End Times Bulletin - No 1

Magazine Overview

'End Times Bulletin' is presented as the first journal of its kind, aiming to collate, present, and analyze prophetic material related to the imminent end of the world or significant global changes within the next twenty years. The publication encourages reader contributions in the form of newspaper reports, magazines, predictions, premonitions, and letters, rather than monetary contributions.

This inaugural issue, 'Issue One', is published by Kevin & Sue McClure from Knighton, Leicester. The cost is 50p or $2 US per issue, with an additional $1 for airmail. Subscription arrangements from Issue 3 onwards will be announced later. All material used remains the copyright of the authors, with uncredited material usually provided by the Editor. The printing is done by Copy Sprint in Leicester.

Editorial: A Strange Expectation?

The editorial reflects on the author's personal experience of anxiety and helplessness during times of international stress, particularly the Soviet incursion into Afghanistan and the threat of nuclear self-destruction. It notes the varied human responses to such threats, ranging from fear to a 'fierce joy'. This observation serves as a precursor to the magazine's focus on 'catastrophic' futures and the extraordinary combination of a desire for a better world with the knowledge of humanity's capacity for self-destruction.

The editorial posits that prophecy and its interpretation are central to understanding these future fears. It highlights how various groups, from U.S. Survivalists to fundamentalist evangelicals and peace movements, engage in interpreting signs of dissolution and anticipating future events. The author suggests that while there may be an element of truth in prophecy and premonition, the magazine's objective is to record prophecies, look for consistent elements, and ascertain if there is a real awareness underlying the widespread expectation of upheaval.

The author expresses a personal view that mankind is, in a fragile way, master of its own destiny, and while acknowledging the need to believe in higher powers or benevolent aliens, ultimately suspects that outcomes are up to humans. The editorial emphasizes the importance of reason, humor, and common sense in analyzing prophecies, alongside accurate reproduction and analysis.

Nostradamus and the End Times

This section, authored by Jenny Randles, delves into the prophecies of Nostradamus, the 16th-century mystic. It highlights his famous quatrain predicting a 'great king of terror' in '1999 and seven months' and discusses the specificity of this prophecy compared to his often obscure verses. The article examines Nostradamus's prediction about London being 'Burnt by the fire in three times twenty plus six' (interpreted as 1666), linking it to the Great Fire of London. It touches upon the complexities of interpreting Nostradamus, including his deliberate obscurity, use of codes, and multilingual, anagram-filled text.

The article explores Nostradamus's predictions regarding a future warlord from the East, potentially linked to Napoleon and Hitler, with a third 'Antichrist' yet to emerge. It discusses prophecies concerning conflict in the Middle East, its spread to Europe, and the potential for nuclear war. The author notes that Nostradamus does not predict an imminent end to the world but suggests events may span thousands of years. The article also mentions the possibility of a mutual treaty between Russia and America, which could precipitate action from the easterner.

It is suggested that Nostradamus's prophecies are often self-fulfilling and that his work remains a source of fascination, with numerous books and songs inspired by his predictions, including Al Stewart's song 'Nostradamus'.

Notes on the New Age by Andy Collins

Andy Collins discusses the rise of 'new age' ideals, attributing it to widespread dissatisfaction with the current environmental situation and humanity's perceived destructive course. He notes the growing influence of ecology, conservation, and peace movements, which aim to alter humanity's perspective and promote a more harmonious way of life.

Collins defines 'new age' thought as an attempt to regain a harmonious balance between humanity and the Earth, establishing wisdom and knowledge to guide civilization. Key aspects include psychic awareness, the paranormal, and the relationship between terrestrial nature and the cosmos. He suggests that a full comprehension of these matters is vital for survival.

According to many new age proponents, civilization is heading for a period of dramatic change and upheaval, with only those who prepare materially and spiritually surviving to usher in a new age of awareness. This upheaval is believed to be caused by both humanity's disharmonious ways and cosmic influences on the planet, leading to a cycle of 'winter' (darkness) followed by a new spring, the 'Age of Aquarius'.

Collins acknowledges that while the concept of a 'new age' is complex and can be interpreted in various ways, it offers a potential path towards light amidst threats of economic decay, nuclear conflict, and environmental poisoning. He stresses the importance of recognizing problems and seeking a balanced path, realizing the true capabilities of the mind and humanity's relationship with nature.

The Rapture

This section, compiled by Kevin McClure, focuses on the Christian doctrine of the Rapture, a key event in the eschatological timeline leading to the Millennium. It references an editorial from 'Prophetic Witness' which states that the end of the world is at least 1,007 years away, but the end of the age may be near, with the Rapture of the Church being the first of several significant events.

The article presents biblical passages from Thessalonians, Hebrews, and Corinthians that are interpreted as describing the Rapture, where Christians (both living and deceased) will be 'caught up' to meet the Lord in the air. It clarifies that the word 'rapture' itself is not explicitly used in the Bible but is derived from the implications of these passages.

Several interpretations of the Rapture are presented, including the idea that it will be a swift, instantaneous event occurring in the air, marking the withdrawal of the Holy Spirit's restraint on sin. The article also discusses the debate on whether unconverted children will be taken, with the majority opinion leaning towards their inclusion for protection from the Tribulation, citing a compassionate interpretation from Frederick Tatford.

Fictional interpretations of the Rapture are also included, drawing from novels like Sydney Watson's 'The Mark of the Beast' and Salem Kirban's '666', as well as Carol Balizet's 'The Seven Last Years'. These narratives depict dramatic events such as mass disappearances and personal transformations during the Rapture.

The section concludes by stating that the Rapture is a frightening prospect, but one that finds echoes in various other beliefs, and if biblical signs are interpreted correctly, its occurrence is a possibility that warrants serious consideration.

Social Security and the Mark of the Beast

This section discusses the concept of the '666 - Mark of the Beast' from the Book of Revelation, which is presented as a key sign of the impending Rapture. It highlights two specific items that appeared in 'Prophetic Witness' and an American case from the book 'When Your Money Fails - the 666 System is Here'.

One anecdote describes a Christian woman who received a form from the UK's Department of Health and Social Security asking where she would have the mark – on her head or hand. She was informed that the form was issued in error, ahead of its official release, and would be issued to every adult member of the European Economic Community.

Another account from the U.S.A. details how, in July-August 1980, the Internal Revenue Service accidentally mailed Social Security cheques that required a special identification mark on the right hand or forehead for cashing. Banks refused to cash these cheques, and the IRS eventually admitted the mistake, stating that these cheques requiring the 'mark' were not intended for use until 1984.

The author expresses skepticism about the UK story, noting that in ten years of working for the DHSS, they have never heard of such a form, and questions the practicality of a government form being printed and designed so far in advance of its intended use.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue of 'End Times Bulletin' are prophecy, eschatology, and the anticipation of future global upheaval. The magazine focuses on interpretations of biblical prophecy, particularly concerning the end times, the Rapture, and the 'Mark of the Beast', alongside the predictions of Nostradamus and the broader concepts of 'New Age' spirituality. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical analysis, aiming to present various perspectives and encourage readers to draw their own conclusions, while maintaining a grounding in reason, humor, and common sense. The publication is positioned as an attempt to understand and navigate the anxieties surrounding potential catastrophic future events.