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.

2. 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?

3. 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?

4. 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.

Jamming of the Mind
Anyone working in the business world will be familiar with the current marketing jargon. Advertisers talk of market share. For example, Coca Cola, the world’s largest beverage company, sometimes calculates its sales in terms of share of the total of all the liquids that the entire world consumes. On this basis, they figure that only a small percentage of all liquids drunk by humans is a Coca Cola product. Conclusion? The sky is the limit for “market share,” if everybody can be expected to only drink Coca Cola beverages.

Marketing strategists extend this concept to other measurements—for example, “share of wallet.” But the most invasive and deadly concept in terms of endtime spiritual entrapment is “share of mind.” Leading marketing professionals use this concept to great effect upon unassuming consumers.

The Bible tells us about the cosmological battlefront for share of the human mind. Said Christ: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength” (Mark 12:30). Our Lord leaves nothing to interpretation here. It is plainly said: We are to love the Lord our God, with “ALL” our minds … and 100% “share of mind.”

Satan, on the other hand, counters with lies, diversion, distractions and the gently-probing question, “Did God really say […]?” (Genesis 3:1). This relates to the rebellion of Satan and his fallen angels against God.

Looking at trends today, we can be sure that Satan has mastered the technique of capturing “share of mind.” The proof? The “share of thought” that God Almighty, His Son and His truths attract in our time—whether in so-called Christian nations or not—is probably at an all-time low. Christ too foreknew that in the day He would return, he would not find much faith on earth, saying: “[…] when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?” (Luke 18:8). Share of mind will be near zero. Why?

The reality is that very few people will even be aware of this grave development. The truth and vital facts of eternal significance are being crowded out of the modern mind as never before. On the one hand, information about the gospel is available more than ever; on the other, people are too distracted being amused, preoccupied and self-absorbed. In contrast, Satan is an effective and deadly “marketer,” capturing people’s attention (share of mind)—in other words, jamming the mind’s bandwidth.

How tragic. He, who is the source of all knowledge and truth, through whom all things were made (Hebrews 1:2), who is worthy of all glory and honor (Revelation 5:12), is largely an afterthought today.

In fact, deductively, the “share of mind” assault that we are discussing is a development of the end times. How so? As mentioned, very little faith will be found on earth when Jesus returns. Why? Because the Bible tells us that “hearts will be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness and the anxieties of life, and that day will close […] suddenly like a trap. For it will come on all those who live on the face of the whole earth” (Luke 21:34-35).

Why the Mind Is an Endtime Target

We next continue with two key questions: Why is the human mind such an important aspect of Satan’s endtime strategies … of spiritual warfare? And, why have Satan’s strategies been so successful?

The human mind is a strategic focus in the cosmic battle for at least three important reasons: First, our faith involves the mind. “Come now, let’s reason together, says the Lord” (Isaiah 1:18). Faith, belief and obedience are connected to reasoning. As Apostle Paul admonished, we are urged to use our mind … to not put our brains on the shelf. Said Paul: “I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my mind; I will sing with my spirit, but I will also sing with my mind” (1 Corinthians 14:15). Our minds should remain consciously involved.

In contrast, cultic religions try to immobilize and to disable the mind … to circumvent the natural safeguard of the skeptical human. Not so, God. Yes, it is true that our minds are not able to fully capture His greatness and His ways. But that does not mean we do not accept logic and reason to support our beliefs. Our Lord also allows us to question and to inquire after truth.

Another reason for the human mind being in Satan’s crosshairs is that it is the place of spiritual battle. Whatever thoughts gain access—whether through eyes, ears or spirit—it is there in the mind that they have their impact upon our hearts and soul. In fact, what the Bible calls the heart is what our mind chooses to believe and pursue.

Our thoughts rank in eternal importance just as much as our real and physical actions. Christ made this point very clear in this saying, “But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart” (Matthew 5:28). Here we see that the evil thoughts of the mind, if allowed to linger and not repulsed, become an actual sin of the heart (whether there has been physical consummation or not).

Lastly, the thought world of the mind, soul and spirit of man, finds its interface in the brain, a fleshly organ that learns and adapts. This grey matter can become habituated to lifestyle, thought patterns, thinking processes and addictions. Like a muscle that becomes stronger through exercise, so the synaptic pathways of the brain can be become trained and expert, whether doing good or bad.

