Endtime Jamming of the Mind’s Bandwidth-Part III :: By Wilfred Hahn

Less Understanding in an Age of Knowledge

Sociologists and anthropologists today talk about an advanced age of knowledge and technology… the emergence of the Age of the Anthropocene. By that, they mean we are living in an epoch where planet Earth is now under the control of humankind. In the 1990s, these notions started to become very popular, as Wall Street and its cousins around the world fanned up a massive technology investment boom.

Anything to do with information—information technology (IT), the Internet, computer software, intellectual property rights, patents… etc.,—became sought-after investments. Then came the stock market bust. The share values of many of the companies in these fields crashed to fractions of their highs. Some disappeared. However (as is usually the case with new technologies), while some shareholders may end up being wiped out, technology itself—i.e., “the technological “know-how”—does not bust. It carries on.

Hardly a decade later, a new technology boom began, only this time its focus was upon smartphones and data related applications… “Big Data” as it came to be called. Social Media took off (i.e. Facebook), and so did the smartphone, particularly the Apple iPhone. Seen overall, the smartphone proved to be the most rapidly adopted consumer device ever in history.

As a result, more and more of the world’s population is interlinked through the supporting data networks than ever before. (Please see the first two articles in this series for further background.)

These new technologies and powerful information networks that have emerged have radically changed the focus and mindset of the world. We wager to say that many of these new technologies and networks are surely facilitating key endtime trends such as worldwide interconnection, and a world convergence in other key respects—ideologies of consumerism, humanism, ecumenicism and narcissism. In fact, we have called the smartphone “the end of technology,” as no more technology developments are required for all prophetic Scriptures to be fulfilled… every “jot and tittle” (Matthew 5:18).

All technological inventions today produce data—reams of it. In fact, so much so that it is virtually impossible to measure.

And Knowledge Shall Increase?

Information has been booming in recent decades, as studies show. The School for Information Systems and Management at the University of California, Berkeley, at one time produced studies that estimated the amount and growth of information in the world. Back in October of 2003, they provided their findings for the end of 2002. They estimated that so much information was produced worldwide that year, that it would amount to 30 feet of books for each person living on earth.

According to their research, this represented an increase of total information in the world of 30% in one year (a similar rate to that of previous years). At that pace, total information ever existing in the world would double every 3 years.

Researchers measure information in terms of what are called exabytes—an electronic storage unit. To get a sense of the scale of this unit, consider that one typical typewritten page would amount to approximately 2,000 bytes. The number of bytes in one exabyte would require 18 zeros. This number is so large it is difficult to conceive.

According to the study’s estimate, all the words spoken by all human beings that ever lived would amount to 5 exabytes of information. Interestingly, for the three-year period surveyed by the above-mentioned report, total recorded information increased by 5.4 exabytes… in other words, by more than all the words ever spoken in human creation.

How quaint these estimates now appear in retrospect. In 2007, in an update of this report, the university study group estimated that more than 295 exabytes of data had been recorded or stored by humankind, far more than they had predicted. The reader by now will agree that the boom in data during our time is beyond conception.

The Bible’s View on Knowledge

No doubt, information is booming. As such, some Bible prophecy experts make the case that the data and knowledge explosion being witnessed today represents the fulfillment of a specific prophecy. They refer to Daniel 12:4: “But you, Daniel, close up and seal the words of the scroll until the time of the end. Many will go here and there to increase knowledge.” They often equate the increase in knowledge with the explosion of data and information.

But is this digital information anything more than just data? Is there much knowledge to be found today? Has there really been a boom in knowledge? What is the state of knowledge in the world today?

These are questions worth investigating. To do so, we must consult the Bible.

The Bible has the first and last word on knowledge. Let us take a moment to dwell on this concept. Says the Bible: “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge. There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard. Their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world” (Psalm 19:1-4).

