While the entire world is totally subsumed with the Covid-19 pandemic, it is likely oblivious to the continuing advance of one of the most identifiable characteristics of an endtime world—Superhumanism. We will explain further.

For now, most people are feeling bewildered, dazed and confused. They are focusing on the shrill news reporting of the here and now. Therefore, the long-term trends that define the future world will not be discernible to them. And that is not surprising, as it plays into the hands of policymakers and global elites, who will tend to regard crises opportunistically.

It would not be an exaggeration to say that various news media, the world over, well know how to boost their profits. For the most part, the success of the news media is dependent on viewership. The more eyeballs and ears that they attract, the higher the advertising rates … the greater the revenues.

Therefore, it is no surprise that in a Mammon-driven world, people’s emotions of fear will be preyed upon. Deliberate fear-mongering and over-hyped speculation become rampant.

Wherever one looks, there are worrisome reports and speculations about Covid-19 and other developments. One cannot escape without unplugging the TV and the internet.

However, one future outcome (among others) can be assured: Mankind will eventually overcome Covid-19. In fact, the worst may be already behind us.

Surely, such a view will sound speculative but not unfounded.

Modern Man has already overcome or controlled some of the world’s most virulent plagues. Consider smallpox. It was a persistent disease for centuries in Europe, Asia and the Middle East. It killed 3 out of 10 people who were infected. As of the 1500s, tragically, it killed as much as 90% of the indigenous populations in the New World.

Epidemiology, of course, didn’t come into its own until centuries later. More recently, in 1980, the World Health Organization (WHO) finally announced that smallpox had been completely eradicated from the earth.

There have been other major successes. The near eradication of polio is one such milestone this past century. Other killer diseases, while not eliminated entirely, have been controlled … i.e., cholera, Ebola, SARs. As such, our optimism will not be misplaced.

However, there is one aspect of the Covid-19 pandemic that is new: While Covid-19 is not among the greatest killer plagues in the annals of human history, it probably has had the greatest psychological impact upon humanity of all. Its psychological footprint is global, spreading fears to the four corners of the globe.

Even more significant is this: Never in world history has attention been so centered on the financial and economic aspects of a pandemic.

Fears of economic collapse … imploding stock markets … bankruptcies of airlines … etc. have been grave concerns among policymakers. Never have the economic aspects of a pandemic been so intensively analyzed and fought over.

Governments around the world pumped funds into financial markets and economies to provide income support to households … as well as stock markets. It is estimated that worldwide, more than $11 trillion in aid has been made available in various ways. How much is that? It would be equivalent to 13% of the size of the entire world economy … a gargantuan amount beyond comprehension. But that is not all: The four major central banks also pumped in over $10 trillion globally in 2020.

The result? Though economic challenges are far from over, a considerable portion of the economic impact has been reversed. That, of course, will be seen as a success.

A New World Emerges from Quarantine

Now, as the world begins to emerge from quarantines and lockdowns, what do we see? Success is in grasp. As is well known, “Success has many fathers.” There will be much to brag about for policymakers. Not only has a new virus been controlled, with death tolls now declining rapidly, but also economies are starting to surge. Already, there is a shortage of global shipping containers.

Most remarkable of all? Stock market and house prices in many regions are at new highs. Consider this statement again: The world emerges from the enormous losses of the Covid-19 pandemic, and financial markets are at all-time high levels.

How could this be? Actually, it is not surprising. We wrote an article on this exact same phenomenon in this column titled, “The Coming Glee of Great Catastrophe” (February 2006; available at eternalvalue.com). It showed the tremendous resourcefulness of a Mammon-commandeered world that will always find a way to spin a positive and prosperous story for financial markets.

All the apparent problems of the world today—for example, global aging, collapse of fertility, over-indebtedness … etc.—have contributed to booming financial markets and not crashes as most have feared. We must not forget that God sends strong delusion upon the world in the last days. Humankind loves delusion if it leads to an appearance of prosperity (real or not). We definitely are witnessing this phenomenon today.

In this vein, another claimed father of success will be the new monetary tools employed. The new policies borne of the popularized Modern Portfolio Theory (MPT) will win accolades from policymakers. Surely, MPT will be relied upon to generate prosperity in the future as well … at least until it has become overly implemented.

In the meantime, the world will become prouder.

In fact, mankind will even come to appear invincible.

The world will have survived the pandemic. It now intends to “build back better” … as it sees fit.

Pride of Achievement

The Bible says that pride precedes the fall (Proverbs 16:18). Indeed, the fall will surely come. But, we think, not quite yet. Why? Superhumanism has yet to ripen fully.

