Deconstructing Endtime Delusions (A study of Christian Endtimes)

Deconstructing Endtime Delusions

A study of Christian Endtimes

Steve Morgan

ON ALL HANDS ‘TIS ADMITTED that the Christian religion is a matter of most serious importance: it is so, if it be truth, because in that truth a law of faith and conduct, measuring out to us a propriety of sentiment and action, which would otherwise not be incumbent upon us, is propounded to our observance in this life; and eternal consequences of happiness or of misery, are at issue upon our observance or neglect of that law...

...to be in error one’s self, is a misfortune; and if it be such an error as mightily affects our peace of mind, it is a very grievous misfortune; to be the cause of error to others... deceiving them ourselves, ...is a crime... a most barbarous wrong done to our brother man; it is the kind of wrong, which we should most justly, and keenly resent, could we be sensible of its being put upon ourselves.

Prolegomena: Reverend Robert Taylor, The Diegesis

One story is good, until another is told

Aesop’s Fables.

In matters of religion it is very easy to deceive a man, and very hard to undeceive him.

Pierre Bayle. Dictionary, 1697 - The Christ Scandal: Tony Bushby

It is wrong always, everywhere, and for anyone, to believe anything upon insufficient evidence.

W. K. Clifford C. Grayling, The God Argument

Truth is such a rare quality so seldom met in this civilization (sic) of fraud, that it is never received freely, but must fight its way into the world.

Professor Hilton Hotema - The Papal Billions

Regardless of how many people may be disturbed, there is no religion superior to truth.

The Papal Billions

All truth passes through three stages: first, it is ridiculed; second, it is violently opposed; and third, it is accepted as self-evident.

The lords of Avaris - David Rohl.

A worshipper of Truth fears no destruction of false gods, nor any facts that may cause him to throw over treasured superstitions. He is willing to prove all things and hold fast to that which is true.

The Mistakes of Jesus

It is part of your journey to encounter events that shatter your preconceptions of reality; were that not to occur, you could not expand your awareness...

Kalika (Ancient Egyptian Mystic)

Cited in Egyptian Mysticism... - M. G. Hawkin

If we cling to belief in God, we cannot likewise have faith, since faith is not clinging but letting go.

Wisdom of Insecurity

When you listen to one person, you will gain opinion, when you listen to many you can form your own.

Paul Duncan - The God Myth

Belief in Myths allows the comfort of opinion without the discomfort of thought.

John F. Kennedy

To subscribe to any belief is to exclude all other possibilities. We should consider every possibility, avoid belief, and accept only hard facts.

John Keel

...truth is a composite of different and complementary pieces of a puzzle

Moustafa Gadalla. The Ancient Egyptian Roots of Christianity.

Extraordinary claims require extraordinary Evidence

Carl Sagan

To be conscious that you are ignorant is a great step to knowledge.

Benjamin Disraeli, Sybil (1845)

The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes.

Marcel Proust, cited by - Ziony Zevit.

It is the Mark of an educated mind to entertain a thought without accepting it

Aristotle

DEDICATED: - TO THE whip-smart.

Thank you for purchasing this book.

This compendia of essays are dedicated to all humanity. To the steadfast who are striving to enliven, and awaken our fellows to a higher state of consciousness. Whether the chosen path to this is through religion, scientific advance, esoteric practices, and ritual, brain entrainment, Stoicism or other: all must be practiced with pure benevolence of intent. For, there is already enough suffering in life that is fragmentary, schismatic, and ruction. Our goal therefore is to become a riant individual. Ensconced in the collective Universality of oneness. Humanity is most certainly a species capable, and yearning for the attainment of such a higher plane - of oneness. But, is at present wrestling with itself - in a state of fragmentary confusion and discord. Might the following pages assist, even so slightly, in this goal of Universal oneness becoming a piquant reality.

Though the journey may be rough, jagged, and often set on a narrow avenue. The author encourages all readers to stay the path. Knowing the journey is not the disturbance, but your perception and reactionary thoughts of the journey.

May the reading of the forthcoming material serve you well.

All Rights Reserved:

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from the National Library of Australia.

ISBN: 9780645910544 (ebk)

ISBN: 9780645910551 (pbk)

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Copyright:

All Rights Reserved:

The text of this study may be quoted (in written, visual, or electronic form) provided those quotes are less than, and inclusive of ten per cent of the entire publication without express written permission of the publisher. Providing that the texts quoted, or used do not amount to a complete section of the book nor do the quoted text account for 50 percent or more of the total text of the work in which they are quoted.

Steve Morgan reserves the right to be named under the Copyright act of 1988, as the sole author and composer and owner of the intellectual rights of this study.

Copyright © 2012-2019; 2020-2023 Steve Morgan

Sacred' works consulted:

– LOGOS BIBLE SYSTEMS® (Standard and Reverse- Interlinear Bibles: electronic editions)

– The Judaeo-Christian Bible Fully Translated, by William Harwood. Ebook and hardcopy editions.

– The Original New Testament, by Hugh J. Schonfield.

– A NEW NEW TESTAMENT: A Bible for the Twenty-first Century Combining Traditional and Newly Discovered Texts. By Hal Taussig.

–Permission granted for quotations from The Christ Conspiracy, by Acharya S. (D M Murdock.)

