Sunday, August 18, 2013

Is it possible to "unsell" one's soul to the devil?

Is it possible to "unsell" one's soul to the devil?

Full Question

I read the book Doctor Faustus in which a man sells his soul to the devil in exchange for worldly pleasures. This caused me to wonder what Catholics are to think on this topic. If someone "sells his soul" is it possible to "unsell" it and again be in the state of grace?
Answer

While it is a mortal sin to attempt to sell your soul to the devil, it is impossible to do so. The soul, as the substantial form of the body, is an inalienable possession of the individual. It cannot be sold, stolen, folded, spindled, or mutilated. All one would have to do to return to a state of grace after attempting to sell one’s soul would be to go to confession.

Answered by: Catholic Answers Staff

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