Humanism Versus Islam
I’ve had several people e-mail me and ask if I believe that Humanism will be the driving element behind the coming Antichrist / Harlot religion. I want to very briefly explain why I do not believe that it is.
Let me start with a parable of sorts. I have a friend who was once involved in the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi (Transcendental Meditation TM) cult. Few people know that this cult is actually headquartered up in a small town up in Iowa. A good portion of the people who live in this small town are adherents to this New Age / Hindu cult. There are some good churches and believers there, but the predominant spirit and population is the TM bunch. Now, imagine if you will that a young believer grows up in this town. Imagine that as he grows up, he sees some of his friends deeply affected by the spirit and influence of this cult in the town. Through constant contact with these cultists, many of the true believers in the town are affected in such a way that many fall away. As a young believer, this fellow observes and discerns the effects of this demonic spirit all around him. Then he turns to the Bible and begins to study all that it has so say about the End Times and the Antichrist. As he reads the many passages about these things, he begins to notice many similarities between what he reads and what he observes all around him. As such, over time, he begins to conclude that in fact, the Transcendental Meditation cult is the religion of the Antichrist.
Now, if he came to this conclusion, what would his error have been? While this conclusion that he reached may have made complete sense to him, in his own immediate context, his error would have been to read his own particular very limited worldview into the pages of the Bible. He would in essence be reading small-town Iowa into an ancient Eastern book called the Bible. This isn’t to say that many of his conclusions are not accurate and that much of the things that he discerned are wrong. In fact, I would even say that TM indeed does possess a significant measure of the Antichrist spirit. However, it is not THE Antichrist religion. It is simply AN Antichrist religion. And yes, there is a big difference.
I shared this small parable to function as a example of the same error that many Westerners make, but in a much smaller microcosm. This parable is a picture of the how many of us read Humanism into the pages of the Bible as THE Antichrist / Harlot religion.
We here in the West grow up in an atmosphere that is increasingly turning away from its Christian heritage and increasingly toward various forms of Humanism. Whether it be New Age religion, Lets-all-get-along-ism, Universalism, Intellectual Agnosticism, Religious Pluralism, the New Atheism, etc., we who live here in the West are fairly familiar with these various corrosive Antichrist belief systems. As we grow up and go to school, we see many of our Christian friends increasingly being affected by these belief systems, and some fall away and even adopt these beliefs. Some of our Humanist teachers at University mock us for our faith. Perhaps we ourselves are even affected by these things. These belief systems indeed represent the premiere Zeitgeist / Spirit Of The Age in our midst. We even see these things increasingly infiltrating the Church in movements such as the Emergent Church /Emergent Village etc. And so many of us, as we begin to read the Bible, make the same mistake as our imaginary believer friend up in Iowa made. We begin to read our world view INTO the pages of the Bible - a very Eastern book. But in doing so, we fail to remember the fact that we are reading the Bible through the lens of a Westerner, who sees the whole world through a Western lens. Most Americans are hopelessly Amer0-centric in our world view. Without really realizing it, we sometimes think that the Bible was written to Americans. The truth is far from this however. We must not fail to remember the geographical context of the Bible. It is and always has been a thoroughly Israel and Middle Eastern-centric Book. And if one is sitting this day in Jerusalem or Mecca, or Amman, or Baghdad, humanism is almost a negligible reality. Instead, Islam is the spirit that pervades every inch of the Middle East. Islam is the premiere Antichrist - Antisemitic force in the Middle East, which is the primary context of the Bible. At least today (and certainly for the next century) it is in my opinion, the only real contender for THE Antichrist religion.
And of course, we need to remember that in the many passages found throughout the prophets that describe the return of Christ, he is seen doing battle with Muslim nations. It names them by name. Turkey, Syria, Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Libya, Sudan, Somolia, Jordan, Arabia, Yemen, Palestinian Territories, etc etc etc. Do we really believe that humanism will overwhelm and even dominate the Islamic world so as to convert them to this new humanistic “faith” in the next several years? I am not betting on this. Not within the next hundred years anyway. The demographics simply do not support this notion. Instead, it will be Europe and the West that will become Islamic, not the other way around.
So in summary, I clearly see the demonic trend in the West toward a false humanistic spirituality. I believe that this is the forerunner demonic spirit that will weaken the faith of many and prepare the way for the real Antichrist religion that is barreling down the alley toward all of us. But when we say THE Antichrist religion, I am confident that it is Islam. But as always, God knows best.
