Is it acceptable for a Catholic to deny the existence of demons?

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Begin at CCC 390 and understand that belief in Satan are doctrine (follow the footnotes for the references http://www.vatican.va/archive/ccc_css/archive/catechism/p1s2c1p7.htm):

390 The account of the fall in Genesis 3 uses figurative language, but affirms a primeval event, a deed that took place at the beginning of the history of man.264 Revelation gives us the certainty of faith that the whole of human history is marked by the original fault freely committed by our first parents.265

II. THE FALL OF THE ANGELS

391 Behind the disobedient choice of our first parents lurks a seductive voice, opposed to God, which makes them fall into death out of envy.266 Scripture and the Church’s Tradition see in this being a fallen angel, called “Satan” or the “devil”.267 The Church teaches that Satan was at first a good angel, made by God: "The devil and the other demons were indeed created naturally good by God, but they became evil by their own doing."268

392 Scripture speaks of a sin of these angels.269 This “fall” consists in the free choice of these created spirits, who radically and irrevocably rejected God and his reign. We find a reflection of that rebellion in the tempter’s words to our first parents: "You will be like God."270 The devil “has sinned from the beginning”; he is “a liar and the father of lies”.271

393 It is the irrevocable character of their choice, and not a defect in the infinite divine mercy, that makes the angels’ sin unforgivable. "There is no repentance for the angels after their fall, just as there is no repentance for men after death."272

394 Scripture witnesses to the disastrous influence of the one Jesus calls “a murderer from the beginning”, who would even try to divert Jesus from the mission received from his Father.273 "The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil."274 In its consequences the gravest of these works was the mendacious seduction that led man to disobey God.

395 The power of Satan is, nonetheless, not infinite. He is only a creature, powerful from the fact that he is pure spirit, but still a creature. He cannot prevent the building up of God’s reign. Although Satan may act in the world out of hatred for God and his kingdom in Christ Jesus, and although his action may cause grave injuries - of a spiritual nature and, indirectly, even of a physical nature- to each man and to society, the action is permitted by divine providence which with strength and gentleness guides human and cosmic history. It is a great mystery that providence should permit diabolical activity, but "we know that in everything God works for good with those who love him."275
 
Inquisitor85 said:
Is that actually true? That’s not just a movie plot but there are actual exocists out there?
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“The Exorcist” was based on a real case of exorcism of a boy in the suburbs of Washington, DC. I recall reading that the boy’s family was not even Catholic - I believe they were Lutheran - and that their minister told them to get in touch with the local Catholic priest because the Catholics knew how to deal with cases of possession.

As the others have said, every diocese is expected to have at least one trained exorcist designated. The exorcists are sent to special schools where they learn how to be an exorcist. If you look on the web you can find interviews with some of the diocesan exorcists.
 
A bit of advice given to me by an official Diocese exorcist was that the book that gives the best overview for lay persons is “The Rite : The Making of a Modern Exorcist” by Matt Baglio.

The film version was Hollywood-ed up, stick to the book.
 
AlphaEtOmega said:
Fr. Oscar Quevedo
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If this is the same person, I think you’ve misunderstood what he taught. This book is entitled, “before the demons return”:
  • Antes que os demônios voltem , Loyola
He wrote it.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Óscar_González-Quevedo#Books

The article says:

Well equipped with a solid academic background he was ordained priest in 1961. His superior sent him to Brazil, a fertile field to research areas of superstitions, religious sects and parapsychological phenomena. His background did not lack knowledge of illusionism and magic. This was necessary to uncover all sorts of misconceptions and frauds.
 
Thanks for everyone’s replies, I’m genuinely surprised that’s a ‘thing’. Always thought it was an old superstition.
 
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They used to physically attack St. Martin de Porres in the night and he would have to fight them off.

St. Teresa of Avila would see them appear and have to flick some holy water at them to make them go away.
 
There’s nothing to be afraid of. Simply ask Mother Mary to spread her mantle over you and protect you, and go to sleep.

Once in a while I feel like a demon might be bugging me. I usually flick some holy water and I ask Jesus, Mary, Joseph, St. Michael, St. Benedict etc to make it go away. Works every time.
 
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I hope this can help :

Ghosts, hauntings , tarot cards, Ouija boards , crystal balls—what do they have in common? They are fascinating to many people because they seem to offer insight into an unknown world that lies beyond the limits of our physical existence. And, to many, such things seem innocent and harmless.

