Cult of the Coming Beast

Introduction: Fear as the Foundation of a Global Cult Mindset

A global cult-like mindset has begun to take hold – one driven by fear, manipulation, and deception on a massive scale. From pandemic panic to climate alarmism to AI surveillance, the world is experiencing a series of crises and narratives that are conditioning people to think and act in unison, often without question. Psychologists like Professor Mattias Desmet warn that these conditions can induce a “mass formation” – a kind of group hypnosis where critical thinking is eliminated and individuals surrender their judgment to the collective. In such an environment, society can start to resemble a cult, complete with groupthink, idolized leaders, suppression of dissent, and punitive social coercion.

This article is a deep dive into how mass formation psychosis is paving the way for what Bible prophecy calls the end-times “Beast” system (Revelation 13). We will examine three major examples shaping this global conditioning:

• The COVID-19 pandemic – how lockdowns, mandates, and censorship created an atmosphere of sustained fear and compliance.

• The climate change agenda – how apocalyptic environmentalism and indoctrination of youth are fostering a religious fervor for drastic policies.

• The rise of artificial intelligence – how digital dependency, algorithmic control, and surveillance are training us to submit to pervasive monitoring.

Woven throughout will be insights from psychology (e.g. Desmet’s theory of mass formation) and Bible prophecy (Romans 1, 2 Thessalonians 2, Revelation 13). We will see that the cult behavior we observe today – from chanting crowds to canceled “heretics” – has eerie parallels with what Scripture foretells about the Antichrist’s global dominion. Finally, we will look at how even the professing Church is being compromised by calls for unity at the expense of truth, and conclude with a pastoral call to vigilance, discernment, and bold proclamation of the gospel.

Mass Formation Psychosis: The Psychology of Totalitarian Control

Before analyzing specific cases, it’s crucial to understand mass formation, sometimes called “mass formation psychosis.” This concept, popularized by Belgian psychology professor Mattias Desmet, describes how societies under certain conditions can form a collective trance, similar to the dynamics of a cult. Desmet identifies four key psychological conditions that must be present for a population to be susceptible to mass formation:

1. Widespread social isolation and loneliness: People feel disconnected from one another and lack social bonds. (Tellingly, even before recent crises, some countries appointed “Ministers of Loneliness” to combat epidemic isolation)

2. Lack of meaning and purpose: There is a pervasive sense that life is meaningless or that work is “useless.” This existential void leaves people psychologically adrift.

3. Free-floating anxiety: A general anxiety with no clear object or cause afflicts a large portion of society. (For example, the WHO estimates 20% of the world’s population has an anxiety disorder.) This anxiety is “free-floating” – attached to nothing specific, making it all the more desperate for a target.

4. Free-floating frustration and anger: Related to the anxiety, people feel frustrated and aggressive but have no identifiable outlet or enemy to blame.

When these conditions are in place, all that’s needed is a “catalyst” – a compelling narrative that provides a focus for the anxiety and a strategy to deal with it. As Desmet explains, if a story is introduced that identifies a threat (“X is the cause of your anxiety”) and offers a solution (“Unite against X to overcome it”), the previously isolated individuals begin to feel connected. They find new meaning and purpose in a heroic collective battle against the threat. Their anxiety now has a target, and their loneliness is eased by camaraderie in a common cause. In essence, a new social bond and a new kind of ‘solidarity’ form, giving rise to a mass movement.

Crucially, this process is fueled by indoctrination and propaganda “injected on a daily basis via mass media,” while alternative voices are actively silenced. Under constant fear messaging, critical thinking is short-circuited. A kind of collective hypnosis sets in, in which logic and evidence often no longer matter to the true believers of the narrative. Desmet notes that about 30% of people become true believers – fully committed and even zealous enforcers of the narrative. Another 40–50% go along passively, not entirely convinced but unwilling to resist the social pressure. The remaining 10–30% retain independent thinking and often become dissenters.

The characteristics of a society in the grip of mass formation are strikingly totalitarian – and cult-like. Desmet calls the resulting behavioral pattern “astounding”: individuals willingly sacrifice personal interests for the collective, show fanatic intolerance toward dissenting voices, adopt an informant mentality (reporting those who don’t comply), absorb propaganda uncritically, and follow authorities with a blind, one-dimensional logic that no counter-evidence can penetrate. In such a crowd state, people parrot the same slogans in unison and are impervious to rational argument. The group gains a sense of righteousness – we are on the “good” side fighting an imminent evil – which justifies extreme measures. Anyone outside the group is branded as a bad actor and becomes a target for blame.

It is at this point that a mass formation becomes highly dangerous, veering into what Desmet (following Hannah Arendt) calls totalitarianism. A totalitarian mass movement inevitably turns to scapegoating: those who refuse to go along – the “dissenters” or “heretics” – are vilified as causing the group’s misfortunes. In extreme cases, the cult-like mass will even condone or participate in the persecution, exclusion, or elimination of these scapegoats. “The way in which unvaccinated people are denied access to parts of public spaces… evokes the most unpleasant reminiscences,” Desmet wrote during COVID, warning that dehumanization of an out-group can be the first step in a vicious cycle. In the end, a fully developed totalitarian cult will “devour its own” – it not only targets outsiders, but even turns on its own members in purges of those insufficiently loyal. This pattern was seen in historical cult regimes (Stalin’s USSR, for example), and as we’ll explore, echoes of it can be observed today.

In summary, mass formation psychosis is a group brainwashing phenomenon that creates a cult-like cohesion in a society. It thrives on fear, sustained by propaganda, and leads to intolerance and persecution of anyone not “in the cult.” With this framework in mind, let’s examine how recent global events exhibit these very dynamics – seemingly conditioning the world for an even more sinister end-times deception.

COVID-19: A “Trial Run” for Global Obedience

When the COVID-19 pandemic struck in 2020, it unleashed an unprecedented wave of fear and social control that, in retrospect, looks like a textbook case of mass formation. Virtually all four pre-conditions described by Desmet were rapidly met and amplified:

• Isolation: Lockdown policies around the world forced people apart – workplaces shut down, churches and schools closed, families and friends separated. Social life went largely online, which, as Desmet notes, “dehumanizes the conversation” and cannot replace face-to-face community. The result was extreme loneliness for many, even on a global scale.

• Lack of meaning: Normal life routines and projects were abruptly halted. Jobs were lost or put on hold; education went virtual; personal goals were deferred. For many, life during lockdown felt stagnant or “on pause,” sapping meaning and purpose. Work, if it continued, often felt disconnected (endless Zoom meetings) or even pointless amid the crisis.

• Free-floating anxiety: The constant news of an invisible, deadly virus created intense anxiety – not tied to any one tangible situation, but a general dread that anyone, anywhere might be infected next. The media’s relentless counting of cases and deaths without context (Who was at risk? How high was the survival rate?) amounted to fearmongering. By bombarding the public with worst-case scenarios and harrowing images (like overwhelmed hospitals), panic spread faster than the virus. People were terrified for their lives and those of their loved ones – a free-floating anxiety that was ready to latch onto any promise of safety.

