Art Katz first arrived in Europe—Catania in Sicily—as a self-described tall, cocky, seventeen-year-old merchant seaman in 1946. The shock of surveying the ashes and wreckage from World War II drove him back to Brooklyn where, a few years later, he was drafted into the Army and returned to Germany as part of the American army’s “occupation” in late 1951.

His initial arrival in Europe had shattered any idyllic hopes for adventure, according to his autobiography. He was horrified as he surveyed the town with its gutted harbor and half-submerged, broken skeletons of ships and zombie-like civilians trudging past piles of garbage, stopping to forage through the same rubble that they’d scavenged through the previous day. He rarely made mention again of his disillusionment at the squalor and destruction from three years caused by the pulverizing  by the Allied and German barrages during landings. He groped for explanation, numbed by an eerie impression that some vicious inhuman fist had smashed everything in a fit of indescribable hatred. Death prowled invisibly past collapsed buildings, alleys, and waterfront debris.

Any jubilation had been short-lived in Catania and throughout Sicily following liberation after German occupiers fled in 1943—just ahead of British and American troops who, after ridding the countryside of one enemy, resumed another occupation by foreigners. The war had eventually ended and to be followed by two tortuous decades of “reconstruction”, economic booms-and-busts, a plague of crime, neo-fascist outbreaks and, briefly, civil war. Governmental paralysis provoked massive civilian migrations to northern Italy and abroad through the end of the 20th Century, as the generalized weariness gradually subsided, allowing tedious rebuilding and social reforms.

But, the occupations—whether by German and Allied troops, the home-grown insurrections or local gangs—had seemed peculiarly cruel, excessive and strangely living force that stifled a return to any life in Catania and across the rest of Sicily.

“…The famous parable has no military nor warfare implications. Or does it?“

With few exceptions “peace-time” transitions for nations and regimes are rarely without lengthy aftershocks of harsh poverty, plunder, and violence. The stigma of military occupation is historically negative if not worse—for resentful civilians and abusive though equally entrapped soldiers! 

Katz’s ancestors 1,900 years earlier had subsisted under Roman “occupation” that, according to most historians, lasted from 63 B.C. until 410 A.D., and had included the infamous judgment and destruction of Jerusalem in 70 A.D.

The single reference to “occupy” in the New Testament parable of the Nobleman (Luke Chapter 19) was spoken by Jesus to show the higher spiritual expectations of fidelity and diligence in advancing His Kingdom.

Conventional commentaries seem to agree that the scant uses of “occupier” and “occupation” in the scriptures applied instead to business and secular pursuits. Especially, in the example of the Nobleman’s servants who were charged to be wise and fruitful in their expansion and management of his “business” holdings and profits until he returned from traveling to a “far country” (Luke 19).

At first glance, the famous parable has no military nor warfare implications. Or does it?

However, conducting routine “business” under the eyes of Roman occupation troops was risky enough, as is the reality now in everyday cutthroat commerce that is characterized as war-like with myriad human casualties and irreversible environmental corruption. Empires rise and topple in the fever of Mammon-worship while the environment suffers simultaneous mayhem.

Even so, the desperate, wicked and chaotic conflict being waged in unseen realms by the enemy finds the church languishing further into spiritual enfeeblement—forsaking the responsibility to “wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against the spiritual wickedness in high places.” (Ephesians 6)

Even so, the desperate, wicked and chaotic conflict being waged in unseen realms by the enemy finds the church languishing further into spiritual enfeeblement—forsaking the responsibility to “wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against the spiritual wickedness in high places.” (Ephesians 6)

“One of the scandals of contemporary Christianity…“

“Spiritual warfare” remained an intensifying theme cited by Art Katz toward the latter years of his long international ministry, whether in London, on many occasions in Germany, or far-flung locales of The Ukraine, Africa, India, Southeast Asia, South and Central America, San Francisco, New York City, in Onalaska, Wisconsin, or at home on Chippewa Tribal lands in northern Minnesota. He ceaselessly warned the church about its unseen enemy and the insidious reality of the spiritual strongholds of evil:

“One of the scandals of contemporary Christianity is the negligence to appropriately ‘teach’ the importance of spiritual warfare, especially in these Last Days when Principalities and Powers and the innumerable, rebellious ‘angels’ and fallen spirit beings plot ruin and instigate genocidal horrors worldwide.”

