Buzz
For many, Christian apocalyptic novels serve as entertaining fantasies, often appearing exaggerated and humorous. However, fundamentalist believers treat these narratives with deep seriousness. Though the Antichrists depicted in these tales are fictional, some individuals genuinely anticipate the emergence of a similar figure in the near future. These stories and films offer a glimpse into how fundamentalists interpret current events, scrutinizing public figures for potential signs of Antichrist-like behavior.
10. Lord Of The World - Robert Hugh Benson, 1907
Robert Hugh Benson’s Lord of the World is a dystopian tale set in the 21st century. As a Roman Catholic monsignor, Benson was troubled by the growing influence of materialism and secularism during his era. He envisioned a future where these forces dominate, pushing religion to the margins of society.
Benson’s depiction of the 21st century portrays a world paralyzed by the looming threat of conflict between Eastern and Western powers. In this scenario, only a small group of Catholics remains devout, while the rest of humanity is captivated by secularism, largely influenced by Freemasons and Marxists. Esperanto has become the global language. Following the 1998 Release Act, euthanasia has been legalized and is now a common practice.
Enter Julian Felsenburgh, a magnetic young politician from the American Midwest. With an almost supernatural ability to captivate audiences, his speeches move crowds to tears and even cause them to faint. Felsenburgh successfully defuses global tensions, averts war, and convinces nations to appoint him as the world’s president, establishing a unified socialist-humanist government.
Felsenburgh introduces a global religion centered on kindness, the elimination of poverty, humanism, and pantheism. Unlike Jesus, who declared he came to bring a sword rather than peace, Felsenburgh, as the world’s proclaimed Lord and Savior, offers “not a sword but peace.” Westminster Abbey is transformed into a temple honoring humanity, and Felsenburgh’s doctrine declares that “Man is God.” Only Christianity, which Benson identifies with Catholicism, resists Felsenburgh’s quest for absolute control.
Shedding any facade of peace, Felsenburgh reveals his true nature as the Antichrist by annihilating Rome through aerial bombings. He criminalizes any opposition to his religion of Humanity. Those who acknowledge a higher power beyond humanity—those who believe in God—are deemed traitors and executed.
The Church is decimated, leaving only Pope Sylvester III and a handful of bishops. They flee to the Holy Land, and in the climactic scene, the Pope raises the Sacred Host as Felsenburgh advances toward Armageddon and the ultimate confrontation.
Many Catholics perceive modern trends as a chilling realization of Benson’s prophecy. In 1992, Cardinal Ratzinger, later Pope Benedict XVI, cautioned against utopian ideals, drawing parallels to Felsenburgh by stating, “The anti-Christ is depicted as the ultimate peacemaker in a similarly structured new world order.” Lord of the World is said to be one of Pope Francis’s most cherished books, and he alluded to it in a sermon warning against the risks of “globalized uniformity” driven by secular materialism.
9. Titan, Son Of Saturn - Joseph Birbeck Burroughs, 1905
Antiochus is a historical figure, the Seleucid ruler who razed Jerusalem in 167 B.C. and desecrated its Temple by offering a pig as a sacrifice within its holy walls. Seen as a foe of God by the oppressed Jewish people, Antiochus naturally fits the Antichrist archetype. During his reign, Jews who adhered to the Torah instead of his laws faced martyrdom. Daniel prophesied that Antiochus’s demise would herald the arrival of God’s Kingdom, but this did not occur. It appears a second act is yet to unfold.
In Titan, Son of Saturn, Satan emerges in Babylon and discovers the forgotten tomb of Antiochus. Satan resurrects Antiochus, revealing that he was originally God’s chosen Messiah before being cast out for rebellion. Satan now vows to restore Antiochus’s ancient empire.
Antiochus gathers his supporters from the disgruntled Russian populace, sparking a socialist uprising. This wave of dissent extends to Western Europe, culminating in the formation of a Confederation of Ten States—essentially a United States of Europe that stands opposed to Britain and America. Antiochus instructs his clergy to reject the divinity of Christ, the concept of human sinfulness, and the necessity for redemption. In their place, he advocates for the 'Universal Brotherhood of Man.'
