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Catholic Truths relevant to Counseling
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Good and evil and belief in Satan
Christianity proclaims the essential good of existence and the good of
that which exists, acknowledges the goodness of Creator and proclaims
the good of creatures. Man suffers on account of evil, which is a
certain lack, limitation or distortion of good. We could say that man
suffers because of a good in which he does not share, from which in a
certain sense he is cut off or of which he has deprived himself. He
particularly suffers when he "ought" -- in the normal order of things
-- to have a share in this good and does not have it.
Thus, in the Christian view, the reality of suffering is explained
through evil, which always in some way refers to a good.-
Salvifici Dolores -Pope John Paul II
Many people in today's society do not believe that Satan exists or that hell exists.
They will tell you that:
- The Church made it up so they could control people.
- God is so forgiving, he would never send anyone to hell.
- Hell is not a place, rather, it's life on earth.
- Satan is a cute cartoon character, or makes a cute Halloween costume.
Truth
- Jesus spoke often of Satan and referred to "Wailing and gnashing of teeth."
- The Church Fathers and many Church Documents including the Catechism declare
not only that Satan and hell exists, but that we are required to reject him.
- We promised to "reject Satan and all his empty promises", at our baptism!
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Prayer to St Michael
St Michael the Archangel protect us in battle
Be our defense against the wickedness and snares of the devil.
May God rebuke him we humbly pray,
And to thou o prince of heavenly hosts,
By the power of God,
Cast into hell Satan, and all the evil spirits,
Who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls.
Amen.
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