Naomi Wolf published a substack recently that has gained a fair amount of attention. Drawing on the ideas of Jonathan Cahn, a Messianic Jewish minister, Wolf asks this provocative question: Have the Ancient Gods Returned? Here’s what’s behnd this question. The idea that there was only one actual God, YHWH, was a relatively late development is Israelite religion. YHWH was the tutelary deity of Israel, his chosen nation, but other gods existed, too. Typically, events in the world were construed as a reflection of warfare among the gods. When Moses led Israel through the Red Sea, while the Egyptians were drowned, that was an earthly reflection of YHWH kicking the butts of the gods of the Egyptians. Likewise, when a plague killed off the Assyrian army, that was YHWH defeating the gods of the Assyrians. This notion survived into Christian times, under different forms. For example, readers of the early Christian writings may be puzzled by references to “thrones and dominations, powers and principalities, elements” and so forth. These are the “ancient gods”, now seen as demonic forces.
At least Ba'al and Moloch only demanded that their adherents sacrifice their children's lives. Their 21st century American descendants demand that their child sacrifices be forced to live an ahuman existence after having their sexual organs mutilated/removed.
Naomi Wolf is a woman for such a time as this. Her extraordinary evolution from liberal, feminist, pro-abortion Yale elite to her current-but-still-evolving status as champion for our right not to be genetically modified to shorten our lives and damage women’s fertility is really amazing. She’s very Jewish, but revealed on a recent interview by Eric Metaxas, that she had a life-altering encounter with Jesus. It’s absolutely fascinating to watch her try to find words to describe what he and the experience was like. She is still unwilling to say that he is God, but as I said, she’s still evolving. Aren’t we all.
Although I haven't read Naomi Wolf's entire article (only the portions Mark has offered here), I believe that the first step down the slippery slope to Hell we find ourselves hurtling down was the victory of Madeline Murray O'Hare over prayer in schools.
What was that piece of wisdom that the valiant and steadfast Mother Superior, in the Sound of Music movie, offered to Maria, that “when the Lord closes a door, somewhere he opens a window?” I think something like that happened here!
“When for example Victoria Nuland talks about that at the very least we [the US] want Crimea to be demilitarized, I find myself standing there and wondering, how on earth does that happen?" - Keir Simmons, NBC reporter from the Crimea. The whole article is at ZHedge. The Lord works in mysterious ways!
I read this when it was posted and I thought it was a very powerful argument that stands on present-day evidence for Jews and Christians alike, whatever their denominations, apart from the theological disparities that exist between them. From a Christian perspective, if you believe in the literalness of the New Testament, you must believe that "our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." (Ephesians 6:12) Thanks for addressing this Mark.
Indeed, America and all of Western civilization needs a Judeo/Christian revival. We no longer have any standards of behavior. Situational ethics are no ethics at all.
Credenda, thank you very much for mentioning the paganism that has re-emerged in the Baltic states. I was not aware of this and just did some quick Internet research that sadly verifies what you have said. Our pastor just accepted a call to Latvia. It is comforting to know that even though his loss will be keenly felt to us he will fill a pressing need in Latvia.
"so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him." (Hebrews 9:28)
The convergence of world events is propelling us ever closer to this precipice, The Last Reich (led by the false messiah, the antichrist) which will (and seems to be) arise(ing) but will ultimately be crushed at Jesus’s return and the establishment of His millennial rule from Jerusalem. Jesus’s Kingdom is referred to by messianic Rabbi Baruch Korman as Kingdom 1335 (based on Daniel 12:12…. “Blessed is he who waits, and comes to the 1,335 days.)
This is an interesting evangelical take on biblical eschatology.
The demons are dancing in our streets, in front of our children. But our God is greater. We must remain vigilant, especially those of us who work with His precious children.
Not only vigilant but righteous and actively defiant of evil.
"The one who does what is sinful is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work." (1 John 3:8)
"Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand." (Ephesians 6:13).
Holly Wow! I've been saying that distancing religion from education makes teaching our founding nearly impossible as it's ground work emanates from Judeo/Christian values. It doesn't mean to proselytize but at minimum an understanding of why these basics must be observed to maintain the Society. You can do your will at your house but entering the public square, in order to maintain the square, these must be practiced or the Society fails. You can't separate the Church and State at that level, it's what the foundation is poured from.
At least Ba'al and Moloch only demanded that their adherents sacrifice their children's lives. Their 21st century American descendants demand that their child sacrifices be forced to live an ahuman existence after having their sexual organs mutilated/removed.
