Jesuit spokesman says Father Sosa does not deny devil’s existence
June 08, 2017
A spokesman for the Society of Jesus says that a quotation from the Jesuit superior general, Father Arturo Sosa Abascal, was taken out of context.
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Father Sosa, in an interview with El Mundo, said that the devil was a “symbolic figure.” The spokesman said that the quotation should be understood in context, and that “to say the devil symoblizes evil is not to deny the existence of the devil.”
When questioned directly whether or not Father Sosa believes in the existence of the devil, the spokesman replied: “Father General Arturo Sosa believes and teaches what the Church believes and teaches.”
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Further information:
- Spokesman for Jesuit chief: Devil remarks must be read in context (Catholic Herald)
- Jesuit superior suggests Christians invented the devil (CWN, 6/1)
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Posted by: TheJournalist64 -
Jun. 09, 2017 7:09 AM ET USA
That last statement says everything, and nothing. All of us clergy have to say that, even swear it. Some, however, seem to interpret and explicate in ways that cause doubts in the minds of those who trustingly hear us. That's why we have the gift of discernment (and editors).
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Posted by: Gregory108 -
Jun. 09, 2017 3:23 AM ET USA
We hope that is so. We hope that prominent men and teachers in the Church believe and teach what the Church teaches. However, I do recall that a former head of the Theology Department at Notre Dame University, a man who was the favorite of our drive-by media, once said that the Devil was a concept that brings ridicule upon the Church and that one does not have to believe in the Devil to be Catholic. My own bishop then asked who it is he asks folks to renounce before their Baptism at Easter Vigil
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Posted by: dover beachcomber -
Jun. 09, 2017 12:26 AM ET USA
The Catholic Herald article mentions that Fr. Sosa was unavailable for further comment because he was "on retreat." Yes, I'll bet he is. Perhaps he could stay there for a while... a very long while.
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Posted by: mwean7331 -
Jun. 08, 2017 8:44 PM ET USA
Wasn't his quote "We have formed symbolic figures such as the devil to express evil" He DID say the devil IS symbolic. How is that out of context? Please dear Jesuit don't muddy up the waters. with a "lame' defense. We all know the devil is very real, all of us EXCEPT Father Sosa.
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Posted by: feedback -
Jun. 08, 2017 7:01 PM ET USA
Father Sosa SJ, keeps digging himself deeper.
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Posted by: jalsardl5053 -
Jun. 08, 2017 6:28 PM ET USA
Nice try, no cigar. Read Fr. Abascal's statement. Pretty clear. The "taken out of context" is lame, oh so lame as is your twisting of his words to try for a fit for "context".