To the extent that we have allowed our brain to train bad thoughts and behaviors, we need to undo them. Apostle Paul refers to this as renewal. “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will” (Romans 12:2). This is not necessarily easy.

In conclusion, we have identified the main reasons why the human mind is the logical point of assault of our Enemy. It is there that we consciously “[…] choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve” (Joshua 24:15). There we have the essence that exercises faith and chooses a relationship with God; it is the spiritual war zone. And, lastly, through our physical brain, our mind can entrench behavior and responses that we may have to strain to unlearn.

Jamming the Reception of the Human Mind

Without question, the mind of modern-day humankind is under assault. We will briefly investigate some of the tactics. The attacks and incursions are increasing and effective as perhaps 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.

Let’s review a few of the developments that serve to “jam” the bandwidth of people’s minds today.

1. Media Concentration. What is meant by this term? Concentration of media ownership is a process whereby progressively fewer individuals or organizations control increasing shares of the mass media. When we last wrote about this phenomenon almost two decades ago, a concentration trend was already proceeding rapidly. At that time, less than 10 firms—all of them global giants—dominated world media; whether radio, television broadcasting, cable, print or the internet. They included such world-spanning companies as Sony, News Corporation, Time Warner, Viacom, Disney, Bertelsmann and others.

This industry is always changing, as media takeover and acquisition activity remains high around the globe. Today, the following companies would number among the world’s media conglomerates: National Amusements (Viacom and CBS Corporation), Time Warner, 21st Century Fox, Sony, Comcast, The Walt Disney Company, AT&T, Hearst Communications, MGM Holdings, NBCUniversal, Turner Broadcasting System, New Fox, Grupo Globo (South America) and Lagardère Group.

It is difficult to keep up-to-date with this fast-moving group. Rupert Murdoch—arguably one of the world’s most powerful media moguls, who built News Corporation—famously predicted that the world would have only three large media companies in three years.1  This has not happened … yet.

Nonetheless, the concentration trend continues apace. The big “media” whales are trying to swallow each other with multibillion-dollar deals. Recently, Comcast and Disney have been skirmishing to buy 21^st Century Fox. Time Warner, another media behemoth, is being swallowed up by AT&T.

Why is this concentration trend continuing? Firms are building and consolidating distribution channels to the entry ways of the mind—the eyes and ears of mankind. We can see that a massive and unified information machinery is taking form around the world. Of course, this would be good if they were all disseminating the gospel to the four corners of the world, and other vital and/or God-honoring material.

However, as is well-known, media owners and their professional staffs are largely dominated by secular humanists. Mostly, the messages carried by the media are being determined by consumer wants and the demands of corporate profitability. All of the large global media firms are public companies, and therefore must satisfy their shareholders. Generally, high share prices and earnings is what matters to these global conglomerates, not purity and high morals.

In one way or another, it is the interest of commerce that drives the message. As the head of Westinghouse once put it (which at the time owned CBS, the television network), “We are here to serve advertisers. That is our raison d’être.”2

For a number of reasons, this global concentration trend has great significance for the world today. We can conclude that this development is playing a key role in a “mind jamming” strategy during these last days. Clearly, it is not accidental that this process has played out over such a short period, having largely occurred in accelerated fashion since the early 1980s.

Back then, the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) had been contemplating new ownership rules that would further open the doors to yet more concentration. One congressman made a prescient observation at that time, that will not be lost on those that recognize the prophetic season of our time. Speaking at a congressional hearing in opposition to the FCC’s proposal, John McCain, who was worried about the possible effects of continuing concentration, commented, “At some point, you’ll have many voices—and one ventriloquist.”

Though he may not have known it, Senator McCain’s words line up with prophecy. Indeed, there will be only one ventriloquist behind the world’s systems. And increasingly, this voice—Satan’s—is becoming more coordinated and pervasive than ever before. Already, he has been behind the degradation of once popular values and the invasion of humanist philosophies in mass media today.

In the next of segment of this four-part series, we will continue our expose of the many mind-jamming assaults upon the human mind that have accelerated over the last half century. Are these developments simply coincidental? Or can we discern a pattern? Without a doubt, the condition of human minds today is as compromised and disabled as ever before in the timeline of mankind.

 

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 Big three will run world’s media, says Murdoch. The Australian, February 13, 2004.

2 Advertising Age, February 3, 1997.