What causes a man to terrorize his county’s Parliament?

Everyone is asking the question: What propelled Michael Zehaf-Bibeau on the path to radicalization? In an article in The Star about his attack on the Canadian Parliament and the killing of a Canadian soldier we read this statement. “Dave Bathurst, a friend of the gunman while he was living in B.C., said he never saw signs of an Islamic fundamentalist, but rather possible mental illness, according to reports. He spoke about being haunted by the devil.” http://on.thestar.com/1sj8jRW

We could say that he was mad and possessed and leave it at that, or we could try to understand what went on in this man’s consciousness. In fact, not identifying what went on in this man’s consciousness is exactly what ‘the devil’ is hoping for.

Rudolf Steiner had a lot to say about the devil, specifically about Lucifer and Ahriman, but also other forms of ‘devil’. Now more than ever we must understand these beings and their role in evolution. When they hold each other in balance, and remain within their own sphere of operation, they serve the orderly process of evolution. When they step outside their bounds, they disrupt evolution.

Where do they step outside their bounds we might ask? The answer is alarming – in our own consciousness! Human consciousness has developed to the point where ‘devils’ can occupy our minds. They do this when our consciousness is lowered by the media, by laziness, by drugs and alcohol, by brain washing, by computer games and any other consciousness-lowering activities. In fact, when we don’t have the strength of will to vigorously think for ourselves.

I will write a series of short articles over the next little while to assist in identifying the activity of these beings in our own consciousness. Examining their activity in our own minds is the best place to start. Then, as we get to know ourselves better, we will have a greater understanding of others. As our understanding increases, we will realise these forces are necessary for us to have our individual consciousness, and that it is up to us to manage them. Then we will have greater empathy for those who are not as able as we are to balance them in consciousness.

Image: Jaume Huguet The Archangel St Michael [conquering Ahriman]