Is it okay, to make fun of devils?

fakename · #1 Oct 23, '11, 12:41 pm

Is it okay, to make fun of devils, they seem to deserve it?

Rascalking · #2 Oct 23, '11, 2:05 pm

Oh yes. Read "The Screwtape Letters" by CS Lewis. It's an incredibly amazing book with many interpretations, but it definitely makes fun of devils.

jmj1984 · #3 Oct 23, '11, 2:15 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by fakename

Is it okay, to make fun of devils, they seem to deserve it?

No, not unless one wants to attract their attention, increase their fury and risk being tempted and assaulted by them even more.

pollycarp · #4 Oct 23, '11, 2:31 pm

I regard them as something like a bad Hollyweird movie with really stupid special effects that keep trying to scare you, when you know.....

It's only a movie...

Heuchler · #5 Oct 23, '11, 3:47 pm

Well if you want to get under his skin, just defy him. Live a pious life. When life throws you lemons, be happy and smile. Don't let your anger lead you to sin and do your best to never fall to temptation. But I don't think taunting Satan will do any good, it won't hurt his feelings, it won't stop him, and it can't help you. So, forget Satan and ignore his attempts to temp you if you want to get the best of him.

Blenderx · #6 Oct 23, '11, 3:50 pm

Never speak directly to a devil, but ask God to rebuke them. Otherwise, feel free to regard them with all the contempt and disdain they deserve, after the example of many saints like Teresa of Avila and Padre Pio, without paying undue attention to them.

jmj1984 · #7 Oct 23, '11, 3:53 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by pollycarp

I regard them as something like a bad Hollyweird movie with really stupid special effects that keep trying to scare you, when you know.....

It's only a movie...

Are you saying you dont believe in demons?

Blenderx · #8 Oct 23, '11, 5:23 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by jmj1984

Are you saying you dont believe in demons?

Sounds to me more like they're saying they regard them as comically powerless. They're all show, really. But have no power aside from what God allows them to do.

jmj1984 · #9 Oct 23, '11, 5:35 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blenderx

Sounds to me more like they're saying they regard them as comically powerless. They're all show, really. But have no power aside from what God allows them to do.

Ah, I understand. They do indeed have no power aside from what God gives them but they do have the power to tempt us considerably, to cause either obsession or depression and so forth...They are far more intelligent and more powerful than us our power consists solely of reliance on God, mocking them is therefore not a wise idea, as it may come from Pride, is also imprudent and will no doubt lead to an increase of temptation, something which no one needs.

fakename · #10 Oct 23, '11, 5:51 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by jmj1984

Ah, I understand. They do indeed have no power aside from what God gives them but they do have the power to tempt us considerably, to cause either obsession or depression and so forth...They are far more intelligent and more powerful than us our power consists solely of reliance on God, mocking them is therefore not a wise idea, as it may come from Pride, is also imprudent and will no doubt lead to an increase of temptation, something which no one needs.

But if all their power comes from God, and since God does good things, then we shouldn't worry about their power since their ability to possess people is an evil ordered to some good. So even this demonic violence should not be feared.

That is, it would be unreasonably fearful to be afraid of something that is under God's control, is out of your control, and is basically a means to a better end anyways.

Blenderx · #11 Oct 23, '11, 5:58 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by jmj1984

Ah, I understand. They do indeed have no power aside from what God gives them but they do have the power to tempt us considerably, to cause either obsession or depression and so forth...They are far more intelligent and more powerful than us our power consists solely of reliance on God, mocking them is therefore not a wise idea, as it may come from Pride, is also imprudent and will no doubt lead to an increase of temptation, something which no one needs.

Merely regarding them this way is not the same as mocking. It is not pride, either. Its merely seeing them as they are, and recognizing and trusting in God's assistance, which is indeed powerful. We have nothing to fear from the attacks of the enemy, they will only lead to an increase in glory and virtue for us if we are humble and trust in God, Who makes us victorious. Even our falls are to His glory if we are quick to humble ourselves again and repent with renewed resolutions for good.

fakename · #12 Oct 23, '11, 8:25 pm

Second question but not unrelated (and I'm still taking answers for the first): IF you don't take the devils seriously enough, then is that a mortal sin?

underacloud · #13 Oct 23, '11, 10:15 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by fakename

Second question but not unrelated (and I'm still taking answers for the first): IF you don't take the devils seriously enough, then is that a mortal sin?

I'm not sure in what manner you think you are encountering devils. Are you hearing or seeing things? Or is it more general; that you attribute certain temptations to them?

Many mystical writers have warned against reading too much into interior locutions because of the danger that they may not be from God. If you are hearing or seeing things, you should talk with a priest who can give you appropriate counsel.

If it is more general, then do not be so concerned. Always be prayful. In any time of temptation, whether it is a devil or simply our fallen nature, turn in prayer to God. You do not need to determine where temptations come from (nor could you anyway); just judge each temptation on its merits and turn away from sin.

It's not about you and angels and devils, it's about you and God. Turn to God and let the devils fight with Him.

vera dicere · #14 Oct 24, '11, 12:51 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by jmj1984

No, not unless one wants to attract their attention, increase their fury and risk being tempted and assaulted by them even more.

Hahah! Devils/demons are a pack of cowardly morons who have lost! We have nothing to fear from them as the only power they have over us is what we give them. Christ has freed us from their stupidity, we just have to choose, accept Christ's salvation and freedom, or accept the temptation from a pack of loosers!

pollycarp · #15 Oct 24, '11, 3:33 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by jmj1984

Are you saying you dont believe in demons?

I absolutely positively 150% believe in demons because I believe I've experienced their works in my life, and this is just a strategy I've used to cope, along with trust in God.

They tormented saints like Padre Pio and John Vianney, but I can't imagine them "making fun" of them. I agree that would not be wise.