Without a Conscience

Recently I read The Sociopath Next Door by Dr. Martha Stout. Wow! This compelling book brought one name to my mind over and over again – even within the first few pages: Athena Dean.

You know, someone who:

• Deceives and manipulates. 
• Never plans ahead. 
• Stays irritable and aggressive. 
• Refuses to take responsibility. 
• Remains irresponsible. 
• Shows no remorse for hurting, mistreating and stealing from others. 
• Displays a fake charm that seduces people. 
• Holds a grandiose sense of self worth. 
• Is a pathological liar and becomes a parasite to “friends.” 
• Remains shallow and callous.

This is not even a complete list, but according to Dr. Stout, having only three of these characteristics indicate a sociopath.

Sadly, Athena Dean continues to abuse people. Many, many individuals endure her heartless actions, and it’s appalling to witness. It comes out in the little ways – the day to day things. 

Remember the kid who sat behind you in school and continued to provoke you? It became simply maddening! Worse yet, when you eventually stood up to the instigator, somehow you found yourself in trouble with the teacher. I hated that and still do!

That’s what life is like around Athena Dean. I cannot even attempt to put all incidents into words, but I’ll try to provide a little insight into this woman’s mental games.

Remember, here are just SOME examples of Athena Dean’s sociopathic behavior:

Sabotaged Power Point Presentations

What Athena Dean put my dear friend Carla Williams through is nothing short of psychological abuse! 

Moments before a presentation, Athena Dean literally changed Carla’s PowerPoint without Carla’s foreknowledge!

Now, imagine how Carla felt as she stood in front of the crowd. How would you feel?

Of course, Athena Dean saw nothing wrong with her behavior and showed no remorse. In fact, in some twisted way, she blamed Carla! 

This was not a mistake or even an isolated incident. Athena Dean committed this one example alone repeatedly. You see, Athena Dean gloated over sabotaging Carla’s projects since she herself wasn’t in the limelight at the time. 

In truth, that’s the kind of thing that provides a thrill to Athena Dean. She gaslights those around her and thrives on making others look bad while creating situations where they feel somehow to blame. 

After all, Athena Dean is a queen at playing the victim and blaming others! Indeed, her mind games could cause anyone to doubt their own sanity!

Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes and clever in their own sight.   (Isaiah 5:21)

Praise God that Carla relied on Him – and not Athena Dean – to present her workshops! For Carla learned a long time ago to make Him her refuge.

Stole $20,000 Worth of Property 

Athena Dean stole $20,000 worth of property from two very good friends of mine. She refused to allow these individuals to redeem their own property after they moved out of the house they shared with her.

Again, Athena Dean considers this good. She displays no shame – not even a hint of embarrassment.

Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter.   (Isaiah 5:20)

Killed a Cat

Not only did Athena Dean steal without remorse, she refused to provide adequate care for my friend’s cat and ultimately caused her death! 

Athena Dean literally made it impossible for my friend to get his cat from her clutches and in the end, it was too late. Of course, Athena Dean refuses to take responsibility or show any remorse.

A righteous man cares for the needs of his animal, but the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel.   (Proverbs 12:10)

By the way, it was Timothy Williams who helped Athena Dean purchase her beloved pet, “Copper” (a Vizsla). I doubt Hitler would have done that!

Created Chaos & Strived for Strife

Personally, I’ve watched Athena Dean create chaos and strife whenever she enters a room. 

In 2008 I shared a hotel room with Athena Dean at an international conference. I attended this same conference again this year and felt an unbelievable difference!

Honestly, because of Athena Dean, I never desired to return to this conference. She drains the life right out of you! 

Again, it’s in the little things – like the kid in school who constantly aggravated you!

When Athena Dean attended conferences, strife and insults abounded. Indeed, her behavior required nightly meetings (at least)! She refused to stay on task and do her job. 

In fact, we expected her to actually work – which explains why she really left the company. For if there’s one thing Athena Dean does not do – it’s work. (This also makes clear why her time now affords her the opportunities to drive around town trying to intimidate others, but that’s another issue).

Here are just SOME examples of what we endured at the hands of Athena Dean at the 2008 conference:

• She demanded attention and recognition from everyone. 
• She refused to plan ahead thus continually created frustration and tension. {She forced us to rush in order to not be late to the very meetings that she caused.} 
• She arrogantly gave orders to her supervisors. {Apparently only Athena Dean knows how to tip for a service.} 
• She continually interfered with other aspects of the job instead of faithfully carrying out her own duties. 
• She argued with her supervisors non-stop. {She even argued when it was time to eat lunch! Goodness, the woman argued when she should have been working and argued that she needed to work when it was time to have a meal! But, such is the nature of someone who likes to make up the rules.}

Amazingly, this year’s conference ran smoothly and in reality proved a great success! 

Indeed, industry professionals showed a willingness to work with us again, once they learned Athena Dean no longer was with us. It seems that my friends were not the only ones Athena Dean stole from, unfortunately.

You see, without Athena Dean one can enjoy peace and live without strife!

Drive out the mocker, and out goes strife; quarrels and insults are ended.   (Proverbs 22:10)

I highly recommend that you take the time to read Dr. Stout’s The Sociopath Next Door. It stands out as a must-read for those who long to protect themselves – and their loved ones – from Athena Dean and other sociopaths like her.

For one thing that’s obvious to me:

Athena Dean willingly rejected a good conscience and shipwrecked her faith. 

…holding on to faith and a good conscience. Some have rejected these and so have shipwrecked their faith.  (1 Timothy 1:19)

Please be careful of what you listen to or read. Do not let lies, slander, suspicion or fear keep you or your loved ones from the truth.

For Athena Dean is now left without a conscience.

The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron.  (1 Timothy 4:1-2)