Truly, unseen realms over the nations swarm with hosts of demon antagonists desperately determined to pervert governments, institutions, societies and races. They deceive and animate earthly life among mankind which is tragically unaware of the brutal harassment and varieties of enslavement.

Although warfare is a constant theme throughout biblical history, Jesus’s confrontation with demons and the Principalities and Powers was no bidding to wage open war with the Romans by Jewish zealots nor between classes and factions of fellow humans.

Rarely was the topic more comprehensively portrayed or concisely presented as in the chapter, entitled “The Powers of Darkness,” in his new book–The Final Mystery: Israel & the Church. For more information on how to obtain a copy of this First Edition, click on http://artkatzministries.org/online_bookstore/books

Why a “war college” and considerations of “spiritual warfare” at Ben Israel?

Yes. Considering the past ‘schools’ conducted on the cutting-edge themes of things “apostolic” and/or “prophetical” …Why, indeed? The answer, as it quickly became apparent in later decades when the “charismatic movement” had become bloated, increasingly self-celebrating, lapsing ever closer to irrelevance, or worse!─was obvious, and compelling. Art Katz began a succession of ‘schools’ during summer months at Ben Israel that focused on the foundational crisis of leadership and authority in the church.

Our wholesale spiritual bankruptcy and corruption confesses our present decimation of fundamentalist and evangelical ranks, movements and denominations, exceeding any merely passive or religious sloth and secular abandon. True faith has been robbed by the “tradition of men” as a determined and desperate adversary fearlessly rampages and ravages throughout but unacknowledged and unidentified despite Biblical warning, growing and unprecedented evidence and an untapped and apparently ignored abundance of available teaching and timely literature!

Accordingly, this summer’s three “war college” sessions (July 25-27, August 29-September 1, September 26-28) intended to modestly explore this sober theme of “spiritual warfare”, deliverance, and the root issues of Powers and Principalities.

I began this present journey in 2005 and in a state of lethargy and disillusionment with “church” as I was encountering it. I had been involved with the ministry of Art Katz and his view of today’s “Christianity”. I was a part of the attempt at community life in 1975, known first as “Dominion (Farms)”, then later as “Ben Israel Fellowship”. As a brother in a responsible position of leadership I was faced with both conflict and blessing. This lifestyle lasted for ten years of my life. When I and my family were forced, or “invited”, to vacate the premises, I returned to living like most of today’s church lives ─ with secular employment and the routine of neighborhood living.

About five years ago I was in a state of nearly being “blinded”, spiritually. I had been reasonably successful at the employment the Lord had provided, and recently “downsized” from my job. I wasn’t consciously calling out to God, but somehow he arranged circumstances to get my attention. A small booklet arrived in the postal mail addressed to my wife, Mary. I don’t know if she read it at that time, but I saw its cover as I walked by the table where it had been placed. It was titled Christ and the Powers, by Hendrik Berkhof. It was small, and I was bored, so this should at least relieve some of my boredom. Little did I realize this little book would start me on a journey that is exciting to this day!

This book from a friend had exposed me to an area of Jesus’ life and ministry that either I had not been aware of, or I had ignored it if or when I might have seen it earlier.

As I recall, I can’t remember it ever having been taught or referred to. It raised a question within me: “If Jesus had such a struggle with invisible powers and overcame them, why haven’t I learned to do the same?” Perhaps they don’t exist today or, having been ‘‘vanquished’ by Jesus, they are forever removed from our arena of life.

“No wonder I and others encounter so much ‘trouble’ every day of our lives!“

The problem is, Berkhof didn’t agree with that view. I had a decision to make ─ remain ignorant or explore the subject further. My personality will not allow me to remain static for very long. The more I read and reread this little book, the more my understanding came alive. It is not a book or teaching that will be conquered at the first reading. Each time I opened it I would find a nuance that I had not previously seen. I discovered the scriptures teach that there is an invisible government beyond our human eyesight that is constantly arrayed against all mankind, like a huge army under the command of a personality out to destroy and take over what has been meant for our enjoyment. No wonder I and others encounter so much “trouble” every day of our lives!

If such a large segment of my understanding of scripture is missing, then I needed to play “catch-up”, and very soon, because time was running out for me. I had already passed my 75th birthday.

The short verse in the Bible at Ephesians 6.12 begged for understanding. “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places”.

