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PaperclipPerfector  3d ago (text post)   2911 thread views

Small-Scale Question Sunday for September 13, 2026

Do you have a dumb question that you're kind of embarrassed to ask in the main thread? Is there something you're just not sure about?

This is your opportunity to ask questions. No question too simple or too silly.

Culture war topics are accepted, and proposals for a better intro post are appreciated.

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Suppose demons exist. What is the catholic or orthodox stand regarding legal/moral responsibility for actions done when possessed by a demon? (Of course I am asking because of the current very prominent case of a mother being commanded by a voice for 18 minutes to murder, but the question can be generalized)

I am not a priest, but my understanding is that demonic 'possession' is a gradual process with much consent involved. It's a long slope of choosing to conform to evil urges until one is remade in the shape of them and no longer seeks to resist.

Addiction is probably a handy parallel to consider. The people who are into gooning are excellent examples of what possession looks like. Surrendering their agency to things that want to hurt them until it's habitual and they will act even against their own interests, not even wanting to stop any more.

Once aware of this dynamic I expect that most of us can find examples in our own lives. Local minima that seem to be pulling us in and must be resisted.

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