BATTLE OF THE TITANS REDUX: PETER THIEL, ELON MUSK, AND ‘THE SECOND BEAST’ (WITH VIDEO)

1. THEOLOGY

SCRIPTURE. “Then I saw ANOTHER BEAST coming up out of the earth, and he had TWO HORNS LIKE A LAMB and SPOKE LIKE A DRAGON. And he exercises ALL … AUTHORITY of the first beast in his presence, and causes the earth and those who dwell in it to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed.

He performs great signs, so that he even makes FIRE COME DOWN from heaven on the earth in the sight of men. And HE DECEIVES [‘planaó’ (πλανᾷ)-‘causes one to roam from the safety of truth’] those who dwell on the earth by those signs which he was granted to do in the sight of the beast, telling those who dwell on the earth to make AN IMAGE to the beast who was wounded by the sword and lived. He was granted power to give breath to the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak and cause as many as would not worship the image of the beast to be killed.

He causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive A MARK on their right hand or on their foreheads, and that no one may buy or sell except one who has the mark or the name of the beast, or the number of his name. Here is wisdom. Let him who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man: His number is 666.” – REVELATION 13:11-18, NKJV

KEY TERMS:

• “ANOTHER BEAST.” ‘Thérion’ [θηρίον]: “A root word meaning, literally: “A wild, venomous, dangerous animal.” Also: “Brutal, savage; an untamed [feral] creature.” NOTE: “The term θηρίον appears forty-six times in the Greek New Testament, ranging from straightforward references to untamed creatures to climactic depictions of the eschatological ‘Beast.’ Whether literal or symbolic, it underscores Divine Sovereignty over Creation and History, contrasting the Wildness of the Fallen Order with the ordered reign of God and the Lamb.” WEBSTER (1828): “Figuratively, a brutal man; a person rude, coarse, filthy, or acting in a manner unworthy of a rational creature.”

• “ALL AUTHORITY.” ‘Exousia’ [ἐξουσίαν]: “Jurisdiction; power, right privilege, mastery.” Also: “A token or means of control or influence.” NOTE: “Used 102 times in the Greek New Testament, ἐξουσία describes the Right, Privilege, or Jurisdiction to act. It traces every exercise of Legitimate Power back to God, who alone possesses it inherently and who delegates it according to His redemptive purposes.”  WEBSTER (1828): “Legal Power, or a Right to command or to act; as the Authority of a prince over subjects, and of parents over children. Power; rule; sway. DK: Two possible interpretations include: ‘Legitimate Power’ by the Permission of God to carry out necessary fulfillments of Pophecy; or ‘Illegitimate Power’ by usurpation of the Law of God by Satan and his emissaries in Rebellion against the Lord.

QUOTATION. “‘Whereas the First Beast speaks loudly and defiantly against God, the Second Beast makes the First Beast’s claims sound plausible and persuasive.’ False Teachers within the Church are encouraging Compromise with the culture’s idolatrous institutions …  [Also] Whereas the primary perspective of the First Five Seals [Rev. 6:1-11] was on the ‘Trials’ through which [all] Believers must pass, now the focus in the First Six Trumpets is on ‘Judgments’ which Unbelievers, both inside and outside the visible Church, must endure. The Trumpets resemble some of the Trials which were pictured in The Seals, but ‘their primary purpose is to Punish.’” ― DR. G.K. BEALE (Ph.D., Cambridge), Revelation: A Shorter Commentary, 2014; edited

COMMENTARY. “For the understanding of this portion of The Vision we must notice the contrasts and resemblances between this and the Former Wild Beast. ‘They are both “Wild Beasts:” They both have Horns: they both have a Dragon-Like inspiration’ (Revelation 13:11): They both Tyrannise over men; but, on the other hand, the Second Beast is less monstrous in appearance: We read only of Two Horns, and we hear nothing of Seven Heads. ‘He somewhat Resembles a Lamb;’ he Rises from the Earth and not from the sea; his ‘Power lies in Deception’ (Revelation 13:13-14) as well as Violence; he seems to possess more Supernatural Power:

‘Yet the whole of his work is directed to MAGNIFYING the First Beast’ (Revelation 13:12). Do not these features lead to the Conclusion that the Principles which the Second Wild Beast supports are the same as those on which the Former Wild Beast acted, but that he supports them with more subtlety, intelligence, and culture?” – CHARLES ELLICOTT, An Old and New Testament Commentary for English Readers, 1878, 1897; edited

1. TEACHING

This Follow Up Study to the previous Commentary on AI flowed both logically and theologically from the first one. No great revelation here, but rather the clearly common sense extension of the Ideas we just explored last week (Sat. Oct. 3, 2026). And, importantly, prompted also by several excellent comments by you in the Threads from that post.