Bless you,
Joel
December 5th, 2008 at 9:56 pm
Joel,
I completely agree with you on Islam being THE Antichrist religion. I was wondering, though if you could share some insight on how you see it coming to pass. I guess because I am a Westerner, I do have some trouble envisioning HOW such a belief (religion) will take hold in the vast way that Revelation talks about. Will Islam “use” our churches, will it be a Political mandate, or maybe by sheer force? How nuanced will it be? Mike Bickle talks about the nuances and cleverness of how it will happen. Is this how you see it for the West, or will we simply be taken on a “ride” against our will due to the brokenness (financially, etc.) of our nation? Do you see a majority of deceived in our particular nation of peoples?
I would like to know some of your thoughts.
Thanks and God Bless
December 5th, 2008 at 10:27 pm
While I am the first to caution against putting stock beyond measure in one’s own prophetic revelations, I offer my own perspective on this:
in a dream I had years ago at a Morningstar Prophetic conference, Americans were flocking in droves to adopt Islam. Women all over the streets were in Islamic attire and stalls were everywhere selling Korans and prayer beads. There was electric excitement and euphoria in the air. In the dream I kept thinking how odd and bizzare it was for America to be in the midst of an Islamic revival. A young man came up to me offering a Koran and asking if he could speak with me for a while. I refused. I went on to inquire of the Lord as to why there was so much excitement over Islam, in America of all places. In response he said in effect: “this is because of the one they call Mahdi”. It became apparent to me that a figure–a man–was at the heart of all the excitement and glory around Islam.
I, cautiously, submit that if a young and articulate politician could have millions in America associate him with HOPE–to the point of bordering on religious–then how much more will westerners “worship” a man who will be given a “mouth” to speak great things.
I think the description of the antichrist given to the children of Addulam in China decades ago very clearly shows how he will seduce the nations. Among other things he–the antichrist–was shown to the children as “the one the Mohamedans have been waiting for.”
What I love most about Mike Bickle and the point of view IHOP follows is thier active preparation to be a part of that coming great hour in human history. Whether or not they have all of thier Theology right–or those of us who hold to this paradigm—is not the most important thing. Preparing to be witnesses of the resurrected man who alone is the Messiah and Judge of the Earth THROUGH the tribulation is the most profitable thing we can be doing.
December 5th, 2008 at 10:40 pm
anecdote:
My dream happened before ever I was aware of the Islamic End times paradigm. It was weeks later, in response to my dream, I went looking for answers and ran into Joels book: “Antichrist: Islam’s awaited messiah at IHOP during the 2006 One Thing conference.
I say this to show that, for my part, the Lord led me to this paradigm ever before I was influenced by this line of thinking.
December 6th, 2008 at 7:52 am
Samuel’s Mom,
First, I think that Kite makes an excellent point. We have just seen the degree to which, given the proper circumstances, one articulate and charismatic young man can rally a devoted following to himself and his cause. We have also seen how quickly things can change with regard to the global economic situation. My wife and I have been saving for years for our children’s college. In just a few weeks, roughly half of it is gone. No worries, we are young. But for many who are depending on that money for retirement, it is huge. Now imagine if things get way worse financially. Americans are soft, weak and many of our young would break out in hives if they had to go without texting or the Internet for more than three hours. I also believe that through years of being indoctrinated with moral and cultural relativism, most Americans have been hamstrung with regard to their ability to think critically. Even many quarters of the Church has lost much of its discernment on too many critical issues. Now imagine three years from now. The economy is such that these turbulent times are looked back upon as the good old days.
“Remember when you could till go into the grocery store and just buy whatever you wanted - before inflation and before before the food crisis?”
Beyond this, the world is tired of conflict in the Middle East. Then a leader emerges. He can fix the economy and he can fix the Middle East. He has concrete solutions. Many of which are found in Islamic sacred law.
“Mankind is suffering because he has rejected the Lord of the World’s Laws” “Shariah is a miracle for our salvation.”
He points to the recent successes of Shariah financing to fix the broken economy and help the poor. He praises Christians who welcome his “Interfaith Dialogues” in the Churches and who welcome Islamic prayer in their buildings, for the fledgling little Islamic groups that live in the area. He speaks of the universal religion. He points out that on any given day, while Churches are largely segregated, mosques are not. He speaks of “Peace and Security” instead or mere “hope”. And the crowds love him.
