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I hesitate to wade into this intense, conflictual arena, but there is something that has been gnawing at me for quite a while. As a priest-exorcist and as a licensed psychologist, I have been looking at the phenomenon, especially in the United States, of the "lone wolf terrorist." These are the ones who are not formally part of a terrorist group, but rather commit acts of terror acting mostly alone. While they are all different and defy one stereotype, there does seem to be some similar characteristics which are particularly striking to someone who is in the exorcism ministry....
Again these lone wolf terrorists are not all the same nor does each one have all of these characteristics, but taken as a whole, one often sees these attributes surface.
*No formal psychological diagnosis. Several studies have pointed out that most of these terrorists, almost always male, are not suffering from a major mental illness. It would be easy to dismiss the phenomenon as simply the result of mental illness, but most do not easily fit any such diagnosis. Moreover, there are many mentally ill people in this world and they do not commit acts of terror. Rather, the lone wolf terrorist actually has a "rational" plan of violence and carries it out. It is thought out, planned and executed. It is not a spur of the moment, impulsive act of someone who is having a psychotic break.
*Twisted logic. Having said that most are not obviously mentally ill, their thinking is warped and twisted. Reading their manifestos, there is often a convoluted and bizarre thought pattern. Many became radicalized online and, in their isolation, they came came up with a twisted logic to justify their violence.
*Socially isolated. Many are socially isolated and some feel socially inept. In their isolation, without grounding their thoughts in the real world, their minds are more easily radicalized. This is a key feature. Isolation breeds problems.
*Narcissistic, Grandiose, Lack Empathy. Many show significant features of narcissism. They certainly are self-focused and lack empathy. Killing dozens of innocent people and not being concerned about their welfare and the horrible trauma to their families and friends is very, very self-centered. Their online manifestos are typically grandiose. They believe they are making a statement to the world.
*Underlying Woundedness & Feeling Victimized. Narcissists often have an underlying "narcissistic wound" which they cover over with their own grandiosity. As one study noted, these terrorists have "an exaggerated sense of self-importance." Many lone wolf terrorists feel they have been victimized. They are emotionally wounded and their lives seemingly unimportant and meaningless. Their thinking galvanizes around a cause and their self-importance is wrapped up in their terrorist act and manifesto.
*Acting Out Rage and Violence. While not always manifest, shooting innocent people is, I believe, often a violent act stemming from an inner rage. Certainly it is not a peaceful act. Causing such destruction and death bespeaks of violence and rage. It seems that such acts are most often perpetrated by males, who are more likely to violently act out their inner rage, rather than turning it inward into a depression, anxiety or other internal dysphoria.
As an exorcist, when I look at these symptoms, something leaps out of the page. These dynamics are typical of demons and, of course, Satan himself. Satan sees himself as the wronged victim. He blames God for his plight. He is consumed with rage and a desire for revenge. His twisted logic is bizarre. He channels his inner rage toward others in a desire to destroy. He does not care about the destruction he causes to others. In fact, causing pain to others is part of his plan; he delights in other's suffering. He is the ultimate malignant narcissist.
Certainly, lone wolf terrorists are doing Satan's work. They are his minions whether they know it or not. And their actions confirm it. Going into a school and murdering innocent children is an act of pure evil. We need to call it what it is. And a portion of the media are starting to call it just that. They are starting to recognize that such acts are EVIL.
This does not mean that these terrorists are necessarily possessed. One does not need to be possessed to be doing Satan's will. But the Evil One is certainly whispering in their ears and goading them into such violent actions. The rapid escalation of such actions in recent years suggest that Satan's influence, at least in a portion of the population, is increasing. These violent acts are a symptom of a portion of the society which has fallen under the sway of Satan.
Having said that, it is important not to sweep away human culpability and simply blame it all on Satan. In the end, Satan cannot make us sin. We retain our free will and we are responsible for our own sins. The serpent whispered his deceits to Eve, but she took and ate the apple.
If what I am hypothesizing is true, then as the rate of those practicing the Faith declines, the rate of Satanic acts of violence will increase. But I am heartened by the recent rise of faith among Gen Z and I hope that their prayers and faith will help to stem the tide of violence. Identifying those at risk for violence is critical. There are some warning signs, a few such noted above, which can alert professionals.
Building healthy relationships, a vibrant faith, and a strong faith community are important antidotes to lone wolf terrorism. Ultimately, there is only one way to successfully conquer Satan and that is the God-man Jesus Christ.