Guardian's Codex: Psychic Self-Defense Against Evil
Why Does This Matter Now? 21,278 Christians have been killed for their faith since January of 2021. In recent years, violence and deception have intensified, particularly targeting Christians, conservatives, and vulnerable individuals. According to Open Doors International's World Watch List, thousands of Christians face extreme persecution annually, with reports indicating over 4,000 killed for faith-related reasons in 2021 alone, rising to around 5,600 in 2023. Specific incidents highlight this reality: On August 27, 2025, two children—8-year-old Fletcher Merkel and 10-year-old Harper Moyski—were killed and 17 others injured in a shooting at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis during a Mass, when a gunman fired through the church windows. On August 22, 2025, 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska was fatally stabbed three times in the neck in an unprovoked attack on a Charlotte light rail train by a suspect with prior arrests. Additionally, conservative activist Charlie Kirk was assassinated on September 10, 2025, during a rally at Utah Valley University, with graphic videos of the shooting spreading rapidly online, including on X, where some edited or fake images and clips gained widespread attention amid calls to curb their dissemination. These events underscore the presence of physical and spiritual threats through violence and misinformation. This guide provides five practical tools, drawing from spiritual wisdom and everyday vigilance, to help sense danger, protect your well-being, and foster resilience. These approaches can enhance personal safety and mental clarity in challenging times. Tool 1: Sense Evil’s Presence Threats often reveal themselves through subtle cues like sudden unease, unusual behavior in others, or an intuitive gut feeling. In the Minneapolis shooting, the attacker had prepared barricades that might have been noticed earlier. Zarutska's assailant sat behind her without interaction before striking, and reports noted no immediate warning signs on the train. Trusting instincts can create opportunities to act preventively.