Naomi Wolf is a woman for such a time as this. Her extraordinary evolution from liberal, feminist, pro-abortion Yale elite to her current-but-still-evolving status as champion for our right not to be genetically modified to shorten our lives and damage women’s fertility is really amazing. She’s very Jewish, but revealed on a recent interview by Eric Metaxas, that she had a life-altering encounter with Jesus. It’s absolutely fascinating to watch her try to find words to describe what he and the experience was like. She is still unwilling to say that he is God, but as I said, she’s still evolving. Aren’t we all.
https://www.resilience.org/stories/2013-12-26/a-christmas-speculation/
I think this is the most important newsletter you’ve ever written Mr. Wauck. Thank you.
Thanks, Bill.
https://www.newoxfordreview.org/documents/is-america-under-divine-interdict/
Just stumbled on this piece from Esolen, and it ties in exactly with your post from Wolf and the discussion. He really knocks it out of the park!
https://amgreatness.com/2023/03/02/are-we-a-population-or-a-people/
Simple yet profound point. A population is just a herd to be led.
Although I haven't read Naomi Wolf's entire article (only the portions Mark has offered here), I believe that the first step down the slippery slope to Hell we find ourselves hurtling down was the victory of Madeline Murray O'Hare over prayer in schools.
I think ML's link to the Esolen article expands on this point.
What was that piece of wisdom that the valiant and steadfast Mother Superior, in the Sound of Music movie, offered to Maria, that “when the Lord closes a door, somewhere he opens a window?” I think something like that happened here!
“When for example Victoria Nuland talks about that at the very least we [the US] want Crimea to be demilitarized, I find myself standing there and wondering, how on earth does that happen?" - Keir Simmons, NBC reporter from the Crimea. The whole article is at ZHedge. The Lord works in mysterious ways!
I read this when it was posted and I thought it was a very powerful argument that stands on present-day evidence for Jews and Christians alike, whatever their denominations, apart from the theological disparities that exist between them. From a Christian perspective, if you believe in the literalness of the New Testament, you must believe that "our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." (Ephesians 6:12) Thanks for addressing this Mark.
We are out on a limb and sawing furiously.
Indeed, America and all of Western civilization needs a Judeo/Christian revival. We no longer have any standards of behavior. Situational ethics are no ethics at all.
Credenda, thank you very much for mentioning the paganism that has re-emerged in the Baltic states. I was not aware of this and just did some quick Internet research that sadly verifies what you have said. Our pastor just accepted a call to Latvia. It is comforting to know that even though his loss will be keenly felt to us he will fill a pressing need in Latvia.
"so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him." (Hebrews 9:28)
The convergence of world events is propelling us ever closer to this precipice, The Last Reich (led by the false messiah, the antichrist) which will (and seems to be) arise(ing) but will ultimately be crushed at Jesus’s return and the establishment of His millennial rule from Jerusalem. Jesus’s Kingdom is referred to by messianic Rabbi Baruch Korman as Kingdom 1335 (based on Daniel 12:12…. “Blessed is he who waits, and comes to the 1,335 days.)
This is an interesting evangelical take on biblical eschatology.
https://subspla.sh/cxtjzwg
Were she still alive, Solange Hertz would have already been on that FBI list long ago.
Hertz posits worse for the founding of the US than Naomi, but the latter seems to be heading in the same direction.
An interesting read, Mark, is The Star-Spangled Heresy: Americanism if you haven't come across it already.
The demons are dancing in our streets, in front of our children. But our God is greater. We must remain vigilant, especially those of us who work with His precious children.
Not only vigilant but righteous and actively defiant of evil.
"The one who does what is sinful is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work." (1 John 3:8)
"Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand." (Ephesians 6:13).
Reading (listening to) Cahn's book now. Also listened to him on a couple of podcasts on The Tipping Point Substack newsletter. Fascinating stuff.
I've been a student of the Bible for over 40 years, since I was saved in 1981. Had never considered what Mr. Cahn presents in his book.
Holly Wow! I've been saying that distancing religion from education makes teaching our founding nearly impossible as it's ground work emanates from Judeo/Christian values. It doesn't mean to proselytize but at minimum an understanding of why these basics must be observed to maintain the Society. You can do your will at your house but entering the public square, in order to maintain the square, these must be practiced or the Society fails. You can't separate the Church and State at that level, it's what the foundation is poured from.