In Addition: A Review of this literature points to such FALSE SPIRITUAL CENTERS as the Faith-Prosperity Churches found in the Charismatic and Pentecostal denominations. Or to the many Politicized White Evangelical Churches of worship that are virtually soaked in the so called “Conservative Right” that fairly worships the State. Finally, a third dark nest of False Doctrines now flows from the Technocrats of the AI Community who believe that superior science and tech will be our salvation in the days ahead.

CRITERIA. Before diving into the Top Two Candidates I have selected for this infamous role in Last Days Events, first let us review just WHATthe False Prophet must be able to perform for the Antichrist. Borrowed from a non-evaluative compendium by AI Overview (ret. Oct. 5, 2026; edited).

The Biblical Criteria for the FALSE PROPHET (introduced as the Second Beast coming out of the Earth) in Revelation 13:11–18 include specific symbolic, behavioral, and functional traits.

• OUT OF THE EARTH: Unlike the First Beast (the Antichrist) rising from the Sea of Nations, this figure emerges from the Earth, suggesting a localized or grassroots, earthly, or deceptive spiritual origin that is more acceptable in manner and appearance than the First Beast.

• TWO HORNS LIKE A LAMB: He projects a gentle, harmless, Christ-like, or innocent facade, masking a deceptive religious or spiritual authority. He quite literally is the consummate, Satanically empowered “Ravenous wolf in sheep’s clothing” (Matthew 7:15), able to deceiver multitudes on behalf of the First Beast’s more terrifying appearance and manner.

• SPEAKS LIKE A DRAGON: Despite his innocent appearance, his underlying message, doctrines, and voice originate from Satan (the dragon), promoting Rebellion and Spiritual Deceit. Thus, he is also illustrative of a veritable demon coming to Mankind as “An angel of light” (2 Corinthians 11:14).

• AUTHORITY OF THE FIRST BEAST: He acts in lockstep with the First Beast (the Political/Military World Leader or ‘Führer’), using his influence directly on his behalf and in his presence. DK: History shows that the first three Institutions a Dictator must seize are: (1) The Independent Press and Media; (2) The Judiciary and Legal System; and (3) The Military and Law Enforcement. Selah.

• RELIGIOUS ENFORCER: While the First Beast wields political and global power, the Second Beast operates as the ultimate Religious Propagandist, steering global allegiance toward a ‘Human Spiritual System.’ This will constitute a Global Religious Order that replaces all Old and New Testament doctrine, with obvious catastrophic results.

• PERFORMS GREAT SIGNS: ‘He is granted Great Power’ (‘dunamis’ (δύναμιν–‘supernatural, miraculous force’) to deceive the world through impressive supernatural feats. These are a direct reference to the “False wonders” described by Paul in 2 Thessalonians 2:9, and will be astonishing enough to persuade multitudes that the Antichrist of from God.

• CALLS DOWN FIRE: As a prime example, the False Prophet mirrors or counterfeits authentic Biblical Prophetic Signs (such as those of Elijah) to visually authenticate his False Authority in plain sight of humanity. Examples: Fire from Heaven; Breath of Life to an Image; Enforcing Decrees; creates the Mark of the Beast.

• DEMANDS WORSHIP OF THE FIRST BEAST: His Primary Mission is to compel the Earth’s inhabitants to Worship the First Beast, whose fatal wound was healed. DK: I have made the point before that the typical worship in our Churches is based primarily on sound, sight and emotion, making the multitudes easy prey for False Worship.

• IMAGE OF THE FIRST BEAST: He instructs the people to construct an Idol/Image in honor of the wounded-yet-living political beast.

• GIVES LIFE-BREATH TO THE IMAGE: He supernaturally animates the image so that it can speak. DK: Thus the False Prophet must possess either the direct technical skill for constructing such a technological wonder, or know who to delegate to in order to accomplish that part of the Mission.

• IMPOSES ECONOMIC SANCTIONS: He mandates the Mark of the Beast (the Name or Number 666) on the right hand or forehead, restricting anyone without it from buying or selling, and orchestrates the execution of those who refuse to worship the image. DK: We now see the first stages of this strategy with the closing of the Strait of Hormuz, cutting off food supplies in the not distant future.

1. CANDIDATES

THESIS. ‘I argue here that ELON MUSK and his leading technology counterpart, PETER THIEL are positioned as the two most dangerous civilians on the planet in 2026 (as contrasted with political leaders) on the planet.’