In the end, I have no idea. But it is sometimes fun to speculate. I do know this Samuel’s Mom: After 9-11, I sat back in sickened awe as I watched dozens upon dozens of folks convert to Islam over the Internet. In many of the groups that I was part of, (many of which were openly violent and hateful prior to 9-11) suddenly Americans started joining and asking questions. Some took months before they would convert. Others only seemed to take a few weeks. I witnesses the process and was shocked to see it happen. In fact, this was one of my reasons for writing Antichrist. I really wanted folks to truly understand the core issues. Not just the peripherals as to why Islam is wrong, but the core essence of why it is wrong. I saw a Pentecostal Preacher who converted to Islam. I saw many who were raised in a Christian Church. One gal was a life long and very involved member of Chuck Smith’s Calvary Chapel. She converted. I met two Orthodox Jews convert to Islam. One was raised in Israel. The list goes on and on and on. I have seen it and I know it is possible to have an Islamic revival here in the US. How it will happen and when or why, I don’t really know.
Ultimately, my expectation is that the US and much of the West will not be given over entirely to the AC. I tend to see and hope that the Biblical prophecies regarding the End times are more regional and less global. The language of the Bible makes it tough to know with certainty. Words like Eretz (Hebrew) and Terra (Greek) can be translated as “Land” or “Earth”. It is sometimes hard to know if it is speaking of the whole land (as in the land of Israel) or the whole earth. Beyond this, there are places where universal language is used (every tongue tribe and nation) or “All”, but this very same language is also used in other places in the Bible that we know were not intended to be taken in a hyper-literal fashion. For example:
Who know that Nebuchadnezzar ruled over a lot of people and beasts. We know that he ruled over all of ancient Mesopotamia. But we also know that “WHEREVER” they lived, he did not rule over them “ALL”. Likewise I think we need to be careful of being absolute with regard to, for instance, things like the Mark of the Beast or the rule of the Antichrist. I am not convinced that it will be completely global. This belief, by the way leaves room for the intercessor to cry out for a better end for their respective nations that exist on the fringe of the earth in relation to the Epicenter: Israel and the Middle East (as Joel Rosenberg appropriately calls it).
Anyway, in brief, that is my take. I’m sure that there is a lot more that could be said.
Blessings, Joel
December 6th, 2008 at 9:15 am
Brothers,
First of all, thank you both for taking the time to share your thoughts. Witnessing what happened in our recent elections should give me an idea of what is to come. Shamefully, I was still “asleep” directly following 9/11 and I had no idea about the conversions and “falling away” that was taking place (and will continue to do so).
Praise be to the Lord for awakening my family and me at this hour.
God Bless you both.
December 6th, 2008 at 12:45 pm
To all the above,
AMEN!
December 7th, 2008 at 12:04 am
Thanks for your thoughts Joel! You’re a real gift to the body of the Messiah in this time.
December 7th, 2008 at 11:52 am
Yes Joel,
You’re a faithful servant of Christ and I’m glad I was led to your site. My wife and I are having our first son in February and we named him (God is Able) or Joel in English.
Jeremy
December 7th, 2008 at 1:35 pm
Congrats!! Good news.
December 7th, 2008 at 1:42 pm
Joel, you said……..
“Who know that Nebuchadnezzar ruled over a lot of people and beasts. We know that he ruled over all of ancient Mesopotamia. But we also know that “WHEREVER” they lived, he did not rule over them “ALL”. Likewise I think we need to be careful of being absolute with regard to, for instance, things like the Mark of the Beast or the rule of the Antichrist. I am not convinced that it will be completely global. This belief, by the way leaves room for the intercessor to cry out for a better end for their respective nations that exist on the fringe of the earth in relation to the Epicenter: Israel and the Middle East (as Joel Rosenberg appropriately calls it). ”
I am reminded of the movie ‘ Braveheart ‘ where the captured and on trial William Wallace said he had never sworn allegiance to the king, to which the judge responded, it matters not, he is your king. In this respect we can be assured when the Lord speaks it, it is absolute. Yet there are many other Scripture which speak of rebellion, persecution, prison, and death. We, the Saints, are given over to and overcome for 42 months, though some are given a voice to speak, and others are given a little help, and some indeed are killed for their Faith. So it matters not that we acknowledge the ac’s authority, he is given the authority for his wordly rule, or at least allowed to have it, by the Lord. Can’t get around that, but we can rely on other Scripture for direction, for the intercessors as you say, when that time comes. Not trying to be nitpicky, but I believe the Lord’s Word is absolute, just our understanding sometimes is a little behind the reality of it.
Just my thoughts.
As always
God Bless You
David
December 7th, 2008 at 3:25 pm
Joel,
I made the same observation a few years ago, regarding Nebuchadnezzar.