• Free-floating anger and frustration: The disruptions and uncertainties of the pandemic – from economic hardship to the stresses of confinement – led to growing frustration. Fear often breeds anger, and many looked for someone to blame: some blamed government officials for not doing enough (or for doing too much), others blamed those who didn’t follow rules. Society was a powder keg of tension.

The catalyst narrative that crystallized these elements was the declaration of a global “war on COVID-19.” Authorities and media presented the virus as an existential threat to society, and issued a clear strategy: unite in fighting the virus through strict measures – lockdowns, social distancing, mask mandates, and ultimately mass vaccination. This narrative provided a target for the anxiety (the virus, and by extension anyone deemed to spread it) and a “meaningful” mission for individuals: to do their part in defeating COVID by complying with the mandates. Suddenly, the lonely, anxious individual could “contribute to a (seemingly) worthy project,” finding purpose and solidarity by obeying the public health directives. As one commentator noted, “The declaration of a global pandemic and the hourly drumbeat of cases and deaths accentuated fear. The lockdowns greatly worsened social isolation… The ‘fight’ or ‘war’ against Covid-19 offered the necessary object. The individual’s ‘contribution’ – compliance… – provided a sense of purpose.” In other words, COVID united a mass of people into a crusade.

It worked: a new social bond emerged. Perversely, people found camaraderie in shared isolation – “we’re all apart together.” Slogans like “We’re in this together” and “#StayHomeSaveLives” proliferated, giving a virtuous gloss to what individuals were sacrificing. Mask-wearing, initially a personal health precaution, quickly became a symbol of group loyalty – a “visible sign” that you were one of the righteous who cared about others. Getting vaccinated became not just a private medical decision, but a moral litmus test of good citizenship. The narrative and rituals of the COVID response took on an almost religious character: daily case counts were like a prayer recitation of the plague’s progress; televised press conferences became homilies from the high priests of science; masking and sanitizing were akin to purity rites; and the vaccine was heralded as the savior that would deliver humanity from evil.

Within this charged atmosphere, cult-like behavior took hold in many ways:

• Groupthink and Silencing Dissent: From early on, any voices that questioned lockdown efficacy, school closures, mask mandates, or later the safety of the new vaccines, were aggressively shouted down or censored. Platforms like YouTube, Twitter, and Facebook banned content that deviated from official guidelines. Eminent scientists and doctors who presented alternative approaches (such as the Great Barrington Declaration calling for focused protection of the vulnerable instead of broad lockdowns) were maligned as fringe or irresponsible. The mantra “Trust the Science” was repeated ad nauseam – effectively meaning trust the selected experts who toed the official line. It became heretical to suggest that “The Science” was not infallible. In true groupthink form, any evidence or arguments contradicting the accepted COVID narrative were ignored or branded misinformation, even when coming from highly credentialed experts. Public debate – a cornerstone of real science – was largely snuffed out in favor of one authoritative viewpoint.

• Idolizing Leaders: Health officials like Dr. Anthony Fauci (in the US) or Dr. Theresa Tam (in Canada) attained cult figure status among large segments of the public. When SNL and others literally put Fauci’s face on prayer candles as a “Saint,” it was half-joking but pointed to a truth: many entrusted him with quasi-religious faith, taking his every word as gospel. He was dubbed “America’s Doctor” and even “the Science” itself (as in Fauci’s own statement, “Attacks on me are attacks on science”). This uncritical veneration is a hallmark of cults – elevating leaders beyond normal accountability. Political leaders, too, were lauded if they imposed strict measures, or demonized if they didn’t – a binary of saviors vs. devils.

• Collective Rituals and Slogans: People engaged in coordinated acts that reinforced unity – like clapping from balconies nightly to thank healthcare workers, or lighting candles for COVID victims. These had genuine sentiment but also served as rituals of communal emotion, bonding participants in the cause. Pandemic catchphrases (“flatten the curve,” “new normal,” “build back better”) became ubiquitous rallying-cries, repeated uncritically – much as cult mantras condition the mind.

• Punishing Defectors: Perhaps most striking was how society began to treat those who refused to go along. The unvaccinated became the quintessential out-group. Public figures and media personalities openly accused unvaccinated people of endangering others, even when it became clear that vaccines did not fully prevent transmission. In some places, governments imposed vaccine passport systems that barred unvaccinated individuals from restaurants, gyms, travel, or even workplaces. Ordinary citizens supported these exclusions: there were reports of popular sentiment to deny medical care or even grocery store access to the unvaccinated, casting them as virtual lepers outside the acceptable community. This level of scapegoating and dehumanization – citizens cheering as a minority is segregated – chillingly “evokes the most unpleasant reminiscences” of 20th-century totalitarian regimes. It is exactly how cults and oppressive systems fortify themselves: by casting out the unbelievers.

Taken together, the COVID-19 response showed how quickly a free society can slide into an almost cultic conformity under the pressure of fear. Intelligence and education proved no defense; indeed, Desmet points out that many highly educated people are most susceptible when they believe they are following “Science”. In the span of months, liberal democracies accepted draconian controls (curfews, church bans, tracking apps) previously unthinkable – largely because the mass formation dynamic made these sacrifices feel not only necessary but virtuous. A spirit of “intolerance of dissident voices” prevailed, and an informant mentality was encouraged (neighbors snitching on neighbors for having guests over in lockdown, for instance).

In retrospect, COVID can be seen as a trial run for how a global authority could induce uniform behavior worldwide. As one analysis put it, COVID policies “triggered or accelerated all the psychological conditions for mass formation as well as adding the catalyst”. It demonstrated that with the right fear-based narrative, billions of people across diverse nations could be steered into the same collective actions, with surprisingly little resistance. This is sobering when we consider biblical prophecy: “And all the world marveled and followed the beast” (Revelation 13:3). The rapid global compliance during COVID – often enforced by social shaming and government mandates – is a foretaste of that coming reality. It is not hard to imagine a future crisis (real or manufactured) where a charismatic leader or system demands similar absolute allegiance “for the public good.” The mechanism for mass obedience is in place; we have lived through it. All that remains is for a figure – the Antichrist – to harness it on an even greater scale, complete with miraculous signs and a deceiving narrative that “all who dwell on the earth will worship him” (Revelation 13:8).

Before jumping to the prophetic conclusion, let’s examine the other two arenas – climate and technology – where mass conditioning is also well underway, forming the strands of what could become a threefold cord of deception in the last days.

Climate Change Agenda: Eco-Apocalyptic Cultism and Global Conformity

If COVID fear united people under a banner of health security, the climate change agenda seeks to unite the world under a banner of environmental salvation. Over the past decade, and especially in recent years, we have witnessed the rise of what many are openly calling the “climate cult” or a new green religion. In this movement, apocalyptic warnings about the planet’s future play the same role as virus case counts did in the pandemic: they induce sustained fear and a sense of emergency, which in turn justify extreme measures and silence dissent.

