Topic: Baal & Satanists

Date originally posted: March 26, 2002

Source of this posting: Moderator response to emailed question

Moderator who originally posted this source: B. Egan

Question:  What is the church's view on:  a)The ancient Caananite god, Baal?  b)Satanists? 

Answer:

I can't say that I have ever heard the Catholic Church make statements about either of your questions, but the general answers are rather easy. 

A) The Catholic Church holds fast to the Ten Commandments, the first of which states that there is only one God.  We do not believe in the existence of other gods. 

B) Every human being was created in the image and likeness of God.  Everyone was also given the gift of free will.  Some people choose to use that free will to turn away from God.  Those who follow Satan obviously have turned from God.  Assuming that they do not change and turn TOWARD God, we do not believe that they will share eternal life with God.  The Church would, however, pray for the conversion of those who follow Satan.