Over the past 4,500 years, all sorts of religions and worldviews have emerged. Yet, they share striking similarities in ideas and symbolism. A prime example is the sun wheel, which you see in a Buddhist temple, beneath an ornament of the Eye of Osiris, and atop an Assyrian altar. Such similarities can only be understood if you understand their shared starting point.
Major secret societies in the world today - you will find examples in the timeline - trace their own roots back to ancient Babylon.
Ultimately, reuniting all the world's religions will prove less complicated than you might initially think. Further along the timeline, you'll find asthounishing examples of how this is taking shape in our days. Could the old, failed project of Babel, to form a global community without God, still be achieved?
The mainstream theory of world population distribution teaches us that various tribes and groups have lived in isolation from one another for tens of thousands of years. The first humans (according to this model) likely lived in Africa around 200,000 years ago. Aboriginals arrived in Australia 50,000 years ago. North America has been populated since 15,000 years ago. The first true civilization, including urbanization (the rise of cities), only began around 8,000 years ago in Mesopotamia (present-day Iraq and Iran).
That last fact aligns with the biblical account (apart from the dating). Yet, something is amiss. Is it truly credible that our ancestors roamed the earth for tens or even hundreds of thousands of years with only an axe and a bearskin, only to suddenly, in Mesopotamia and its surroundings, in a period of just a few thousand years, produce world wonders like the Hanging Gardens of Babylon and the impressive Pyramids of Egypt? This portrays the earliest human race as a primitive, underdeveloped people, while we were suddenly endowed with extraordinary knowledge and gifts a few thousand years ago. Such an abrupt discontinuity is very difficult to explain. The developments in Mesopotamia were therefore not the end point of a long evolutionary process, but rather the starting point of the current world population.
Everyone knows about the famous pyramids of Egypt. But did you also know that pyramid-like structures can be found all over the world? Below are a few examples. There are dozens of more or less similar structures.
This raises a question. How do you explain that people from all over the world left behind similar structures, assuming they lived in isolation from one another for a very long time? The common architecture strongly suggests that there is a common history. This is precisely what the Bible describes.
The world-famous "Tower of Babel" (Genesis 11) was most likely a Ziggurat. This is a pyramid-like structure built for religious purposes. Below is an example. When God brought the project of Babel to an end by suddenly introducing new language families, people were forced to disperse and start something new. They took their knowledge and experience with them everywhere—including their architecture—and copied it in the new places where they settled.
Examples of similar constructions elsewhere in the world:
For many more pyramid constructions see:
https://www.historyhit.com/guides/ancient-pyramids-around-the-world/
Our ancestors didn't just bring architecture with them when they migrated from Babylon. We also find shared symbols scattered across the globe. A striking example of this is the "sun wheel." Sun worship and the worship of other nature gods formed the heart of many pagan religions. Here you see the sun wheel in various versions.
The use of symbolism had an additional "advantage." It could be employed to circumvent the language problem introduced by God. Everyone can recognize symbols, regardless of the language they speak. The world-famous Freemason Albert Pike (19th century) claims in his standard work "Morals and Dogmas" that esoteric knowledge and symbolism have been spread among the people since Babel:
“The communication of this knowledge and other secrets, some of which are perhaps lost, constituted, under other names, what we now call Masonry, or Free, or Frank-Masonry….The present name of the Order, and its titles, and the names of the Degrees now in use, were not then known….But, by whatever name it was known in this or the other country, Masonry existed as it now exists, the same in spirit and at heart….before even the first colonies emigrated into Southern India, Persia, and Egypt, from the cradle of the human race (ancient Babylon)”. Quoted in G. Kah, En route to Global Occupation, pg. 95.
Here is a snapshot from his book in which he explains the esoteric meaning and history of various symbols.
This quote from Albert Pike shows that within the Freemasonry society, Babel is seen as the origin of current organizations: “…Masonry existed as it now exists, the same in spirit and at heart…before even the first colonies emigrated into Southern India, Persia, and Egypt, from the cradle of the human race (ancient Babylon).” Quoted in G. Kah, En Route to Global Occupation, pg. 95. Even more than the architecture, the symbolism, and the hidden genetic traits, the religious ideas of Babel have been taken all over the world. Based on his own research in a series of standard Freemasonry works, Kah has attempted to draw connections from ancient societies to contemporary organizations and practices (pp. 93-94):
The core of Babel was and is the quest to build a global community ourselves, separate from God. Underlying that quest we find the oldest lie that we ourselves can be like God (Genesis 3). Whether this manifests itself in mystical rituals, esoteric knowledge, in our own reason as the highest standard, or through technological mastery of life, we possess within ourselves the knowledge and the power to take life into our own hands. We are connected to the divine. No, better yet, we are actually already divine ourselves. These are all pantheistic ideas, in whatever form.