Climate Fear and Youth Indoctrination

Central to the climate agenda is a narrative of impending doom. We are told, repeatedly, that unless we fundamentally alter human society, the earth faces catastrophic collapse. The messaging often has specific time frames – “12 years to save the planet” (a figure popularized around 2018) or similar deadlines – which continually get revised as earlier predictions fail to materialize. This rhetoric has given rise to what can only be described as eco-anxiety, especially among the young. A 2021 large-scale survey of 10,000 youth (in 10 countries) found that three-quarters of young people felt “the future is frightening” due to climate change. More than half said their daily life is affected by climate anxiety, and a significant portion are hesitant to have children because they fear a climate-ruined future. These statistics are startling: they reveal a generation deeply indoctrinated to believe an apocalypse is virtually certain in their lifetime. Terms like “climate grief” and “Solastalgia” (distress caused by environmental change) have entered the lexicon to describe the mental toll.

In schools and media, children are often presented with worst-case scenarios (mass extinction, unlivable heat, submerged cities) without context. They are taught to see humanity’s impact in the starkest terms, frequently absent the hopeful balance of human ingenuity or adaptive capacity. The result is a near-paralyzing fear for many. Some teen and child activists claim “we have no future”, that they’ve been robbed of their childhood by climate fears – a tragic self-fulfilling prophecy of despair. Under such psychological pressure, young people are primed to rally behind any drastic policy that promises to “save the planet,” even at great cost to human prosperity or freedom. This is by design: a frightened populace (especially if inculcated from youth) is more likely to accept authoritarian solutions, much like anxious pandemic populations accepted lockdowns.

Notably, climate activism has explicitly cultivated a youth movement – from Greta Thunberg, the iconic teen climate prophetess, to the thousands of school children who participate in climate strikes (even during school hours, often encouraged by educators). The imagery is deliberate: youth are portrayed as the morally pure voices crying out in the wilderness, shaming the adult world for its sins against Mother Earth. This lends the movement a quasi-religious moral high ground: critics of radical climate policies are easily painted as “deniers” (a term deliberately evoking Holocaust denial) or as heretics against a sacred consensus. In effect, an in-group vs out-group dynamic has formed. The faithful “believers” accept every dire prediction and the necessity of sweeping societal transformation; the “deniers” are not just mistaken, but morally evil, akin to enemies of the common good. This black-and-white mindset is, again, characteristic of cults.

The Green Religion and Cult-Like Behavior

Many commentators have observed that the climate movement resembles a religion – complete with doctrines, priests, indulgences, and end-of-world prophecies. Consider some parallels:

• Doctrine of Doom: The core teaching is that we are headed toward apocalypse (flood, fire, famine) due to human sin (usually defined as carbon emissions, industrial activity, and overconsumption). This teaching is rarely open for debate; it is presented as settled dogma. As one writer quipped, “The religion of global warming preaches doom and punishment” for humanity’s transgressions. Every heatwave or hurricane is pointed to as evidence of our pending punishment, reinforcing the dogma. Dissenting scientific views, even by climatologists, are treated not as a normal part of scientific discourse but as blasphemy.

• High Priests and Prophets: Leading voices like certain UN officials, activist-scientists, or even celebrity spokespeople (e.g. former VP Al Gore, who narrates the climate gospel in films) function as high priests. They issue encyclicals and prophecies about climate doom. Notably, when some of their predictions fail (such as Gore’s 2006 warning of Arctic ice vanishing by 2013, which did not happen), the timeline is simply adjusted – much as cult leaders often adjust prophecy dates – and the faithful continue believing. A Hoover Institution piece dubbed this movement the “Cult of Climatism,” noting that its “high priests” hedge their bets even while laying out furious dogmas. But the congregation is expected not to notice the discrepancies. In fact, true believers double down in the face of failed predictions, a phenomenon psychologists call cognitive dissonance – common in cults that have predicted doomsdays.

• Slogans and Mantras: The climate cult has its mantras: “Climate Justice,” “Net Zero,” “Save the Planet,” “Extinction Rebellion.” These phrases are chanted at protests and plastered on banners, reinforcing group identity. They carry emotional weight and brook no nuance – similar to a creed recited in unison.

• Rituals and Sacrifices: We see the promotion of symbolic actions that echo religious rituals. Yearly global climate conferences (COP meetings) are like high feasts where the initiated gather and reaffirm their vows to cut emissions (though often leaving in private jets afterward). Everyday behaviors are moralized – recycling, driving electric cars, eating vegan – akin to acts of personal piety demonstrating one’s righteousness. There is even a concept of “carbon footprint”, with parallels to the idea of personal sin or karma. Individuals and companies can buy carbon offsets, which bear an uncanny resemblance to indulgences in medieval church practice – pay a fee to absolve your carbon sins. Meanwhile, regular people are told to make sacrifices: consume less, travel less, perhaps even have fewer children. A strain of anti-natalism (viewing human reproduction as harmful) has grown, as seen in surveys where a portion of youth express reluctance to have kids due to climate crisis. This is nothing less than the sacrifice of human future on the altar of Gaia, the earth deity of this new religion.

• Fanaticism and Punishing Dissent: Extremes of behavior in the climate movement underscore its cult-like zeal. Activist groups like Extinction Rebellion or Just Stop Oil have carried out theatrical and disruptive protests – from blocking highways and gluing themselves to museum art, to even violence against property. One former XR leader, Zion Lights, described how she “watched people brainwashed into pulling outrageous stunts in the name of ‘saving the planet.’” She noted that fellow activists were effectively manipulated to break laws or endanger themselves, all under group pressure and apocalyptic fervor. This level of zeal, where anything is justified “because the world is at stake,” is very much cult psychology. Additionally, voices who question the severity of the crisis or the efficacy of proposed policies are often smeared or excommunicated from academic and political circles. Renowned climate scientists who diverge from alarmism have been likened to heretics. The pressure to conform within scientific institutions is immense – funding and reputations often hinge on endorsing the consensus. This enforcement of orthodoxy stifles healthy debate, just as a cult permits no questioning of its dogma.

The policy demands coming out of the climate agenda indeed call for sweeping controls that would transform life as we know it. Activists and sympathetic policymakers advocate for measures like banning fossil fuels outright, rapidly eliminating gasoline cars, forbidding new oil/gas exploration, capping meat consumption, restricting air travel, and “de-growth” economic strategies. De-growth entails deliberately shrinking the economy – fewer goods produced and consumed – on the theory that this will reduce environmental impact. In practice, such measures would mean a dramatically lower standard of living, especially in developed nations, and tight government regulation of resources and personal behavior. We already see moves in this direction: for example, some cities propose “15-minute city” models where car use is heavily curtailed and people’s movement is confined to certain zones. There are also agricultural clampdowns (like plans to cut nitrogen fertilizer use, which sparked mass farmer protests in the Netherlands). Under the banner of sustainability, control over energy, food, land, and mobility is increasing.