Many who approach these subjects from non-biblical perspectives believe that ghosts are the spirits of dead people who, for whatever reason, have not gone on to the “next stage.” According to those who believe in ghosts, there are three different kinds of hauntings: (1) residual hauntings (likened to video playbacks with no actual interaction with any spirits). (2) Hauntings by human spirits, whose natures are a combination of good and bad (but not evil). Such spirits may simply want to get a person’s attention; others may be pranksters, but, in either case, they do not truly harm people. (3) Interaction with non-human spirits or demons. These entities can masquerade as human spirits, but they are harmful and dangerous.

When reading about ghosts and hauntings from non-biblical sources, remember that, just because an author may refer to the Bible or to Bible characters (such as Michael the archangel), it does not mean he approaches the subject from a biblical perspective. When no authority is given for an author’s information, the reader has to ask himself, “How does he/she know this to be so? What is his/her authority?” For example, how does an author know that demons masquerade as human spirits? Ultimately, those who address such subjects from non-biblical sources must base their understanding on their own thoughts, the thoughts of others, and/or the experiences of the past. However, based on their own admission that demons are deceiving and can imitate benevolent human spirits, experiences can be deceiving! If one is to have a right understanding on this subject, he must go to a source that has shown itself to be accurate 100 percent of the time—God’s Word, the Bible. Let’s take a look at what the Bible has to say about such things.
 
  1. The Bible never speaks of hauntings. Rather, it teaches that when a person dies, the spirit of that person goes to one of two places. If the person is a believer in Jesus Christ, his spirit is ushered into the presence of the Lord in heaven ([Philippians 1:21-23] & [2 Corinthians 5:8] . Later, he will be reunited with his body at the resurrection ([1 Thessalonians 4:13-18]. If the person is not a believer in Christ, his spirit is put in a place of torment called hell ([Luke 16:23-24].
Whether a person is a believer or an unbeliever, there is no returning to our world to communicate or interact with people, even for the purpose of warning people to flee from the judgment to come ([Luke 16:27-31]. There are only two recorded incidents in which a dead person interacted with the living. The first is when King Saul of Israel tried contacting the deceased prophet Samuel through a medium. God allowed Samuel to be disturbed long enough to pronounce judgment upon Saul for his repeated disobedience ([1 Samuel 28:6-19]. The second incident is when Moses and Elijah interacted with Jesus when he was transfigured in [Matthew 17:1-8].There was nothing “ghostly” about the appearance of Moses and Elijah, however.
  1. Scripture speaks repeatedly of angels moving about unseen ([Daniel 10:1-21]. Sometimes, these angels have interaction with living people. Evil spirits, or demons, can actually possess people, dwelling within them and controlling them (see [Mark 5:1-20] for example). The four Gospels and the Book of Acts record several instances of demon possession and of good angels appearing to and aiding believers. Angels, both good and bad, can cause supernatural phenomena to occur ([Job 1–2)[Revelation 7:1].
  2. Scripture shows that demons know things of which people are unaware ([Acts 16:16-18]; [Luke 4:41]. Because these evil angels have been around a long time, they would naturally know things that those living limited life spans would not. Because Satan currently has access to God’s presence ([Job 1–2], demons might also be allowed to know some specifics about the future, but this is speculation.
  3. Scripture says Satan is the father of lies and a deceiver ([John 8:44]; [2 Thessalonians 2:9] and that he disguises himself as an “angel of light.” Those who follow him, human or otherwise, practice the same deceit ([2 Corinthians 11:13-15].
 