It was during a ladies bible study…I was shouted out quickly and with
anger! I don’t understand why…It seems so clear to me, but whatever…
I have always hoped that America would be a safer haven than most…but
I have since lost faith in that hope…I’m preparing for the worst and praying
for mercy. GOD knows what he wants to do…Ultimately the faithful will
overcome!
December 7th, 2008 at 4:07 pm
Exit,
I hear you. I agree that God’s Word is absolute, of course, it’s just that sometimes we demand a hyper-literal “technically true” Western reading of a very Eastern and oftentimes prophetic / poetic book. As such, there are some verses that seem to indicate that the Ac will have literally a universal / global authority and others that indicate that there will indeed be resistors among the nations against the AC’s rule. The notion that the rule of the AC will be utterly and entirely global is not water tight. Even the suggestion that there might be pockets of protection and even blessed regions throughout the earth here and there can really offend some. But I believe that this may possibly be the case. So on this general position, I agree with Nancy, we need to prepare for the worst and cry out for mercy. But I refuse to resign myself to the Antichrist’s rule in my nation. So our struggle, in my opinion, is against passive resignation to the worst on one side and a lack of preparedness for the great trial of the saints on the other.
Bless You, Joel
December 7th, 2008 at 11:54 pm
Joel,
When one studies the Bible from a Jewish view along with in depth Hebrew and Greek word study, is there enough evidence to really think the Bride will go through the entire tribulation? I say this because I get the feeling that many here are praying for hope and that we’ll have a safe place for those who are living through it.
I know Mike Bickle’s views and he always teaches this mass falling away or apostasy along with a huge revival at once during this tribulation time. However, I was just watching a study the other day that mentioned the great apostasy that Mike speaks of is a mistranslation. I need to go back and find that study because I’m not 100% but pretty sure they were speaking of it.
Not trying to get in to a pre, mid or post trib debate but I don’t think there would even be a debate if people would stop reading the bible through a western lens as you call it. Just think of all the hidden nuggets that have been brought to light in the past few years that Daniel sealed. For me it was studying the Jewish wedding.
Your thoughts?
Jeremy
December 8th, 2008 at 12:45 am
Scot….where are you???
December 8th, 2008 at 6:47 am
Jeremy,
Some have tried to use the order of the Jewish Betrothal / Wedding process analogy to argue for a Pre-trib rapture. However, this argument is heavy on analogy and light on Scriptural support. Yes, our relationship to Christ / His return is very much likened throughout Scripture to a Betrothal / Wedding, but to try to use this fact to establish a Pre-Trib rapture is to distort what the Scriptures are saying, in my opinion. Proponents of this position, try to say that the Bridegroom will come secretly seven years prior to His actual return. But the first coming is sufficient enough to fulfill this. There are not three comings. and the Scriptures are clear that we will be raptured at His second coming.
In my opinion, if we combine what the Bible clearly teaches about the End Times and the rapture with a good understanding of the Biblical Feasts, then a clear picture emerges. Jesus first coming fulfilled all of the Spring Feasts and His second coming will fulfill the Fall Feasts. The Bride will go through the whole Tribulation, but not the Bowls of His Wrath which is for the unbelievers. But we will go through the Great tribulation which could also be translated as the Great Persecution. This includes the Seals, and the Trumpets but not the Bowls of His Wrath, which are poured out during the thirty day period after we have been raptured. But again, God Knows Best.
Bless you, Joel
December 8th, 2008 at 12:20 pm
This is how we should be looking at Nebuchadnezzar: At the time of his rule there was no other empire or king that rivaled his kingdom and empire.
You can look at this in modern terms today. What nation rules this world? With a limited time left the answer is the U.S. Does this mean that the President rules over the people of France? Technically, no, but essentially yes, because the decisions the U.S. president makes (for the most part) has an effect on everyone in the world.
For example, a news story out of Europe during the 08 Presidential election had quotes from Europeans all over Europe that said they should have the right to vote in the Presidential elections because the U.S. President has an influence on their every day life due to the decisions that they make.
http://www.renewamerica.us/columns/huston/080110
The Babylonian king I believe we should be looking towards for the future AntiChrist is Nimrod.
December 8th, 2008 at 1:06 pm
Gideon,
The analogy does not take into account that while America’s policies may affect everyone in the earth loosely, this was not so during the Babylonian Empire. The natives and “beasts” in some far off land were not affected by Nebuchadnezzar in the least bit. Eastern language is often given to hyperbolic flourishes that are intended to make a point. Nebuchadnezzar’s rule was huge, but not technically universal. Nor do I believe that the AC’s rule will be universal. The Bible tells us that some nations will escape his grasp and others will fight against him. So we need to balance out these passages with those that seem to indicate that his rule will be universal.