Due care has been undertaken by the author of this book to not violate willingly any legalities surrounding the plagiarising of intellectual property and other written materials consulted. These were carefully noted and recorded. Never has it been a purpose to knowingly violate a cited author’s work, or intellectual property. The intent has always been to knit a growing understanding with the materials from which has been learnt. Some citations are from works in the public domain. Logos sources may also be from the Public Domain.

deconstruct [diːk(ə)nˈstrʌkt]

: an analytical examination of a theory (or theories),

often in order to reveal its inadequacy

belief |biˈlēf|

:an acceptance that a statement is true or that something exists

• something one accepts as true or real; a firmly held opinion or conviction

[In the heart of belief is a ‘lie']

Logos Bible Software 10 (basic) Copyright, 2000 - 2019 FaithLife Corporation

Licensed to: Steve Morgan

Front Pages:

BRITISH-AMERICAN HUMORIST, and anthropologist Ashley Montagu once quipped; the Good Book, is one of the most remarkable euphemisms ever coined. It was the Free thinker, and apologist for agnosticism Robert G. Ingersoll who also insightfully commented: Somebody should tell the truth about the Bible. I thought: as true as these statements are, such declarations might be expanded to include an articulation of apology for religious end times. These pages offer readers my testimony; enouncing a perspective of the standard religious view of End Times, my take on this Good Book – with a twist! Some readers may call this study a dysphemism, as it is intended to counteract the notion of the Bible being the ‘Good book’ by highlighting several deafening oddities; of doom and gloom scenarios so often voiced by all sides of society. Fed up with what seemed the brainwashing of nonsense I sat down to scribble my thoughts and study conclusions about the religiously, Christian concept of end time. Peering behind the veil; it seemed that our minds are scrambled. We have surely inverted reason and logic. There does not seem to be any room for dianoetic thought for the plethora of junk mail we see, read, and hear daily. Esp., the junk mail from religious doomsayers. Those inspired to write and publish their version of an apocalyptic end time. Doomsayers everywhere have hijacked our sensibilities. From the ‘anthropogenic global warming’ scaremonger shouting from the rooftop our apparent doom; shutting down viable industries while humiliating opposers of their cause. To the countless, religiously ‘inspired’ voices announcing a dire warning with the latest and most ‘up-to-date’ religious end time propaganda. No wonder our heads are stuck on the spin-cycle! The idea behind writing this tome was to inform readers with an apology of no regret following Christian friends and others who quickly withdrew precursory support; specifically when it was proposed there should be an investigation into why the believing community was so resolute regarding certain aniconic ecclesiastical teachings. Explicitly, those that sprang from and played into an end time Apocalypse hypothesis. The continuing years spent in research, and writing meant that this investigation actively expanded the further practical, lucid answers were sought to the countless questions that study interests raised. Many conclusions surprised this author, and so are likely to gob-smack an audience also. It is not technically a monograph of what a reader might assume as a conventional study of the Christian religion, or various end-time presumptions. No apology. If you are hoping to read yet another end time tome from the usual speculative believing perspective, you may be disappointed. You may even be enraged at several conclusions drawn in the assorted studies conducted. Therefore feel justified in casting me a heretic. A label that would be welcomed. For, what is a recusant but one who refuses the party line; one who does not feel the need to submit to the idea that all studies must comply with the accepted ethos, and so, suffers the effects of discovering the acceptability – not the validity – of an unusual, or unexpected finding. There are plenty of the usual religiously indoctrinated books on the market from which to choose, if these are your leaning. This is not one of them, as there is no intent to tow the current religious zeitgeist and conventional procedures of religious enquiry. All which subjectively upholds the religious premise of the scriptures. Particularly those texts espousing an apocalyptic end time. If you are someone open to different ways of viewing Christian credenda; if you are open to perspectives that are unlikely taught by a believing institution; if you are curious about why humans believe, observe, and guess certain favoured end time practices; if you have ever wondered from where, or just how true certain beliefs are, then welcome aboard. Strap yourself in for an unconventional journey.

This investigation began by surveying the countless end–time dogmas and sacred cows of modern christianity. Disappointingly, a perusal of the current array of Christian end-time materials available in the marketplace, it was noticed most of those were simply unsatisfactory. Offering readers little else than the customary vapid and jejune spiritualised bias; that the world will soon witness deity-ordained extreme disaster. Or, there will in the not-too-distant-future be Apocalypse; a revealing of certain strange, mystical, and demonically inspired monsters. Apocalyptically inspired books on the marketplace focus their efforts primarily on fear-porn; that there are in the wings of history, demonically inspired chimeras waiting to burst upon the scene. These will likely wipe out most of the human race, not withstanding a climatic disaster beating them. Unless individuals comply and accept the invitation of ‘preservation and deliverance’ offered by a favoured God-man and some supreme deity figure. Such usual superordinate tomes, churned out by oxymoronic ‘Christian’ publishing houses are in essence only advocating more of that same hoary and weathered propaganda. Each year, the list and topics Christian end–time authors write seems to grow exponentially; Apocalypse and a looming end-time are big business. No one should be all too surprised to identify the growing plethora of books and ‘teachings’ that are available on platforms like several popular online media sources and retailers; online retailers for instance sports no less than four hundred pages of titles of Apocalypse, End of Days, End times. Few of the religious tomes written in this genre offer anything other than summations of a regurgitated theological position; an attitude the author has concocted from their own imagination or been taught in seminary, or by their churches. An example is offered by my brief descriptions below of a book by Derek Gilbert, and my study of Rob Skiba’s book, Babylon Risinglater in this investigation (Nail Nine). In likelihood, this study won't be so parochial or self-righteous as other publications focussed on Christian end-time topics. This is a journey of discovery, having attempted to attack this investigation from an ecumenical perspective. Readers will discover in these pages that the subjects of end-times, and other Christian/religious assumptions are not new to the Twentieth, or Twenty-first Century. Similar have been voiced for millennia during certain periods that populations felt were becoming extreme. It was decided then, a study of Christian end-times, Apocalypse, as with other relatable topics could be better understood by seeing these through an interconnected view of the whole. Instead of the usual symptomatic/Band-Aid approach of a dull Christian perspective that offered an audience little but a fearsome, and frankly depressing picture of the future. Marcel Proust once stated, The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes. To have ‘new eyes’ into a topic is to fundamentally be politically incorrect. To see and understand our beliefs and understandings of certain topics, themes, and connected matters by ...looking outward to the world to gain understanding via the senses, concept formation, and logic. New eyes were sought through an outward peering. Not being satisfied with the explanations offered by christianity to the countless quandaries viewed in many religious explanations of end-time subjects. It was felt that there must be a turning to logic and reasoning. Specifically, by looking into the features and products of knowledge, reality, and existence. Having understood

[Such a] Philosophy is not so much about coming up with the answers to fundamental questions as it is about the process of trying to find these answers, using reasoning rather than accepting without question conventional views or traditional authority... [this type of] philosophy ...shapes everything we do. Our larger outlook on the world is usually the most interesting and important thing about us, expressing our more or less dumb sense of what life honestly and deeply means, as William James wrote in Pragmatism.[i]

