Earlier this week, Greg Locke’s home was sprayed with bullets—an act of violence that could have claimed the lives of Locke’s children, demonstrating just how spiritually lost some people have become. The fact that anyone would place children in harm’s way over political disagreements should raise alarm bells about the condition of our society.

But, predictably, instead of acknowledging the real societal rot, self-described “prophet” and “apostle,” Mike Signorelli, decided to take a different route—a ridiculous one, at that.

Signorelli, in what can only be described as a desperate grasp for relevance, released a video implying that online discernment ministries were responsible for the so-called “demonic energy” that led to this shooting.

Let’s pause here for a second. Instead of blaming the actual criminal, or even attributing the attack to the cultural tensions brewing in today’s politically charged environment, Signorelli blames discernment ministries. In other words, ministries like Justin Peters, bloggers like me, those at Protestia, and other outlets, those who spend their time defending the Scriptures against heretics like Signorelli—apparently, they now wield enough “demonic energy” to incite violence.

Watch:

What Signorelli’s comments amount to is nothing more than theological nonsense wrapped in charismatic buzzwords. The logic? Nonexistent. According to him, people critiquing Locke online are demon-possessed, driven by a kind of supernatural hatred that could only come from Satan himself.

Really? That’s his explanation?

Forget the socio-political atmosphere. Forget human depravity or mental instability—no, it’s “demons” behind every critique. Sure, Mike, because clearly, demons have nothing better to do than join Facebook groups to rant about bad theology all day.

But let’s take a moment to consider something even more obvious—with all of Locke’s inflammatory rhetoric on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, it’s far more likely that this attack was carried out by some pro-Palestinian fanatic than by anyone associated with a Calvinistic or cessationist discernment blog.

Locke has been anything but subtle when it comes to his unrestrained commentary on this hot-button issue, and it wouldn’t be the least bit surprising if some ideological nutjob with a bone to pick decided to take things into their own hands. The Middle East conflict has been a powder keg for generations, and for Locke to act as though he’s untouchable while throwing fuel on that fire is naive at best, reckless at worst.

But here’s where the real lunacy lies. Signorelli, like many in the charismatic camp, loves to play the “apostolic authority” card. This allows him to subtly, or blatantly, for that matter, equate any criticism of his camp with criticism of God. It’s a clever but tired trick. By invoking spiritual warfare language and conflating their human fallibility with divine authority, they attempt to shield themselves from any form of accountability. After all, who would dare challenge “God’s anointed,” right?

The only “demonic energy” at work here is the kind that keeps these charlatans from accepting any kind of criticism whatsoever. Discernment ministries don’t have the power to conjure up demonic forces. What they do have, however, is the brass to point out when self-proclaimed “apostles” are trekking off the rails into heresy or emotional manipulation.

And let’s be honest, that’s precisely why Signorelli and his ilk despise them—they hate being exposed for what they really are … spiritual opportunists who are more concerned with maintaining their platforms than preaching truth. This was evidenced by Signorelli plugging his friends and his own books at the end of this lengthy commentary.

The tactic here is clear—shift the blame. Rather than grapple with the uncomfortable reality that Locke’s confrontational “ministry” style is what likely provoked this violence, it’s far easier to point the finger at those who’ve dared to criticize. It’s always the same old playbook, when in doubt, blame the critics, claim supernatural forces are at work, and then absolve yourself of any responsibility. How convenient.

Signorelli’s rant is the equivalent of plugging your ears and screaming “demons” every time someone points out theological errors or moral failings. The sad truth is, by tossing out these absurd accusations, he reveals just how spiritually immature and intellectually bankrupt he really is. If anyone’s guilty of spreading “demonic energy,” it’s the ones who keep using God’s name to defend their own egos.