“We wrestle…”? I soon found this verse was not an isolated occasion where the apostle Paul and other New Testament writers referred to the “unseen” world of forces opposing us, as well as an array of good forces assigned to help us. It is packed with valuable information to which few, to my knowledge, pay attention.

Yes, I had seen those verses before, but since they were seldom taken seriously I supposed them to be just “filler” in the saga of Biblical explanation of man’s journey. Not so!

“The ‘powers’ …do not care what brand you wear, so long as you do not live up to it!“

As I devoted some time to studying this little explored theme, I became aware of how much I had personally suffered because of my ignorance. I also observed that others, especially my now grown children and other family members, were being devastated and defeated over the same ignorance. It is not a matter of being a “Christian”, or “believer”, it is a matter of awareness and equipping to do something about it ─ to “fight back”.

The next year would be one of decision-making. The news that Art Katz had died brought a need to make arrangements to meet former friends, and relatives, who would gather for his funeral at the Ben Israel property to pay their respects. Another year would pass before I was faced with a new challenge and decision.

Today I find myself back at “Ben Israel Fellowship” with its disarray and shrunken form, only a mere shadow of what it once was. Mary and I had been “invited” to return, to help out with “peace-keeping” and administration, since Art’s passing had left a void which a number of persons were trying to fill.

At first I wanted no part of it, having remembered my former experiences at BI. Yet, the appeal came not because of what was needed, but on the basis that most of those involved “respected” my input, or “voice of experience”. I was acquainted with the people and the problems, from a distance. But I soon discovered upon my return, that the “respect” aspect was greatly exaggerated. It would take more than “reputation” to overcome such deep-seated differences that existed. I would assume a low profile for the next few months, as circumstances allowed feelings to surface.

It was during this period that I became acutely aware of the devastation being caused by the “unseen” forces which Berkhof was addressing. Here was an opportunity to see firsthand if there could be a solution to this disarray.

I discovered that human beings are held captive by these forces, and the forces do not go willingly or quickly. Yes, these were “Christian” people operating as a “Christian fellowship”. But the “powers” (the Greek word for them is stoichiea) do not care what brand you wear, so long as you do not live up to it!

“The idea of a “War College” seemed to be a proper fit“

A year after our return here, the brother that had sent the booklet to us joined us on the property. That began a time of exchange of thoughts and ideas, reading of related materials, amid the day-to-day chores and maintenance tasks. Our conversations invariably returned to the “principalities and powers” in Ephesians 6 because they were everywhere evident in common life, national politics, economy, religion. No area was exempt.

This past year we started to realize that if we were so ill-informed and ignorant, perhaps there were others who could benefit from what we have discovered. “Bible schools,” conferences, prophetic schools, etc., have all been tried but the benefits have been dubious. Somehow the idea of a session of coming together under the idea of a “War College” seemed to be a proper fit. That idea prompted a new enthusiasm not experienced around here in quite some time.

So, here we are…

– Art Beebe

“In the first year of his reign I Daniel understood by books…” (Daniel 9.2)

So, there was a “time” when rulers in Palestine found optimum advantage to carry on warfare with enemy nations. Supposedly, these most opportune times occurred in the spring or fall seasons when men, horses and equipment did not suffer in blazing desert heat and blowing sand ─ the dreaded khamsin ─ nor bog down in torrential rainstorms.

The better the weather, the better prospect for victory. (See II Samuel 11.1)

By the time this is read, our first “war college” ─ with nearly thirty participants from across the region ─ has probably been held, and the consensus is that we have crossed a threshold and was not a vain exertion.

We are encouraged and now focusing on the two remaining “colleges” to be held during the Labor Day weekend, and September 26-28.

Several have asked how we reached the decision to take this rather unexpected direction. It might be worth some recollection. Certainly it was not due to any snap decision by any individual ─ but, of course, the idea began from a note sent to Inger Katz from friends in Israel two or three years ago. It mentioned some encouraging out-of-the-ordinary teachings related to the monstrous epidemic of cancer in our time. She passed the information to the rest of us who were, admittedly, lukewarm if not skeptical and wanting to be protective in the months of her worsening condition. It can be said that there is an impression about her last hours when she had attempted to make a valiant last effort to get out of her bed in faith, though exhausted and understandably disoriented. What was it? Inspired to take a “step in faith”? Her brave heart and a courageous …will to live yet another day? Another week? A month? Or year?

She was a faith-FULL fighter… And, tenacious. Right up until that final…afternoon.