All of this aligns with what Desmet observed even prior to COVID: growing calls from within the population “for strict government controls” to solve crises like terrorism, climate change, and now viruses. In other words, people – gripped by fear – voluntarily ask for more top-down authority over their lives, believing it’s the only solution. Desmet called this the rise of a “new totalitarianism… led by dull bureaucrats and technocrats” rather than flamboyant dictators. Climate technocracy fits this bill perfectly: unelected panels, scientists, and NGOs essentially dictating what kind of car you can drive, how you heat your home, what you eat, even how many children you should have – all for the supposed greater good. It is a technocratic utopian vision that brooks little opposition because the stakes are portrayed as existential.

From a biblical perspective, this fervor bears resemblance to worshiping the creation instead of the Creator. As Romans 1:25 says, “they exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator...” . Modern culture’s almost spiritual obsession with “saving Mother Earth” – while largely rejecting God’s sovereignty – is a grand example of this inversion. There is a spiritual void being filled by nature-worship and utopian idealism. The climate cult often edges into pagan nature worship and animism (e.g. referring to the Earth as Gaia, treating nature with quasi-personhood)theotivity.com. One Christian commentator noted that “while the modern day climate cult shrouds its message in the language of science, progress and sustainability, really it is simply a regression to pagan nature worship”. Indeed, some climate activists openly speak of humans as a virus or cancer on the earth, implying that fewer humans = moral good. For instance, biologist Paul Ehrlich (of Population Bomb fame) once likened humanity to a metastasizing cancer. Such misanthropic views illustrate how far the cult will go – even to the point of celebrating decline in human population for the earth’s sake. This is starkly opposed to the biblical view of humans as God’s image-bearers with stewardship over creation (Genesis 1:26–28).

Globalism is another dimension of the climate agenda. By its nature, climate change is a global issue requiring global coordination. This has fostered a drive toward international governance mechanisms. There are increasing calls for empowering bodies like the United Nations or new multilateral agreements to enforce climate regulations across nations. Some have floated the idea of a global carbon tax or even a climate enforcement agency. While pitched as cooperative altruism, these ideas also concentrate power in a centralized authority. Bible prophecy warns of a future one-world government (“authority was given him [the Beast] over every tribe, tongue, and nation,” Revelation 13:7) and likely a one-world ideology or religion (as the False Prophet causes the world to worship the Beast). The climate crusade, by uniting nations and religions (note that Pope Francis gathered world religious leaders to “unite… in opposing the devastation of the environment”), could be a stepping stone toward that kind of unity. It’s sobering that the Pope himself has been a major advocate of the climate agenda, even suggesting caring for creation is a unifying moral duty of all faiths. This blends religious ecumenism with climate activism – a mix that, while seemingly noble, might play into the False Prophet’s strategy of a one-world spiritual movement (Revelation 13:11-12).

In summary, the climate change movement exhibits many marks of a cult: it leverages fear of apocalypse, demands ideological purity, elevates gurus, and justifies extreme sacrifices. It conditions people – especially the young – to accept radical changes and authoritarian controls as not only necessary but virtuous. This mentality, if one day redirected or intensified by a charismatic end-times leader, could facilitate global worship of a false savior. One can imagine the Antichrist using environmental crises alongside other fears to consolidate power, perhaps even performing “signs” to appease nature (false miracles to “prove” he can fix the climate?). 2 Thessalonians 2:9–10 says the lawless one will come “with all power, signs, and lying wonders, and with all unrighteous deception” – very possibly exploiting whatever issues people are most desperate about, including the environment.

The climate cult conditions humanity to think globally and reverentially, but without discernment of truth. It primes the world to “believe the lie” (2 Thessalonians 2:11) that we must worship the creation or its self-appointed guardians, instead of the Creator. Next, we turn to technology – the rapidly advancing tool that will give any would-be global dictator the means to enforce his cult.

Rise of AI and Digital Surveillance: Constructing the Beast’s Infrastructure

While fear-based narratives prepare people psychologically to join a global cult, technology – especially artificial intelligence (AI) and digital surveillance – provides the mechanism to enforce conformity. In the past, totalitarian regimes relied on human informants, secret police, and brute force to control populations. The emerging AI-driven, algorithmic control systems promise to be far more efficient and pervasive – a digital net over humanity that could fulfill the vision of Revelation 13’s Beast system like nothing before.

Algorithmic Control and AI Dependency

We live in an age where algorithms quietly influence our thoughts, choices, and behaviors every day. Social media feeds are curated by AI algorithms designed to maximize engagement – often by promoting emotionally charged content that keeps us hooked. This has led to well-documented phenomena of echo chambers and radicalization online; people are fed more of what they “like” or what provokes them, creating parallel realities of information. In effect, AI algorithms manipulate public opinion at scale, though subtly. As one report aptly put it, “Some of our most popular technologies are becoming a means of mass coercion that open societies cannot survive.” By serving up a tailored diet of content, AI can amplify certain narratives and suppress others, influencing what entire segments of society accept as true.

Furthermore, the rise of Generative AI (like advanced chatbots) introduces a new frontier of information control. On one hand, these AIs can flood the internet with content – potentially even convincing deepfake news or propaganda, making it hard to discern truth. On the other, and perhaps more insidiously, the major AI systems come with built-in “guardrails” that filter what information or answers they will provide. Ostensibly meant to prevent “harm,” these guardrails can end up hiding information, enforcing conformity, and inserting bias in a way that users cannot see. A Time magazine analysis warned that the fear of AI being misused is leading to preemptive censorship by AI itself – where the system’s controllers decide what is harmful or disallowed content, and the AI simply refuses to output it. The authors note this could create an internet where AI invisibly shapes the knowledge ecosystem, nudging people only toward approved views. In their words, “guardrails erected to keep [AI] from generating harm [could] turn them into instruments of hiding information, enforcing conformity, and… bias.”

We already see how this might play out: if one asks certain AI systems to explain a controversial issue from an angle that contradicts mainstream narratives, the AI often demurs, citing “harm” or “safety” policies. Thus, AI could become the perfect tool for censorship, far beyond what human moderators could achieve. AI doesn’t get tired, it can monitor billions of posts and communications, and it can be tuned to filter out dissent automatically. In short, the future of censorship is AI-driven. Time magazine bluntly titled an article: “The Future of Censorship Is AI-Generated,” noting that governments and Big Tech are eager to determine what information is “safe” for consumption, and AI will vastly enhance their ability to do so.

The enforcement of social orthodoxy via algorithms is already familiar to anyone who has been temporarily banned on social platforms for speaking against prevailing views on health, politics, or other sensitive topics. As AI gets more integrated into all software (search engines, word processors, etc.), one can imagine a scenario described in the Time piece: “Imagine a world where your word processor prevents you from analyzing or reporting on a topic deemed ‘harmful’ by an AI programmed to only process ideas that are ‘respectful and appropriate for all.’” It sounds Orwellian – because it is. The tools we rely on could quietly nudge or even coerce us into line with approved opinions. This is a powerful conditioning: over time, people simply stop attempting to express or even think contrary thoughts because the system has trained them that such thoughts are not allowed.

