Reading literature about the devil... a bad idea?

Fiona01 · Jan 15, 2012

I am a practising Christian, and I happen to love reading. Recently I came across the book "The Rite" which the movie was based on.

I've had a negative time of it lately, not been in the best place, and as I was reading this book, I started to wonder if God would mind.

It's not about this book specifically, it's more of a general question: Is it a bad idea for Christians to read literature about demons/the devil/evil? Is there a need, or is it just mere curiosity which needs to be avoided?
I'd like to continue reading this but am not sure if I should.

Any opinions/thoughts will be greatly received!

Forealzchola · Jan 15, 2012

I don't think it is always necessarily a bad idea, but you have to be careful. You can learn or open up doors...dont read books which are produced by the occult or new age groups.

drjean · Jan 15, 2012

Not a good place to be in for I think, at the present time. That is not reading about the devil, but reading a story that includes it. Big difference.

Don't dabble in the dark arts; it will suck you in.

TruthSeeker2012 · Jan 15, 2012

If you don't want the fruits of sin, then stay out of the Devil's orchid!

gideon123 · Jan 15, 2012

Generally speaking, I am in favor of personal freedom.
But this might be one area where you need to be careful.

It's quite easy to get sucked in to the "dark side". It starts to dwell on your mind. Be aware of this - if you notice it is starting to occupy your thoughts ... walk away. Avoid that direction.

The world has many good things that we can do.
God has so many positive directions for us.
Look for opportunities there - they will not disappoint you.

blessings,
Gideon123

eachallberg · Jan 15, 2012

Expose it!

But if your heart is condemning you, then stop.
...Peace.

BFine · Jan 15, 2012

If you don't feel comfortable reading it-- stop reading it.

I felt that way about a movie I got from the library...I watched
some of it and it got into somethings that felt "wrong" to me
and I stopped the movie, put it back in it's case to be returned to
the library.

wayfaring man · Jan 15, 2012

Our study of the devil/demons/evil spirits should be confined mainly to what Scripture has to say about them, and possibly to works which have a strong, sound, pro Scripture based viewpoint.

We recognize evil can be tricky, often dualistically posing as both scary "bad" and enticingly "good".

Seeking to either intimidate, entice, or both.

Now the serpent was more subtle than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made... <---> Genesis 3:1

Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;
And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. <-----> Hebrews 2:14+15

But what I do, that I will do, that I may cut off occasion from them which desire occasion; that wherein they glory, they may be found even as we.
For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.
And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.
Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works. <-----> 2nd Corinthians 11:12-15

For to this end also did I write, that I might know the proof of you, whether ye be obedient in all things.
To whom ye forgive any thing, I forgive also: for if I forgave any thing, to whom I forgave it, for your sakes forgave I it in the person of Christ;
Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices. <-----> 2nd Corinthians 2:9-11

The thief comes not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. <-----> John 10:10 (Words of Jesus)

...[The devil] was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it. <---> John 8:44 (Words of Jesus)

For your obedience is come abroad unto all men. I am glad therefore on your behalf: but yet I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil. <-----> Romans 16:9

Best to spend time thinking about The Lord and His Testimony, Attributes, Blessings, Goodness, Greatness & Precious Promises.

My meditation of him shall be sweet: I will be glad in the LORD. <-----> Psalm 104:34

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. <-----> Philippians 4:8

Peace, Love & Joy in Christ's Righteousness !

wm

BrookeGF · Jan 15, 2012

I know people who are so preoccupied with the Devil and demons that they forget about God. Also, there are many people who have an unbiblical understanding of Satan because of works of fiction and supposed nonfiction. I would definetly stay away from it if you tend to get really into the things you read.

I've struggled with this question myself since I tend to be drawn to morbid things. Then I found out that there's no better place to learn about the Devil and Hell and such than the Bible.

But I agree with the others. If you can't do it in good conscience, then don't do it.
1 Thess. 5:22 says to stay away from every kind of evil. Sometimes it's hard to discern but that's why we have the Holy Spirit to direct us.

Also, I don't know what kind of book you're reading but I'm sure there are theology books on the subject of Satan, if you're in to that kind of thing.

Here's something else to ponder on: But the man who has doubts is condemned if he eats, because his eating is not from faith; and everything that does not come from faith is sin. Romans 14:23
I recommend reading Romans 14 and praying about it. I think all Christians come to this point from time to time. It's something that I need to do again now that I think about it.

Fiona01 · Jan 16, 2012

Thanks so much everybody for your time and answers.

