“And oftentimes, to win us to our harm, the instruments of darkness tell us truths, win us with honest trifles, to betray ‘s in deepest consequence.” – Macbeth
I’m not a psychological researcher, but I do have a few theories – psychological and paranormal – about why ordinary people can become vulnerable to dangerous beliefs.
One striking example is the story of the “Gulf Breeze Six” – six young U.S. Marines who went absent without leave in 1990 because they believed they had been called to stop the Antichrist. The group had become fascinated by the paranormal and used a Ouija board to contact spirits. During several sessions, an entity calling itself “Sapphire” reportedly predicted an earthquake in Iran with specific details. When an earthquake occurred, the group were convinced that Sapphire was genuine. They consequently followed her increasingly extreme instructions, abandoning their military posts and risking severe punishment.
Whether one interprets this story psychologically, spiritually, or both, it reveals how belief can harden into conviction. A single “hit” – a prediction that appears accurate – can outweigh many unanswered questions. Human beings are pattern-seeking creatures; once we feel we have evidence, we tend to organise our world around it.
The Marines’ background mattered too. They were trained protectors, primed to respond to threats and step into heroic roles. That made them susceptible to narratives about cosmic danger and moral duty. Their beliefs were also shaped by a broader Christian End Times culture, particularly popular interpretations of Revelation – a difficult and symbol-heavy biblical text likely written to encourage persecuted Christians rather than provide a literal roadmap to the apocalypse.
Add groupthink to the mix and the danger multiplies. In tightly bonded groups, doubts are often softened or suppressed, while shared certainty grows stronger through repetition.
I’m all for safe exploration of consciousness and spirituality. But curiosity needs grounding: critical thinking, historical context, emotional awareness, and a willingness to question experiences that flatter our fears or our sense of importance. Belief can inspire courage and meanings – but unchecked, it can also lead ordinary people into extraordinary mistakes.
Please feel free to share your thoughts, comments or questions below and thanks for reading!
Donna x
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