2012, The Antichrist and The Second Coming

Is the dark shadow of the 'Antichrist' looming? Is the specter here already? Is the earth preparing for the second coming of the Christ? Both of these theories have been voiced by psychics, sages, religious groups and ordinary people going through near death experiences. The apocalyptic sense of upheaval commonly experienced today, through successive waves of panic, trauma and menace - combined with the instantaneity of communications - has left human consciousness in a pre-tensile state of anticipation.

So what is the reality? In order to understand the question of the 'second coming' - or of the arrival of the Antichrist - we have to look at things in a Christian context. The most global or cosmic context is given by the gospel of St John. There are two very significant indicators here concerning recognition. Firstly, there is oft-depicted scene where Jesus informs the disciples that one of them will betray him. 'Who is it?' they clamor to know. The question of identification is uppermost in their minds. Even though Jesus indicates by his actions who it is, the disciples are unable to understand. At that moment 'Satan' enters into Judas who then leaves the room.

The second question of recognition concerns the divinity of Christ. The disciple Philip says to him, 'Lord, show us the Father and it is enough for us'. Jesus replies with a question: 'Have I been with you all for such a long time and you have not recognized me?' He rebukes them gently for not seeing that the Father is in him. Thus in the context of one sequence in this essential Christian document there are two questions of recognition. The one about recognizing the divine is of course far greater. The other, concerning the betrayer, ends with Judas sloping off into the night, possessed by a demonic intent. In both instances the disciples are not awake enough to make the identification.

I believe that in the discussion of Christ/Antichrist the same question of identification comes down to us today. (You can use your own terms, according to your particular background or beliefs.) In the gospel Christ makes it clear that the principle of recognition is a matter of consciousness, of being awake. The recognition of the divine represents a new or heightened consciousness. The decision to oppose or betray requires a diminution of consciousness, an opening up to the demonic. The demonic demands physical entrance. The divine requires a non-physical acceptance of its own element.

From this it seems clear to me that we would be very dull in our senses or apprehension if we expected a second coming on the physical plane. On the other hand it is also apparent that the counterforce, the demonic, is constantly trying to infiltrate itself into physical thought and action. The two forces are diametrically opposed. The second one is like the force of gravity. The first is its opposite - the force which attracts life upwards. It doesn't cajole, or attack or persuade - it just asks you to see, to recognize. It precisely doesn't need a physical form.

When the light is strongest the shadow is darkest. The second coming is an overwhelming inner sense of the way forward, of the validity of existence and the permanence of the inner being. Those things are the answer to the trauma and panic of our times. The light of the world is present in us and around us now. Its menacing counterpart, the dark shadow, is also stalking the earth, urging itself into physical manifestation. The brighter the light shines, the harder the shadow becomes until it is there - walking among us. Again it's a question of recognition: Satan went out the door with Judas but he comes back in again in his own form.

We may expect to see him as an 'Antichrist'. But isn't this looking too far from home? Isn't he present in a more immediate way? He is. He is present in the forces which are anti-Christ in us. Thus he is present particularly in hatred and vengeance. When we give way to hatred and vengeance we are anti-christ. These are not merely feelings - they are forms of possession. And the possession grows rapidly more present in our 'apocalyptic' times. Love and forgiveness are the opposites of course.

An actual incarnation of the Antichrist? Perhaps. Who and when? Well, to know the sun is to know the shadow. Learn the form, the being, the deeds of the Light - recognize them truly, come to them in yourself - and you will be in no doubt about the identity of evil: in yourself and in the world, in human shape.

Best wishes, today,
Jay Landar

Jay Landar is a poet, author and storyteller. He lives and works in Kilkenny, Ireland. Landar is the author of a number of books. He works extensively in schools, arts centres and community venues as a teacher and communicator - and with particular pleasure as a storyteller. With long experience in the areas of inner development, meditation and spirituality, Landar has created unique resources of poetic wisdom and insight. These beautifully crafted works are available to everyone through his websites PageLight and Light on the Page. Contact details can be found on those sites - Jay Landar is always ready to respond to questions or to provide information on a variety of subjects. He would be particularly delighted to hear your comments on the articles here in Ezine!

http://pagelight.blogspot.com/

http://lightonthepage.com/

http://EzineArticles.com/6492458

News Bias More Common Online

In the past, television and printed news was measured by its ability to present the facts as plainly as possible. By suppressing the views of journalists, it was easier for the public to hear about events and form their own conclusions. While this practice definitely made for interesting dinner conversations, if a media house were to attempt such a thing today it would not hold the attention of viewers for very long. Put simply, the times have changed. People want to interact with commentators and hear the opinions of others as events unfold. Given the fact that people also have a tendency to listen more to those they agree with, it's not surprising that bias is what helps ensure that news sites have regular readers.