In determining which city to look to as our proto-type, we also need to remember that Rome was referred to as Babylon in the New Testament. So Babylon and Babel together should be our prototypes. Like the ancient tower, Islam does indeed attempt to reverse the dispersion and unite mankind under one flag, one Allah, one prophet, one language, one book etc. But it will never succeed. Just my opinion.
Blessings, Joel
December 8th, 2008 at 9:04 pm
Joel,
……That was deep! Thanks.
December 8th, 2008 at 9:20 pm
I also believe that Islam will be the religion of the AC. I also believe Satan was the one that Muhammed met in the “cave” and he went up on a mountain three different times to kill himself because he also thought it was Satan he had encountered. Islam is the way Satan deceives the whole world. Look at how many are already deceived. I pray that we believers in Christ will escape the AC and Islam. But, like you all say, God knows best. Christ be with all of you/us forever. Amen
December 10th, 2008 at 7:58 pm
Do you who think the AC’s religion will be Islam believe he will turn against his own faith or do you see someone else in the role of Babylon?
Revelations says the beast will hate the harlot and he and his 10 kings will burn her with fire.
I can see many parallels between Mystery Babylon and Islam, but am somewhat confused as to how the AC could be of Islam and at the same time hate her.
December 10th, 2008 at 10:12 pm
With so many of the world’s population already being Islamic and the fast growing additions especially in the EU, no other religion is even close. And the denial of Christ as the Savior and the hatred of the Jews being requisites is even more convincing to me. The Beast already has the terrorists on stage to get his act going. The Beast may even be directing them as we speak. I am watching Iran as I believe those nuts that run Iran will push the Israeli leaders to the brink. After that—–
December 13th, 2008 at 4:06 pm
Joel,
“Some nations will escape his grasp”… referrs to what verse(s) ?
Thank-you!
December 13th, 2008 at 6:32 pm
Hi Evangeline,
Daniel 11: 40 “At the time of the end the king of the South will engage him in battle, and the king of the North (the Antichrist) will storm out against him with chariots and cavalry and a great fleet of ships. He will invade many countries and sweep through them like a flood. 41 He will also invade the Beautiful Land. Many countries will fall, but Edom, Moab and the leaders of Ammon will be delivered from his hand. 42 He will extend his power over many countries; Egypt will not escape.
December 13th, 2008 at 6:38 pm
Whitey,
The Beast is the ten nation military machine that is composed of Islamic nations. The Harlot is the primary financial and spiritual source of Islam. I firmly believe for a host of reasons that this refers to Saudi Arabia / Mecca is the very womb from which Islam burst forth into the earth. Today Saudi funds the spread of Islam throughout the earth but it also cozies up to the West. For this, the radicals hate her and desire to destroy her. It isn’t that these radical nations desire to destroy Mecca, but they will take Saudi out for the purpose of becoming the Alpha dog and controlling the West’s blood supply of oil. If Saudi is removed, then the Beast will be able to control the world, or so she will think. This may be revolutionary to imagine, but it makes every bit of sense when you understand the various worlds that exist within the ME. Hope that this very brief post helps.
Bless you, Joel
December 18th, 2008 at 8:42 am
Joel, (or anyone)
I could well be muddled (this is obviously a somewhat tricky subject), I watched the Bickle stream on the thread ‘one-over’ (Harlot Babylon). His view includes among those who resist the AC religion are Christians and Islamic Extremists… Surely the Islamic Extremists would be the forefront of the AC religion if that religion was Islam.
Or, perhaps, the extremists have left ‘pure’ Islam behind?
Any thoughts on the matter? (with a context that I know little about Islam…)
Also could someone point me towards any discussion upon Islam being linked as a descendant of abraham?
Finally, thank you all, you show incredible discernment and if nothing else lead me to investigate things further, going deeper into the Bible and to deeper seek God’s heart and intimacy with Him. Thanks
December 18th, 2008 at 5:19 pm
TJ,
Mike seems to be teaching that a humanistic new-agey, lets-all-get-alongism will be the religion of the Antichrist. Obvisouly I disagree with this. Mike’s position is that a new religion will emerge in the days to come. This position also assumes then that the Islamic world will largely convert to this new religion. Those who hold out will be persecuted.
islam is only a descendant of Abrham in that it is a descendant of Ishmael and Esau, who intermarried with the Eastern desert peoples that Abraham left behind. These become the Arabs from which Islam descended.
Bless You, Joel