Frank Peretti's 1986 novel, This Present Darkness, stands as a foundational text in modern Christian fiction, weaving a narrative that blends supernatural thriller elements with theological concepts. The book chronicles the spiritual battle waged in the unseen realm around the small town of Ashton, primarily through the eyes of a disillusioned journalist, Hank Busche, and a young, earnest pastor, Dale Crawford. Peretti’s thesis, implicitly argued through the unfolding plot, is that the spiritual world, populated by both angels and demons, is a tangible force actively influencing human affairs, and that prayer and faith are the primary weapons available to believers in this cosmic conflict. The novel’s enduring popularity suggests it resonated deeply with readers seeking a fictional exploration of these spiritual realities.
The narrative suspense of This Present Darkness hinges on the insidious work of demonic forces, led by the formidable "Samael," who manipulate human events through suggestion, fear, and deception. Their goal is to sow chaos and doubt, ultimately turning people away from God. Peretti depicts these battles not through overt physical confrontation but through subtle spiritual warfare. For instance, the demonic influence is shown corrupting local institutions, starting with the town’s school board and spreading to the police department and the media. Hank Busche, initially skeptical, finds himself drawn into the mystery as strange occurrences and a growing sense of unease grip Ashton. His journalistic instincts, coupled with his gradual exposure to the supernatural, force him to confront the possibility of a reality beyond the material. The effectiveness of this portrayal lies in its grounding of the supernatural within the mundane; the devil’s work is not in fire and brimstone, but in whispered lies and amplified anxieties that lead to rash decisions and fractured relationships.
Pastor Crawford's role is crucial in illustrating the counter-strategy to demonic influence: prayer. Peretti emphasizes the power of intercessory prayer as a direct line of communication and action in the spiritual realm. The Christian characters, guided by a mysterious elder named Barnabas, engage in constant prayer, forming a spiritual defense against the encroaching darkness. This aspect of the novel serves as a practical, albeit fictionalized, manual for spiritual warfare, demonstrating how concerted prayer can disrupt demonic plans and bring about divine intervention. The climax of the novel, where a massive prayer effort is mounted against a major demonic operation, vividly illustrates this point. The novel suggests that while the forces of evil are powerful and organized, the unified faith and prayer of believers can effectively thwart their schemes.
However, the novel is not without its stylistic choices that draw criticism. Peretti’s tendency towards overt exposition, often delivered through Barnabas or internal monologues, can at times feel didactic rather than organic to the plot. While necessary to explain the theological underpinnings, these passages occasionally slow the pacing. Furthermore, the stark duality between good and evil, with demons depicted as inherently malicious and angels as purely benevolent, offers a simplified view of spiritual conflict. The human characters, too, often fall into archetypal roles, serving the thematic purpose more than developing into complex individuals. Despite these points, the novel’s primary strength lies in its accessibility and its ability to translate abstract theological concepts into a compelling, action-oriented narrative. This Present Darkness succeeded in its aim: to awaken readers to the reality of spiritual warfare and encourage them to participate in it through faith and prayer.