Where does the concept of a 'devil's advocate' come from?
Historical: 'a person appointed by the Roman Catholic Church to challenge a proposed beatification or canonization, or the verification of a miracle.' - Oxford Enlish Dictionary
So even the medieval Catholic Church, not generally known for a broad-minded sense of fair play, felt it neccesary to temper one-sided enthusiasm apparently through the process of intelligent questioning and discussion.
Similarly, here at Kindred Spirit, we feel that 'advocatus diaboli' could provoke worthwhile exchanges of ideas and arguments - which hopefully will prove to be quick-witted and entertaining too.
Read a compelling argument in which the KS Devil's Advocate justifies 'his/her' existence! - here

Who is the Devil's Advocate?
Kindred Spirit's Devil's Advocate is not any one person in particular. The idea was born out of the process that the editorial team goes through every time the content of each new Kindred Spirit magazine is decided upon. Often there is strong disagreement between members of the team, which has in the past sometimes resulted in certain articles being dropped that would have been acceptable if a balancing argument could have been presented.
Also, more frequently, some articles have been printed that one or two of the team felt should never have seen the light of day without an accompanying 'sanity warning' from the Voice of Reason!
Articles can also be supplied by 'guest' Devil's Advocates - if you have something that intelligently challenges the MBS status quo then please let us know!

Are the views of the Devil's Advocate those of Kindred Spirit?
Emphatically not! Unless stated otherwise, none of the views expressed anywhere in the magazine or on the website are necessarily those of the editors - and the Devil's Advocate is, by definition, required to be controversial and provocative, and to speak from a wide variety of stances.

Can anyone be the Devil's Advocate, or take part in the discussions?
Emphatically 'Yes!'
At the moment the Devil's Advocate resides solely on the web so the obvious place to take part in discussions is via the website's Discussion Forum. (Admittedly the present facility is a little basic and clunky, but we are intending to upgrade this soon!)
If the Devil's Advocate becomes a success on the web (as we are sure he will!) then he may also appear in the magazine from time to time.

If you would prefer to write or email your contributions then please do! (See addresses below.)

Selected contributions to the online forum or the Devil's Advocate's postbag or inbox may be incorporated here in these pages - irrespective of whether you agree or disagree with the DA's views!

Please write to :
The Devil's Advocate, Kindred Spirit Magazine, Sandwell Barns, Harberton, Totnes, Devon TQ9 7LJ.
or email: web@kindredspirit.co.uk