In recent times, we have been writing about Ripening Trends upon the earth (9 of these covered here to date). To us, they together provide a strong indication of the approaching Tribulation period. While the times cannot be accurately forecasted, we surely can recognize the “season” of the times.

Superhumanism is in sympathy with all of these Ripening Trends that we have reviewed to date. It will be the successes and pride of Superhumanism that will eventually lead to the demise of mankind. God Himself will intervene … in wrath.

However, until that time is reached, the successes that give rise to Superhumanism can be expected to lure the inhabitants of the world.

Herein lies the danger to all … and perhaps, most of all, to Christians. A world that makes it appear as if it is overcoming all its problems and producing ever-rising prosperity and financial wealth will attract many devotees. With trends that go so swimmingly, why be shackled by God and His laws and promises (Psalm 2:1-5)? Superhumanism will lure humans like flypaper to flies. Satan very well knows what humans like.

While stock market crashes and crises of various kinds may provide convenient opportunities to drive the construction of a one-world rule, it is Superhumanism that will pull in many willing adherents.

Interestingly, and in parallel for some time, there have been a growing number of advocates of Transhumanism. It holds the view that mankind will continue to evolve and advance … by employing new technologies, genetic engineering … etc. Some of its tenets seem otherworldly. However, what is not to be taken lightly is the advance of Superhumanism, which is unfolding before our very eyes.

In our day, we are witnessing two parallel phenomena: the development of powerful technologies and globalist policies, and at the same time, soaring human arrogance and pride. Contrary to the incessant bleatings of the doomsters—who constantly have been predicting disasters—humanity, in many ways, is actually experiencing the best of times.

When the Demise of Superhumanism?

It is our belief that mankind’s systems will be destroyed by the wrath-infused judgments and actions of God Himself during the second half of the Tribulation period.

Mankind’s systems are not likely to collapse before the second half of the Tribulation. They may become fragile and overextended—having relied much on human delusion and psychological innuendo to that point—but still function during periods of crisis.

We recall what God said of the people of Babel: “If as one people speaking the same language they have begun to do this, then nothing they plan to do will be impossible for them” (Genesis 11:6).

The inhabitants further said: “Come, let us build ourselves a city, with a tower that reaches to the heavens, so that we may make a name for ourselves; otherwise, we will be scattered over the face of the whole earth” (Genesis 11:4).

What we see is that the people of Babel were indeed successful in building their city and their tower (though admittedly not as high as heaven).

Consider the “advanced technology” that they employed in the construction of the Tower of Babel. The people of that era (living not long after the Flood) “[…] said to each other, ‘Come, let’s make bricks and bake them thoroughly.’ They used brick instead of stone, and tar for mortar.”

As such, God Himself intervened in this case by confusing their language so they could not understand each other. God sought to frustrate the advances of mankind that gave rise to pride and humanism—and to spread them out.

Points to Ponder

We see a human world of larger and larger cities, ever higher population density, and globalism—unified, smug, and intent upon constructing a world apart from God. The sins of Babel are today being replicated on a massive global scale.

In fact, organized humanity no longer thinks it needs God. Worse, the notion of even believing in the Creator God is regarded as primitive.

And so, just as God had to intervene in the days of Nimrod’s Tower of Babel, so God will intervene once again. We note here the fact that their societal collapse was triggered by an external catalyst—God!

God, therefore, responds in wrath as prophesied: “The LORD Almighty has a day in store for all the proud and lofty, for all that is exalted (and they will be humbled) […] The arrogance of man will be brought low and human pride humbled; the LORD alone will be exalted in that day, and the idols will totally disappear” (Isaiah 2:12, 17-18).

Christians, who have been given the Great Hope and are therefore saved from wrath, can be thankful for the advances and quality of life afforded today.

However, Mammon and Superhumanism are alluring. They will be difficult to resist … eventually playing a role in causing faith to run cold. Many are likely to succumb.

However, technology (and humanism) is not our strong tower. Instead: “The name of the LORD is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe” (Proverbs 18:10). “For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe” (Psalm 61:3).

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Wilfred J. Hahn is a global economist/strategist. Formerly a top-ranked global analyst, research director for a major Wall Street investment bank, and head of Canada’s largest global investment operation, his writings focus on the endtime roles of money, economics and globalization. He has been quoted around the world, and his writings reproduced in numerous other publications and languages. His 2002 book The Endtime Money Snare: How to live free accurately anticipated and prepared its readers for the Global Financial Crisis. A following book, Global Financial Apocalypse Prophesied: Preserving true riches in an age of deception and trouble, looks further into the prophetic future.