I have read material before like this, like Father Amorth's "An Exorcist Tells His Story." A priest's experiences of fighting evil/devil etc. The book The Rite is supposed to be about evil/devil from a Catholic view-point. I thought because of the points of view these books had been written, I would be safe reading them - unlike, for example, reading an out-and-out book which is obviously occult and dangerous in nature to be exposed to.

Having said that, I have been through and up-and-down time lately, and when I started reading "The Rite" I felt unsure, and put it down. I even prayed, but didn't feel sure of God's reply.

I will try and read Romans 14 today - thanks for leading me to that scripture.

Can I say one thing - after I prayed, I asked God to send me a sign to carry on reading or not, and I opened the New Testament.... I wish I could remember the chapter/book... but it said "Did you really keep back money from the land, when you were supposed to give all of it?" I'm sure many of you will know this piece of scripture - a man falls dead from holding back money he from land that he sold. So is there a message to me in this? Or is this a bad way to look for answers - by opening the Holy book so randomly?

Anyway, thank you to all, I will stay away from this book until I feel I know my place. Maybe I will not read it at all, actually.

Echetus · Jan 16, 2012

Well it depends Fiona. Reading Ungodly material is bad. Id say if its anything besides Christian, dont read it. You shouldnt be reading anything about the Devil unless its Scripture, or Christian. Doing so invokes demons. You dont want demons in your life. I couldnt find the scripture but the Lord says "Do not imitate that which is evil". Anything like the Jason movies, or what sounds like, "the rite" is evil. Purge yourself of it before diaster falls upon you, for fear it that God loves you, for "He chastens those He loves."

Fiona01 · Jan 16, 2012

Thanks for your reply!

So can I ask - do you think it is wrong to read such literature even if written by a person faithful to God?For instance, The Rite is written about one Catholic priests journey into learning about exorcism....

Just to let you know, I am leaving this book alone now, but I am just trying to figure what is safe, what is not.

wayfaring man · Jan 16, 2012

Fiona01 said:
Thanks so much everybody for your time and answers.

I have read material before like this, like Father Amorth's "An Exorcist Tells His Story." A priest's experiences of fighting evil/devil etc. The book The Rite is supposed to be about evil/devil from a Catholic view-point. I thought because of the points of view these books had been written, I would be safe reading them - unlike, for example, reading an out-and-out book which is obviously occult and dangerous in nature to be exposed to.

Having said that, I have been through and up-and-down time lately, and when I started reading "The Rite" I felt unsure, and put it down. I even prayed, but didn't feel sure of God's reply.

I will try and read Romans 14 today - thanks for leading me to that scripture.

Can I say one thing - after I prayed, I asked God to send me a sign to carry on reading or not, and I opened the New Testament.... I wish I could remember the chapter/book... but it said "Did you really keep back money from the land, when you were supposed to give all of it?" I'm sure many of you will know this piece of scripture - a man falls dead from holding back money he from land that he sold. So is there a message to me in this? Or is this a bad way to look for answers - by opening the Holy book so randomly?

Anyway, thank you to all, I will stay away from this book until I feel I know my place. Maybe I will not read it at all, actually.

The verse you "opened up to" is in Acts Chapter 5.

Random openings may sometimes be inspired, but it's probably not the best way to approach serious study in general.

Catholicism has a rather sordid history. Would be leery of being tutored by their rituals etc. The institution gives the strong impression of mainly "posing as being the true/ the genuine church", it wouldn't be a big surprise if the book and movie are designed to give the rather self-inclusive impression that Catholicism is where "God is really at work"...which would appear to be somewhat of a lie...for God is surely at work in everyone's life who truly believes in Christ, without respect to denominations.

See also that they've launched an add campaign on TV now too, touting themselves with non-circumspect bias...which fits with the idea that there's a real "push" being made these days.

Of course there are some things agreeable about catholics, and don't mean to vilify anyone... believe there's cause for concern and caution though, based on those observations, and others.

And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven. <-----> Matthew 23:9

Think your uneasiness is also telling you to beware !

May The Lord Be Pleased !

wm

holythemholyme · Jan 16, 2012

I don't know,I have to read dante's Inferno for my literature class...

omanid · Jan 16, 2012

I say if you don't feel entirely confident about it, don't do it. Follow your heart, for if God is leading you to it, then you won't have any qualms about it. Jesus worked with authority (without doubts...matthew 21:21: faith without doubt). emulate him.

Jesus will lead you.

Reading literature about the devil... a bad idea?

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