The novel demonstrates extraordinary foresight by anticipating the Russian revolution that occurred in 1917. Burroughs discerned the early contours of the Cold War in the tensions between Russia and the US. He attributes America's fragmented and divided state to immigration, which he believes leaves the nation vulnerable to invasion by the United States of Europe's forces. Simultaneously, Britain is invaded by Muslim forces from Asia and Africa.
8. The Seven Last Years by Carol Balizet, 1978
Carol Balizet’s work details the events leading up to the Rapture and the subsequent seven-year Tribulation period.
A massive meteor strikes Cyprus, triggering a series of earthquakes and tsunamis worldwide. Amid the chaos of these natural disasters, individuals begin vanishing, some enveloped in a radiant white light. This marks the Rapture, though the mysterious disappearances are overshadowed by the widespread devastation and loss of life.
Uriah Leonard, a radical American theologian and bishop, establishes a global food initiative titled 'Feed My Lambs,' which earns him immense wealth and power. Following the disasters and the collapse of the US government, Leonard’s organization assumes the role of FEMA, spearheading efforts to rebuild the nation. However, Leonard’s aspirations extend far beyond this.
By this time, the Catholic Church is in decline, both morally and theologically. Leonard exploits the Church’s vulnerabilities and eventually ascends to become the first American pope. As Sixtus VI (a nod to the number of the Beast, 666), he reveals himself as the Antichrist and assumes control over Western Europe.
Balizet meticulously addresses the practical challenges of enforcing the mark of the Beast globally. Unlike other authors of end-time narratives, she acknowledges the real-world difficulties of such an endeavor. In her novel, many resist, forcing repeated extensions of the deadline. Landowners create secret agricultural communities to shelter those who refuse to comply.
Pope Sixtus is later exposed as both a Satanist and a Jew. After being assassinated, he miraculously returns to life, but his body becomes a vessel for Satan. The narrative suggests his fate was sealed from the start. On the brink of Armageddon, a follower questions him, 'Do you feel any fear? Any doubts?' Sixtus responds, 'I have invested too many years, too many centuries of effort to be plagued by doubts now. I must fulfill my inherent purpose.'
7. Beast by Dan Betzer, 1985
Jacque Catroux, the charismatic leader of the European Economic Community, hides a sinister secret behind his charming appearance. Conceived by Satan at the precise moment of Adolf Hitler’s death, he inherits Hitler’s heart and eyes, embodying Friedrich Nietzsche’s concept of the Ubermensch. Satan reveals his paternity to Catroux in a manner reminiscent of Darth Vader, declaring, 'I am your father.' He assures Catroux that he will achieve what his other son, Hitler, could not.
Catroux possesses an almost hypnotic charm, capable of rendering his victims catatonic or paralyzed with just a look. He is bisexual, favoring snug Italian boots and Remy Martin brandy, which he enjoys in his lavish suite at New York’s Helmsley Palace. Occasionally, his true nature is hinted at by a foul odor and an unusual mark on his forehead, a remnant from obstetric forceps.
The US president and vice president reflect the perspectives of religious conservatives on politics. President John Forman, a devout conservative, pushes for increased military spending and a robust defense budget. Vice President Barry Cane, an agnostic liberal, champions disarmament and peaceful relations. Forman is raptured, while Cane remains. Cane assumes the presidency and strikes a deal with Catroux to unify the economies of Europe and America into 'Europamerica,' with Catroux as its supreme leader. Satan personally visits the Oval Office to finalize the agreement and greet his new 'family.'
As the Beast’s accomplice and the False Prophet, Cane enforces the Antichrist’s decrees. He leverages the Internal Revenue Service to mandate a 'shopping permit' and a unique identifier required for all commercial transactions. The novel concludes with Catroux’s rise to power, leaving readers to anticipate a sequel that Betzer likely intended to write, detailing the ensuing events.
6666. Salem Kirban, 1970
At 6:00 PM on June 6, a child is born in a manger in Babylon, Iraq. His mother, improbably, names him 666.
