It does not logically follow that if our minds are tempted we have the will of a devil in our mind. That seems like a very uhealthy view that could lead to problems. It does, in fact, seem like a very incorrect theology.
The RCC openly acknowledges and publishes their fact on this matter and their fact is identical to my own.
Their determinations from there however
do not and can not logically follow.
If there is another functioning will that can and does operate in the arena of internal temptations, then any such wills are categorically 'not alone' and can not therefore be ruled 'free' as the identity factor can not be determined.
We can all also easily see that we all sin and sin is of the devil who tempts and deceives, so in this we are all involved in that mixture. Our personalities are masked by that working agent or agents.
Catholic theology teaches that we are free,
Yes they do have an open logical fallacy hung out for view. No question about that to me. Their claim is, in essence, yes, you can have another entity internally present and tempting, but through our wills we can overcome. Somehow they equate this to 'freedom' of will. That is not the case. Where there are two wills functioning they have to be looked at separately. We can not logically look at the individual and say it is 'just them' there in their will when that is not the factual case.
For example, when Jesus looked at Peter and rebuked Satan, it was Satan being addressed, NOT Peter.
The RCC just hasn't managed to see this fact very well at all. In fact if you read of this account from their perspective it is as if they don't even SEE that it was SATAN in PETER speaking. It's like they are BLIND to the other entity that was IN PETER.
It's amazing to me how so many scholars in their system are just blinded to this matter and continue to be so.
within the contingencies of our existence, to make decisions. We are free to make a decision about our lives and about God. This is what gives meaning to our existence, to our salvation, and to our relationship with Jesus Christ.
Were our wills the only functioning will you'd have a point. But that is simply not the case.
Paul had evil present with him, a messenger of Satan in his flesh and was the chief of sinners post salvation. IF we see that front line Apostles are fought more viciously INTERNALLY by our mutual adversary it is quite easy to see how Paul could make the claim of being the chief of sinners because our ADVERSARY was on his own mind continually trying to defray him from his Divinely Appointed works.
And that is HOW Paul arrived at that conclusion for himself.
Now, go find any Pope in the RCC system who could stand in that mans shoes.
THERE ARE NONE and there never will be because the 'requirement' in such men is to speak HONESTLY exactly on this particular subject.
Any believer who does will enter the mystery of faith in more dynamic ways than most will care to be brought into.
enjoy!
s