re: Does Satanism exist without Christianity?

quote:

---

Does Satanism exist

---

Absolutely! About five years ago I was sent to represent my parish at a diocesan deanery meeting. The purpose was the rollout of a Diocesan Bishop Initiative on Evangelization. Along with others from my deanery, we were invited to express our opinions on the initiative. The group broke up into different tables. I sat at the table in the center, my wife sat at a table on the periphery.

Some background might help to understand my position on evangelization. I have evangelized all my life, mainly because I was (and am) convinced the only force that will save humanity is the adherence to and embrace of the Word and teachings of Jesus Christ. Not being shy to speak my mind on issues, when given a chance I spoke up. I proceeded to say I support any effort that involves evangelization through the Word of God since that is what Jesus told us to do. I stated there are threats against authentic evangelization today just as there were in the beginning. I quoted an excerpt from the Vatican II Document on the Role of the Laity. But then I did the inexcusable (apparently) as I warned that a new evil was threatening the Church from within - and it included so-called progressives (Woke) pushing a radical social agenda specifically condemned by the Bible. Then I quoted an excerpt from St.Paul's Letter to the Romans. My wife, sitting at her table on the periphery, told me later she heard and observed a noticeable gasp and hissing from at least one participant when I quoted St.Paul. Bingo, just as I suspected, the beast was lurking on the periphery.

Does satan (and satanism) exist within (or without) Christianity? Absolutely. He was there sitting at the table with the Apostles the night Jesus instituted the Church at the Last Supper. He lingers at deanery meetings, parish council meetings, and religious community meetings, constantly trying to divide. He surfs the internet. But mostly he attempts to prevent true followers from speaking up. Conflict, even clashing, occurs periodically within the Church. Who can forget the clash between St Peter and St. Paul over the question of ministry to non-Jews? Ultimately, St.Paul won and Peter knew he was right.

I am fortunate we have a wonderful and faithful leader in our Bishop guiding our diocese. I wish I could say the same about the Church worldwide. All the more reason for us Laity to be ready to stand up for Truth. But always, do it with calm, and love.

With that, I was particularly disturbed to learn our government (the FBI) was (and is) spying on Catholics. In particular spying on traditionalist, pro-choice, Latin-Mass-Loving Catholics. This is demonic Joe Stalin stuff.

Remember, satan is lurking ready to devour. I've met some wonderful God-loving people during my Christian journey but I've also come across some evil people. When you battle against satan you had better have a robust prayer life and be void of sin or any inordinate attachment - and know you've got a target painted on your back. The demons that lurk on the periphery of the Church know who I am. I take consolation knowing that if (and when) being a Christian becomes a crime, there will be enough evidence to convict me.

Tolle crucem tuam et sequere me