In this sense, the aim is to offer an analysis that although may not be all that new; rather is my meagre offering of answers to many questions that were raised. Questions that piqued an interest as the subject of end-times was explored. Using my understanding, knowledge, and life experiences of having been raised in the Christian faith. Confidently, these musings are seen as contributing to a reasoned hypothesis of the criticisms of Christian end-time ideas studied. New ideas emerge through discussion and the examination, analysis, and criticism of other people’s ideas.[ii] The following studies are the result of an attempt to engage, discuss, and introduce to readers. My examinations and analysis of questions met throughout this investigation. Instead of accepting the conventional views offered by the religious, the position was that we should always seek answers by an outward looking to the wider-world. To do this many subjects and fields of study was conducted. As a former Christian there is an understanding there are at least two types of believer. There are the spiritualists; who are largely anti-reason, and anti-reality when it comes to their sacred matters. Everything is viewed and interpreted through a sensationalist black and white spiritual prism. These are the fundamentalists. Second, there are those who assume spirituality, while at the same time do easily not so dismiss logic and reason. Many of whom fall into the category of Evangelical. Andy Clarkson in his treaties The Impact Of Aristotle on Christian, Islamic, and Jewish Cultures, highlights this difference. Directing thoughts to a realisation there are the Augustinian and Aquinas types of christianity. The Augustinian Christian loves to peer upward, doesn’t hold to an idea of ‘reason or logic’, but are the mentioned spiritualists who make a great song and dance about revelations from their deity. Clarkson calls this the ‘Dark Ages.’ Secondly, the Aquinas type believer is kind to more reserved, reasoning their way through their faith. Scepticism is the first step to truth. Once commented French philosopher, and writer Denis Diderot. A truth that is worthy of acknowledging. As a novice of the Stoic philosophies, and skeptic, I was compelled to choose to diversify and broaden my foci in the hope of stumbling upon verifiable truth that offers readers something atypical; something that might allow or offer readers a chance to see Christian subjects and themes of end–times with ‘new’ eyes. I was not after disseminating any topic from the Augustinian ‘upward/ultra-spiritualised’ looking perspective. Rather, seeking to enhance something like an Aquinas version. Of reason, and logic in a way that I identify is not available today. Throughout this process, I pursued to understand end-time concepts from as near as possible to a potential original– zero point. That is, the origin, the Genesis if you like to an idea or theme. Often-times viewing something from or as close as possible to its origin affects interpretation and therefore perspective. Aesop’s Fables summed this concept nicely: One Story is good, Until another is told. Throughout, I endeavour to offer readers another story of the subjects examined. Hal Taussig enlightens us further to the closing remarks to his preliminary commentary to The Gospel of Thomas. In this gospel the alleged God-man Jesus illumines the importance of deciphering a beginning:

It is not the End of the World you need to Concentrate on. It’s the Beginning: Much of early Christian literature pays attention to the impending end of the world. Images of cataclysmic destruction are found in everything from the Gospel of Matthew to the Revelation to John. The Gospel of Thomas not only ignores all such images but explicitly challenges the notion of the end of the world. In Thomas 18, when Jesus is asked by his disciples when the end will come, he answers: Have you discovered the beginning that you ask about the end? For, in the place where the beginning is, there the end will be. Blessed is the one who takes a stand in the beginning. That one will know the end.[iii]

The plethora of books written by Christian authors should also follow suit. Many of these materials sadly however are attentive only to an impending and looming disaster, they call an end-time. Yet, in agreement to discover the end, you must ask regarding the beginning. In pursuit; therefore, to possible origins to any proposed end-time theory questioned in these studies, meant there had to be a broadening of efforts. Realising, that certain questions demanded and required exploration and research into numerous fields of pedagogic discipline. It was accepted early in this investigation there was a need to delve into areas many believers, and secular audiences likely presumed would not associate with an examination of religious proposals of end-time disaster; – the Cognitive Sciences and Evolution of Religion; The Anthropology of Religion, and a very broad spectrum of other scientific, academic, and non-religious disciplines. Including subjects that some would find quasi disciplines, like cryptozoology or, certain topics may seem too bookish. Including subjects of occult, and the very recent science of Humanology®.[iv]

Spiritual convictions vs. symbolism:

WHILE STUDYING FOR this project it was realised by quiddity, that all Christian sacred texts are symbolic. Intellectually we know this to be true. But, too often our feelings and having a certain ‘faith’ reinterprets and overrides intellectual rationality. It is then the feeling and ‘faith’ base that is relied upon. Regarding symbols, we habitually know from the earliest time we create allegories to represent what we see. These symbols do not however exactly define the information we either see or read. To this, Carl Purcell correctly highlights,

We create symbols for everything. [Which] is a method for compressing large amounts of information into smaller packages... The brain also creates symbols for the things we see, acting as shorthand versions. They are not meant to be a likeness of the item.[v]

The take-home point is that symbols represent likenesses; not actual items. This is an important fact to note. Just as the symbols of modern life, such as a road sign, clothing label, or even a graffito tag scrawled on a wall; we each know these are but representative. Yet, religious symbology is more highly regarded, and likely understood as not only a representation, but a reality. Comprehending this, it was soon realised it was important to delve into the topic of literary and religious Symbolism and Mythology. Surprisingly, studies in symbolism lead to my summation that there is much truth to be gained if we’d only choose, or be trained to view and understand religious myths and the countless ideologies that seem to spring from them. Not in a literal sense, as many religionists assume, but through the prism of symbol. As examples and representations of that which is written. A consequence of this. These studies have developed from many branches, from which many more questions have arisen and I guess, much has potentially ripened.[vi] Many topics explored or mentioned may be seen as irreconcilable to my over–all concerns of Christian end–times. Given time it is hoped a correlation becomes evident. Though I have sought to attend to the topics and subjects commented upon from a vastly different angle than what countless others have. It is yet trusted this will prove enlightening to all readers. Just as it was for this author. As one finds with many books covering this same genre, throughout these pages you will find fact, history, speculation, and theory.[vii] Broadening the scope of my research efforts into many academic fields and irreligious disciplines, and the questions and queries raised has ideally uncovered much that is lucid erroneous popular religious end–time matters. By breaching the confines of theological parameters and including insights by many academic secular fields. This work offers readers a dissimilar appraisal of the subject(s) of end times than other publications of this genre would accept as proper; let alone have attempted. Therefore, this project is endeavouring in the following pages to weave my growing understanding of the evolution of human nature and religious thought and behaviour gleaned from the many fields consulted, into the over–all investigation. This has been and continued to be a fascinating journey of discovery. A journey hoped that readers find intriguing.

