New Book on Recognizing the Devil: Put Evil in Its Place

[Michie]

BOOK PICK: ‘Christ Versus Satan in Our Daily Lives’

‘Christ vs. Satan’ is a recent release from Ignatius Press. (photo: Ignatius Press)
John Grondelski BooksJune 13, 2021
CHRIST VERSUS SATAN IN OUR DAILY LIVES:

THE COSMIC STRUGGLE BETWEEN GOOD AND EVIL

By Father Robert Spitzer, S.J.

Ignatius Press, 2020

439 pages, $19.95

To order: ewtnrc.com or (800) 854-6316


St. Paul speaks of everyman’s experience, amazed by how easily one sins despite good intentions and how hard it is to do good even while wanting to. The truth is that evil is attractive and seductive. Jesuit Father Robert Spitzer shows us just how so.

Part of two larger series on theological questions (the “Quartet” and the “Trilogy”), Christ vs. Satan focuses specifically on moral conversion, starting with an almost-400-page analysis of evil: the cosmic struggle between God and Satan; the reality and tactics of the devil (including temptation and possession) and their intersection with human freedom; discernment of one’s spiritual situation; and very thorough studies of the eight capital sins (Father Spitzer distinguishes vanity as a distinct capital sin). He also adds an appendix on the credibility of Marian and Eucharistic miracles.

Multiple popes have deplored the lack of a sense of sin, and Pope St. Paul VI was even laughed at for reminding people publicly that the devil is real and personal. The naïve optimism that seems to imbue much contemporary preaching and religious education fails to reckon seriously with the depth and degree evil has and continues to afflict upon humanity, always ready to pretend what is good is “evil” and what is evil “good.”

Continued below.
New Book on Recognizing the Devil: Put Evil in Its Place

 

[Chesster]

“Because we rarely discuss evil — certainly not in depth — this book is a vital insight into how evil works, especially needed today.”

The Devil will tempt you saying, “God is merciful, go on commit this sin and you can confess it later, you cannot resist it now.” These are lies he deludes sinners with; banish them immediately.


Father Spitzer writes, “If there is really a calculating, dangerous, dark, destructive, and vicious force who intends us harm — even eternal harm — then we should want to know about it. . . . Putting our hands in front of our eyes and insisting ‘You can’t see me!’ is a highly ineffective strategy for contending with a demon of remarkable intelligence and cruelty. So, what kind of strategy is effective? One that recognizes the presence of spiritual evil, how it works, and, most importantly, who and what prevents it from working.”

God has given us the weapons we need to fight this adversary in the Rosary, the Divine Mercy Chaplet, the Stations of the Cross, etc. We cannot of our own power overcome the devil but we can with God’s grace.

 

[Chrystal-J]

I really like Father Spitzer's show on EWTN. I wouldn't mind reading this book.