Knowledge has always existed. It has never changed, and finds its complete genesis in God and His physical creation. Knowledge of eternal significance concerns the knowledge of God and His purposes. The only thing that has changed is man’s understanding, and more importantly, mankind’s willingness to understand. And, understanding begins with the recognition of God’s sovereignty and truth, says the Bible. “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction” (Proverbs 1:7).

Scripture allows us no excuse for lacking this type of knowledge. All of creation points to God. “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse” (Romans 1:20).

Here we clearly see that knowledge is the foundational information that matters for eternity.

Prophecy: Words on Knowledge

Is an endtime boom in knowledge prophesied in the Bible? Bible prophecy may indeed provide some insights on the phenomenon of an endtime information boom. However, as we shall see, rather than prophesying a rise in knowledge, it is a boom in ignorance that will mark an endtime world.

An increase in information—trivia, distractions and cares of this world—is definitely in alignment with the last days. As we have reviewed before, information—the vast, vast preponderance of which is trivia or meaningless data—has boomed.

Some also infer from this verse that not only will knowledge increase, but also travel. For a number of reasons, it is not likely that this text refers to such phenomena at all. In the first instance, it would be difficult to conclude that this passage refers to more knowledge in the form of new revelation. Here the original word used for “knowledge” is more aptly defined as the “act of knowing.”

In this sense, it is not knowledge that increases but rather the knowing of it. Also significant is the fact that this statement is mentioned right after the point that Daniel is instructed to “seal up the words.” As such, this would indicate that the explanation of the vision Daniel received is closed until such time that “knowing” would unlock its message. We are safer to interpret this passage as referring to an increase in understanding of historical prophecy and Scripture, not an increase of knowledge in its original sense.

Probably the most convincing argument is that, since all of Daniel’s prophecies are concerned with the object of the Jewish people and their future, the statement applies purely to them. Just as the Scripture, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge” (Hosea 4:6) is expressly spoken to the Jews, so Daniel’s prophecy of an increase of knowledge likely only applies to the Jews. The word “knowledge” here does not refer to technical and scientific information, but rather to the knowing of God’s plan and His laws.

The prophets had often castigated the Hebrews for their lack of knowledge. “[Israel’s] watchmen are blind; they all lack knowledge,” said Isaiah (56:10a). Hosea confirms that the knowledge being lacked refers to the ignorance of God and His laws. “Because you have rejected knowledge, I also reject you as my priests; because you have ignored the law of your God, I also will ignore your children” (Hosea 4:6).

During the last days, the Jewish people will again come to an increasing understanding of their destiny and purpose. Finally, at the end of the Great Tribulation, a remnant will arrive at a full understanding. “Then I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will lead you with knowledge and understanding. In those days, when your numbers have increased greatly in the land, declares the LORD…” (Jeremiah 3:15-16).

Today’s boom in technology and science certainly provides evidence of increased understanding (and in that sense, a body of human knowledge). However, this phenomenon would not qualify as the meaning of the prophecy of increased knowledge. If anything, the Bible much more clearly talks about increasing ignorance and forsaking of knowledge.

Points to Ponder

Information is flooding the world—technology, entertainment and media, communications networks …etc. Yet, interestingly, scientists claim that the amount of data we have today in the world is still less than 1% of the information stored in all the DNA molecules of a single human being.

Also, this study surmised that all the computational power of all general-purpose computers in the world would still be less than that generated by nerve impulses executed by a single human being.

Consider how great God is shown to be in these comparisons. What God has created, moreover, is real knowledge and real information… real knowing. It is not a random pile of meaningless statistical noise. It represents true knowledge – the knowing of God’s cosmic plans. Human-derived data may have its uses, but for the most part it consists of trivia.

If anything, today’s information boom is an assault upon knowledge—a distraction to its recognition and understanding. It is this aspect that finds alignment with Bible prophecy, and applies to the entire world. Scripture clearly indicates that in the last days people would be taken up with the cares and anxieties of the world and its things (2 Timothy 3:1-5; James 5:1-5). It clearly is a world that is distracted and far from knowing and fearing God.