Jones and Flaxman offer readers this consideration: Many of the greatest philosophers who ever existed believed that what lies within is mirrored without. As above, so below. Such, is an underlining premise for this investigation. A poignant testimonial by one other author also has surely been a driving catalyst as I submerged myself into the many areas and Sciences. It is perfectly specified by a former believer, Jonah David Conner. He effectively stated in his treaties on religion and the Bible; that religious apologists are not all that consistent when interpreting their ‘sacred books’. On the one hand they all profess to care about the literalness of the text. But, as reality is faced, they only really care about a literal interpretation when and if it suits a specific purpose and preconceived ideology; otherwise, an interpretation becomes metaphorical.[viii] Christian authors and apologists writing on end time matters all-to-often also follow suit. Beginning with the premise the sacred text is a literal composition; that is, until it doesn’t fit a particular narrative. Passages such as those that demand the slaughter of a dissident family, or clan member, see Exodus 21:17. The English plainly states that to ‘curse’ (essentially blaspheme) a mother, or father is to call upon the head a death penalty. Yet, modern society, Christian, and the Jewish religion most often largely ignore this command. Or, what about where in other places it is read that people suddenly became reanimated three and four days after death, or that suddenly numerous previously dead bodies were wandering about succeeding the demise of one particular individual. Then there is the notion that a 600year old built a ligneous bath tub, and it housed two or three pairs of the entire animal population. Clearly not enough room was left for human, as only eight people could fit afterward. This, because a deity awoke one day in a grumpy mood, and decided to throw not only the toys out, but deciding to also completely destroy the play room. Why are such verses, and tales reinterpreted? Diluted to be metaphorical? Or such tales are said to have been literal occurrences? Why are most calls to murder and other appalling acts now frowned upon? This is strange, for, moderns complain that the Islamic faith is barbaric, and murderous when Islamist extremists do take their holy texts as literal works. The world is aware that the Islamist texts call literally for the complete annihilation of the Jewish peoples. Statements Western religions (christianity in particular) find abhorrent. Yet, forgetting that their same texts also are often murderous, deceitful, and full of questionable rhetoric, and instruction. Which is it? Is the Bible text a literal or metaphorical composition? I wish christians would make their minds up! Readers I trust, might see this partial viewing and interpretation between the literal and metaphorical standard the further we traverse the mine-field that is end-times. Through these studies, the author has come to identify that religion as a whole, and christianity (particularly) is a fabulous make–believe Theory. A Theory that has plentiful underlying issues and propaganda that bounces between a literal and metaphorical understanding. Noticing this through the analysis and comprehension of many secular fields, coming to an understanding that religion and the Christian religion specifically are, as Cecil A. Poole confirms:

...based on feeling... the religious attitude [is], thought and reason are secondary, because religious experience involves recognition of a great mystery of life in the universe... religion needs both metaphysics and philosophy... [as these] free religion from fears, magic, superstition, worn-out cosmologies and anthropologies, and make it a reasonable and intelligent agent for man’s spiritual and social progress.[ix]

My experience of religion is that it is very much feeling based. Many thoughts particular to an apocalyptic end-time studied in these pages all have a substructure of– feelings. Each Bible topic scrutinised have all derived from no thing but standard Church–ordained opinions and feelings. Church-goers of all types, the scholar, PhD recipient, and layman interpreter of the sacred books no matter the ‘denomination’ they adhere. They all certify feelings, opinions, and beliefs above most else, sensing that all these are categorically affirmed by their sacred texts and their deity. Mindsets, as I hope to show succinctly don’t rely on much perceptive or logical thought. This is the major issue I hold with modern believers who insist on the sacred text of the Christian tradition particularly, is to be taken as a literal composition. Unapologetically, many religious readers will most likely then meet the content, commentaries and most conclusions with their own disturbing variances, as I do not recognise these texts as literal compositions. Fundamentalist believers will most likely mourn over some of the commentaries. For not adhering the usual religious zeitgeist. Disagreements being deduced from typical fears and superstitions, and the countless worn-out cosmologies that every Christian persistently avers. Nonetheless, an impartial judgement of the material, despite your own superstitions about what is presented in these commentaries is what the author wishes. Attending to an impartial judgement will neither cause harm, nor offence but rather nourish and widen one's insight into the subjects surveyed. Some viewpoints may insult a reader for not adhering to the rules of ‘Political, or indeed religious Correctness’. But, as stated there was no attempt to follow the ‘party-line,’ the ‘conventional and standard’ Christian/religious view when it comes to any end-time topic under scrutiny. I won’t whine and pule if certain readers become offended or disturbed by some of this material. To those people, I say: you have a right to be offended, but so what? It is not I that have to revise an opinion because of this. Rather, if offended, you are required to reassess the reasons and consider why the offence has arisen. Only then, after such assessment should any disagreement be appropriately dealt with.

It is the author's opinion that readers are free to critique and appraise the material commented upon to satiate any speculative reasoning that arouses. The author encourages all readers to engage in their own full research and reassessment; to show or invalidate for their own benefit the argumentation and conclusions. The author is of the opinion that all readers are free to their own opinions and are free to continue with their self-imposed immaturity through all manners of preferred pretend practices and beliefs of piety. He does not wish to compel through the following commentaries any reader to suddenly change in any way immature beliefs. That the believer intuitively considers correct and indispensable. That is, aside following their own full and proper reassessment of those beliefs and practices. In voicing this. There will not be any engagement in any written or spoken debate. Particularly of a religious nature with any reader or critic that holds a dissimilar outlook to what is proposed here; particularly, when those arguments are centred on a ‘faith’ presupposition alone. Faith, in every context –is subjective and is very personal and is no foundation for cognisance. Despite how some of the commentaries may read, be understood and scrutinised, the author holds no malice to any individual long–standing believer who is sincere in their convictions.

