Chaos: Metaphysical Forces Clash in Middle East
The Mahdi and Islam's 'Twelvers'
You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come.
Matthew 24:6
In the daunting vagaries of global geopolitics, there exists a turbulent undercurrent of metaphysical forces, perpetually at odds. At work is the ceaseless clash between good and evil that often precipitates a descent from order into chaos, a state where the unimpeded forces of destruction and violence thrive. These are cosmic forces that seed the gathering clouds of war and inflict intense widespread destruction.
At the heart of this tumultuous interplay lies Israel, not just as a nation-state but as a symbol imbued with profound spiritual significance. Israel, oft regarded as a bastion of holiness and lauded as a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation and God’s special possession (1 Peter 2:9), stands as the eternal epicenter of metaphysical conflagrations, as indeed it must.
Israel’s unique spiritual and historical identity renders it far more than mere geopolitical entity; its capital city, Jerusalem, marks Earth’s axis mundi - its hallowed heart where sacred meets profane and where great metaphysical struggles sear the sinews of lifeless bones and secular passions.
This locus is where prophecies and political realities converge, creating complex and often volatile scenarios. The current global geopolitical disorder, with its myriad tensions and conflicts, can thus be perceived as not only the result of political and economic factors, but also as the manifestation of a deeper, more profound metaphysical struggle litigated by spiritual warfare.
Let’s first examine the prophecies and then the politics.
The Twelvers - The Twelfth Imam
Islamic Mahdism is belief in the Mahdi, a prophesied redeemer in Islam who will emerge to rule for a number of years before the Day of Judgment. In Shiite theology, particularly among the Twelvers (the largest branch of Shiite Islam), the Mahdi is believed to be the Twelfth Imam, Muhammad al-Mahdi, who is said to have been born in the 9th century and to have entered into occultation1 (hiddenness), a type of spiritual suspended animation.
Shiite Twelvers believe that the Twelfth Imam, the Mahdi, did not die but was hidden by God and will reappear as the savior of humanity. His return is anticipated as a time of justice and peace, following a period of injustice and chaos.
In fact, Shiite Islam believes it can hasten the return of the Mahdi by increasing chaos and injustice, to wit: the October 7th massacre of Israeli men, women and children. Today we observe this strategy at work by the many proxies controlled by Iran — the heart of Shiite and Mahdist theology. “Death to America and Israel,” is not simply an insolent slogan, it’s Iranian foreign policy.
Mahdism in Shiite Islam, particularly among the Twelvers, and its interaction with Judeo-Christian eschatology, presents a complex entanglement of beliefs, prophecies, and geopolitical implications, especially in the context of Iran. Our narrative aims to explore these themes, drawing a parallel between Mahdist expectations in the Middle East and Christian Zionist beliefs in the West.
Personally, I know little about Islam. And I’m fine with that. Far be it from me to presume what does or does not constitute a true religion. That said, I must confess to having been influenced by St. Paul on this point, as well as on many other matters that invite spiritual discernment.
But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed.
Galatians 1:8-12
This newsletter is the product of a good deal of eye-opening research on the prophetic teachings of the Torah, Quran and Bible. According to Matthew and Mark, we are admonished not to become alarmed and fearful. Yet, who can help it?! The Bible also exhorts us to stay informed.2
Today’s headlines are alarming, to say the least. Many fear the world is now closer to nuclear war than at any time since the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis. Having lived through that crisis, I believe we are much closer today given the ascendancy of the Military Industrial Complex and uniparty Neoconservative idealogues, people who never met a war they didn’t like.
This sad reality is made manifest by the ongoing chaos and clash of metaphysical forces in the Middle East, foreboding what could vividly be described as an astral trainwreck of two curiously similar eschatological belief systems — Christian and Islamic. Each of these systems envisages a different End Times scenario rooted in their respective interpretation of prophecy, as we shall see.
The first, emanating from Islamic theology, notably Shiite Mahdism, foresees the return of the Mahdi, a messianic figure who will restore justice and usher in an era of peace and righteousness. Islamic end time narratives describe a period of turmoil, chaos, and moral decay preceding the Mahdi's appearance.