Despite this mind-jamming and diversionary onslaught, true knowledge is there for the knowing by anyone. We are given the ability to discern and to acknowledge it, and to willingly respond. The Bible calls this ability prudence and wisdom. It is given to both Jews and Gentiles, and is operative in both the old and new covenants.

The truths of eternity and God’s plan for the cosmos and salvation remain secure. God preserves knowledge… it does not change. “The eyes of the LORD keep watch over knowledge, but he frustrates the words of the unfaithful” (Proverbs 22:12).

There is another prophetic aspect of today’s information explosion that speaks to us living in the Western world. It is significant that information is expanding and more accessible than ever before in these last days. Even though we live in an age of institutionalized corruption and deception, anyone wishing to pursue truth can do so as perhaps never before. Key, crucial facts are all found in the public domain today—a surprising amount available free over the Internet from even the remotest parts of the earth.

When this cosmos finally wraps up and humanity sits in front of the Judgment Seat, there will be no excuse for the world not to have recognized the signs of the times… the season of Christ’s soon-coming return. There won’t be any clemency offered to the pleas of involuntary delusion, blindness, misinformation, and organized agendas of deception. The information was available all around. There will be no excuse for not being able to recognize the season of Christ’s soon-coming return.

Its interpretation is unlocked by the messages and warnings found in God’s informational database—the Bible. This information too has been more available than ever before (ignoring some of its corrupted versions), and its gospels more broadly accessible to the average person… to even lambs and the simple-minded. After all, the world’s population has more literacy skills than ever in history, and the Bible is available in more forms (electronic text, recordings, printed … etc.) than ever before.

Moreover, understanding the most important truths of the Bible doesn’t require theological training, mysticism, allegorizing, ordainment, an ecclesiastical intermediary, secret revelation, or knowledge of what certain theologians or early fathers may have said. The Bible says what it says, and God knows how to say what He means. “You do not need anyone to teach you” other than the Holy Spirit (1 John 2:27). If it were otherwise, the very character of God would be in question.

The Psalmist had this prayer: “Do good to your servant according to your word, O LORD. Teach me knowledge and good judgment, for I believe in your commands” (Psalm 119:65-66). We can be sure that the knowledge of God will never disappear.

Says Isaiah, “They will neither harm nor destroy on all my holy mountain, for the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the LORD as the waters cover the sea” (Isaiah 11:9).

May we increase in knowledge and understanding of the Lord in these very last days.

About the Author: 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. You can contact him at staff@eternalvalue.com.

Endtime Jamming of the Mind’s Bandwidth: Part II: By Wilfred Hahn

Media

Without question, the mind of modern-day mankind is under devastating assault. We will continue to briefly investigate some of these tactics in order to document our claim. The attacks and incursions upon the human mind are increasing as likely never before. Moreover, a global communications machinery has rapidly taken form that will play a pivotal role in enabling the Antichrist and the Beast to deceive the world with the voice of one ventriloquist.

We continue with a review of developments that serve to “jam” the bandwidth of people’s minds today.

  1. Amusement and Media Share. Just how much media (TV, radio, etc.) does the average person consume in North America? When we first researched this topic nearly 20 years ago, the average person in North America was watching and listening to media 3,491 hours a year, or approximately nine and one-half hours per day (2000).1 This would include the use of personal computers, multimedia devices, video games, radios, DVDs, DVRs and TVs.

If one assumes that the average person sleeps 8 hours each day, this statistic suggested that as much as a staggering 60% of a person’s waking hours were being jammed with “share of mind” products. We were also aghast to discover the rapidity of this invasion. Another study of that time measured the hours spent upon television, cable networks, internet, recorded music and movie theatres in 2002, concluding that media consumption of these categories had risen 30% since 1977.2

That was then. What about today? Enter the smartphone and other media devices. Consumption has continued to increase markedly. According to eMarketer, in 2010, the average American adult consumed media 10 hours and 26 minutes per day (up 9% from 2000). The most recent survey for 2018 by eMarketer shows consumption rising even further, to 12 hours and 8 minutes per day! What would be the consequence of 75% of one’s waking hours being taken up with media of some type? In fact, according to a recent survey,3 45% of teens say that they are online almost constantly (this estimated to be double the time of 3 years ago).