Salem Kirban’s 666 follows the life of the boy, known globally as Brother Bartholomew. Concealing his Muslim heritage, Bartholomew capitalizes on widespread anti-capitalist sentiment to rise to prominence. He gains fame and power by achieving peace in the Middle East. With his deep understanding of Scripture and reputation as a peacemaker, he eventually leads a unified World Church.
Kirban extrapolates the issues of 1960s America—such as the counterculture movement, campus unrest, crime, and pollution—into the future. He portrays America as desperate for a savior to cleanse the nation of moral decay, someone like Brother Bartholomew, who can 'utter a single word, and the bullets would stop.' Bartholomew ascends to the presidency and ends the conflict between America and China.
The regime enforces strict control, mandating abortions for pregnant women without 'Birth Coupons,' with 666 symbolizing 'Birth Eradication.' This number also serves as Bartholomew’s mark, a tattoo replacing the myriad of numbers people must remember. Those who refuse the mark face execution by guillotine. The Antichrist stages public executions at Rome’s Colosseum.
Bartholomew, a master manipulator, leverages modern media to spread his propaganda, backed by threats of death. He operates a state-of-the-art TV studio, performing before a live audience of 666 people arranged in six tiers. This strategy helps him garner support for even his most controversial policies, such as implementing a 10-day week, banning private vehicles, and converting human remains into protein cakes to combat global hunger.
The Antichrist employs advanced weaponry, including the 'ruby laser ring,' 'Q Fever,' and 'Miracle I Powder.' He intends to thwart an invasion by 200 million Chinese using the Sound Syndrome, a device that induces insanity and heart failure through its noise, also targeting surplus populations in the process.
From his base on the Mount of Olives, the Antichrist deploys an army equipped with jet packs and virus sprays to attack Jerusalem. He names his force 'Abaddon,' meaning 'Destroyer' in Hebrew. Simultaneously, the anti-Semitic Russian premier assaults Israel, but divine intervention causes Mount Tabor to erupt, annihilating the Russian forces. This miracle leads many Jews to embrace Christianity and thwarts Bartholomew’s ambitions to conquer Israel. Ultimately, the Antichrist’s advanced weaponry proves futile against the return of Jesus Christ.
5. The Christ Clone Trilogy by James BeauSeigneur, 1998
The Christ Clone Trilogy by James BeauSeigneur is inspired by real events in 1978 when American scientists examined the Shroud of Turin. The story introduces Professor Harold Goodman, a fictional scientist who finds living skin cells on the Shroud, surviving for 2,000 years. Believing the Shroud’s image to be extraterrestrial, Goodman secretly clones Jesus Christ. The clone, Christopher Goodman, is born into a world on the brink of chaos.
Professor Goodman perishes in a plane crash caused by 'The Disaster'—a global event where millions mysteriously die, representing BeauSeigneur’s version of the Rapture. Young Christopher is adopted by journalist Decker Hawthorne.
Christopher soon realizes he possesses extraordinary abilities: he can heal miraculously, traverse space, experience visions, and recall his past life as Jesus in the first century. He claims he was not meant to be crucified but was rescued by an angelic army. He also asserts that Decker is the reincarnation of Judas, his betrayer.
Like Jesus, Christopher matures into a compassionate, wise, and gentle young man. Similarly, he hesitates to use his supernatural abilities until the opportune moment arrives.
Christopher ascends within the UN, but his growing influence is overshadowed by the Lucius Trust, a group of enigmatic mystics. Global turmoil intensifies: Russia invades Israel, India and Pakistan engage in a nuclear conflict that draws in China, and severe droughts devastate the Middle East and Asia, claiming millions of lives.
Amid the chaos, Christopher retreats to the wilderness for 40 days to reflect and uncover his true purpose. He becomes convinced he is Jesus Christ, destined to save humanity. Returning to the UN with renewed determination, he assumes the role of secretary-general. However, his once-humble demeanor fades as the Lucius Trust tightens its grip on him.
