Novosti - No 4 1990

Magazine Overview

This issue of "Novosti" (News) magazine, published by "MIR" in Moscow in 1990, presents a provocative and speculative exploration of profound themes, including the interpretation of the Bible, UFO phenomena, the burgeoning cooperative movement in the USSR, and the nature of consciousness and time. The cover boldly proclaims "APOCALYPSE. THE TERRIFYING SECRET OF THE BIBLE IS REVEALED?", setting a tone of deep inquiry and potential revelation.

The Apocalypse and the Bible as a Cosmic Program

The lead article, "The Apocalypse. The Terrifying Secret of the Bible is Revealed?", posits a radical theory: the Bible is not a divine text in the traditional sense, but a conceptual program for humanity's development over two thousand years, formulated by 'cosmic residents'. The author suggests that Christianity emerged in the 2nd century AD as a response to the moral decay of the Roman Empire, offering a spiritual path. The subsequent plagues of the Middle Ages and the modern AIDS epidemic are viewed as 'divine punishment' for deviations from true Christianity, marking the 'logical end' of the 'civilization' experiment. The article draws parallels between the concept of God (Father, Son, Holy Spirit) and advanced technology, suggesting a potential link to future systems capable of deciphering human thought. It speculates that cloning and advanced AI could lead to a 'spiritual imprint' of individuals. The planned 'Apocalypse' by the year 2000 is framed as a predetermined outcome of this cosmic experiment.

The article further explores the concept of the soul and reincarnation, citing instances of 'soul migration' in India and near-death experiences where individuals perceive their bodies from outside. It discusses the phenomenon of Vanga, the Bulgarian clairvoyant, as a 'translator' of information from the 'subtle spiritual matter' of the deceased, suggesting that the 'Cosmic Mind' might be an informational field formed by the spiritual remnants of past lives. The author proposes that humanity is part of a cosmic 'cultivation' process, where our planet serves as a 'plantation' for growing spiritual matter. The planned 'Apocalypse' is seen as a potential 'harvest' or 'weeding' of this plantation, possibly through events like the AIDS epidemic, as a last-ditch effort to salvage a portion of humanity.

UFO Sightings in Leningrad

The magazine reports on two eyewitness accounts of UFO phenomena in Leningrad. The first, by V. N. Potekhin, describes a bright, emerald-green beam of light descending from the sky over the Kirovsky Bridge, which then bent. A UFO with four portholes reportedly detached from the beam and ascended rapidly and silently. The second account, by Viktor Nikolaevich Trishin, details seeing a luminous, colorful halo hovering over a field near Bugry, with a dark object within it. The article notes the unusual colors observed and the silent, swift movement of the object, suggesting it was a technologically advanced craft.

The Cooperative Movement and Bureaucracy

An interview with Igor Ivanov, an automechanic from the Izhorsky plant, criticizes the bureaucratic apparatus in Kolpino, a district of Leningrad. Ivanov alleges that local officials deliberately sabotaged the election campaign of V. Ya. Khodyrev, the chairman of the Leningrad City Executive Committee, to prevent him from taking office. Ivanov claims Khodyrev had plans to improve local infrastructure, such as building a children's hospital and a bathhouse, and reduce bus fares, but was undermined by officials who feared his direct engagement with constituents and his commitment to fulfilling election promises. The article also touches upon instances of corruption, such as the theft of a truck and the diversion of building materials.

Another section addresses reader inquiries about joining the cooperative movement. Several readers express a strong desire to work productively and earn a decent living through cooperatives, but are unsure how to get involved. They appeal to V. N. Lukyanenko, chairman of the Leningrad Cooperative Union, for guidance.

Tax Inspectors and Their Challenges

A brief segment highlights the difficulties faced by tax inspectors. They are described as lacking rights, modern tools for data processing, and adequate compensation. Their low legal status and salaries not tied to performance are noted.

Precognition, Time, and Cosmic Consciousness

Several articles explore the concept of precognition and the nature of time. The phenomenon of clairvoyance is discussed through the example of Baba Vanga, the Bulgarian seer, and historical figures like Wolf Messing and Monk Abel. The article references scientific experiments, such as those by Robert G. Jahn, suggesting that consciousness might be able to access information from the future. The theories of Nikolai Kozyrev regarding the flow of time and its potential influence on cosmic events are presented, suggesting that the future might already be 'imprinted'. The idea of a 'pulsating Universe' and the cyclical nature of time is also mentioned.

The possibility of humanity's entry into a 'noosphere' – an era of global reason and spiritual evolution, as proposed by Pierre Teilhard de Chardin – is discussed as a potential future for humanity. However, the article concludes on a somber note, suggesting that if humanity fails to change its ways, the 'Apocalypse' planned in the Bible represents a likely outcome, with the universe potentially moving on to new experiments elsewhere.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently adopts a speculative and often critical stance. It questions established religious doctrines, exploring alternative, often extraterrestrial, explanations for biblical narratives. There is a strong undercurrent of concern about the state of Soviet society, particularly regarding bureaucracy, corruption, and the lack of individual initiative, contrasted with the emerging cooperative movement. The theme of humanity's place in the cosmos and its potential future, whether through spiritual evolution or cosmic intervention, is a recurring motif. The editorial stance appears to be one of challenging conventional wisdom and encouraging readers to consider radical possibilities, even if they are unsettling.