Question:
Dear Brother;
My son who is 24, well versed in the teachings of the Church, has read St. Thomas Aquanis's writings, etc. reads the Harry Potter books (and other fantasy books)so he could refute the book with others that thought the books harmless.
I warned him that this was dangerous and risky as it could rouse his curiousity and make him in pride want to read these books with the reason to refute them but the devil would be playing on his pride and lead him astray.
Also I questioned if he really feels that God is calling him to refute these books. If God is giving him this mission he would have the protection of God but if he is doing it on his own when God isn't calling him he could be putting himself in danger of being led astray by the devil.
What do you think, Brother about someone reading these kinds of books to refute them? Should they be well versed in Theology or have other experience before doing this?
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Question Answered by Bro. Ignatius Mary, OLSM+
Dear Linda:
I agree with you completely.
We should never deliberately go into Satan's sandbox unless we have been specifically called by God to do so. Then, in addition, we need to be prepared to do so.
One needs to be well-founded in the faith not only academically and intellectually, but also spiritually. Spiritual maturity is critical.
Back in the late 1970's I believe God was calling me to do Spiritual Warfare ministry. I knew He was calling me, but He was NOT calling me to do it right then. I needed to get prepared first and mature a little before God gave the green light.
I got tired of waiting for the green light and decided to jump into Spiritual Warfare work anyway. BIG MISTAKE.
Although God was calling me to this work, He was not calling me at that time to do it. Thus when I ran the Red Light, sort-to-speak, I ended up in a car crash.
Satan slapped me down like no get out. I ended up seduced into the occult, almost lost my life, and I did lose my soul, until God, through a miracle, lead me back home to Him five years later.
Curiosity kills the cat, impatience and disregard for what God want for us, kills the soul.
I advise that unless one is SPECIFICALLY called by God to investigate these matters, AND unless one is also prepared and ready academically, intellectually, and spiritually to accept that Call then one needs to stay away from this. Digging in Satan's sandbox WILL get sand in our shoes, and that sand contains deadly sand mites that are immune from all pesticide. We are protected from them only by doing God's will.
God Bless,
Bro. Ignatius
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