Another component is the dependency on AI and digital systems for daily life. As we integrate AI assistants, smart devices, and algorithms into every facet (from navigation to healthcare to banking), our capacity to function independently erodes. Should those systems be weaponized or centrally controlled, resistance becomes difficult. For example, if a future regime decides to deplatform someone entirely from digital services (as has happened on a smaller scale to controversial figures losing social media, PayPal, etc.), that person is effectively silenced and crippled economically. Widespread AI usage can make such personalized control seamless.

Surveillance and the Social Credit Blueprint

Surveillance technology – facial recognition cameras, GPS tracking, data mining – has matured to the point that nearly everything about our lives can be monitored. When combined with AI analytics, this data can be used to micromanage a population. The most concrete prototype of this is China’s Social Credit System. In China, the government (and tech platforms working with it) gathers data on citizens’ financial, social, and legal behavior. Based on this, each citizen can be given a “social credit” score. Those with low scores – whether due to actual crimes or simply behaviors deemed undesirable (like criticizing the government, or even trivial infractions like jaywalking or not sorting recycling) – face restrictions in everyday life.

China has already banned millions of “discredited” people from buying train or plane tickets due to low social credit. A government slogan summarizing it was: “Once discredited, limited everywhere.” This is startlingly close to the Revelation wording of the Beast’s mark: “no one may buy or sell except one who” has the mark (Rev 13:17). In China’s system, if you’re on a blacklist, you literally cannot purchase travel tickets, are barred from certain jobs, denied loans, etc. By 2018, in one year alone, would-be travelers were blocked 17.5 million times from flights and 5.5 million times from trains due to social credit offenses. Offenses can range from unpaid taxes to spreading “false information” (which could be any narrative the state doesn’t like). The Chinese government openly says the aim is to “allow the trustworthy to roam everywhere under heaven while making it hard for the discredited to take a single step.” It uses big data and technology to create an Orwellian state of mass surveillance and control.

This is not a distant dystopian future; this is present reality for over a billion people. And Western nations have analogous tools ready (if not already quietly in use). The difference is mostly in degree and coordination. Consider the financial surveillance aspect: In 2022, during the trucker convoy protests in Canada, the Canadian government took the extraordinary step of freezing bank accounts of protesters and even some who donated to them. Without due process, people were debanked overnight for being associated with a politically disliked protest. A Canadian official touted that banks could now freeze accounts “without a court order” as part of emergency rulescato.org. In analysis, civil liberty experts warned this was a “cautionary tale” of how easily Western governments could employ such tactics, especially with digital banking and possibly central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) in the future. The Cato Institute noted that freezing bank accounts – a strategy once limited to authoritarian regimes – had now been used in a free democracy, “bringing targets to their knees through economic incapacitation without trial.” It was a wake-up call: governments, even in the West, can amass sweeping powers quickly and stop people in their tracks by leveraging digital finance.

Now, imagine when most transactions are digital and cash is phased out. Many countries are exploring CBDCs, which would give central banks direct control over individuals’ spending (each “wallet” can be tracked, and potentially restrictions coded: e.g., money that can only be spent on certain items, or that expires if not used). If a social-credit-like system were layered on a CBDC, dissenters could be instantly cut off from buying and selling with a keystroke. Revelation 13:16-17 looms: “He causes all... to receive a mark... that no one may buy or sell except one who has the mark…” It is remarkably feasible in the near future. The “mark” could well be some form of digital ID or credential that is linked to your financial access. Without it, your digital wallet simply won’t function for transactions. We see precursors: during COVID, some places required digital vaccine passes to enter stores or workplaces – a concept of health passport that can easily extend to a broader digital ID controlling access to society.

Artificial Intelligence supercharges this control. With AI monitoring vast data streams – from CCTV cameras (China has hundreds of millions of facial-recognition cameras), to online behavior, to financial records – a regime can get an accurate “profile” of each person’s loyalty and compliance. AI can flag “suspicious” behavior (perhaps someone reading forbidden material, or meeting with dissidents) in real time. In Xinjiang, China reportedly uses AI to flag certain phrases or religious expressions in phone communications of the Uyghur population, aiding their oppressive surveillance. These capabilities will only grow.

For the first time in history, the infrastructure exists to track virtually every human being and to control their participation in commerce. This was not technologically possible when John received the Revelation vision 2,000 years ago. Many wondered if the “mark of the beast” was purely symbolic. But now we see how frighteningly literal it could be. We need not speculate too far – it’s happening in pieces around us. The key is integration: linking one’s digital identity, finances, health, and social reputation into a unified system. Various international initiatives (ID2020, certain United Nations programs) are working on digital identification for all people. It will be sold as a convenient, even humanitarian solution (giving banking to the unbanked, etc.). But in the wrong hands, it becomes the ultimate apparatus of tyranny.

It is also notable that AI itself could take on an almost worshipful significance in a future regime. Some futurists speak of AI in god-like terms – an all-knowing intelligence that guides humanity. Revelation 13:15 speaks of an “image of the beast” that the false prophet brings to life, and which can speak and issue commands, even ordering those who refuse to worship it to be killed. Some have speculated this could be an AI-powered entity, a kind of supercomputer or robot imbued with authority. While we cannot be certain, the symbolism of an animated image demanding worship is eerily consonant with the idea of a future AI that embodies the will of the Antichrist and surveils who is worshiping or not. Already, algorithms decide what voices are heard (imagine if a future AI labels sermons about Christ as “hate speech” and blocks them universally). The ground is being laid for a world in which a central brain (AI) could manage the allegiance of the masses.

To sum up, technology and AI are the nervous system and eyes of the emerging Beast system. They provide unprecedented power to monitor, deceive, and coerce. People are being conditioned to accept this: we trade privacy for convenience, we tolerate surveillance for the promise of security, we embrace digital currencies for their efficiency. The more we rely on these systems, the more we become entrapped – unless we have discernment to see the endgame. As Christians, we recognize that none of this surprises God’s Word. The pieces align with prophecy. But what about the Church itself? One would hope the Church would be a bulwark of resistance to deception – yet Scripture and current events suggest a great compromise is afoot there as well.

Compromise, Ecumenism, and Laodicean Drift

Bible prophecy not only forewarns of deception in the world at large, but also of a great apostasy or falling away within the ranks of those who profess Christianity (2 Thessalonians 2:3). As we near the culmination of this age, we see many segments of the global Church being pressured or seduced into compromise – precisely along the lines we’ve been discussing: unity at the expense of truth, and submission to worldly agendas under the banner of peace and justice.