A brief word on religious terminology:

THE NOUNS ‘BIBLE’, God and ‘Christian’ and any number of other ‘religious’ words, though ordinarily and expected to be capitalised, are not necessarily so in this work. Although, because of the dictates of convention I was forced to capitalise those words that I sense do not or should not be. This was out of my control. This author notes the precondition to most texts upon publishing is that it is likely expected. Certain, and favoured religious terms were to be Capitalised. If any of these, or other words are not capitalised, there is no acceptance as correct or valid any ‘special’ quality is to be afforded to it. Recognising the capitalisation of certain religious, particular Christian words is a mere label created to give apparent ‘importance’ to the ideas they produce. Such importance is like the opinion of 'faith', subjective and personal. It is reasoned, there are few Christian/'religious' words deserving ‘capitalisation.’ Words like Christian, God, Jesus, or any number of other Demi–God sacred book appoint or terms; i.e., unless they are grammatically obligatory. Beginning a sentence or as part of an ‘original’ quotation is proper. Agreeably with the author of a brilliant little text, is an offering of the following statements in justification to quash any malice to this author for dismissing as right the capitalisation of certain favoured religious words. Including, the dismissal of the word ‘God’. The believed being who represents an assumed supreme-deity figure of christianity. I don’t oppose the word God on a religious basis, but on a semantic one; ... I [would] encourage [ ... people] to use language with exactitude. Whenever I hear people utter the word God, I wonder what they mean, to which of the myriad definitions they are referring.[x] A further note highlighting some facts regarding this ‘God’ being is offered by Barbara Walker in her brilliant study, Man made God, where she unabashedly confirms that the deity many people assume is a supreme celestial being – is nobody but a man–made invention. Made in every image and likeness of mankind. Has every degraded behaviour; has every benevolent, and malevolent habit man has. The deity of the sacred books endorses and advocates sexism, rape, molestation of children, battery, bigotry, torture, theft, fraud, perjury, war, genocide. This deity wiped out and slaughtered whole nations and peoples. Destroying the entire Earth, but for a handful of slaves to a cause. This deity is described in the sacred texts as Creator of evil (isaiah 45:7), also the bringer of war (Matthew 10:34) – ...which Robert Ingersoll called the only biblical prophecy ever fulfilled.[xi] The deity espoused through the entire scripture is the epitome of passages often said as a warning to all generations, – specifically a generation that precedes an apocalyptic end time (1 Timothy 3:1–9). To square away any confusion I have chosen where applicable to use the more accurate, Yahweh your God’s or, just plain deity for the alleged king of deities of Western Judaeo–Christian tradition. I have also chosen to dismiss with the usual religious word– Bible as much as possible as it technically only means book. Capitalised Bible holds I sense, too much religious weight for a work of fiction. Use of bible within the body of this book has little, or no religious connotation attached by this writer.

A word about the author:

THERE IS REALLY NOTHING of note about my life that warrants importance. A common male with an exceptionally common life. The product of our currant society. Holding the same memes as any other modern citizen. Like so many others, I was raised in a largely unadventurous, but religious Christian home. So, began this project as a conservative Christian. Children raised in religious homes inherit, through brainwashing great swathes of religious convictions, beliefs, and doctrines. Of all previous convictions then, it was never encouraged to find whether they were ever true, right, logical, or reasonable. It was rather like all believers, expected and encouraged that I just believe. Here, we have an issue: in their formative year’s children are not given the choice whether the beliefs constantly drilled into them are actually worth the air expelled in explaining them. Rather, because the faculties of reason and common sense are lacking in a child’s mind, the child becomes an easy prey for indoctrination. All indoctrinated beliefs about life and religious memes, are undoubtedly carried through to adulthood. Nineteenth century philosopher, Arthur Schopenhauer explosively expresses similar convictions in the opening comments to his title, The Horrors and Absurdities of Religion:

The power of religious dogmas imprinted in early years is such that they are capable of stifling conscience and finally all pity and humanity... The only reason for this is that education is in the hands of the clergy, who take care so to imprint all the articles of faith in earliest youth that it produces a kind of partial paralysis of the brain, which then gives rise to that lifelong imbecile bigotry through which even people otherwise in the highest degree intelligent degrade themselves and make a quite misleading impression on the rest of the world...[xii]

The short of it was perfectly summed by author Ivan Green: Christians were all born atheists, and then had religion forced upon them.[xiii] This statement is true. Nobody on the Earth is born a Christian. Rather, Christian characteristics and religious ideologies are formed and nurtured through indoctrination by clergy, religious educators and not least, parents after birth. Continuing into adulthood until the adult steps aside and begins to seriously question their beliefs. Further, religious instruction whether via formal schooling or a specific religious institution has never taught its student in methods of thought and the debating of ideas; i.e., the indoctrinated are never taught to think critically about what is or not truth. It is just expected that these should be separate and are irrelevant when it comes to religious matters. Precisely, because the religious premises espoused are ‘always’ taught as unquestionably true. The goal of religion is to mould and shape a mind to a specific standard and view.

