I like to read lots of kinds of books, but I think one of my favorite genres is memoir. I love to read people’s’ stories and hear the types of things that shaped them socially, intellectually and emotionally. In Christian memoirs, you also get to hear about conversion and call, the types of things that shaped a person’s convictions, and struggles along the way. Rough Road to Freedom is the story of Neil T. Anderson, best known in the Evangelical world for writing Victory Over the Darkness and The Bondage Breaker. Freedom in Christ Ministries, the ministry Anderson founded has helped people experience victory over demonic oppression and brought healing to their lives.

Anderson grew up on a farm and went on to serve in the US Navy and became an aeronautical engineer before feeling called to the ministry. He was a pastor and seminary professor (Talbot) before starting Freedom in Christ Ministries. Along the way, Anderson shares how his theology of God’s kingdom (and that other kingdom) develops, and his experience in helping people confront the power of darkness in their lives.

I enjoyed this book. Anderson is a person of integrity who has had his own struggles with bitterness and un-love, darkness and feelings of spiritual dryness, difficult circumstances and he has had to deal with his fair share of opposition. I enjoyed reading how his theology developed and of the many people he has been able to walk alongside and helped experience Christ’s freedom. I appreciated his graciousness with his opponents.

I do not necessarily agree with Anderson’s theology on every point, but I like his story. It also helps me contextualize some of his theological commitments. If you like Christian memoirs or are just interested in knowing more about this influential figure, this is a good book for you. Because Anderson focuses on his theological development and ministry experience, some may find this book a little less story oriented and ‘preachier’ than your typical memoir. I think that is a fair critique, but I liked it anyway (4 stars).

Thank you to Kregel Publications for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for this review. ( )

It was really hard for me to get through this book because the first half just seemed like bragging. Not only was it an exhaustive list of the authors accomplishments but it came across as judgemental too. It opens with the author telling what a rough childhood he had which is all good and fine, except it was told in a such a self righteous way. Eventually he comes to a revelation that he should stop taking inventory of other peoples sins, yet the majority of this book seems to be just that, an inventory the sins of everyone from coworkers to the genral population. I wouldnt say this book wa s a waste of time, it had a few pieces of good advice, but from the title I was hoping for something with more inspiration and less gloating and criticizing. ( )

Well-written spiritual biography by Neil T. Anderson. God allows certain circumstances to come into our lives to draw us closer to Him. Anderson knows about this very subject. He tells his story in a compassionate and sensitive narrative. ( )

I was happy to read Neil T Anderson's memoir, "Rough Road To Freedom". To read this book is to know Neil; he writes like he talks -- sincere, enormously honest, and easy-going.

This book is an attempt by the author to explain who he is, how he has changed over the years, how he was thrust into dealing with the spiritual needs of people who were under attack by Satan, and how he was led to develop Freedom in Christ Ministries in response to the needs he saw. To show the changes in understanding he gained over the years leading to his establishment of FICM, there was a necessity to give a summary of the various aspects of the ministry. In effect, "Rough Road to Freedom" is a summary of some of his other works.

I have attended several of Neil's seminars, starting back in 1992. I have read many of his books; besides this one, I own a dozen others. I was involved as an encourager in Freedom Ministries (a lay ministry offshoot of Freedom in Christ Ministries) for several years. My life was changed by finding my identity in Christ.

I believe readers would enjoy and understand this book better if they have first a basic knowledge of spiritual warfare, specifically Freedom in Christ ministries, and, like me, would enjoy it most if they know Neil.

Unlike another reviewer, I did not see "a spirit of pride and disdain" in this book, nor did I get the sense that Neil sees himself as a hero. He is a sincerely humble man who is confident in his identity in Christ. He repeatedly makes it clear that any effect his ministry has had is not because of Neil or the ministry, but because of God's working in the individual. The entire point of Freedom in Christ Ministries -- and other ministries like it -- is to teach Christians the power and authority they have in Christ.

Because I became involved with FICM near its inception, I look forward to reading Neil's more recent books to see how his theology has been clarified, though I am certain the basis of FICM has not changed. Truth is truth; Believers need to know who they are in Christ. That is the message Neil Anderson and FICM has been proclaiming throughout. ( )

As with all of Neil T. Anderson's books, this one is also a very good read with a lot of useful information. Anderson may be the best in dealing with the issue of mental bondage.