Today, her yard, though usually filled with clusters of brightly colored blooms and other sprawling greenery ─ someone had counted more than a hundred-sixty different varieties the previous summer ─ has only a few perennials, including one vigorous rose bush that has exploded with clusters of pink blossoms in the wake of heavy, early-summer rains.

The entire memory served to underline a radical stirring with regard to an eagerness and growing awareness about the subject of Spiritual Warfare.

Indifference, opposition, backlash, controversy? Or “mythologizing the Powers too much.”

It seemed a series of books and many internet sources followed in a deluge of materials by known and relatively unknown writers, scholars, and authorities on the supernatural, Bible historians and expositors ─ and so far countless others with vast expertise and credentials. As mentioned already, Hendrikus Berkhof’s Christ & the Powers, a small book but packing explosive content, became the original mainstay text for us at the beginning, finding its way into innumerable discussions and conversations among all of us together, at times in pairs, and individually. At only eighty pages, this short work by a Dutch scholar and theologian had grown out of lecture given by Berkhof in “about 1950” at a conference in Germany.

Post-World War II disillusionment and devastation still haunted Europe and especially German theologians and scholars who lapsed into Cold War inertia. The subject of Principalities and Powers, as posited by Berkhof, appalled Westerners who would not see the realities for demonic infestation in their own societies and churches.

Berkhof cited the “capricious history” of his book which was at first ignored in Germany and elsewhere, its message considered insignificant to those wanting “typical answers”. Famed German theologian Karl Barth had apologized for not promoting its publication initially, considering it as “mythologizing the Powers too much” at a time when German theologians were introspectively deflecting post-war critics and frenzied apologists who could not face demonic realities as facts behind the war ─ and constricting menace of communism.

“…War-torn populations clearly glimpsed the dark infamy…“

Meanwhile, Dutch and German editions were printed tenuously, then it was published in Japan and Indonesia ─ all war-torn populations that clearly glimpsed the dark infamy beyond the horrifying body-counts and devilishly massive destruction.

The book was eventually published in English by Herald Press in 1962 ─ though even today it is virtually unknown to contemporary generations of Americana, especially, among the waning traditions of “full gospel/evangelical/charismatic/neo-pentecostal” …religion. The last of Berkhof’s nineteen endnotes in his 1977 reprint lists a short bibliography of only nine authors, including only five with published works in English: 

• G.B. Caird, Principalities and Powers, 1956.
• G.H.C. MacGregor, Principalities and Powers: The Cosmic Background of Paul’s Thought, 1954-55.
• H. Schlier, Principalities and Powers in the New Testament, 1961.
• E. Gordon Rupp, Principalities and Powers: Studies in the Christian Conflict in History, 1952.
• A. J. Bandstra, The Law and the Elements of the World: An Exegetical Study in Aspects of Paul’s Teaching, 1964.

A list of other helpful texts include:

• C.S. Lewis, The Screwtape Letters, 1942; Mere Christianity, 1952, and numerous related publications.
• Frank D. Hammond, Pigs in the Parlor: A Practical Guide to Deliverance, 1973; The Saints At War, 1986.
• Clinton D. Morrison, The Powers That Be, 1960.
• Oscar Cullman , Christ and Time, 1951.
• Albert H. van den Huevel, These Rebellious Powers, 1966.
• Kurt Koch, The Devil’s Alphabet, 1971; Occult ABC, 1978.
• Walter Wink’s epic trilogy, Naming the Powers: The Language of Power in the New Testament, 1984; Unmasking the Powers: The Invisible Forces That Determine Human Existence, 1986; Engaging the Powers: Discernment and Resistance in a World of Domination, 1992; and The Powers That Be: Theology For A New Millennium, 1998.
• Francis Frangipane, The Three Battlegrounds, 1991.
• Frank Paretti’s fictional (but well within Biblical parameters): This Present Darkness, 1986; Piercing the Darkness, 1989.
• Derek Prince, They Shall Expel Demons, 1998; War in Heaven, 2003; Rules of Engagement, 2006; Pulling Down Strongholds, 2013.

Prince wrote and spoke widely about deliverance as well as the Principalities and Powers.  He also talked about the opposition and backlash from traditional evangelical as well as Pentecostal, and charismatics for his high-profile advocacy of teaching and preparing Christians on spiritual warfare.