A man identifying as the apostle John, accompanied by a figure named Cohen, directs three asteroids toward Earth. These Two Witnesses from Revelation gather a following of 144,000 Messianic Jews in Israel.
With much of the world in ruins, Christopher unveils his powers, promising peace, an end to disease, and the secrets of eternal youth. He presents himself as the Messiah ushering in the Millennium. However, religious leaders recognize his utopia as a New Age deception and condemn him as the Antichrist. Their resistance sparks a global conflict, propelling the world toward Armageddon.
4. The Omega Code, 1999
In The Omega Code, a 1999 film by the Trinity Broadcasting Network, media tycoon Stone Alexander is portrayed as a philanthropist and humanitarian dedicated to global peace. A conflict between Arabs and Israel results in the destruction of Jerusalem’s Dome of the Rock.
As the European Union Chairman, Stone enlists Dr. Gillen Lane, a New Age motivational speaker, to join his mission. Together, they achieve global unity. Under Stone’s leadership, Europe, as the revived Roman Empire, signs a seven-year peace treaty with Israel, which also reconciles with the Arabs. The Israelis reconstruct the Temple on the site of the Dome of the Rock.
Stone uncovers a hidden code within the Bible, indicating that control over Jerusalem equates to control over the world. This concept is based on the “Bible Code” theory by Michael Drosnin, which suggests hidden messages in the Bible through equidistant Hebrew letter sequences—essentially a computerized acrostic puzzle.
The Omega Code provides more detailed prophecies than traditional biblical predictions, guiding Stone to fulfill his role as the Antichrist. However, he lacks the final piece of the code, which foretells his downfall and was taken by the Two Witnesses. After Stone is accidentally killed, he resurrects in his hospital room, and his body becomes a vessel for Satan.
From this midpoint in the final seven years, Stone’s true identity as the Antichrist is revealed. He declares himself God in Jerusalem’s Temple. He pursues Dr. Lane, who uncovers his sinister plans and allies with the Two Witnesses. Ultimately, Dr. Lane returns to faith in Jesus, while the Second Coming of Christ expels Satan from Stone’s body after he commands a nuclear attack on Rome.
3. Left Behind by Jerry Jenkins & Tim LaHaye, 1995–2007
The name Nicolae Carpathia evokes a sense of malevolence, reminiscent of the ruthless Romanian dictator Nicolae Ceausescu, while 'Carpathia' alludes to the mountainous domain of Vlad the Impaler, Dracula. In the series, Carpathia initially emerges as Romania’s president, a deviation from the ancient belief that the Antichrist would originate from Rome.
Despite its implausibility, the world accepts Carpathia’s explanation for the Rapture, attributing it to atmospheric radiation vaporizing people. His charm and public relations expertise earn him widespread admiration.
Like all fictional Antichrists, Carpathia genuinely seeks global unity and peace, reflecting the Christian Right’s distrust of peace efforts, particularly in the Middle East. As UN Secretary-General, he achieves this by creating a new Pax Romana, signing a treaty with Israel, and moving the UN headquarters to Babylon. He merges all religions into Enigma Babylon One World Faith, led by a former Catholic cardinal who rejects biblical literalism. The US president is reduced to a figurehead enforcing Carpathia’s global disarmament agenda. To manage population growth, Carpathia implements abortions and assisted suicides.
Three and a half years into his New World Order, Carpathia is assassinated but miraculously resurrects in front of numerous witnesses and on video. Satan then possesses his body, granting him unprecedented power. Resistance to his rule emerges, led by the Christian “Tribulation Force,” 144,000 Jews, and the Two Witnesses, Moishe and Eli (Moses and Elijah). To quash the rebellion, Carpathia unleashes nuclear devastation across the globe.
2. The Omen Trilogy, 1976–1981
The Omen Trilogy diverges significantly from biblical prophecy, yet its Antichrist, Damien Thorn, is as diabolical as any on this list. His birth, a blasphemous imitation of Jesus’s virgin birth, involves a jackal. A birthmark shaped like 666 on his scalp marks him as Satan’s offspring, akin to the devil’s mark on medieval witches.