  1. Satan and demons have great power (compared to humans). Even Michael the archangel trusts only God’s power when dealing with Satan ([Jude 1:9). But Satan’s power is nothing compared to God’s ([Acts 19:11-12]; [Mark 5:1-20], and God is able to use Satan’s evil intent to bring about His good purposes ([1 Corinthians 5:5]; [2 Corinthians 12:7].
  2. God commands us to have nothing to do with the occult, devil worship, or the unclean spirit world. This would include the use of mediums, séances, Ouija boards, horoscopes, tarot cards, channeling, etc. God considers these practices an abomination ([Deuteronomy 18:9-12], [Isaiah 8:19-20], [Galatians 5:20], [Revelation 21:8), and those who involve themselves in such things invite disaster ([Acts 19:13-16].
  3. The Ephesian believers set an example in dealing with occult items (books, music, jewelry, games, etc.). They confessed their involvement with such as sin and burned the items publicly ([Acts 19:17-19].
  4. Release from Satan’s power is achieved through God’s salvation. Salvation comes through believing in the gospel of Jesus Christ ([Acts 19:18] [26:16-18]. Attempts to disentangle oneself from demonic involvement without salvation are futile. Jesus warned of a heart devoid of the Holy Spirit’s presence: such a heart is merely an empty dwelling place ready for even worse demons to inhabit ([Luke 11:24-26]. But when a person comes to Christ for the forgiveness of sin, the Holy Spirit comes to abide until the day of redemption ([Ephesians 4:30].
Some paranormal activity can be attributed to the work of charlatans. It would seem best to understand other reports of ghosts and hauntings as the work of demons. Sometimes these demons may make no attempt to conceal their nature, and at other times they may use deception, appearing as disembodied human spirits. Such deception leads to more lies and confusion.

God states it is foolish to consult the dead on behalf of the living. Rather, He says, “To the law and to the testimony!” ([Isaiah 8:19-20]. The Word of God is our source of wisdom. Believers in Jesus Christ should not be involved in the occult. The spirit world is real, but Christians/Catholic’s do not need to fear it ([1 John 4:4].
 
Wait, does this mean they had free will or some approximation of it?
 
Tis_Bearself said:
40.png
Inquisitor85:
Is that actually true? That’s not just a movie plot but there are actual exocists out there?
Click to expand...
“The Exorcist” was based on a real case of exorcism of a boy in the suburbs of Washington, DC. I recall reading that the boy’s family was not even Catholic - I believe they were Lutheran - and that their minister told them to get in touch with the local Catholic priest because the Catholics knew how to deal with cases of possession.

As the others have said, every diocese is expected to have at least one trained exorcist designated. The exorcists are sent to special schools where they learn how to be an exorcist. If you look on the web you can find interviews with some of the diocesan exorcists.
Click to expand...
Reminds me of the old saying:
  • What does a protestant minister do when he witnesses a real demonic possession? He calls a Catholic Priest.
 
I have been approached by demons. You can feel them close by.

I remember once before returning to my Lord.

My flat is built on a old burned down hotel. Every time I went in to the corridor I could feel it’s darkness.

One night I woke up and could not move. Frozen on my bed and as I prayed the darkness came over me and my bed.

Saying loudly , your prayers are weak and lack faith.

Suddenly it let go and disappeared in to the corridor.

I had several people tell me they had seen or felt things in the hallway.

The next few days I put holy blessed items around the flat and have not felt it since.

Years later I returned to my Lord for different reasons as a sinner.

But if ever I feel darkness as I do sometimes in other places outside my flat.

I immediately say begone satin as I have only one master. It never fails. My faith is very strong and I never ever miss obligation days and pray sometimes up to 45mins a day.
 
I feel that reading about the life of St. Theresa of Avila and St. John Vianney may be helpful. They both had regular encounters with demons. St. John Vianney had his bed set on fire during the night as well as being drug from his sheets.

Also, please read the transcript from the exorcism of Anneliese Michel, or better known as “Emily Rose”. The movie was based upon her procession, but left out all the message Mother Mary wanted to reveal through the demons. Since the questions being asked during the exorcism were asked by a priest (meaning he is in persona Christi), the demons had to tell the truth from whatever was being asked. This caused a lot of truth to be revealed about The Church and the actions being done by Satan and the demons to destroy The Church.

Demons in this age work differently. They don’t go around, levitating people. Rather, they influence movements, ideologies, decisions, etc. Every temptation you experience is because of the enemy. Constantly they try to influence us to choose to sin. Demons are very real. We encounter them every single day.

Transcript for The Exorcism of Anneliese Michel: http://www.dominicanidaho.org/analisemichelle.html

Book: https://www.amazon.com/Anneliese-Mi...ocphy=9033981&hvtargid=pla-669952296698&psc=1
 
You can really feel when they are present, there is no mistaken the evil and darkness that surrounds them.
 
I had similar experiences and once they inflicted pain into my head whenever i prayed the lords prayer. They also prayed in tongues. Glad such happenings have subsidded after i repented , went for confession , eat eucharist and had the house blessed.
 
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