Like so many others, because of religious indoctrination all previous values and concepts were often expressed through the prism of religion. These lasted well into my adult life. The last fifteen or so years; however, becoming increasingly antagonistic to all religious formalities and those that peddle them. So, have wanted to make a formal study of what is considered contemptible. This manuscript offers the results of some of my findings. Therefore, as readers progress through these studies you are encouraged to form your own judgment through independent thought, considered analysis and personal insight by what you read in these pages.[xiv] In the words of R.G. Price, author of Deciphering The Gospels, ... I am not qualified to write this book. I have no formal training in ancient history, ... textual criticism.[xv] I do not have any formal training in any of the sciences, or specialised fields consulted for this project. My only qualification of any importance (if it can be called that) for this project is the achievement of a Diploma in (1994). In six months’, the equivalent to a second-year Bible college degree was successfully completed; a Diploma, which incorporated many theological and secular subjects. I have, and still use extensively what is generally considered the premier computer Bible platform for studies. The Logos Bible Systems® platform. Including video lessons of Hebrew and Greek interpretation methods offered by Dr. Michael Heiser, the scholar in residence for Logos Bible Systems. I do therefore have some sacred concept training, and a growing interest in other fields of academic and secular studies that aids our understanding and knowledge base of the human condition. Until recently, I attempted to keep abreast of many theological ideas and have found the tools and resources offered by Logos Bible Systems of great value and aid. Having now earnestly begun a journey through the Stoic philosophies, and mystic, occult topics. An emphasis on theological/Christian matters is only seen as periphery topics. At the beginning of this project then, I naturally thought to attempt to deny or confirm the subjects considered in this using the cognisance gained over the years. The shortfall, soon realising that the result of these studies would be no different to any other fundamentalist research. It would have offered only the regurgitation of what is most likely already offered. It would differ very little to any popular christianised study and other books that are easily bought in any oxymoronic ‘Christian bookstore’. My research yet has instilled the confidence such works only ever seek to affirm the usual narrow-minded, indoctrinated and proselytised opinions of the purchaser. This book does not offer that! Imagined, is each chapter puts forward a very different slant to what may already be a familiar turf. Expecting this study challenges the usual religious postulations. Reason being, the more I invested in the subjects covered the more I realised there are schisms between what Christian theory preaches as truth. Compared to many other reputable fields of academic study that often imply the reassessment, invalidation or demolition of those claims successfully. The result: through reason and logic, and despite these not being immune from contempt christianity was seen as a theory that cannot be thought of as equitably true. Rather, is astoundingly wicked and feebleminded. Despite, such a conclusion there is throughout this research a desire to approach the following material from the perspective of one who understands modern Western Christian beliefs but who now stands at a position as near the sideline as possible. I can honestly say; thoughts about deities, not just those revered by christianity are like to the Greek philosopher –Xenophanes (around. 570 – 480 bc). He scolded the confidence in anthropomorphic gods. One of his more famous quips to the priests of Memphis (Egypt) reads ...if [anyone] thought Osiris a man they should not worship him, and if they thought him a God they need not talk of his death and sufferings.[xvi]

The same must apply to the God–man Jesus. Or any other believed holy-man, Prophet, or deity. It is a common requirement and belief for christians to instinctively imply that Jesus was (is) both, a man and a deity! Such a dichotomy is nonsensical. If he were a man, why then should anyone worship him? If a God - why conduct a yearly celebration of his birth and death?[xvii] If any extraordinary man-deity is assumed to have anthropomorphic qualities; i.e., he suffered the same envies or troubles, had the same cravings, faults, and characteristics as common individuals; what then is his distinguishing 'godly' attribute? The first recorded and initiator of criticism against the new and emerging belief-system of christianity; Celsus (around second century) was a learned Greek philosopher, and most likely the first to inspire many antagonists to the opinions christianity proposes.[xviii] He had much to say regarding the supposed death and resurrection of the God–man Jesus. Believers would be better informed about their deity, if, like Celsus and others they proposed to question everything they are taught. For instance, questioning the blood atonement Celsus poses the following to all believers: What kind of ichör or blood dropped from his crucified body? Was it, such as from the blest immortals flows?[xix] Being the ambrosia type fluid of many other mythic deities, or hero’s. For christians to ponder: at the crucifixion of your God-man, Jesus, was it ‘human blood’, or, the rarefied ‘golden’ fluid said to course through the veins of any of the mythic gods of Egyptian and Greek mythology that flowed from his body? So, how did this make for atonement? Celsus further insinuates there is an air of reason among confessing believers that are contrary to all known reality. Has any deceased mortal, he asks, ever been raised from the dead. Surely, such postulating is the domain of mythic tradition! Further, if the intent of the deity-man Jesus had been to become immortal. Why was this hidden from public awareness? Why was his alleged immortality, and rising not visible to the wider population? Rather, was kept a secret but for a few women and close ‘friends.’

This,... is to be considered, — whether any one (sic) who in reality died, ever rose again in the same body: unless you think that the narrations of others are fables, but that your catastrophe of the drama will be found to be either elegant or probable... If also Christ wished to be concealed, why was a voice heard from heaven, proclaiming him to be the son of God? Or, if he did not wish to be concealed, why did he suffer punishment, and why did, he [ignominiously] die?[xx]

Eighteenth-century Frenchman, Baron Montesquieu succinctly summed the concept of a deity with the dictum: If triangles had a God, he would have three sides. (Torrey, p. 175.) Another author bluntly wrote in The Ultimate Guide to Cosmic Ordering that ...you can’t wish the dead back to life. While there may be an army of spiritualists who take an exception to this statement... no formerly deceased individual has ever arisen.[xxi] The rising of any individual is a guessed premise of ‘faith’, which cannot be a platform for well–thought out information. In essence, all people, believer and nonbeliever must at some stage in their lives face their own nothingness/ending. German philosopher of the last century, Martin Heidegger (d. 1976.) termed this eventual ending, – das Nichts. Everything has an end; only sausages have two! No matter how long our lives, the end is always unexpected. So, every Man must accept that just as no one can die for him, no one can live for him. Without exception, each person is faced with his/her own eventual, das Nichts, – nothingness." (Great Thinkers, p.91–97.) Far too many religious people reading this, facing your own Nothingness, demise might be seen as a negative. Yet, ‘Nothingness’ is used here not as a negative. Just as the phrase of Nietzsche about God being dead.

Nothingness may sound negative [but] it is the exact opposite. The world of objects is limited, Nothingness is not... Absolute Nothingness, on the other hand, is limitless, pregnant with infinite potential. For this reason, we cannot truly say that Nothingness lacks ‘anything’, as it is utterly beyond the limitations of form. Nothingness is the very basis for reality itself, for there are simply no ‘things’ that can exist without or outside of Nothingness. Nothingness makes ‘being’ and existence possible...[xxii]

As confusing as this may first sound, your own Nothingness is the birth place to and of every something!