Christians, on the other hand, anticipate the Second Coming of Christ, who also will restore justice and usher in an era of peace and righteousness preceded by tumultuous events during a period of chaos and moral rot called the Tribulation.
These parallel narratives, although arising from different religious traditions, share a remarkable symmetry in both their structure and ultimate expectations. They both envision a period of significant turmoil and upheaval, followed by a divinely orchestrated resolution that reshapes the world order.
Interestingly, although I won’t spend time on it here, these same metaphysical forces also animate the secular world. The democidal globalists, masters of institutional sockpuppets like the World Health Organization and World Economic Forum, are feverishly working to reshape the existing world order to Satanic specifications.3
What makes this clash of spiritual forces particularly compelling is its tangible impact on global geopolitics. The geopolitical strategies and decisions of nations, especially those influenced by these belief systems, are increasingly intertwined with these eschatological visions.
As such, it is becoming increasingly evident to this writer that prophecies concerning the end times are not confined solely to the realm of spiritual warfare but interact with the fabric of international relations. This confluence suggests a future where the lines between metaphysical beliefs and geopolitical realities become blurred.
In this context, understanding the nuances and implications of various eschatological scenarios becomes crucial, not only for religious scholars but also for policymakers and political analysts. However, most policymakers pay scant attention to religious prophecy. More about that later.
Islam regards Jesus, called Isa in Arabic, as a revered prophet and acolyte to the Mahdi, Islam’s savior figure. Both return to Earth around the same time. The Christian Antichrist, who according to the Bible will appear prior to Jesus’ return, will revive an empire. The Mahdi will revive a global Islamic caliphate that will rule the world.
The Christian Antichrist, according to the prophet Daniel, will establish his seat of authority on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. So too will the Mahdi, according to Islamic theology. The destiny of Jerusalem, the City of Peace, is inextricably tied to the destiny of the world.
Moreover, according to Islamic Madihist beliefs, Isa, Jesus, will astonishingly proclaim that Christians and Jews have been deceived and have revelation all wrong. Jesus, in this inverted cosmology of the Madhists, will proclaim Allah as the true God!
But don’t toss your Bible in the trash bin just yet.
To further tortue this enigma, it appears that there is a third rail, a type of Manchurian Candidate whose job it is to hold back or restrain the appearance of the Christian Antichrist. The identity of the restrainer, called the katechon, is a subject of debate and speculation devoid of consensus among Christian theologians.
And now you know what is holding him [the Antichrist] back, so that he may be revealed at the proper time. For the secret power of lawlessness is already at work; but the one who now holds it back will continue to do so till he is taken out of the way.
2 Thessalonians 2:6-7
The Concept of 'Katechon' in Thessalonians
In the verse from Thessalonians quoted above, katechon (Greek: κατέχον) was the term Paul chose to describe the theological force or entity that will restrain or hold back the Antichrist from revealing himself.
Historically, interpretations of katechon have ranged from the Roman Empire, to the presence of the Holy Spirit, to various institutional or spiritual forces. Alexander Dugin, a Russian political philosopher, writer and Putin confidant, has posited that Russia, under Putin's leadership, acts as this katechon - the force that holds back the chaos and moral decay associated with the West, which Dugin labels as the Antichrist.
Putin is our katechon, Dugin told Catholic News Service… The Greek word katechon is used to describe a force that holds back the ‘mystery of iniquity.’ In Dugin’s worldview, this ‘mystery of iniquity’ is a secularizing force at work in Western countries, and Putin is the leader [who holds back] the coming of the Antichrist.4
This perspective aligns with Dugin's broader geopolitical theories, which are steeped in Eurasianism and a particular interpretation of Orthodox Christian eschatology.
