Demonology and Evil in the Reflection of Crypto-Criminology 2/2/2025 12:06:23 PM
In this essay, the narrative discusses how, historically, concepts like demonic possession were used to explain immoral or criminal behavior, drawing parallels to modern psychiatric diagnoses. He critiques the lack of scientific validation for many of these beliefs and the rise of "anti-intellectualism," which undermines logical reasoning in favor of myth and superstition. The essay concludes by suggesting that despite technological advances, human nature has not fundamentally changed, with selfishness, greed, and harmful behaviors still pervasive. Ultimately, demonology serves as a metaphor for the hidden, complex nature of human crime and behavior, with ideological biases influencing both belief and investigation. Demonology in the narrowest sense purports to be the study of demons, evil spirits, and a diversity of supernatural entities considered malevolent. As a reflection in the concept of Crypto-Criminology, a field that studies hidden or concealed aspects of criminal behavior, such a sphere of inquiry pertains to the vast realm of illicit human behavior. This means behavior is not easily understood. Metaphorically speaking, in the mirror of personal intentions, it is the reflection of the probable infinity of human motivations. For a narcissistic echo of wickedness, or badness, or criminality, etc., in the broadest sense of Gonzo Theory, “crypto” per se is that which is hidden. From the Greek word for that assertion, imitates the concealed aspects in the depths of human thinking. Since there is no definitive, precise and well-established criteria for complete and comprehensive reasons why people do bad things, the realm of criminology is open to interpretation by one perspective after the other.
In cryptography for instance, the multifaceted endeavors at deciphering secret messages is an art form with daunting intrigues. Similarly, but not exactly, so is the vast field of criminology. Hence, the crypto part is at work. With demon hunting as a topic for criminological discussion, a portion of such inclusion points out the enormous number of persons adhering to a rich array of ideological doctrines. While some religious ideologies seem extreme, others appears more benign. Nonetheless, a basic feature of each addresses a multidimensional conception of the world in which alternate realities are claimed. Varying aspects of the supernatural dominions come into play. A recent study regarding religious affiliation, one fact source suggests roughly 80% of the U.S. population believe or claim to believe in a spiritual doctrine. As such, religious ideology is a dominant factor.
From evangelical creeds to mainline protestant affiliations, including people of Jewish faith, as well as Muslims, Mormons, Hindus and so on, ideological dogma is widespread. This is offered as a means of understanding the thinking processes that may be influenced by metaphysical bias. In addition, this ties into the mysterious nature of criminality and the means by which investigative processes attempt further delineation of the adherent cause and effect. For the sake of ghosts, goblins and gremlins, the intricacy of human thinking is extraordinarily complicated. Significantly, ideation is relentlessly influenced by the individual’s belief system.
If 4 out of 5 believe in some aspect of supernaturalism, then 1 out of 5 have differing perspectives on the nature of reality. Of that, there are many possibilities, some of which falls within the viewpoint of skepticism. A healthy sense of skeptical inquiry is not just potentially a positive inclination, but a necessary tool in the face of rising anti-intellectualism. Add to this mix of ideological ramifications, a 2014 survey that suggested two-thirds (2/3) of the U.S. population believed in demonic possession. For some researchers who thought the opposite, that beliefs were declining, surveys apparently show increases. Growing trends across the social mainstream appear to abound in all manner of the mysticism.
Taken together, religious perceptions coupled with demonic forces, investigative queries provoke a deeper analysis. If 80% of the population believe in some form of religiosity, spirituality or otherworldliness, and nearly 67% accept the possibility of human demonic occupation, questions should arise. One significant questions comes to the forefront immediately. That is, what is the scientific validation in terms of evidentiary authenticity? Another concern is, can one accept another person’s opinion as superbly credible? In addition, given religious influence, does the underlying belief system or ideological doctrine influence personal bias in adverse ways?
Yes, ideology, unless scrupulously controlled and balanced objectively, influences investigative processes. As such, personal bias has a bearing on the scope, sequence, structure, and design of inquiries. Outside the realms of the hard sciences (astronomy, biology, chemistry, physics, etc.) conjecture devolves to broad unsubstantiated generalizations. Individual and group believability in “paranormal” alternate “realities”, cultic or occultic affiliations aside, generally achieve credibility throughout mainstream society. Sometimes, public policy is affected by personal agendas for private enrichment and contrary to the greater good.
From hunting witches to “satanic panic” to fighting “monsters” and opposing “dominions of evil”, poorly applied metaphors mask the deeper affinity for battling mysterious devils. Books, movies, both fiction and non-fiction, news reporting and so on, regurgitate the clichés, the stereotypes, and the never-ending obsession with the “forces of evil”. Lecherous beasts and wicked monstrosities lurk in the shadowy recesses of fearfulness to serve as scapegoats for human ignorance, arrogance and selfish proclivities. For the escape of scientific reality, logical deduction and efficacy of rational analysis, beyond biased self-interests, demonology mirrors another elemental factor in the complex spheres of crypto-criminology. As related to intentional premeditated ideation, thinking is purposeful for individual benefit.
From the classical perspective of criminology, free will is the primary underlying factor in the motivational processes. From malice aforethought in the purposeful ideation of the individual, through premeditation and subsequently the finality of intent, choices are made from a “cost-benefit” analysis perspective. In the complexity of neural instigation, the intricate nature of the mental complexity defies precise and definitive delineation. To say human thinking is complicated, is simply the starting point by which the investigator realizes there are no easy answers.
In crypto-criminology, the emphasis is on the unknown. What is puzzling about the “why” question of behavioral events remains largely in the deep darkness of the human psyche. Again, “crypto” refers to hidden, cloaked in secrecy, not in readily understandable, and pretty much devoid of distinct validation. Along with that, “cryptozoology” is the study of creatures not scientifically proven to exist. For some in the investigative realm of various endeavors, such inquiry falls in the range of pseudoscience. Others might differ.
For the cryptozoologist, the focus tends toward myth, folklore and legend. Therein, resides an interesting point of conjecture when it comes to criminology as another example. Among a few practitioners from extensive real-world experience, the field of criminology, and by including the arena of “criminal justice”, are likewise ongoing explorations in pseudoscience. Once again, generally speaking, particularly those in academia who are not real-life practitioners may disagree ruthlessly. Vicious arguments erupt almost instantly as such accusations.
The intrigue deepens. For those who want to pretend or even believe they are “scientists” from the dominions of “social studies”, it is a harsh realization to discover that “criminal behavioral analysis” is guesswork based on opinion, supported by less than scientific means. Meanwhile, as the rage, resentment, and rabid animosity goes back and forth, all manner of inquiry continues. With the issue of demonology, the inquisitor confronts human thinking processes and the extraordinary influence of ideologies. Beliefs influence thinking and bias is difficult to control.
This provokes the skeptical notion as to how much credence one gives to assertions by alleged experts given the potential for personal disposition and prejudice. Possibilities for less authenticity and increased susceptibility to magical thinking become greater with each successive generation. One online forum points to a scary trend that suggests a growing “cult of ignorance”. A scope of “anti-intellectual elitism” characterizes the American landscape. In several surveys, 90% of test takers could not pass a basic civics test or a U.S. citizenship quiz. In academia, that is not untypical of either students or faculty, which is intriguing in the modern era.
