Does the ‘church' still believe in the devil?

Well it would appear so from the recently claimed exorcism by the new Pope on a disabled man from Mexico.

The priest accompanying the man was seen to bend and whisper into the Popes ear which has been interpreted as ‘asking him to perform an exorcism’ The laying on of hands on the disabled man resulted in him convulsing, making guttural sounds and then slumping once the hands were removed.

A panel of church theologians in the studio at the time stated with absolute certainty that it was an exorcism.

But did you know that still in todays world every single Catholic diocese around the globe has an official exorcist. In Rome the last priest responsible claimed to have carried out 50 000 exorcisms.

And if you think it is just about Catholics, think again the Church of England to this day maintains a network of diocesan exorcists.

In the Evangelical and Pentecostal churches a literal belief in the Devil is the norm.

And in the new Popes first speech to the Cardinals, he stated “he who doesn’t pray to the Lord prays to the Devil” – maybe this applies to us all including the atheists?

Re: Does the ‘church' still believe in the devil?

Does the Church have an option but to believe in the devil? Given that the devil has been used to keep parishiones in line for a couple of centuries, I don't see that they can say otherwise.

Re: Does the ‘church' still believe in the devil?

As you say Karen, there has to be a devil to make us believe in God !

Re: Does the ‘church' still believe in the devil?

You know Alan - I've often wondered - what if it's the other way around? Who is the devil and who is god and what proof was there that the perception was the right one?

I think my family are right - I do think too much!

Re: Does the ‘church' still believe in the devil?

well the proponents would say - God is good and makes us good and Satan is evil and makes is bad - seems to fit into a lot of life. and what about the struggles we have each day between doing the 'right' thing and doing the 'wrong' thing. don't we feel that constant tug each way each day?

Re: Does the ‘church' still believe in the devil?

Define good as perceived by god?


God exists.
God is omnipotent, omniscient, and perfectly good.
A perfectly good being would want to prevent all evils.
An omniscient being knows every way in which evils can come into existence.
An omnipotent being, who knows every way in which an evil can come into existence, has the power to prevent that evil from coming into existence.
A being who knows every way in which an evil can come into existence, who is able to prevent that evil from coming into existence, and who wants to do so, would prevent the existence of that evil.
If there exists an omnipotent, omniscient, and perfectly good being, then no evil exists.
Evil exists, therefore God is not omnipotent, not omniscient, and not perfectly good. (logical contradiction).

(Epicurus)

Re: Does the ‘church' still believe in the devil?

The devil is there so we can do evil, then we have someone to blame!
There are thousands of devils in this world, just be careful who you have for a friend.

Re: Does the ‘church' still believe in the devil?

Someone call me??? - Lucifer here!!!

Re: Does the ‘church' still believe in the devil?

I still think of you with that ID Geoff.......Can't get used to this Uncle Joe business.

Re: Does the ‘church' still believe in the devil?

More importantly does evil still exist now that Harry Potter has finally killed Voldemort?

The devil is the religious world's biggest cop-out!
"It wasn't me guvnor - the devil made me do it!"