It would not be an inappropriate generalization to conclude that most of the time being spent in media consumption is focused upon trivial pursuits and entertainment. Of course, one can use media for very worthwhile purposes… study, communications utility… yes, watching sermons and even some wholesome entertainment can be of value, too. But with so much distraction, most of it with questionable content, what room is there for applying our minds to the important things of life…our purpose…worshiping…studying Scripture?

This explosion of media consumption has its parallel trend in financial markets. The stocks of media companies and those offering internet services (including smartphones) have boomed in value. The so-called FANG stocks, an acronym for just four high-performing technology stocks (Facebook, Amazon, Netflix and Google, now Alphabet, Inc.) have risen to some $2 trillion in value and near 50% of the value of the S&P 500.

What does this frenzied boom in mind-jamming services signify (with the possible exception of Amazon, although even they have their own media-streaming services)? Why should 75% mindshare of people’s waking hours be required? Is it accidental… coincidental? Does it align with prophecy?

  1. News & Information Content. We all rely on information as we form opinions and decide matters of truth. But opinions and truth are dependent on the source of information. The vast majority of people rely upon the mass media for their news information—the same large media behemoths mentioned earlier, as well as independent digital providers.

Today, despite the many new technologies and media devices, Americans still get most of their news from television. According to a recent poll, 57% of American adults get their news primarily from TV.4 Likely, younger generations will favor digital sources.

But what of the quality of the news? Actually, what is identified as popular news programming today amounts to little more than entertainment. The newscasters tend to be aesthetically pleasing with movie-star good-looks and makeup. Much news content is pure trivia, Hollywood output, and updates on the rich and famous. Real news that affects the heart and souls of mankind—past, present and future—receives scant mention.

As well, balanced international news continues to shrink from the public domain, even during these times of increasing geopolitical tension and anti-terrorism activities. What international news does catch the eye of mass media channels is either superficial or selected for its entertainment or propaganda value.

The result is that the average person’s mind is bombarded with entertaining images and populist messages. With that kind of informational diet, the mind loses its alertness; its ability to discern truth from fiction; to see and recognize the signs of the times.

“So let us not be like the others, but let us be alert and self-controlled” (1 Thessalonians 5:6-7). Fewer and fewer people today have the ability to test and approve what God’s will and plans are. Moreover, Jesus Christ counseled His followers to be alert and to watch. How many find the time and focus to do so today?

  1. Booming Advertising Exposure. It is estimated that the average American is subjected to some 4,000 advertising messages every day. It may be less, or more. Another survey estimated this figure to be 6,000. Whatever, it remains the case, as one writer puts it, that “The entire system is saturated by a hyper-commercialism, a veritable commercial carpet-bombing of every aspect of human life.”5

Quoting liberally from an article carried in Business Journal,6 here are a few indicative statistics about some sources of advertising:

  • TV news: According to MediaPost, in 2013, the average TV channel carried 48 ads per hour.
  • Drive-time radio: On average, American commuters drive about 15 miles each way daily, for a total of about 46 minutes. Commercials amounted to about 20 per hour.
  • TV dramas/reality TV: According to Quora, programming runs 41 to 48 minutes on network TV. This translates to about 15 minutes of commercials per hour.
  • Surfing the internet: According to a Huffington Post article, the average internet user gets 11,150 ads per month.

We have only covered a smattering of ad sources. Without a doubt, advertisers are competing for our attention, in the process jamming our mindshare.

Increasingly, as well, advertisers try to link their products with “values.” This advertising is so effective that a simple logo eventually carries a sophisticated meaning. Youth culture is particularly adept at this type of sign language. By wearing a certain brand-name t-shirt, they demonstrate membership in a specific clique or show that they identify with a certain worldview.