Contact Wilfred at: staff@eternalvalue.com

Truth in the Clouds

Revealingly, clouds are often mentioned in the Bible. The word cloud and its plural form is cited 149 times. We see that the Bible holds a fascination for them, repeatedly noting the critical and crucial roles that they play in life on earth and prophecy. They are wondrous. Marvels Job, “Do you know how the clouds hang poised?” (Job 37:16a).

As well, the use of clouds as literal imagery is expansive in the Bible. For example: “[…] he is coming with the clouds,’ and ‘every eye will see him, even those who pierced him’; and all peoples on earth ‘will mourn because of him […].” (Revelation 1:7). Or consider 1 Thessalonians 4:17a: “After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air.” Yes, “[…] you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Mighty One and coming on the clouds of heaven” (Mark 14:62).

Querying the specter he sees of Jews migrating to Israel in the last days, Isaiah asks, “Who are these that fly along like clouds, like doves to their nests?” (Isaiah 60:8).

To be balanced, we must also mention that clouds are frequently used to symbolize gloomy occasions. These refer to both punishment and blessing … especially so in apocalyptic verses that have yet to be fulfilled.

For example, Zephaniah says, “That day will be a day of wrath—a day of distress and anguish, a day of trouble and ruin, a day of darkness and gloom, a day of clouds and blackness” (1:15). And so, the types of clouds that waft across the endtime world during the Tribulation period are of a less auspicious sort.

Head in the Clouds

Looking ahead at global affairs, not only is the outlook cloudy, but also mankind has become totally clouded in his thinking. Mankind increasingly has his “head in the clouds.” In the very last days, humanity is smitten with delusion and fanciful thinking … without foundation … rejecting the very Creator of clouds.

Today, we would agree with the opinion that the entirety of humanity has their collective “head in the clouds” as never before in history. We will yet provide a few examples of this being the case.

Of course, the reader will know that this phrase is a type of criticism … being accused of not being realistic or rational. Christians may very well have their eyes cast toward the clouds—”[…] stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near” (Luke 21:28)—yet we remain unclouded in our doctrines, with our feet firmly on the ground.

Not so the world. Instead, their doctrines are malleable and made of mist.

A New Type of Cloud

Perhaps not coincidentally, the meaning of the word “cloud” has gone through a modernization in our day. It’s taken on new meanings. It is a similar shift as applied to the word “gay.” Where once this word had idyllic meanings, today it has been hijacked as a descriptor for sexual orientation.

Today, the word “cloud” has been borrowed by the field of IT technology—applying to digital data and computer networks. You can have your data in “the cloud” (also called the iCloud). As such, this phrase (“the cloud”) has become an important marker of our age. Consider that “cloud” technologies today have been a major driver of “global interconnectedness” and the digital capture of mankind’s activities. People no longer find it extraordinary that we now “live in the cloud.”

As the case may be, there are many movements “driven by clouds” these days. We are referring here to mankind’s space travel to Mars, or the fanciful dreams of Tesla’s founder, Elon Musk, who believes that humans will someday populate other planets.

Most prominently, we think of trends that involve a belief in unlimited technology that may foster futuristic dreams and altered realities. Here we refer to such theories as transhumanism1 (see endnote) and “dematerialization.” There is no lack of delusion here. Consider also the ideology of Cosmism (a Russian variant). We will not discuss these notions, apart from saying that those who engage in such certainly have their “heads in the clouds.”

Not surprisingly, these theories go hand in hand with occult belief systems and those that wish to entirely nullify God. Instead, they conspire to take full power and authority for humanity. They want to “do what they wilt” (this the cry of occultists) without any consequences or limitation. This is “clouded thinking,” of course, as the created world has its boundaries and limits. Everyone must acknowledge this; it is a sign of the times, we believe. There is a broad abandonment of common sense and facts, instead believing in the ridiculous. We identify many recent trends and developments that ultimately will give “birth to wind” (Isaiah 26:18). There is an accelerating number of beliefs, values, and future expectations for mankind worldwide that are entirely decoupled from foundations, evidence, and sustainability.

Humanity is intent on making his own reality … his own future. This is a choice of mankind that the Bible foretells. The nations wish to rebel. They want to go their own way (Psalm 2:3). And the chief adversary is pursuing the same objective. He says: “I will ascend above the tops of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High” (Isaiah 14:14).

In that sense, the “footloose and fancy-free” rebellion that we are witnessing today is a “sign of the times.” Let’s consider a few such examples of collective global humanity having their heads in the clouds.