Adopted by the US ambassador to Britain, young Damien is surrounded by mysterious deaths. Raised by witches and sorcerers, he grows exceptionally intelligent but deeply malevolent. Over time, he realizes his true identity as the Antichrist.
Raised in a politically charged environment, Damien develops ambitious political aspirations. He rises to lead the world’s largest multinational corporation, a stepping stone toward his ultimate goal of global domination. Fully aware of his identity, Damien declares to his followers, 'I stand before you in the name of the one true god, Lord of the Lower Empire, cast out of heaven but alive within me.'
The sole threat to Damien stems from a prophecy in the apocryphal (and fictional) Book of Hebron, predicting the rebirth of Jesus as a human in England. A celestial alignment of three stars in Cassiopeia, known as the Trinity Alignment, marks the precise date of Christ’s return.
This leads to an unusual interpretation of Revelation 12:1–6. Damien, playing the role of Herod, gathers all male birth certificates from that day and orders his followers to kill every newborn. However, Jesus is born among gypsies, escaping detection as he lacks a birth certificate.
The Antichrist’s schemes persist unless he is permanently stopped. Damien can only be killed by one of the seven daggers of Megiddo, but monks attempting to assassinate him are slain. The final confrontation occurs in an ancient Celtic chapel, where a BBC correspondent successfully stabs Damien with one of the daggers.
1. The End Of The Age by Pat Robertson, 1995
Following a meteor impact and a cascade of natural calamities that devastate the West Coast, a US president reminiscent of Bill Clinton takes his own life during a live broadcast. His vice president steps up but quickly succumbs to the overwhelming pressure, ultimately meeting his end at the hands of Tauriq Haddad, a Middle Eastern financier devoted to Shiva. Haddad orchestrates the rise of his protégé, an unknown congressman named Mark Beaulieu, who ascends to the presidency and is revealed to be the Antichrist.
Pat Robertson, the author, displays his animosity towards Hinduism by disparaging it in this narrative. Robertson has a history of vilifying what he does not comprehend, and this ancient faith, predating Christianity by millennia, is no exception.
During his youth, Beaulieu serves as a Peace Corps volunteer in India, where he becomes enthralled by Shiva, the deity of destruction, and Kali, the goddess associated with death. Shiva bestows upon Beaulieu the promise of wisdom and authority, revealing his fate to dismantle the world's corrupt nations, America included, along with its avaricious capitalists. Under the tutelage of his guru Raj Baba, Beaulieu learns the mysteries of the 'ascended masters,' becoming ensnared by a malevolent force.
As president, Beaulieu embodies the archetype of the liberal that fundamentalists and evangelicals despise. He enlarges the scope of government, champions drug use and promiscuity as a former campus radical, and appoints a black feminist as attorney general, who pushes for the elimination of the death penalty and the closure of prisons. His cabinet includes a Lebanese Shiite Muslim and former Hezbollah member as Secretary of Energy, a Buddhist monk as Secretary of Education, and Haddad as the head of the Federal Reserve. Beaulieu's actions are systematically dismantling the US government from the inside.
Beaulieu capitalizes on global chaos to establish his dominance. After being assassinated, Haddad miraculously revives him during a live television broadcast, persuading the majority of the world—save for a handful of Christians and a small group of Orthodox Jews—that Beaulieu is the true Messiah. With widespread support, he assumes control of a New World Order government, headquartered in the ancient city of Babylon. The United Nations is replaced by a Union for Peace, though Israel declines membership. Beaulieu erects a massive animatronic statue of himself at the Temple site in Jerusalem, demanding global conversion to Shiva worship and the adoption of barcode tattoos. A small coalition of Christians and Jews forms an underground resistance.
To force the Jews into submission, Beaulieu amasses an invasion force at Megiddo, comprising Libyans, Ethiopians, Sudanese, and others, to besiege and seize Jerusalem. However, divine intervention occurs as God sends the archangel Michael to defeat the Antichrist.
In April 2014, Robertson speculated that the asteroid triggering his apocalyptic vision could arrive imminently. “It might happen as soon as next week.”