The birth of these studies:

IT WAS MOST CERTAINLY a new understanding of ‘nothingness’ that encouraged, and gave birth to the following variety of end time subjects in commentary. As I progressed, and questioned Christian end time topics. The more readily, and liberal were conclusions of those quoted sacred book passages, academic studies, and some well-respected theological giants of the past and present. Scripture references within the body and endnotes of this document readers are encouraged to refer to your own sacred book if owned. The use of reference works is not for confirmation to an argument, but as a possible example. Many Christian materials cited in this study are in my copy of Logos Bible Software. The vast majorities of other references consulted and quoted are in electronic format. Those Electronic editions (e-books) often do not provide specific page numbering (shown by 'Location numbers'). Several references are a hard copy. These can all be scanned in an extensive bibliography at the end of this book which is provided for further studies. Some data and statistics admittedly readers will be hard pressed to access without an electronic study platform. Or, without owning the reference cited. Readers of this work are encouraged to take advantage of the extensive endnotes, and references supplied to hasten their understanding and knowledge. Endnotes and other references cited are intended to assist only with the flow of argument, instead of detracting too much from the main presentation. I readily rely also upon a range of assorted sacred book materials for which I hope to have engaged meaningfully not only with the passage cited, but to also help readers in thinking about a theme, individual, or text seriously in ways they might not have considered. The citation of many works not specifically attuned to or collaborative of any religious inducement. Is to acknowledge that the believed sacred texts should not be understood in isolation to the wider community. A word of ‘thanks’ must be offered to the many authors of the literature consulted and learned. The current investigation then, would not have produced anything like that which is presented throughout the following pages without these commentators and authors. It is with great admiration for each that my sincerity and thanks is offered. Throughout this work were considered materials by many scholars and authors. Covering a diverse range of sacred, para-sacred, academic, pseudo academic, fringe history, occultist, and disciplines of gnosis. Including texts of both the new and old testaments, some gnostic writings, and commentators of these texts and other disciplines. Considered studies and materials in, Archaeology; Symbolism; Histories; Neurosciences; Cognitive Sciences; Biology; Mythology; Psychology; The Anthropology of Religion and Philosophy and others. Not all authors or texts hold to a religious persuasion. Exceptionally meticulous researchers who may or not be atheistic or religious in their approach, write many. The chosen approach should not deter readers. If this approach does dissuade some readers it only proves an unwillingness to self–regulate, self–criticise; and is a biased thought process that serves as a protective mechanism for uncertainties! Until staunch believers acknowledge and reconcile with this, they will unfortunately remain largely mind–blind.[xxiii]

Intention:

IT IS NOT THE PURPOSE to provide an exhaustive analysis of the subjects and personalities under scrutiny. There are plentiful possibilities and explanations on offer for the studious. Not all proposals offered here it is understood will be accepted. Although this would be a most pleasant and pleasurable experience for all if each of the following proposals met with approval. It is left to the diligent reader to scrutinise and search out the most probable and acceptable conclusions to any foreseen disagreement. In the hope of encouraging readers in thinking differently about a subject or theme in ways they might not have considered beforehand. I have endeavoured to supply even-handed thoughts for my reasoning. It should also be noted that although passages from the Judaeo–Christian sacred book are cited. Citations serve only as a highlight for the argument or opinion. I want made about the invented sacred cows of Christian belief. Particularly, those continually proclaimed or assumed to be factual and soon to be seen upon the face of the earth. Further, much end time christobabble is founded upon proclamations exclusively with patriarchal undertones. As taught to Westerners, the favoured deity is presumed to be of patriarchal descent. Here however, the endeavour is to introduce noteworthy efforts and the scholarship of various female authors of Feminist Theologies; as a matriarchal counterbalance. To this point, let a statement of Common Wisdom mull around your consciousness awhile. It states plainly:

Only a fool or a man would believe that God is masculine. Fathers don’t create anything; mothers do.[xxiv]

This is common biological knowledge. Although there is a disturbing trend in our modern day to ‘acknowledge’ as legitimate the fantasy of biological male gestation, and birthing. For a bazaar reason unknown to the author, societal trends wish to force such ideologies on the wider population. Maybe, such a concept was a reaction to a religious ideology that staunchly remains absolutely nonsensical. Continuing to insist there is a ‘masculine’ type deity busily somewhere ‘creating’.[xxv] Or, that a masculine deity somehow ‘created’ in the distant past just because a dusty, worn-out, outdated parchments pronounced it so. Disregarding the history that will be hinted in the first Nail; the revered sibylline characteristics of women in the ancient past. As opposed to the current religious view of a masculine supreme deity-figure. Early religion, including that of the early Israelite/Jew seems to have been very much matriarchal by nature. It has been proved by many authors of early renown. Particularly by those writers of the late Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries. Although these authors and scholars did not have the advantages of modern scholarship, many of their conclusions are once again becoming recognised as worthy of consideration. There are today many essays published on such subjects. Some of which are drawn upon in this study.

I have chosen to call each of my essays, a Nail. The purpose for doing so is to offer another perspective. Giving the impression of 'just as a wooden lid is nailed to seal a container'; so, might the Nails (essay) serve a similar purpose for end–time propositions and many Christian hypotheses examined. Within many of these essay topics, we might be seen to be playing leapfrog; as on more than one occasion it was unavoidable that ‘other connected’, or related topics attached to the initial belief/subject being examined; that these should be tackled then, and there. Again, there is no apology. These added subjects and topics just add further vitality to my over all summation; that Christian end-times are largely, built upon exaggerated and spiritualised innuendo. They may have an air of honesty, correctness, and precision; but, when scrutinised using reason and logic they fall astoundingly short of these aspirations. Geoffrey Ashe, a Fellow, since 1963 of the Royal Society of Literature essentially posits; the changing and revising of initial positions most likely is a sign that the researcher is engaging in an important way the chosen subject. In his book, he affirms:

When writing ... [many ideas] change as they go along and insist on being different from what [is] originally conceived... It’s probably a sign of vitality.[xxvi]