Ecumenism Over Truth

In the name of unity and peace, there is a strong movement toward ecumenism – the merging of different Christian denominations, and even an effort to find common ground with other religions. On the surface, “unity” is a positive biblical concept (Jesus prayed for believers to be one in John 17). But the crucial question is: unity on whose terms, and at what cost? The ecumenical push in many cases minimizes or sets aside core truths of the Gospel to avoid offense or disagreement. There is a narrative that if all faiths work together (for example, for social causes like climate action or fighting poverty), the world will be better. While cooperation on common good can be fine, the danger is a “One-World Religion” ethos, where distinctive truths are dissolved. The book of Revelation pointedly warns of a future harlot religion – a global spiritual system collaborating with Antichrist (symbolized by the woman who rides the Beast, Revelation 17). This false church is intoxicated with the accolades of the world and persecutes the true saints (Rev 17:6).

Today, we see strange alliances forming: high-profile evangelical leaders cozying up to the papacy, the Vatican hosting interfaith prayer with imams and rabbis, and worldwide religious declarations (like the **“Faith for Earth” initiative) that treat all religions as essentially equal partners. The Pope’s Abrahamic Family House in Abu Dhabi, opened in 2023, establishes a joint campus of a church, mosque, and synagogue – a monument to the idea that we’re all one big faith family. Again, unity sounds nice, but who is being exalted? The drive is often for “peace” – “peace, peace” where there is no true peace” (Jeremiah 6:14) – rather than for the exclusive truth of salvation through Jesus Christ. Some Protestant churches have removed teachings that might offend (like sin, repentance, the uniqueness of Christ) in order to partner with others. This is exactly the trajectory toward the apostate church of the end times, which has “a form of godliness” but has drifted from the real power of the Gospel (2 Timothy 3:5).

A telling development is that some mainline Protestant denominations now even shy away from using the term “Antichrist” for anything, since it might hinder ecumenical fellowship with groups that historically were seen as erring. In fact, there have been calls to stop identifying the Antichrist with any particular institution (historically, many Protestants saw the Papal office as an antichrist figure). Compromised Protestants want to remove such language to avoid upsetting the ecumenical applecart. This shows a willingness to set aside prophetic truth for the sake of superficial harmony. Yet the Bible clearly forewarns that a false prophet will lead a one-world religion that “will oppose the Gospel, persecute Christians, and minimize the importance of doctrine.” Knowing this, how can true believers blithely join hands in spiritual alliance with those who reject foundational truths? The only way is deception or apathy regarding truth – both of which are now common.

Digital Submission and Worldly Influence

Another area of compromise is what might be called “digital submission” – the Church’s uncritical embrace of technological trends and the resultant vulnerability to control. During COVID, for instance, many churches obediently closed their doors for extended periods, moving to online services. While temporary precautions may have been prudent, in many places governments treated churches as non-essential, and some church leaders acquiesced without protest, even as liquor stores or other entities remained open. This revealed a certain prioritization of state directives over the biblical mandate to gather (Hebrews 10:25). Some churches even enforced vaccine passport rules for attendance, effectively turning away part of their flock to comply with government health edicts. Such actions put state and societal approval above the unity of the body of Christ, arguably a capitulation of the church’s distinct authority under Christ.

Moreover, as churches have become reliant on streaming, social media, and digital platforms, they have also come under the sway of Big Tech censorship and metrics. There is a subtle self-censorship that can occur: pastors may avoid preaching on certain biblical truths (say, about sexual morality or the exclusivity of Christ) for fear of being de-platformed or labeled as hate speech. Or they may water down messages to appeal to online algorithms (wanting to be “liked” and shared widely). The danger is a church that chases cultural relevance and peace at the expense of truth. Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world” (John 18:36), and the apostles warned of friendship with the world being enmity with God (James 4:4). Yet, a worldly spirit has entered many churches, where success is measured in popularity and appeasing the crowd.

This manifests in the content of preaching: some churches have virtually replaced the Gospel of repentance and faith with a social gospel of activism or a therapeutic message of self-improvement. Aligning with popular causes (racial justice, climate care, etc.) isn’t wrong per se, but when those eclipse the central mission of saving souls and teaching all that Christ commanded, the church has lost its saltiness. The Laodicean church in Revelation 3 thought itself rich and in need of nothing, not realizing it was wretched and blind. It was lukewarm, fit to be spit out (Rev 3:16-17). One interpretation of Laodicea is the end-times church characterized by complacent compromise – perhaps materially comfortable or socially accepted, but spiritually compromised and powerless. Unfortunately, much of the Western Church today fits this bill: anxious to be liked by the world, unwilling to stand against the prevailing narratives, and thus ripe for assimilation into the false religious system that will serve Antichrist.

Even the push for “peace” can be problematic. Scripture says, “For when they say, ‘Peace and safety!’ then sudden destruction comes upon them” (1 Thess. 5:3). The Antichrist is expected to initially rise as a peacemaker (Daniel 9:27 suggests he brokers a covenant). There is a real possibility that a compromised Church, which has already prioritized peace over truth, will hail the Antichrist as a great leader. Think about it: a world leader arises who promises to solve climate change, end wars, cure diseases, and unite religions – the ultimate social justice champion and miracle worker. Without strong biblical discernment, many religious people (including Christians in name) could be utterly taken in. 2 Thessalonians 2:9-11 warns that the lawless one will come “with all unrighteous deception… because they did not receive the love of the truth.” And for this reason, God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie. This is a frightening prospect: those who do not truly love the truth of God’s Word will be given over to a great delusion, believing the Antichrist’s lies as if they were God’s truth.

We already see preludes of this delusion in the Church. How many who occupy pews truly know the Scriptures and hold them as the final authority? Biblical illiteracy is high. Many follow charismatic personalities or chase the latest spiritual fads. Some churches are more driven by political ideology (whether left or right) than by the Bible. These factors show a vulnerability to deception. If one’s faith is shallow or built on a personality, one could easily transfer loyalty to a charismatic global leader who seems to have divine favor (especially if accompanied by signs and wonders – Rev 13:13-14 describes the False Prophet performing great signs, even making fire come from heaven, to authenticate the Beast).

In contrast, a faithful remnant will resist these trends. They will hold to the testimony of Jesus and the commandments of God (Rev 12:17), even when it’s unpopular or dangerous. Jesus asked, “When the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?” (Luke 18:8). That implies true faith will be scarce. But those who do endure, though marginalized or persecuted by the global cult, will be the victors in God’s eyes (Rev 3:21).

It’s imperative that the Church awaken to the reality of these spiritual pressures. We must reject false unity that sacrifices truth, resist the encroachment of technocratic control on our mission, and above all remain loyal to Jesus Christ above all parties, causes, or earthly leaders. The professing Church that bends with the wind of the world will end up swept into the deception. Only the one anchored to the Rock of ages – standing on Scripture, filled with the Holy Spirit – will discern the lie and stand apart when the masses bow to the Beast.

