On Mondays, I answer questions frequently asked by those considering a return to the Catholic Church. How do I know this stuff? I was away for more than 30 years myself, and am the co-author of When They Come Home: Ways to Welcome Returning Catholics, a book for pastors and parish leaders interested in this ministry.
Is there really a devil?
While the one we know as Satan or the devil began as a good angel, that angel chose, as can any of us, to reject God. The Catechism counsels us that while Satan is powerful, “he cannot prevent the building up of 
God’s reign.”
Demons exist in numerous forms in this world. Sometimes, they’re attractive temptations, temptations that you think wouldn’t hurt anyone “just this once.” Sometimes, they prey on your insecurities, whispering that everyone knows you’re stupid or ugly or fat or slow. Sometimes, they prey on your vanity, high-fiving you for your genius in putting down a colleague or in dressing in a manner that has people on the street turning their heads for a second or third look.
One sure sign that evil is afoot is when you feel the need to do, say, or think things in private, rather than sharing them with a trusted adviser or praying about them. Playing with evil is playing with fire; eventually, you’re going to get burned, and burned badly.
