Pride is a profound human flaw and a potent form of self-delusion. It is an archetypal characteristic of Satan and a fundamental aspect of the fallen human condition.
Pride functions as a powerful force that can convince an individual of their own errors. It fosters self-worship, leading individuals to create their own meanings and ethical standards, thereby justifying their actions. Pride is characterised by self-sufficiency and arrogance, embodying an excess of identity.
Satan exemplifies this principle as the archetypal figure of delusion, having deluded himself with his own talents, skills, abilities, and intellect. Despite possessing the highest intellectual capacity among creatures, Satan lacked true wisdom, demonstrating that knowledge alone is insufficient without virtue.
Mythology describes the highest angel (Satan) believing his inherent value made him the supreme principle, proclaiming "I am God". This act of opposing its divine origin resulted in a fall and fragmentation from unity into multiplicity. This very same delusion, of aspiring to godhood, was later presented by Satan to Adam and Eve during The Fall.
Manifestations and Consequences
It leads to futility of thought, particularly when reasoning about God. It precipitates division and breakdown within individuals and organisations. For instance, a corrupt agent within a company, motivated by self-interest rather than the company's purpose, acts independently, opposes the organisation's goals, and ultimately contributes to its collapse. Similarly, a corrupt public servant using their position for personal gain undermines societal order.
Pride manifests as a delusion of power, causing those in positions of authority to become self-inflated, surround themselves with sycophants, and resist valid criticism. Such individuals, like King Ahab, prefer to hear what they desire rather than the truth. A good deed performed for personal glory or to inflate one's ego diminishes its inherent value.
Pride contributes to the noetic effects of sin, impairing reasoning and leading to a wilful pursuit of evil. It initiates a downward spiral into deeper delusion.
Individuals swayed by pride believe they are self-sufficient and entitled, which often leads to harmful actions towards others.
Pride causes fragmentation and scattering of the self, hindering one's ability to fully reflect the image of God.
Pride and Delusion
Pride is intrinsically linked to the universal human susceptibility to delusion. Delusions can paradoxically serve as a punishment or chastisement for previously accepted delusions.
This phenomenon is not arbitrary; God allows delusion as a divine chastisement for those who wilfully embrace lies. The more an individual embraces a delusion, the deeper they descend into further self-deception. This deliberate acceptance of falsehood is exemplified in historical figures such as King Ahab and Pharaoh, who chose to harden their hearts and commit to delusion.
Attempts to form pacts with evil entities often arise from extreme cowardice, fear, or social ostracism, as disenfranchised individuals seek power. However, such engagements are based on delusion, as these entities are deceitful and do not honour their promises. While Satan is the ultimate source of all delusions, not all deceptions are overtly satanic. Common contemporary delusions include Scientism, alien or UFOs , paganism, and secularism.
Pride: An Inverted LGBT Virtue
The contemporary cultural phenomenon known as Pride Month, typically observed in June, exemplifies this vice on a societal scale. June, historically named after Juno, the Greco-Roman goddess of marriage and childbirth, is ironically now co-opted and inverted by sexual revolutionaries to celebrate - and be proud of - perverted sexual activities and identities.
Pride Month is inherently linked to a sexual narcissism and a societal shift towards an Inverted hierarchy where exceptions become the rule and where the sin of pride becomes a virtue.
This self-worship drives individuals to create their own meaning and ethical standards, seeking self-justification. It leads to futility in thought and a darkening of the heart, serving as a punishment for embracing delusion.
The Antithesis: Humility
In stark contrast to pride, humility is magnificent and leads to peace, joy, and righteousness. It is the virtue that allows for submission to God and is the means by which humanity can rise again from the collapse induced by pride. Embracing humility facilitates a spiritual journey towards God, allowing individuals to cleanse themselves from defilement and perfect holiness.
The path to wholeness and union with God, as exemplified by figures like the Samaritan woman, involves repentance and humility, rather than celebrating one's errors or sins.
Virtue is indispensable for the proper application of knowledge.
Escaping the grip of delusion necessitates turning towards Christ and the Church, which is a "hospital for delusions" or a "rehabilitation project for man's worldview". Salvation, in this context, is not a legal transaction but a transformative process initiated by turning towards the infinite through faith, supported by divine grace.
This faith must manifest in corresponding good works; a person who claims faith in Christ yet harbours hatred towards others is, in fact, deluding themselves. Good works are not a means to earn salvation but are the natural fruits and necessary steps in the process of becoming truly human, a being conformed to the image of Christ.