The Russian think tank 'Katehon' (its name was derived from the theological concept), which is strongly influenced by Dugin's ideas, also promotes this view. Its approach is focused on geopolitical and eschatological research positioning Russia as a defender against Western liberalism and decay. Katehon (the think tank) describes itself as:
A group of political thinkers, international relations researchers, experts in security and counter-terrorism, and journalists concerned with international affairs, geopolitics, ethno-politics and inter-religious dialogue.5
While the interpretation of Putin as the katechon fits within the ideological framework of figures like Alexander Dugin, it is a viewpoint that is well outside the mainstream. It is more of a reflection of contemporary geopolitical ideologies, notably Eurasianism, than of widely accepted theological doctrine. That said, the viewpoint should not be summarily dismissed. A multipolar world order is our future.
Within the scope of this comparative eschatological survey, a brief description of Eurasianism, along with the end times beliefs of the Russian Orthodox Church, is in order. We then will delve more deeply into the world of Mahdism and the Twelvers.
Eurasianism and Dugin's Ideology
Originally developed in the 1920s by Russian émigrés, Eurasianism posits that Russia's geographic position and historical development have given it a unique cultural and political identity, distinct from both Europe and Asia. Contemporary Eurasianism, especially in Dugin's interpretation, advocates for a Russian-led geopolitical bloc, such as BRICS, to counter the U.S.-dominated hegemon.
Dugin's ideology imbues Russian Orthodox Christianity with a strong sense of nationalism. He views Russia as the protector of traditional Orthodox values and as a spiritual and moral alternative to the secular, liberal West. This view flips the former notion of a God-fearing West opposing an atheistic Russia on its head.
When Westerners think of Russia today, we still (and incorrectly) do not envision a religious nation. After all, the Soviet Union, which collapsed in 1991, was decidedly atheistic. But in recent years, those former notions about Russia have begun to fade. As of a few years ago, the Russian Orthodox Church was building on average three new churches a day,6 while the postmodern West grew more and more secular.
Eurasian ideology emphasizes the idea of today’s Russia not only as a geopolitical entity but as a civilizational force with a mission to reshape the global order, often invoking religious and historical narratives to support this vision. (Tucker Carlson’s interview with President Putin can be viewed here.)
This is how Alexander Dugin envisions the new multipolar word order:
This is the goal of building a multipolar world — to establish a harmonious model of friendly and balanced coexistence of all Earth’s civilisations, without constructing hierarchies or recognising the hegemony of any of them.
Islamic Eschatology and Iran
Islamic eschatology, particularly in the Twelver Shiite context, spotlights a series of events leading up to the Day of Judgment. The reappearance of the Mahdi, the coming of Jesus, and a final battle against evil are its central themes.
The Islamic Republic of Iran, since its establishment in 1979, have integrated Mahdist beliefs into its political narrative. Iranian leaders have emphasized the need to prepare for the return of the Mahdi, which in turn exerts considerable influence on both its domestic and foreign policies.
A key element is this notion of hastening the return of the Mahdi. This has been interpreted as a clarion call to create conditions of worldwide chaos and conflict, seen as necessary precursors for the Mahdi's reappearance. To accomplish this, Iran, for the time being, looks to its proxy militias - primarily Hamas, Hezbollah and Islamic Jihad - to foment this prescribed chaos and conflict.
Although an acronym, the world hamas in Hebrew translates as ‘violence.’
Judeo-Christian and Zionist Eschatology
Judeo-Christian eschatology, particularly its Christian formation, shares these themes of a messianic figure, a final battle between good and evil, and a new era of peace. In Jewish eschatology, this centers around the coming of the Messiah, while in Christian eschatology it entails the Second Coming of Christ. We’ll take a closer look at Jewish eschatology in a moment.
Both Mahdism in Shiite Islam, particularly among Iran's Twelvers, along with Christian Zionism are driven by a belief in actively engaging with and influencing end times prophecy. For Christian Zionists, this often translates into political and monetary support for Israel. As previously noted, in Mahdism the end times are hastened by Iranian funded, and possibly directed, agents of chaos.
In Islamic and Christian eschatologies, the figures of Jesus, the Mahdi and the Antichrist (known as Dajjal in Islam) play distinct roles. In Islamic eschatology, Jesus is revered as a messianic figure who returns to assist the Mahdi. Together, they combat the Dajjal, a deceptive Islamic figure analogous to the Christian Antichrist.