Conditioning for the Antichrist System

Having surveyed the landscape – from pandemic to climate to AI and a compromised Church – it is astonishing how closely it aligns with the Biblical prophetic picture of the last days. It’s as if we are seeing dress rehearsals for the real event. Consider these parallels:

• Global Cult Allegiance: Revelation 13 describes a global cult of worship directed at the Beast (the Antichrist). “All the world marveled and followed the beast. So they worshiped the dragon… and they worshiped the beast, saying, ‘Who is like the beast? Who is able to make war with him?’” (Rev 13:3-4). This is adoration verging on worship of a political leader – essentially idolatry of a man empowered by Satan. Today’s trends of idolizing “saviors” (be it a scientist, activist, or politician) precondition people to do the same on a grander scale. We saw how many treated figures like Fauci or Greta Thunberg or Elon Musk with an almost messianic reverence. How much more when Antichrist arrives with an aura of solving humanity’s woes and even supernatural power? The groundwork in human psychology is laid: the world is craving a leader to trust, a unifier. They will get their wish – and tragically fall for the ultimate deceiver.

• Uniting of Nations and Religions: The Beast is given authority “over every tribe, tongue, and nation” (Rev 13:7). This implies a one-world government or at least a globally coordinated regime. The push for global solutions (climate accords, pandemic treaties, etc.) shows the trend toward yielding national sovereignty to international bodies in times of crisis. The more global crises we face, the louder the calls for “global governance” become. Likewise, the False Prophet in Rev 13 exercises authority to make the earth’s inhabitants worship the Beast (Rev 13:12). This suggests a one-world religious authority that can influence all faiths. Today’s ecumenical and interfaith movement is clearly a precursor. When you see leaders of major religions signing joint statements and calling each other “brothers” despite incompatible doctrines, it’s not hard to envision a figure saying “let’s put aside differences and honor this great leader (Antichrist) who is bringing peace.” Many will applaud. The current Pope has even said that the diversity of religions is “willed by God,” a controversial statement that could feed into a theology of pluralism ideal for a one-world faith. In short, the infrastructure for global political and religious unity is emerging – just waiting for the catalyst (perhaps a series of crises and a charismatic fixer).

• Crisis/Chaos as Opportunity: Historically, totalitarians seize power during crises. The mass formation theory itself highlights that mass anxiety seeks a remedy. The more fearful and chaotic the world becomes (pandemics, natural disasters, economic collapse, war), the more willing people are to trade freedom for security. Scripture indicates the end times will be full of such turmoil (Matthew 24, Luke 21). It is not hard to imagine a convergence of calamities making humanity desperate. In that moment, someone who offers a grand solution will be welcomed. The Antichrist may rise “to power through flatteries” (Daniel 11:21) and by appearing as a man of peace (he makes or strengthens a covenant for peace for 7 years, Daniel 9:27). “By peace he shall destroy many,” says Daniel 8:25 – meaning he uses the promise of peace to entrap. We have seen how fearful people were willing to ostracize neighbors and relinquish freedoms during COVID for a promise of safety. In a future scenario of larger scale (imagine a nuclear scare or worldwide economic meltdown), the stage is set for a “savior” figure.

• Strong Delusion: The Bible explicitly warns that God will allow a strong delusion to come upon those who reject the truth, so that they will believe the lies of the Lawless One (2 Thess. 2:11-12). We are seeing a preview of mass delusion already. How can entire societies call good what God calls evil, and vice versa? How can rational people deny basic realities (such as biological truths) or embrace obvious falsehoods? It’s a spiritual blindness as much as psychological. “Professing to be wise, they became fools,” wrote Paul, describing people who reject God’s truth (Romans 1:22). He goes on to detail that such people end up with “debased minds” that cannot discern properly (Rom 1:28). In our day, the collapse of a Christian worldview has left many minds unanchored, vulnerable to any persuasive narrative that fills the void. Whether it’s pseudoscience, new age spirituality, conspiracy theories, or the propaganda of the state – people believe astonishing lies. Romans 1 also notes that those who refuse God’s truth end up “exchanging the truth for a lie” (Rom 1:25). Ultimately, there will be “the Lie” – likely the Antichrist’s claim to be the solution or even to be divine. Because people have been primed to reject God’s truth, they will embrace the Lie wholeheartedly. The current cultural climate of canceling truth and silencing Scripture in public life is preparing people to “believe the lie” when it comes.

• Mark of the Beast – Economic and Social Control: We discussed how technology enables a literal fulfillment of the mark (Rev 13:16-17). The societal readiness is also there. Many people now accept the idea of carrying digital certificates (like vaccine passports) or biometric IDs for security reasons. A future requirement to prove loyalty (perhaps framed as “for the common good, to prevent terrorism/cybercrime/contagion/etc.”) could be sold with ease. Those who don’t comply will be othered and punished – and we’ve seen how quickly neighbors will turn on neighbors under fear. Already, in some regions, digital IDs linked to payment are being tested. The European Union, for example, has proposals for a digital identity wallet for all citizens. It’s not the mark yet, but it shows the trajectory. Society is being habituated to scanning something to participate (scan your QR code to enter, etc.). In a way, QR codes were a conditioning: they are not the mark, but they trained people that you cannot access X without the code. The mark will be similar, but with a worship/loyalty component. And unlike the relatively short-lived COVID pass, the mark system will be ruthlessly enforced by the full power of Satan’s man.

Finally, consider the cult behavior aspect: Revelation 13:15 says “as many as would not worship the image of the beast [the system] to be killed.” That is the ultimate punishment of defectors – execution. We aren’t there yet, but we saw during COVID and other times a hatred towards those who don’t comply, to the point some said the unvaxxed “deserve to die.” This animus can be stirred up radically when propaganda and fear are high. Jesus told His disciples, “the time is coming that whoever kills you will think that he offers God service” (John 16:2). We see the seeds of that mindset when zealots for the cause (be it health, climate, or social ideology) believe the world’s problems are due to a recalcitrant minority. In the end times, the faithful Christians who refuse the mark and hold to Jesus are that minority – and the world will likely genuinely believe that eliminating them is doing good (removing intolerant, non-progressive, obstinate people for the utopia to flourish). This is the tragic climax of the global cult: it will literally sacrifice human lives on the altar of its false peace and security. And after using the harlot false church for his purposes, the Beast will even turn on that, “devouring” her (Rev 17:16) – showing that tyranny ultimately tolerates no rivals or halfway commitments.

But take heart: though these trends are dark, God has told us beforehand so that we are not taken by surprise or overcome with fear. The very presence of these signs should actually strengthen our faith that His Word is true. And it reminds us that the coming of Jesus draws nearer. In Luke 21:28, after describing perilous signs, Jesus said, “Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near.” We are to be watchers of the times, not in paranoia, but in hope – recognizing that the increasing chaos means the Lord’s return is at hand to establish true justice and peace.

A Call to Vigilance, Discernment, and Gospel Witness

In view of all this, how should we respond? It can be overwhelming to realize the magnitude of deception and control that is rising. Yet, as Christians, we are not given a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7). Now more than ever, we need to cultivate spiritual vigilance and biblical discernment. We are called to be like the sons of Issachar, “who had understanding of the times” (1 Chronicles 12:32), and like the wise virgins in Jesus’ parable who kept their lamps burning with oil as they awaited the bridegroom (Matthew 25:1-13).