It is remarkable that the two lies of the serpent are reflected in these organizations: you will not die (because you are already connected to everything) and you will be like God (since you are inextricably linked to God and find this within yourself). It is also striking that there is no need here to restore the relationship between God and humanity. Simply put, the motto of Babel is: life is better without God. You are better off being your own boss and going your own way.
These oldest lies, introduced by the father of lies (the devil), form a common thread throughout world history. Even today. World Goodwill, a prominent advisor to the United Nations, predicts the rise of a new, global religion. What should its basic ingredients be?
“A religion to fit everyone – The Church and the world religions should indicate the unity within all facets of truth which will provide universal platform, one to which all men everywhere could give allegiance. Such a platform should include:
the truth that…all men are divine.
the truth that evolution governs the growth of the human being.
Lucis Trust, a key advisory body to the United Nations, stated in a 1986 letter: “So it is an appropriate time to consider the meaning of peace and the fact that a world at peace is a requisite before Christ can return” (En Route to Global Occupation, pg. 123). The Bible says that only Jesus can truly bring peace, but in this scenario we are going to do it ourselves. It may sound beautiful, but it is a false promise. Our ancestors learned that the lie of self-deification brought not life, but death. Their descendants have also seen this time and again: “Throughout history, whenever man chose to worship himself or the pagan deities of nature in place of God, the consequences were severe. Humanity came under the control of false belief systems and those enforcing them. Pantheism, with its earth (or Gaia) worship, has inevitably had the effect of enslaving man. Whether it was the version presented by the Pharaohs of Egypt, the Brahmins of India, or the Caesars of Rome, the result of earth-centered religion was always the same – the enslavement of man under a ruthless, occultic system” (pg. 156-157 The new world religion, Gary Kah).
Because the current world religions share common roots in Babel, bringing them back together in the end won't be too complicated. This also includes the secular, Western world. The bridge is built - as you will find out in the timeline - by a combination of factors. Will it be possible to complete the Tower of Babel in our time?
In 2002, South African professor Walter Veith gave a series of lectures. In this installment, he addresses the typical teachings of Babel. Note that this is midway through the series, but most of it is easy to follow.
Wine of Babylon
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l-VrL3ZBb48&list=PLnymF_jIY3hnoGFwqwcwoTHkEpYCZFCK6&index=19
The oldest lie that we can be like gods and achieve immortality through our own efforts runs like a thread through all religions that have developed over the past thousands of years. You can work yourself up to a state of divinity, enlightenment, and insight through meditation, karma, good works, rituals, or modern technology. Deep down, you are a god yourself, connected to all life. Just as The Lost Keys of Freemasonry puts it: "Man is a god in the making" (quote in G. Kah, En Route to Global Occupation, Huntington House Publishers, pg. 126).
Today, that same old lie is reappearing on the world stage in a new guise, for example, in the rise of the New Age and transhumanism. Humanity is building a future for itself, supported by money, prosperity, politics, and technology. Do you really need God any longer?
Did you know that you also encounter the primal lie in places where you might least expect it? The official catechism of the Catholic Church describes Jesus' mission as follows: "For the Son of God became man to make us God. The only Son of God, because He wanted to make us sharers in His divinity, assumed our nature, so that, becoming man, He might make men into gods" (Article 460, p. 114. Catechism of the Catholic Church, Gooi & Sticht, 2008).
The first strategy in battle is to remain invisible for as long as possible. That's why military vehicles are inconspicuously colored, and why military strategists try to stay under the opponent's radar as much as possible. As soon as the opposing parties have sighted each other, the battle openly erupts. This also happens in the spiritual world. The devil, with his spiritual army of demons, initially tries to remain invisible. This works quite well in our Western, materialistic world. We usually don't consider what our eyes don't see. And we've "learned" (especially through laughable and misplaced depictions in medieval art) that the devil is a fantasy figure from long ago.
The devil can also hide behind a flood of beautiful words. He comes "as an angel of light." Yet, the desire for spirituality, mysticism, Eastern meditation, witchcraft, dark elements in films and games, and the New Age is openly increasing in the world. Spiritual warfare is becoming increasingly overt. If you want to stand firm in this battle, know what it's all about and put on the full armor of God!
Are we merely spectators or victims of this great battle, or do we ourselves also play a role in it? At the end of his letter to the Christians in the ancient Greek city of Ephesus, the apostle Paul refers to the spiritual war behind history (Ephesians chapter 6). He is modest about what we as humans can achieve in this. Ultimately, it is God's battle. It is not primarily a battle of human interests, but a battle of spiritual powers. What we can—and must—do is stand firm. Using the example of Roman armor, Paul explains what that means.
“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God…” (Ephesians 6:12-13).
This armor consists of a number of parts:
The belt of truth that holds everything together. It's about truth and lies. And about the courage to speak the truth. Every time you do, you're on the front lines.