The culture of advertising is also a recent phenomenon. While advertising has been around since the dawn of time, it is only following World War II that the hyper-consumerist culture began in America. Advertising spending per person in the US since the late 1940s (measured in 2007 dollars) has risen more than 6 times.

Clearly, the cares of this world have become the focus of most people. Like the pagans, many allow their minds to be concerned with material things. Christ said that we shouldn’t allow our minds to dwell on such matters. “What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:31-33).

Christ warned that in the last days we should, “Be careful, or your hearts will be weighed down with dissipation, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close on you unexpectedly like a trap” (Luke 21:34). Instead, as Apostle Paul says in Colossians 3:2,Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth.”

Thoughts to Ponder: The Endtime Mind Jam

We have surveyed only some of the major endtime avenues of assault upon our minds. We could also document the rise in the use of a host of mind-altering drugs—from antidepressants to recreational and abusive substances. Increasingly, psychotropic substances such as marijuana are being legalized. Depression has become a global epidemic according to the World Health Organization. This condition can severely distort the mind.

We could also document the rise in false religions and cults that are snatching people’s minds. This last phenomenon is expressly prophesied in Scripture. In the endtimes, many false Christs will come. “Watch out that you are not deceived. For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am he,’ and, ‘The time is near.’ Do not follow them” (Luke 21:8).

“For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and miracles to deceive even the elect—if that were possible. See, I have told you ahead of time” (Matthew 24:24-25). The claims of false Christs will take up “share of mind” as never before. Indeed, this is happening today.

Having reviewed the rapid and catastrophic “mind jamming” trends of the past half-century, we again ask: Is it accidental… coincidental? Does it align with prophecy? To that we answer: It cannot be coincidental. These trends are the handmaidens to a lost and rebellious world. These are yet another clear sign of the season of our times… the impending return of our Lord.

What “share of mind” does our Lord encourage? Numerous Scriptures leave no doubt that Jesus Christ should possess our total being. God’s truth and presence should dominate our mind.

“Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night” (Psalm 1:1-2). This does not mean that every waking minute is spent in devotion, but rather that the essence and objective of one’s mind is the relationship with our Lord and Savior. Another verse upholding this essence is found in Psalm 119:97: “Oh, how I love your law! I mediate on it all day long.”

But, this is not possible today… not when 75% of waking hours are jammed with media of some type. Sadly, all of us living in the super-charged media and commercialized culture of our time struggle in attaining the type of devotion that Scripture upholds.

Apostle Paul was already worried about this type of assault upon the minds of Christians 2,000 years ago. He said, “But I am afraid that just as Eve was deceived by the serpent’s cunning, your minds may somehow be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ” (2 Corinthians 11:3). Yes, Paul may not have understood the “somehow.” But today, we do recognize the devices and means that are being employed to lead our minds astray.

What can we do? Who can fully escape from the pagan influences of our era? We can acknowledge this encouragement: “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:2-3). But in our time of a massive, coordinated assault upon the functions of people’s minds, more than acknowledgement is required.

We must also willfully act to govern and guard our minds. The Bible provides much counsel on this task. “Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy” (1 Peter 1:13-16).

“The end of all things is near. Therefore, be clear-minded and self-controlled so that you can pray” (1 Peter 4:7).

About the Author: 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. You can contact him at staff@eternalvalue.com.

1 “Infoporn: Mass Distraction.” Wired, May 2001. Media statistics for 2000.

2 Milken Institute.

3 Pew Research Center, March 7 to April 10, 2018, “Teens, Social Media & Technology 2018.”

4 Pew Research Center, “The Modern News Consumer,” July 7, 2016.

5 “The Global Media Giants; The nine firms that dominate the world.” Robert W. McChesney.  http://www.fair.org

6 “Do we really see 4,000 ads a day?” Bryce Sanders, Business Journal, Sep 1, 2017.