1. Remain Spiritually Awake: Jesus repeatedly warned, “Watch therefore, and pray always” (Luke 21:36). The opposite of an alert spirit is a lukewarm, apathetic attitude – which is what the enemy would want for us. We must not hit the spiritual snooze button. Stay in prayer, stay in the Word daily. This keeps our minds sharp to truth and sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s promptings. When we are in regular communion with the Lord, we are far less likely to be fooled by the world’s lies. Just as importantly, being awake means recognizing the spiritual battle under the surface of world events. “We do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against… spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places” (Eph 6:12). The true enemy is Satan and his deception, not our deceived neighbors. This perspective helps us fight the right fight – on our knees in prayer and with the truth in love – rather than getting merely angry at people.

2. Love the Truth: 2 Thessalonians said people are deceived “because they did not receive the love of the truth” (2 Thess 2:10). Cultivate a deep love for God’s truth. That means studying Scripture diligently and obeying it even when it’s counter-cultural. It means anchoring your worldview in the Bible from Genesis to Revelation. When we love the truth, we also test everything against it. Become like the Bereans who “searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so” (Acts 17:11). Whether it’s news in the media, a trending social narrative, or even a teaching in church – we should test it by God’s Word. This doesn’t mean a cynical attitude, but a discerning one. Isaiah 8:20 says, “To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.” The Bible is our filter. If we stay in it, falsehood will stick out like a sore thumb. And memorizing key scriptures is crucial, especially as censorship increases – we might not always have easy access to Bibles or online sermons.

3. Do Not Live in Fear: Ironically, while the enemy uses fear to manipulate the masses, we are commanded 365 times in Scripture “Do not fear.” Jesus said in regard to end times terrors, “See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass” (Matt 24:6). We can have an inner peace even as the world rages, because we know who wins and we know our eternal destiny is secure in Christ. This peace itself is a powerful witness. When others panic, the calm trust of a believer stands out, prompting them to ask why we have hope. Use those opportunities to share Jesus. Furthermore, refusing to panic helps us think clearly and make wise decisions led by God, rather than reactive decisions driven by anxiety. We may need to make practical preparations (like diversifying how we gather as believers if church buildings become restricted, or having alternate ways to live if cut out of commerce), but we do that prudently, not out of frantic fear. “The prudent sees danger and hides himself” (Prov 22:3), meaning we can anticipate and wisely prepare. But our ultimate trust is not in stored food or tech know-how; it’s in Jehovah Jireh, our Provider, who fed Elijah by ravens and preserved Israel with manna. He can take care of His remnant in any wilderness or fiery furnace.

4. Build Strong Christian Community: One tactic of the enemy we saw is isolation – it makes people vulnerable to mass formation. The Church must be the counter-agent by fostering genuine community and fellowship. “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another – and so much the more as you see the Day approaching” (Hebrews 10:25). Notice, as the Day (of Christ’s return) gets closer, we need fellowship “so much the more.” Prioritize gathering with other believers who are like-minded in truth, whether in church services, small groups, or informal prayer circles. Encourage one another, pray together, keep each other accountable. This also means bearing each other’s burdens (Gal 6:2) in practical ways – sharing resources if someone is ostracized or loses job for standing for truth, helping each other navigate challenges of potential persecution or exclusion. In Acts, the early church pooled together when facing hardships. A tightly knit Body can withstand pressure that would break lone individuals.

5. Be a Watchman and Witness: While it might be tempting to go into survival mode and keep our heads down, the biblical mandate is to proclaim truth and the Gospel boldly until Christ comes. Ezekiel 33 talks about being a watchman – if the watchman sees the sword coming and doesn’t blow the trumpet, the people’s blood is on his hands. We, who by God’s grace see the deception for what it is, have a duty to blow the trumpet – to warn others in humility and love. This includes warning about spiritual deception, sharing insights about what is really happening (with gentleness, not with a haughty “I know it all” attitude), and most importantly sharing the hope of the Gospel. Remember, our goal is not to win arguments but to win souls. Don’t get bogged down in endless debates about conspiracy details or political quagmires. Try to steer conversations to the big picture: the need for Christ. For example, if talking about fear of climate change with someone, acknowledge the concerns, but then point to the sovereignty of God over creation and the promise of a new heavens and earth – and how Jesus is the ultimate answer to the brokenness of this world. If discussing government overreach, transition to the fact that no human government can save us – but there is a coming King who will rule with true justice (Jesus). Sow the seeds of the Gospel at every opportunity. Some will mock or tune out – that’s okay. Some hearts are being prepared by God to listen amidst the chaos. Even within the deceived masses, there are individuals feeling uneasy, sensing something is off. The Holy Spirit can use your courageous witness to snatch someone from the fire (Jude 23).

6. Prepare to Endure and Remain Faithful: The nature of a cult or totalitarian system is to punish non-conformers. We must settle it in our hearts that if we follow Jesus and truth, we will eventually be seen as enemies of the global consensus. Already Christians who hold to biblical teachings are labeled intolerant or hateful in many societies. This will increase. Jesus told us, “You will be hated by all nations for My name’s sake” (Matt 24:9). But “he who endures to the end shall be saved” (Matt 24:13). Endurance is key. That means strengthening our faith now. Put on the full armor of God daily (Eph 6:13-18): truth, righteousness, the Gospel of peace, faith, salvation, the Word of God, and prayer. These are our spiritual weapons and defenses. We should also teach our children and disciple younger believers to stand firm. They will face even more intense pressures. Tell them the stories of Daniel (who refused to bow to the idol), of Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego (who went through fire rather than compromise), of the apostles (who said “We must obey God rather than men”). These examples will fortify their resolve. And remember Jesus’ promise: “I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matt 28:20). We are not facing any of this alone. If God is for us, who can be against us?

In conclusion, the formation of a global cultic mindset is well underway, preparing the world to receive the Antichrist with open arms. It thrives on fear, manipulation, and deception – and we see these tactics on full display in contemporary crises. But God, in His mercy, has given us clear vision through prophecy to understand the times. And He’s given us a mission: to shine as lights in the darkness, holding fast to the word of life (Phil 2:15-16). We know how the story ends: the Beast’s reign will be short, and Jesus Christ will return in glory to destroy that wicked one with the breath of His mouth (2 Thess 2:8) and establish the true Kingdom. Every cult, every lie, every tyrant will be crushed, and truth will prevail.

Until then, our orders are to occupy and be faithful. Let us not lose heart. Instead, “let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light” (Romans 13:12). “Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong. Let all that you do be done with love.” (1 Corinthians 16:13-14). And echoing the words of our Lord: “Surely I am coming quickly.” To which we say, Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus! (Revelation 22:20).

Sources:

• Mattias Desmet – “The Psychology of Totalitarianism”

• Cato Institute – Report on digital surveillance and emergency powers

• Hoover Institution – “The Cult of Climatism”

• New York Times

• Time Magazine

• The Guardian