Diego Fares SJ wrote an article in 2018 about ‘the spirit of fierceness‘. He said this spirit pervades all of human history. It has a certain dynamic–opposition against ‘the other’. I think Fares’s article is important because it provides tools to help us guard against spiritual contagion.
Spiritual Contagion and the Anger of Cain
This opposition was first demonstrated by the anger of Cain, and it drove Cain to kill his brother. Most of us know this story. However, we may not realize that this spirit is contagious. This is the reason I’ve decided to share Fares’s article here. In addition, his article reminds me of two separate articles I’m working on that suggest the possibility of social contagion. I’m beginning to see that entire societies can be influenced in the same way at the same time without realizing what’s happening.
I won’t summarize the entire article. I’ll just mention what I consider the highlights and recommend that you read it. If I try to summarize the whole article I may leave out something important. Then readers won’t be helped by it as much as they would in reading the cited article.
Pope Francis Reflected on the Mystery of Evil Revealed in Bullying
Fares cites Pope Francis, who has taught that ‘attacking the weakest’ is the work of Satan.
“In a recent homily at Casa Santa Marta, Pope Francis reflected on the mystery of evil that is revealed in bullying, in the act of ‘attacking the weakest.’ He noted that ‘psychologists might have other explanations for the strong abusing the weak … but even children can have this trace of original sin, the work of Satan’.”
Fares argues that the spiritual character of the spirit of fierceness is not exactly animalistic or carnal, but against the law of nature. There is a hidden element of ferocity and gratuitous cruelty. It is diabolical. And by means of contagion, it produces negative affects at a social level. These will include feelings of abandonment and discouragement, disorientation and confusion. Without spiritual discernment, it is possible that the proper remedy will not be found. Again Fares cites Pope Francis. Please read the original article. I wouldn’t do it justice unless I repeat it word for word.
What is at Stake?
What is at stake? Even well-meaning people may be tempted by the spirit of ferocity and become accomplices. It seems to me this is the main point of Fares’s article. It is a warning, but it also provides tools to help us avoid such a fate.
