The author, Joan Fields Long, wrote Depart From Evil in 1976-77. The setting is in a peaceful farming community in the South. When a new pastor is hired for the local church things begin to change. He and his wife and their dog are welcomed with open arms by dairy farmers, Jed and Jenny Bentley and their family. Something strange and mysterious begins to happen after their arrival. Attitudes and disruptions in the Bentley household and in lives of some of the church members and even the farm animals take place. There is an account in the Bible in Matthew where Jesus cast out demons and they went into a herd of swine. The Bible gives strict instructions against delving into what we now call the occult or having anything to do with evil spirits. Ephesians 6:12 "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." KJV. Readers of most any age will be able to relate to the characters and their life style of 40 years ago. When rural America moved at a slower pace and dairy farms were the livelihood of many people. The community and the local church were important parts of their everyday lives. Proverbs 3:7 "Be not wise in thine own eyes, fear the Lord, and 'depart from evil.' " KJV.
