The Laughable Devil

[Dempsey1919]

Most Christians profess to believe in the existence of the Devil, but very few take him seriously; they don’t think that he plays an active role in their lives. When most think of the evil one, they either imagine a little red devil with horns or they think of the Exorcist movie. Very few think that they are tempted and oppressed by the Devil unless they have had some kind of mystical experience.

In reality, Demons have shaped world history throughout the ages. If anyone doubts the existence of the Devil and his minions, I suggest that they watch footage of Nazi Germany. Adolph Hitler was living proof that the Devil exists. I also hold the Devil responsible for the sex abuse scandals; I really believe that he is behind this. The soaring abortion rates also prove his involvement in the lives of people.

Every person has been tempted by the evil one. Most people become acutely aware of this when they deepen in their faith and become more spiritual. The closer one gets to God, the more they will experience the workings of the evil one.

The Devil is a fallen angel. He is a purely spiritual being and is far more intelligent than man. The workings of the Devil are far more sophisticated than people realise. There will be occasions of sin that are instigated by the Devil. Most people are aware of the grace of God in their lives, but they are embarrased to admit that the Devil is responsible for taunting and tempting them.

In my experience, most intelligent people are embarrased to admit that they believe in the Devil. The very idea of the Devil is laughable to some people. They think that he is a remnant from the middle ages when the Church was less enlightened. They wholeheartedly admit that they believe in God but cringe at the very idea of Satan. Why is this? He is a reality. He is here and he tempts us on a daily basis. He is a spiritual being and he wants to prevent us from serving the Lord.

Life is a battle between good and evil. Every person has to decide whether to fight for God, or fight on the side of the Devil. You’ve got to serve somebody. That’s the way it is. I view every day as a spiritual battle. I’ve got to put on the armour of Christ and fight sin.

Why do people disbelieve in the Devil? Why are they ashamed to admit that he exists and is responsible for sin? People need to be aware that he is here and wishes to do them much harm. Remember that Jesus came to defeat the Devil and redeem man.

 

[johnknoesel]

It is like I keep telling people, satan’s greatest accomplishment is the fact the he has convinced most of the world that he and God do not exist and that they are a myth. That is why we must stick to our guns and continue to be vigilant in professing the existence and love of God and the existence and hatred of satan for God and mankind.

 

[Graing]

Well said. He is very real and very active. I pray for my protection and the protection of the church. The old quote is very true “The greatest trick the devil ever played was making people think he doesn’t exist”.

Here is an arsenal for use in spiritual warefare…

forums.catholic-questions.org/showthread.php?t=179565

 

[contramundum7]

I enjoyed reading this Post…

Quite frankly, i am tired of Pollyannas who never want to talk about anything “negative” whether its the devil or what have you… Who knows - it could be that those ones who never want to “go there” are serving him more than the ones who seem half-depressed (or whatever)… Just a thought. But probably a good one because, hey - sociopaths and con artists are always smiling in your face just like Pollyannas are… Many times they are one and the same. After all, you couldn’t con too many people if you didn’t ACT like you liked them… etc…

Anyway, i’m glad you made the point that the devil is far more intelligent than we are. I think human pride does not usually care to admit such a thing. We like to think (consciously or o/wise) that we can easily lick the devil - just say a few prayers here and there and like magic, he goes away… Well, he does sometimes, but never for long… (about 2 seconds, i think :hypno: uch: .

He licks us all the time, which is the why the world is in such terrible shape .

 

[Coreopisis]

Good post!

It is my observation that people don’t want to believe in anything that makes them uncomfortable. It is so much easier to just choose not to believe it.

For instance, so many people, including Catholics, don’t go to confession because they don’t believe they should have to confess through a Priest (because confessing to a Priest would be uncomfortable for them.) Many people refuse to believe in Purgatory or Hell essentially because it is uncomfortable to think that such a thing would exist. Many people don’t believe they should go to church, they don’t think it is necessary because they don’t want to go. It makes them feel better about not going to say they don’t believe in it. Many people don’t want to believe that God will punish us for fornication because that would make them guilty. Some people will even argue with what the bible says if the bible makes them wrong.

It’s really amazing to notice when people do this. people just can’t seem to admit that they might be wrong. Instead they try to change everyones opinions about it. It’s no differen than a kid convincing his friends that he shouldn’t be punished for not listening to his mother. It doesn’t matter how many kids agree with him he will still be punished.

Anyway - my point is people don’t like to believe in Satin because it is uncomfortable for them.

 

[contramundum7]

It is my observation that people don’t want to believe in anything that makes them uncomfortable. It is so much easier to just choose not to believe it.

.

So true. I have found that the things that make me uncomfortable are the things i need to face and deal with. As someone once said (as far as Confession goes): The unexamined life is not worth living. Some would say, I can examine my life wihtout the “help” of a priest. And yet, Jesus instituted the sacrament of Confession (John 20:19).

The only problem is, some priests are not very good at Confession. I’ve been to priests who interrupted, were grouchy, didn’t wnat to spend time with me, etc…