1. Modern Monetary Theory: We have written about this newish theory several times in the past (most recently, in the January issue). It is not a new idea … just an old one in new garb. One of the most licentious tenets of this new policy is the idea that debt (government debt, primarily) can be increased virtually without limit (given certain conditions). Politicians and policymakers will be eager to boost spending and budget deficits. But who would doubt that debt increases will have consequences? To think otherwise is to be clouded. This writer would not be surprised if a massive inflationary spiral unfolds in the Tribulation period, which leads to the conditions of exorbitant wine prices and basic items of sustenance (barley) becoming unaffordable (Revelation 6:6).
2. Ex Nihilo—Cryptocurrencies: This new form of currency has become all the rage among speculating investors. Little more than a decade ago, this digital currency type did not exist. Bitcoin, the best-known crypto, was the first to launch in 2009. Just what are these cryptocurrencies comprised of, really? What purpose do they serve? Most will be stumped to find an answer … including financial professionals. Cryptocurrencies do not exist in physical form (like paper money). Many have no connection to a bank account, and typically are not issued by a central authority.

In this writer’s view, cryptocurrencies and their various derivations are basically speculative vehicles that should not be called currencies. Nevertheless, their value has boomed on crypto exchanges far beyond comprehension. Recently, the Financial Times2 reported that the value of outstanding digital securities reached 1,000 times the estimated value of the entire world’s wealth. Is this real? Hardly. Speculators have their heads in a cloud.

3. Financial Wealth at All-Time High. Primarily due to the massive monetary interventions of the world’s major central banks (due to sluggish economic growth worldwide and the negative economic effects of the Covid-19 pandemic), interest rates around the world have tumbled to all-time lows. In fact, most of the world’s government bonds yield a negative interest rate. This, in turn, has led to soaring stock markets … and somewhat more selectively, real estate prices are also rising to the surprise of many. Valuations are now probably the most extreme in modern financial history. There are no foundations or stable reference points to be found. They are all floating in the clouds somewhere.
4. Falling Fertility Rates. As is well known, human fertility rates continue to decline rapidly around the globe. These are at a record low in many countries. It is the new wisdom that population growth must decline to save the world. With respect to declining population growth, few are worried. Why? They believe that financial markets will miraculously yield enough investment income and gains so that pensions and personal savings will be sufficient to maintain reasonable lifestyles for the world’s future retirees. This is unlikely, of course. All the natural laws of creation would first need to be repealed before this can happen.

Nonetheless, policymakers wish to defer this grim outcome if at all possible. To do so, a Ponzi-like program must be pursued. Here again, we have an example of a belief of mankind that leads to a great, self-driven disaster. Again, it reveals an instance where mankind believes that he can slip the bounds of creation. Put simply, if humans stop having children, there can be no such thing as a comfortable retirement for all. It is impossible. All the same, policymakers are inflating financial asset values to hoodwink and delay the ultimate outcomes. This is already unfolding. Nevertheless, there will come a point where the clouds will lift, and policymakers will realize that real wealth cannot be found in the clouds.

Thoughts to Ponder

We have only scratched the surface in our list of “clouded” and “head in the clouds” thinking. With respect to clouds, just what is the weather forecast?

The world may think it is on Cloud Nine today. But in reality, it is unhinged and without moorings. While the world constructs its “cloud in the sky” of global data and electronic networks, we are to keep watching for our Lord, who is coming in the clouds.

According to Isaiah 55:8-9, humanity’s thoughts are not God’s thoughts: “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,’ declares the LORD. ‘As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”

While the world continues to unfetter its chains and deny the Creator, what are we commanded to do? “[…] Since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us” (Hebrews 12:1).

We have the blessed hope.

Says Apostle Paul: “[…] we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so, we will be with the Lord forever” (1 Thessalonians 4:17).

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Wilfred J. Hahn is a global economist/strategist. Formerly a top-ranked global analyst, research director for a major Wall Street investment bank, and head of Canada’s largest global investment operation, his writings focus on the endtime roles of money, economics and globalization. He has been quoted around the world, and his writings reproduced in numerous other publications and languages. His 2002 book The Endtime Money Snare: How to live free accurately anticipated and prepared its readers for the Global Financial Crisis. A following book, Global Financial Apocalypse Prophesied: Preserving true riches in an age of deception and trouble, looks further into the prophetic future.

Contact Wilfred at: staff@eternalvalue.com

1 The belief or theory that the human race can evolve beyond its current physical and mental limitations, especially by means of science and technology.

2 “Crypto finally becomes bigger than … the world.” The Financial Times, January 15, 2021.