The source of different deviations from due order
is not only our sinfulness, but also the demons — these invisible fallen
spirits which play a most active role in our sins. Both the Scriptures and the
patristic literature (see our book "At the threshold of the fiery
gehenna") speak in detail about their fatal activity in people’s life.
Demons influence people through thoughts and feelings. During the thousands of
years spent in destructive activity they have perfected themselves in the
"art" of tempting. Their influence on people is akin to
hypnosis, intoxication or doping, when a person sees things not as they really
are, but in a warped way: what is harmful and pernicious is accepted as the
height of happiness, and what can really give him happiness, he sees as boring
and unnecessary. Because of the diligence of the "demon of lust," as
the fathers of Church call the demon who kindles lust in people, this
lascivious passion at times takes the most monstrous and disgusting forms. The
Holy Fathers affirm that the "demon of fornication" is one of the
strongest spirits. It is obvious that his power comes from our sexual energy,
which lies at the very foundation of our nature. Who is not familiar with the
situation when it seems that each of our cells demands sexual satisfaction?
In accordance with
the predictions of the Holy Fathers, one of the characteristic signs of the
approaching end of the world will be a universal and awful dominance of
debauchery, an abominable carnal dissoluteness and unrestrained voluptuousness.
Realizing that their end is near the demons throw all their energy in arousing
lust in people, because through this passion it is easier to alienate a person
from God, because it is precisely through carnal passions that we lose our
godlike image.
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