Demons?

[Guest Guest]

What does the Catholic Church believe when it comes to demons?

[Adeodatus]

Demons are fallen angels. The devil (Satan) and the other demons were all created naturally good by God, but became evil through their own choice.

These angels who rebelled rejected God and His reign in a radical and irrevocable way. Just as human choice for God or against God cannot be changed after death, so the angels' choice is fixed also. The fallen angels (demons) will not repent.

The Bible tells us that Satan 'has sinned from the beginning' and he is 'a liar and the father of lies'. There is a hint of his own rebellion in his temptation to Adam and Eve: 'You will be like God'. Out of jealousy he tempted the First Parents to commit a sin of pride like his. He even tried to tempt Jesus away from the mission the Father had given Him. Jesus came to destroy Satan's works, the greatest of which is leading humans into disobedience against God.

Satan's power is limited. He is only a creature, powerful but only a creature. Out of hatred for God he may directly cause spiritual injury and indirectly even cause physical injury. But if he is allowed to do this, it is only by God's providence which guides humans with strength and gentleness, working always for the good of those who love Him.