“I think they perceived that I had crossed the boundary into the theological lunatic fringe.
Some wanted to accuse me of heresy…“

The subject of Spiritual Warfare recently became prominent enough for there to be published a landmark book comparing “four views” held by a sampling of scholars, theologians and others: Understanding Spiritual Warfare: Four Views, edited by James K. Beilby and Paul Rhodes (Baker Academic – Grand Rapids MI, 2012) ─ and understandable by lay persons willing to put forth some effort.

Included was the position taken by C. Peter Wagner, a former professor for three decades at Fuller Theological Seminary and author of numerous books (including Spiritual Warfare Strategy, 2011; Warfare Prayer, 1992; Territorial Spirits, 1991; Wrestling With Dark Angels, 1991). Wagner described how he was summoned to a faculty senate meeting where “a good number of irate theologians entered into a heated, two-hour cross-examination of my thinking on the subject of strategic-level spiritual warfare.” He stated: “Fears arose that this nonsense might even alienate some financial supporters. …I think they perceived that I had crossed the boundary into the theological lunatic fringe. Some wanted to accuse me of heresy because they knew that if I were guilty my tenure would be jeopardized.” But, despite nervousness by the Fuller hierarchy, the “situation in Fuller eventually died down.”

Interestingly, the volume with “four views” has an Introduction with 349 footnotes.

By comparison, another significant book tracing the “pagan” origins of “modern church practices” contained 1,199 footnotes practices of “pagan ritual influences” behind traditional communion services along with “Christians Wearing Their ‘Sunday Best’ for Church,” “The Clergy Costume” and origins of the “Clerical (Backwards) Collar,” uses of candles and incense at “communion tables,” “coming to church” facial expressions and demeanor, boys choirs, and so on. But, no mention of doctrines, Biblical teachings nor anything about Principalities and Powers, demonic influences, or “spiritual warfare!”

Katz, it should be noted, devotes a full chapter on the subject in his newly published The Final Mystery: Israel & the Church

How is it even possible that eleven years…ELEVEN YEARS have gone since my Papa was called home to Heaven?

Today is the date that was his last on this earth. 6/28/2007…the last day his anguished body fought for each breath, and then no more. In a mere moment he went from being on his deathbed to being whole and restored with the Lord.

So many of you knew him, but many did not have the blessing of knowing him when he was alive, and have only come to know of him after he passed. He so believed he would die a martyrs death in Israel. He was in disbelief that this disease would take his body! I still recall every conversation about what was ahead as if it were only yesterday. But he was able to make that choice. The Lord would either raise him up or take him home…those were his words when I sat down with him to talk about “things” a mere week before he died.

And there we sat a week later, the living room filled with close family and friends, watching and waiting, taking turns sitting by the bed that had been set up in the den.I clearly recall Dina Herrera looking up at me when he began his journey. She knew. I could tell by the look in her eyes that there had been a swift change. I literally jumped from my seat, calling for my mother to come.

My dad lived and loved this song…“I see a man coming down from the mountain, I see him clearer each day. I see a man coming down from the mountain and he says, prepare ye the way. Prepare ye the way. Prepare ye the way. Prepare ye the way of the Lord.” He had done so and now he was ready. His hands moments prior had lifted off the bed in praise to Jesus as He was calling to him to come home. He had been in a unresponsive coma for three days, so to see this was really a sight to behold, and a moment of memory frozen in my mind. And shortly after that knowing and loving look from Dina, his body breathed his last rugged breath, and he was gone. That moment forever stopped in time…

Oh that there could have been more time with this amazing man who was able to impact more lives than any of us will ever know! Dad wasn’t a “Jesus Freak” or a cult leader, or anything else beyond a man who loved the Lord first, with his whole heart. He devoured the word as if it were air itself and it was the life he lived and breathed.  The choices he had to make…obedience to God and the calling on his life first and foremost, literally willing to leave everything he had to follow what the Lord wanted from him, not something I understood, appreciated or remotely respected as a child and teen but only came to honor, respect and understand in my adult years. There are “what if’s” that will only get answered on the other side of heaven.

And eleven years later, I’m still trying to learn, hear and understand the way he did. It is highly probable that I never will as there has not been and likely will not be another like him. Dad’s ways are not my ways, yet His way is to somehow keep the journey my beloved Papa started on…alive through the journey. He alone has placed my family and I on. Somehow…

Life…death…a moment, a journey, a legacy, never forgotten, a daughters heart still aching for her father.

In loving memory of my Dad,
Sissie