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Author Topic: Combating demonic thoughts  (Read 794 times)

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Offline InfiniteFaith

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Combating demonic thoughts
« on: September 28, 2015, 09:14:29 AM »
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  • In my last thread I mentioned a heresy regarding the Trinity. Somebody had pointed it out and how it resembled a heresy that caused the first Church crisis. I didn't know it was heresy until afterwards but it has me concerned. Now I'm questioning whether or not I'm in grace. Would such a thing happen if you are in grace? Or because I was pondering about the Trinity out loud as I was driving. Maybe a demon seized this opportunity and put this thought into my head.



    Offline TKGS

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    Combating demonic thoughts
    « Reply #1 on: September 28, 2015, 09:42:57 AM »
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  • One can have thoughts, even heretical thoughts or impure thoughts, while in the state of grace and remain in the state of grace.  What is important is what one does with those thoughts.  Nourishing, justifying, and enjoying evil thoughts is what could lead to the loss of grace in the soul.

    Might a devil have put an evil thought into your head counting on ignorance to allow that thought to fester and grow until you had lost the faith?  No one can know, but the question is irrelevant.  What is important is that you discussed the issue with others, was put onto the right track, and can defeat the heretical notions.  For that I would thank my guardian angel who probably prompted you to seek the opinion of others.

    Of course it is best to confess this to a true priest.  Every examination of conscience I've ever seen asks, "Have you doubted an article of faith?" or "Have I questioned a doctrine of the Church?" or similar words.  Let the priest judge the matter of your soul.  That is what he is trained for and is given the graces of the priesthood to do.


    Offline Ladislaus

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    Combating demonic thoughts
    « Reply #2 on: September 28, 2015, 10:04:35 AM »
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  • It's very easy to fall into material heresy with regard to the Holy Trinity (if one tries to reason about it too much).  What's key is to avoid formal heresy by submitting to whatever the Church teaches about the subject and being willing to correct oneself as soon as the error is discovered.

    Offline poche

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    Combating demonic thoughts
    « Reply #3 on: September 28, 2015, 10:41:02 PM »
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  • Quote from: InfiniteFaith
    In my last thread I mentioned a heresy regarding the Trinity. Somebody had pointed it out and how it resembled a heresy that caused the first Church crisis. I didn't know it was heresy until afterwards but it has me concerned. Now I'm questioning whether or not I'm in grace. Would such a thing happen if you are in grace? Or because I was pondering about the Trinity out loud as I was driving. Maybe a demon seized this opportunity and put this thought into my head.


    It is ok to not know everything. Asking questions is how we learn.

    Offline poche

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    Combating demonic thoughts
    « Reply #4 on: September 29, 2015, 11:02:46 PM »
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  • One good way to combat demonic thoughts is with prayer and with their opposite virtue.