just denomination differences. But seriously - skip it. I am sure there are much better books written ok this topic
• 
  Lana Lynne Lynne

  This is a powerful and comprehensive study. Rick Renner clarifies the analogy between a Roman soldier's armor and "the full armor of God" we are to put on daily. The Apostle Paul knew both well. The author's knowledge of the origin and meaning of the original language and text lends further insights and understanding. Spiritual battles are real. God has given us the armor we need, but we must put it on daily. The author guides Believers in doing so with steadfast faith.
• 
  Ruth

  First of all, ANY book by Rick Renner is awesome. You always dive deep into the scriptures, studying word by word. This book is about spiritual warfare. The Roman armor is compared to our spiritual life. We learn of mistakes we may be making, how we can be strong, how we can improve. It is very valuable reading.
• 
  Erik Kutchen

  Fantastic book on the truth of spiritual warfare! It is not demon focused, it is Christ focused. I learn so much about spiritual warfare from this book compared what I had read in the past. If you’re going to read any books of Rick Renner this one is a must. He’s a grace gifted teacher of the Bible and I would recommend any of f them to you.
• 
  Debra Butterfield

  As a writer and lover of words, I especially enjoy diving into the original Greek of Ephesians 6:10-18. This is an amazing book that will bring you a deeper understanding of your spiritual armor. I consider this a must read for every Christian.
• 
  Darnnell Reese

  Go to book for fortifying your spiritual walk. You will want to read this book periodically to keep your mind and spirit aware of the tricks and schemes of the devil.
• 
  Tara Ferguson

  It looks long and daunting at first glance, but once I started I found it easy to finish. Renner is such an amazing teacher, and this book does not disappoint.
• 
  Matt Maples

  This was an interesting book, but probably needed to be at least a third shorter. There was a lot of filler material, but it was a pretty quick and interesting read.
• 
  Rena

  I have read this book many times and used it when I taught women's study groups. I don't even remember how long I have had it. I was the first Rick Renner book I bought.
• 
  Jonathan

  This is a great read! The depth and breadth of the authors approach to spiritual warfare helps the reader to understand and apply his or her ability to fight in the spiritual realm.
• 
  JR

  Perhaps the most thorough Bible based explaination of what the armor if God is, how to properly prepare for and carry it along with using it.
• 
  Katy Oh

  Practicality of the lessons here is life changing. So glad I read this.
• 
  Juan Leiva

  A Solid, mature and Bible centric study on how be equipped with the armor of God, according to the Word.
  Although I found some aspects of the editing to be frustrating like the bold highlights that would repeat some phrases that you just read, the way Rick Renner brought understanding with the Greek language contexts and the way it was historically used when Paul wrote his letters was a key factor to truly understand what the writer truly meant, with all the nuances and background each word carries.
  Overall, an amazing addition to any Christian's bookshelf, an outstanding and enlightening book that will, in fact, transform your life.
• 
  Kevin

  While I differ from Rick Renner is some theological beliefs, or preferences, this book undoubtedly provides useful practical advice regarding spiritual warfare, pairing practical spiritual concepts with the popular armor set of Rome (possibly what Paul used as inspiration as the Holy Spirit worked through him in his "Armor of God" writings).
  
  This connection made it easier for me to internalize and memorize truths I've read all my life in a practical way. I believe there is a tricky line theologians face as they draw inspiration from the Word of God, and Rick Renner walks the line very well. Even years after reading, some of the things in this book will come to mind when face with various challenges or when counseling others.
  
  As a young man I heard about the Shield of Faith, but Rick Renner expounds upon these shields by explaining that the (non-ceremonial) shields in Paul's day were large enough to cover the whole body. This gave newfound insight in my daily walk with the Lord, and in troubling times when I have no answers, I think of a massive shield wall, linked with other believers, covering my whole body. I don't need the answers when I have the Shield, I am protected.
  
  This just scratches the surface of some of the interesting topics discussed in this book, and I definitely recommend it to anyone trying to bolster their spiritual defenses or strengthen their spiritual discipline.
• 
  Michael Marcondes

  As a Russian preacher/teacher who started out when communism was at a high still and Catholics and others were being jailed or worst. The Lord gave him and his family the courage through other ministries like Kenneth Copeland on television and cassette teaching series back then to step out in faith. He started his own church when there were none and had inspired a massive following in Christ Jesus in Russia. Still teaching today he has the Word of God and teaches the reader so much about protection and more. A MUST read also!
• 
  Lana Jackson

  "Dressed to Kill" by Rick Renner is an in-depth look at Ephesians 6 passages about the Armor of God. Renner gives easy to understand Greek definitions for words used in the original writing, which enhance one's knowledge of the scriptures.
  
  I especially liked the word-by-word breakdown of the passage, Ephesians 6:10 "Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might."
  
  I also liked the different kinds of prayer that represent the staff of the Armor.
• 
  Sherri Hayes

  I enjoyed the concept of this book and how it went through each piece of armor. I saw some in a different perspective than I what I understood it to mean.
  I do agree that is was redundant in several places, however it was very informative. I especially like the original Greek words and their meaning. This always adds so much depth to any type of Bible Study.
• 
  Rachel

  Overall the book was good. I read it for a Bible study. You have to be pretty secure in biblical knowledge before reading because, at some points, the author strays into opinion but states it as biblical fact.
• 
  Carri

  so glad to have purchased this book. An extremely easy read to utilize daily tools to
  conquer fear and all that entails...