How a priest responded when he was told "our priest recently said that there is no such thing as a devil or Satan, that these are simply metaphors..."

[mdgspencer]

Question:
Our priest recently said that there is no such thing as a devil or Satan, that these are simply metaphors used in Scripture to describe a presence of evil in the world. Is he right?
Answer:
When I was in grammar school, the sisters used to tell us that the Devil is never more powerful then when he is ignored or denied. That is surely the case today. The Scriptures are shot through with mentions of the Devil, Satan, the Evil One; hardly a page of the New Testament can be found without references to a real, personal Devil. The existence of such an individual is official Catholic doctrine, and both Popes Paul Vl and John Paul ll have restated this on several occasions, reminding people of the Devil’s reality, identity, and power. Or, as the word of God tells us “the devil goes about the world like a roaring lion seeking the ruin of souls.” Forewarned is forearmed. At the same time, Christians should not be unduly frightened by the Evil One, because “the one who is in you, Christ, is greater than the one who is in the world the devil“ (1 John 4:4).
(This is taken from “Ask Father Shea,” at https://cammonline.org/prayer-ministry/ask-fr-shea/ )

 

[jvickers]

I would say your priest is greatly mistaken. Your answer clearly illustrates this. Perhaps it’s time to find a new church to go to if there is one in your area? Or, perhaps speak to your bishop about what your priest is espousing?

 

[Fraevo63]

I would immediately find a new parish with a pastor/priest who isn’t a heretic.

 

[thistle]

Our priest recently said that there is no such thing as a devil or Satan, that these are simply metaphors used in Scripture to describe a presence of evil in the world. Is he right?

That is heresy. Such a priest should be reported to the Bishop.

 

[sancte_trinitatis]

Wow! I’m speechless!!