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Is there another way or expression to say:

He is the devil's advocate

I don't quite like this expression, and I don't know if it is a good idea to use it in a religious context.

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One plays devil's advocate. You could say that someone who is saying something for the sake of argument is just playing devil's advocate. – Jeremy Aug 30 '11 at 15:02

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up vote 17 down vote accepted

You could say you are doing something for the sake of argument.

But, really, "devil's advocate" is a familiar phrase that few people take exception to. In fact, it's even used by religious people. For example,

During the canonization process of the Roman Catholic Church, the Promoter of the Faith (Latin: promotor fidei), popularly known as the Devil's advocate (Latin: advocatus diaboli), was a canon lawyer appointed by Church authorities to argue against the canonization of the candidate.

If those religious worthies may use the term, I don't see anything preventing you from doing likewise.

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In case this isn't clear, the term "Devil's Advocate" is religious in origin. It was eventually adopted for secular purposes, but it was created for a religious function - namely, the vetting process for sainthood. In fact, it is this religious dimension that gives the term such a rich etymology and meaning - the Advocate is performing due diligence in the service of ultimate good. – The Raven Aug 30 '11 at 14:13
up vote 4 down vote

I prefer @Robusto's response, but if you're still uncomfortable with the term, consider "opposition", "opposer", or "contrarian".

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"Contrarian" is too loaded with negative connotations for this purpose, to my mind. (Though that could just be me) – AndyBursh Aug 31 '11 at 10:45
@AndyBursh: I agree that "contrarian" tends to be used in an unflattering way almost all the time--"devil's advocate" can be similarly unflattering. However, it's the only noun form I could think of with the same meaning as the preposition and adverb "contra", which simply means "against" or "opposed to." – oosterwal Aug 31 '11 at 11:23
up vote 2 down vote

I would use words like "dissenter," or even "critic." These are functions performed by the "devil's advocate."

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I think "dissenter" and "critic" usually mean that they argue against something because they disagree. In my experience the "devil's advocate" usually argues against something although he agrees, i.e. he argues it to ensure that it can be defended or to check for weaknesses. – Joachim Sauer Aug 30 '11 at 13:14

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