In Islam, the Mahdi is a distinct messianic figure expected to emerge before Jesus’ return, ushering in an era of justice and righteousness. In contrast, Christian eschatology does not take the Mahdi into account. Instead, it focuses solely on the return of Jesus Christ to defeat the Antichrist and deliver the final judgment, leading to an era of justice and righteousness.
In Christian theology, the Antichrist is depicted as a figure of great deception, often seen as the ultimate opponent of Christ and his teachings. This deceptive figure is expected to appear before the Second Coming of Christ, playing a significant role in the end times narrative by deluding humanity and opposing God’s will.
Jewish Eschatology
Jewish eschatology encompasses beliefs about the end times and the ultimate destiny of humanity. Central to this is the concept of the Messiah (Mashiach), a future leader from the House of David who will bring about an era of peace, justice, and divine presence.
This messianic age is expected to include the ingathering of the exiled Jewish diaspora, the rebuilding of the Third Temple in Jerusalem, and the resurrection of the dead. The prophetic writings, especially those of Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel, form the foundation of these beliefs, envisioning a time when nations will live in harmony and recognize the God of Israel.
Messianism in Judaism has evolved over time, with various interpretations and expectations. Some traditions speak of two messiahs: Messiah ben Joseph, who will precede and prepare the way, and Messiah ben David, who will establish the messianic kingdom. The eschatological vision also includes the Gog and Magog War, a climactic battle that will precede the final redemption. Overall, Jewish eschatology reflects a profound hope for a future where divine justice and peace prevail.
Geopolitics and Eschatology
Western think tanks, especially those in the United States and Europe, typically adopt a more secular orientation in their approach to foreign policy and geopolitical analysis. The emphasis is often on political, economic, military, and social factors, rather than theological or eschatological ones.
Western foreign policy analysts generally prioritize pragmatic, evidence-based approaches. Theological considerations, especially those related to end times prophecies, are much less likely to explicitly influence policy recommendations or strategic analyses.
In contrast, as previously noted in the case of Russia and the influence of figures such as Alexander Dugin, there is a more explicit integration of theological concepts, including eschatological beliefs, with geopolitical strategy. Dugin insists that geopolitics cannot be properly assessed without such integration. This is particularly evident in ideologies that combine nationalism with religious identity. The Orthodox Church in Russia, for example, plays a significant role in national identity, as does religious Zionism in Israel.
Both Russia and Iran are among the anticipated belligerents in the aforementioned Gog-Magog War against Israel. Many analysts theorize that Russia will participate in this battle reluctantly, if at all. Russia’s involvement in such a conflict would likely be driven by strategic considerations rather than ideological fervor. Turkey, not Russia, is expected to lead the armies of Gog. Indeed, since the war in Gaza began, Turkey has pivoted away from NATO
It is the Twelvers’ mission to hasten the coming of the Mahdi through means of conflict and chaos. For various reasons, the Western foreign policy apparatus has been slow to come to terms with the fact that theocratic Iran is one of the most dangerous nations in the Middle East, likely due to its harsh Mahdist theology. Israel, perhaps, is just as dangerous due to its Zionist ideology.
Considering the proclivities of both Iran and Israel toward unpredictable actions and indifference to human life, it would be prudent to view both nations as existential threats to the global community.
Iran’s new hypersonic missiles purportedly can reach Tel Aviv in 400-seconds.7 You can read about the “Samson Option,” Israel’s nuclear doctrine, here.
The Prophecy of Azariah - (For Those With Ears to Hear)
Now the Spirit of God came upon Azariah son of Oded. So he went out to meet King Asa8 and said to him, ‘Listen to me, Asa, and all Judah and Benjamin.
‘The Lord is with you when you are with him. If you seek him, he will be found by you, but if you forsake him, he will forsake you.’
2 Chronicles 15:2
A solar eclipse is an example of occultation.
“But we do not want you to be uninformed, brethren, about those who are asleep, so that you will not grieve as do the rest who have no hope.” (1 Thessalonians 4:13)
Who was King Asa in the Bible? (article)