The armor of righteousness. It's not just about what you say; it's also important that your lifestyle aligns with it (living righteously).
Sandals that are ready to take the gospel everywhere. Our feet take us to all sorts of places. Talking about God is easy in church, but are you brave enough to do so in the student club or at work? Leading a double life leaves you spiritually weak.
The shield of faith to quench the flaming arrows of the evil one. There are always flaws in the armor of righteousness. No one is perfect. The arrows of accusations about your mistakes and limitations can be harsh. By living by God's grace over your life, you remain protected from such (possibly justified) accusations. You don't have to be perfect to represent God's gospel.
The helmet of salvation. What influences do you allow into your thoughts through books, connections, movies, and games? If you nourish yourself with what is good and true, God will have ample room to shape you. This is like a helmet that protects you. But if you allow your mind to become polluted, your thoughts become clouded and darkened. This makes you susceptible to lies, pride, fear, shame, and guilt, making you vulnerable in this battle.
The sword of the Spirit, God's Word. The Roman sword, symbol of power and war, is countered by a very different sword. Not through money, muscle, or displays of power, but by becoming proficient in God's Word, the Bible, you can stand firm against the enemy's deception and feints.
It's all about the liberating truth or the deceptive lie. The great war therefore converges on a single focal point: the courage to speak the truth of the gospel, in your family, at work, in politics, in the pub, or at university. Even Paul, that famous apostle, asks for assistance in this:
"Pray also for me, that utterance may be given to me in the opening of my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak" (Ephesians 6:19-20).
A common thread throughout the Bible is that evil cannot simply be identified with "other" people or groups. It's too easy to blame others and exonerate yourself. Everyone is part of the problem. The heart of the problem, in fact, is the problem of the human heart. Every person needs God's grace and salvation.
Yet, it is true that evil forces sometimes manifest themselves strikingly clearly in certain people or organizations, because these forces are given ample room there. In such cases, it is necessary to be extra vigilant. It is possible to identify specific situations, people, or institutions where darkness exerts its influence. The biblical prophets and Jesus Himself did so as well. They confronted individuals and even entire nations with the anti-God path they were taking. In the timeline, we identify, based on biblical prophecy, where the epicenter of evil forces can be found. Understanding this is essential for developing healthy spiritual discernment.
Judging people, organizations, or developments is justified if your own attitude aligns with the gospel. However, keep the following distinction in mind. With the help of the Bible, God's Spirit, and the communion of saints, we can form judgments about practices and ideas found in the world, but the final judgment of individuals is God's, not ours. Keeping this in mind, you can become sharp in your discernment and simultaneously love even your worst enemy, because you leave the final judgment to God.
Judgment, contrary to what postmodernism would have us believe, is not inherently negative. If a mother serves her child a healthy meal, this implies a moral judgment. If she encourages that same child to get off the couch and do something, that too is a form of judgment. Judgment can be very positive. In fact, no one can live without judgment. Moreover, the postmodern view that one should not judge anything naturally implies judgment itself. Few cultural-philosophical trends are as inconsistent as our contemporary postmodern climate. The question, therefore, is not whether we form judgments, but how we do so and to what end. This also applies if you are a follower of Jesus. Developing spiritual discernment is vital for navigating world history as a Christian.
Should we be afraid of finding ourselves in the middle of a battlefield? Not if you belong to the CEO of heaven and earth, Jesus. He has assured us: “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me” (Matthew 28:18). Things can be quite stormy on both the micro and macro levels. But ultimately, God is in control. He allows much because He gives people much freedom, but when He draws a line, it's over immediately. The great image of Babylon that Daniel refers to (and which you will encounter in other parts of the timeline) will collapse instantly. The pretentious project of Babel will be ended with a snap of the fingers. When Jesus returns again, as He promised, all boasting and arrogance will be instantly abolished. Life can be a heated and tense struggle at times, but the outcome is certain. “Those who trust in the LORD are like Mount Zion, which cannot be moved but abides forever. As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the LORD surrounds his people from this time forth and forevermore” (Psalm 125).
In 2002, South African professor Walter Veith gave a series of 35 lectures. In this series, he gradually demonstrated that world history can be understood as a "total onslaught" (an all-encompassing attack). An attack on what or who? On the uniqueness of Jesus, the Son of God. Jesus may be a religious hero or a prominent historical figure. But He cannot be the Alpha and Omega, the only Son of God, the Prince of Peace who governs all of world history. The attempt to strip Jesus of His unique position and sideline Him constitutes the deeper spiritual driving force behind many developments in our world today. Veith thus concretizes the long-standing "enmity" between the devil and the great descendant of Eve: Jesus of Nazareth (Genesis 3:15). You can find the Total Onslaught series on YouTube. Don't expect a polished production here, but you will find a very interesting contribution that provides food for thought. It will be referenced a few times further along in the timeline.