If you take a look at how people respond to top news, the combination of sensationalism and in-depth analysis has proven to be an effective one. With the recent popularity of blogs and blogging, readers initially started turning to these writers to read both trending news and viewer comments. Different paradigms appealed to different individuals and the rest was history. Popular news sites and print news organizations have simply caught on to what draws readers in and started incorporating it into their own reporting.

While this state of events definitely has its good points, these relatively recent changes do have their negative aspects. For one thing, since objectivity doesn't have the kind of value that it used to, most sites will try to trade on how quickly they can get the facts out. As a result, news outlets are often so busy trying to break the story first that they don't always properly source their information and journalists can become unethical in their practices. What this means for "old-school" readers is that it's a lot harder to receive lean and fact-based reporting. This might not matter much to you, but it's something that can and does bother some people.

Bias in news reporting can also be a good thing. There are some writers who have a talent for helping you look at things from a different perspective. Though pretty much anybody can string together a few words it takes something more than that to really communicate with other people. Adding the internet and blogging to the equation has opened up lots of opportunities for these talented individuals. Embracing the human tendency to receive information and comment on it allows all kinds of individuals to experience the news together. Perhaps that explains the popularity of bias. It helps reveal personality.

People can easily detect bias in their online news sites by comparing the reporting of breaking news stories. When a story breaks, open two browsers. Point each browser to a different story. Then compare. You'll be surprised at what you find.

http://EzineArticles.com/6498195

Social Science Experiment Is Over

Somewhere along the way we lost ourselves. We no longer demanded that you act responsibly, work and civilly participate in society.

No One to Blame but Ourselves

We looked the other way, selfishly enjoying ourselves, while ignoring our responsibilities to parent and teach. We didn't set expectations for those dependent on us and attempt to manage the results. We needed to instill core family values and discipline them, instead, we threw money at problems and poverty and went our merry way. You see it is much harder to do the tough work to form behaviors than to buy them and our conscious off.

We gave things without requiring anything for it. They had no skin in the game, why are we surprised they feel entitled?

Different kind of Ellis Island

We also compounded our problems with newer immigrants.

What a difference a generation makes! When millions flocked to our shores for a better life, they toiled hard at work and even harder at becoming Americans. They learned the language and assimilated quickly. It was not an abdication of who they were, they still practice their customs and cultures, but realized and desired to be a part of something bigger - AMERICA! Their contributions are legendary and a reason prospered into a beacon for the underclass around the world.

Newcomers to America are accommodated to such a large degree that they have no incentive to learn English and integrate into our society and culture. Thinking we'd make it easier for them led to neighborhoods filled with signage in other languages and children unable to learn in school because they didn't know English, resulting in tremendous disaffection. (Interestingly, Arizona, now maligned for its immigration policy, actually mandated that children be taught in their native language and 'imported' Spanish speaking teachers from Mexico! It proved to be a colossal failure as Spanish speaking children performed even more poorly.)

Disastrous Results

This disaffection and resentment manifested itself in many ways but some recent events like the riots in England are ringing alarm bells. In short, we need to turn course quickly in order to have a chance at changing the tide.

In order for a democracy to survive and prosper it needs the far majority of its people participating. We cannot have the outrageous amounts of folks we have now living off the government! Fiscal disaster that it is, it is just not sustainable for democracy.

We must make the distinction between those who are unable to take care of themselves and those who are simply unwilling. Safety nets for legitimate, verifiable reasons should be maintained. Other programs dealing with poverty must be managed with an eye to outcomes. If it does not change behavior, leading to independence, it should be changed until it does. If you get something (Sickness and aged etc aside) from the government or society you should be required to do something. Is there a legitimate reason, that those getting a year or two of unemployment checks not be required to gain a new skill to be employed (or clean a park?) as a condition of getting the check?

Nothing less than the very fabric of our society is at stake. We need ideas and action now!

http://EzineArticles.com/6498713