Paradigm Shift
The author, in an interview describing the new book, says it is basically an expansion of his first book which was a New York Times bestseller. Repeatedly calling it “Explosive,” he says that his new work adds people to the things and places mentioned in the first book, The Harbinger.[1.]
Harbinger, if you are not familiar with it, takes a smattering of Old Testament Prophecy and a healthy dose of Kabbalah: “the ancient Jewish tradition of mystical interpretation of the Bible, first transmitted orally and using esoteric methods (including ciphers). It reached the height of its influence in the later Middle Ages and remains significant in Hasidism.” In the book, a protagonist repeatedly meets with a shadowy “Prophet” figure who unfolds mystic revelations about the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001 and pronounces judgment on America, likening it to the judgment of rebellious Israel.
What’s missing from the book is a sense of God’s heart toward mankind as evidenced in Scripture where Jesus weeps over Jerusalem at least three times: Luke 13, 34,35, Luke 19:41 and Luke 19:42,43. A heart further revealed here:
The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” – 1 Peter 3:9 “This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.” – 1 Timothy 2:3–6
The book appeared as fiction and when I first read it, I took it as such. It was interesting in the thesis it constructed, but I did not see it as prophecy – I saw it as an interesting novel, nothing more. But the book was accompanied by DVD videos and an accompanying ‘study guide.’ Obviously it was being made into something more than a story.
Then I saw some strong personalities in our church who felt compelled to “wake us up” before the “great shaking” occurred. I’d go to a men’s Bible study and it would get taken over into a discussion of survival foods and such. We even were invited to a large warehouse of survival supplies run by an LDS family in a nearby town. The message I heard was more than wise preparation however, more like it was up to us to live through some coming Apocalypse. Just to make things crazier, along came John Hagee and his 'Blood Moons.' [2.] Please note that mixing speculative prophecy ministries is a lot like mixing household cleaning products. (The labels all say DON'T DO IT)! The results can be toxic. as September of 2015 approached, it seemed like a few people had become pretty well consumed by the notion that some great catastrophic event would occur after Sukkot (September 13).
Now I believe in keeping a good pantry and personal security, but I believe ultimately in the promise of the 23rd Psalm. I couldn’t wrap myself around the whole ‘Prepper’ movement. It really hurt when I was told straight-up: “You’re NOT taking care of your family!” And here is the conundrum that always pushes such movements: “If you are right, you’ll be fine… but if I’M right, you’re screwed.” The conclusion being that if you are prudent you’ll go with the Preppers.
Again, Scripture does not encourage us to carelessness, but reminds us always to “Consider the Lilies.” There was something about this movement that disturbed me, so I did a little research. I came to find out that the author regularly appeared on Jim Bakker’s show [3.] and his appearance always was punctuated by advertisements for ‘tasty survival food.’ He was a regular feature in Joseph Farah’s World Net Daily, [4.] which also hawks survival supplies. My historical research says “Follow the money.” When a news site’s biggest sponsor is a gold broker, they have a vested interest in fears about economic collapse. Again, I feel like a small investment in precious metals is prudent. I’m concerned about fear-mongering to boost gold sales.
The kicker for me is that such movements divert us from the true work of building God’s Kingdom here. The author’s proclamation that “people can get saved from this” [5.] rings hollow when you consider that most people will simply shut it out. A small group of people embrace the movement and become consumed with it. If they are strong personalities they will try to get people in their church into it too. Their concern is genuine... they really feel the great mass of church people around them are blind to something they feel deeply. But their belief is based in something that is not the Gospel. In fact, Gospel becomes minimal in the discussion. They're not advancing the Kingdom of God, they're hunkering down for some disaster predicted in a novel. I wonder if they are praying for the culture around them anymore, so fervent is their belief that they must protect themselves from its impending collapse.
To be sure, there are not a lot of people in the movement. I spoke with a pastor in a nearby town who said that he had a few people in his church get into this. He had to tell them very nicely to stop grabbing every opportunity to preach their message in groups. Usually the most ardent folks in the movement will then go away. Feelings are hurt. Remember, they genuinely feel that we are blind to something important. Again, the problem is that its not the message of Jesus Christ. It becomes a gospel unto itself.
Story is a great medium for conveying truth. But let me put the shoe on my own foot. I wrote a novel called PONTIFUS in which a bridge is built across the Bering Strait. It is based on historical patterns to be sure, but if I should show up on television selling shares of “Zimmerman Bridge and Highway” stock options, would I not be guilty of fraud?
I write this merely because I’ve seen people go through this before. Scripture instructs us to test the prophets. “Explosive” is no substitute for “Solid.”
'Fiction' or 'Secret Knowledge'
In this video, you see that the author clearly believes in the 'knowledge' he is setting forth. He is not presenting it as fiction in this particular interview. Count the times he uses the word 'explosive,' and remember it is rooted in the Zohar, a Medieval interpretation and commentary on the Torah. [2.]
A Quick Guide to Gnosticism
Decide for Yourself
[click to read]
By Rev. John Trigilio, Rev. Kenneth Brighenti
Gnosticism comes from the Greek work gnosis, for knowledge. From the first century b.c. to the fifth century a.d., Gnostics believed in secret knowledge, whereas the Jews and Christians were free and public about disclosing the truth divinely revealed by God. (read more)