Notwithstanding, debates about why there was a choice to explore certain unrelated topics, or the following consequences each source chosen highlights. I have throughout this inquiry sought to be diligent, but also offer readers a fair assessment of the topics explored. All sacred texts consulted are the usually familiar Standard English bibles from my Logos Bible Software library. These are mostly reverse-interlinear. Meaning the Greek and Hebrew information of English Bible’s can be reviewed and studied without having to become a skilled sacred language scholar. I have sought to understand to the best of my competence the particular nuance behind the venerated language content and its overall context. There is no claim to any scholarship or scientific qualification. Rather a reliance upon the precision of the scholarship that produced each sacred text and the other sources cited, and therefore, the sureness of my own comprehension of that material. Though not a scholar, but a passionate layman privileged to have access to an expansive variety of sources. One who is willing to put in the hard yards to 'flesh out' answers to a multitude of questions. A rare breed of person today who is unashamed to think, question, and chide what is and has been continually advocated as factually sound religious truth: despite reality, history, and many sciences continually disproving its veracity and binding genuineness. It is unfortunate that there is widespread ignorance in religious circles regarding the subjects I attempt to rationalise in these pages. An ignorance born mainly from a lack in curiosity. Unfortunately, too, a lack in curiosity is caused for the pitiful and unacceptable Christian fideism that is still prevalent among many believers; God said it, I believe it, and that damn-well settles it! What if a deity never said it? Why should anyone believe it? What if the figure labelled –God/ deity, is as earlier hinted, really of our own intuit and making? What if traditional religion has subdued and labelled such as inherently evil and so must on all counts be irradiated from the human psyche. Face it, these matters are far from settled! Debates about this that, or the other will continue to rage long after I am done with any subject commented upon here. This book is just my Davidian (meagre) gift to the already Goliath publications available.

The importance of attempting the near proper intentio operis of a text; i.e., the aim, plan, or the conceptions formed by directing the mind to an object, or result of a passage; must also be borne in mind as we attempt to decipher any passage of the sacred works. Author, and Professor of Religious Studies at the University of North Carolina, Bart Ehrman wrote that readers should have the opportunity to view and interact with the reasons for all hypotheses presented by an author. Whether a book presents the life of someone famous, or ancient, or it presents many ideas surrounding a particular topic – the same applies – each reader has the right to know what proof, both for and doubtful are available and why the author’s opinion matters. It is then on the shoulders of the reader to know which offers the greatest value in truthfulness (Reworded Preface: Jesus: Apocalyptic Prophet of the new Millennium.). I have attempted to supply evidences for and against all subjects explored. All resources are duly shown and are hoped follow the requirements of Copyright law. Web addresses, and blog posts throughout this enquiry are also offered as a reference only and were valid at the time of writing and their inclusion. No responsibility shall be admitted if later some or all web posts are removed or changed without notice. As stated numerously already any reference cited is no way an outright endorsement of its full content. Rather, again, as a study aid. The interpretations, and conclusions drawn upon the few salient themes chosen for this disquisition; especially those in Part Two, will ruffle feathers. I have no doubt most of the views, and assertions offered throughout this book will also be new to some readers. Conclusions and assertions that follow will run counter to the accepted positions of many readers. Positions that will be difficult to defend without an acknowledgement of being situated firmly within your own indoctrinated belief-system. It is acknowledge that anything new, is often met first with reluctance and a healthy skepticism. Which is a given and bridge to growth in learning: a bridge that must be traversed if true, lasting, and significant growth is to emerge. Heather Lynn stresses the very same with the following remarks of one of her professors in her book, Anthrotheology writing:

...book[s are] to be used as general reference and is a great starting point but if at any time, we see something which does not resonate with us, we should explore it further through independent research and evaluation...[xxvii]

As with all fields of scholarship and authorship each present a range of liberties, misnomers, and fallacies as well as strengths. It is felt though that each field and author consulted has a valid if not enormously interesting voice to add to the general project. It is therefore up to a reader’s discretion and discernment of what is or not of ultimate worth. What is the most promising offering of truth? After-all, the overall objective of this project is to offer readers not only some of the weaknesses I have come across in my studies of Christian ‘end-time’ proposals; but to offer a possible Genesis to why, or from where an end time apocalyptic derived. For all purposes, every modern end-time proposal cannot defy scrutiny. Rather, ...it is essential to appreciate their weakness. The possibility of bias and of a misinterpretation of the limited information on which they are based should be borne in mind.[xxviii] It is the lies and willingness to accept as true or real of many convictions of Christian principles that I wish to expose, esp., those of end–times throughout this tome. Might this work then serve readers well among the many skeptical works already on offer. The final objective I hoped to have fulfilled is to examine and utilise various discoveries from whatever source, on merits, not whether a reader agrees or not. So please, for your own sanity, remember it’s often the foundations and the screwball beliefs, doctrines, and practices under scrutiny. Not the individuals at large who may hold such views. As readers, you are therefore encouraged to abstain and distance yourself as much as possible from the biases we each bring to any table of enquiry. All conclusions hereafter drawn are my own (unless otherwise stated). Though I have consistently sought to comment upon all subjects in a fair, balanced, and harmless style I make no apology for what may be considered blunt, callous, or down right vitriolic. None of the perspectives that follow is material that was penned with malicious forethought. Rather, with the maxim best illustrated by:...a passage in the Zhuangzi, a proto-Daoist philosophical text, that says:

The fish trap exists because of the fish; once you’ve gotten the fish, you can forget the trap. I invite you to explore this book in that spirit. Use it like you’d use a fish trap, ever mindful of [its] purpose. Carry with you what you can use, so long as it continues to have use; discard the rest. and may your purpose serve you well."[xxix]

Steve Morgan, Australia, 11/12/2018.

Introduction:

HAS IT DAWNED ON THE reader to question why there are so many religions in the world? This is a very strange fact. Especially when we are all told by each individual religious creed that they alone hold the truth. This too is a very strange fact. Religions are supposed to allay fears, heighten hopes, and offer us all a sense of what a deity wants for us, and from us. Yet, why do all religions spruik countless doctrines of an apparent and looming apocalyptic end of time? Who the hell is right? Are any of the multitudes of ‘predictions’ actually true? Will any come to fruition– in our lifetime, or sometime soon? With the multitude branding of religion, which should be followed?[xxx]