The discussion that follows will present evidence for that claim, with the caveat that this review is only a Preliminary Proposal, to be followed up in the days ahead with either Corroboration or Refutation.

ELON MUSK. Here are Three Concerns about Musk that are shared by a large number of experts in the field of Technology overlapping affairs of State.

• POLITICAL INFLUENCE: Commentators note his active involvement in National Elections and his use of his social media platform, X (formerly Twitter), to shape public discourse.

• GOVERNMENT CONTRACTS: Analysts raise concerns over the heavy reliance of the U.S. Government and Military on his companies, such as SpaceX and Starlink.

• REGULATORY PUSHBACKS: Critics argue that BOTH challenge labor laws, safety regulations, and public institutions undermining established legal frameworks. Critics often focus on Elon Musk’s distinct approach to Politics and Technology:

PETER THIEL. Likewise, here are Three Concerns about the impact of Thiel on both Technology and Politics.

• POLITICAL SPENDING: Observers note his financial support for Nationalist and Populist political candidates who seek to disrupt traditional governance.

• IDEOLOGICAL STANCE: Commentators highlight his public statements questioning the Compatibility of Democracy and Freedom.

• SURVEILLANCE AND DATA: Critics express concern over his co-founding of Palantir Technologies, a data-mining firm that works closely with intelligence and defense agencies.

With all this reasonably objective CONTEXT, we turn now to an unabridged Critique of both men from a Secular source that gives us further considerable pause about these two men.

THE TAKEDOWN. Now consider the work of PAUL M. BARRETT (JD, Harvard Law, 1987; former Deputy Director of the Center for Business and Human Rights at New York University’s Stern School of Business) in this no-holds-barred assessment of , and their impact on American and World Order. His Title: “Thinking About the ‘Tech Fascists’ and What to Do About Them” (Sep. 11, 2026; edited).

Briefing 1 (Standing with Trump). PETER THIEL holds a highly influential but physically detached position within Donald Trump’s political ecosystem. While Thiel does not hold a formal title in the Administration, his standing with Trump has undergone a quiet but ‘Strategic Revival’ following a period of personal friction. ELON MUSK and President Donald Trump have ‘Reconciled’ and Musk has returned to an official advisory role in the administration following a brief, high-profile public feud.

Briefing 2. (Net Worth Comparison). MUSK: ~$839B – $908B (Ranked #1 globally); Primary Assets: Tesla, SpaceX, and X (formerly Twitter). THIEL ~$28.4B – $37.7B (Ranked around #60 – #87 globally); Primary Assets: Palantir Technologies, Founders Fund, and early Facebook/PayPal stakes.

• OPEN. “‘Do we really need more books explicating the philosophies of Elon Musk, Peter Thiel, and their technology mogul brethren?’ Their views and rise to prominence have been widely and deeply documented in multiple volumes, substantial magazine articles, first-person essays and endless social media posts. THIEL sees Freedom as incompatible with Democracy. Musk preaches Sovereignty via Technology but whips up Nativist furor and throws Neo-Nazi salutes. Maybe we know enough about these guys.’

• INFLUENCE. “And yet, along with some of their Silicon Valley contemporaries, these are among the most influential figures in American public life. Musk was the top Republican campaign financier in 2024, injecting at least $291 million for Donald Trump and other MAGA candidates; he is expected to spend another $100 million to try to fend off a Democratic comeback in this year’s midterms. Thiel bankrolled the political career of Vice President J.D. Vance, the frontrunner to succeed Trump as Republican standard-bearer in 2028 (assuming Trump doesn’t seek an unconstitutional third term).”

• RANGE. “Their Corporate Heft is equally impressive. Much of the US space and satellite program is outsourced to Musk’s SpaceX and its StarLink subsidiary. Palantir, which Thiel co-founded, does surveillance and data mining for corporate and government clients in the US, Israel, and other nations. This kind of sway over public- and private-sector affairs demands continued analysis of the IDEAS held by the billionaire tech bros. ‘Given their Extraordinary Leverage over our lives, we need to understand their truly twisted motives.’”

• RESEARCH. “Two recently published books — The Nerd Reich: Silicon Valley Fascism and the War on Democracy by journalist and former Democratic political adviser Gil Durán, and Muskism: A Guide for the Perplexed by historian Quinn Slobodian and tech writer Ben Tarnoff — offer accessible accounts of their subjects’ thinking.”

• NERD REICH. “‘Durán helpfully emphasizes THIEL’S brittle “intolerance of politics in all its forms” and his juvenile yearning for “Escape’ from Real Life” — Escape onto the Internet, into outer space or maybe to self-governing communities floating in the middle of the ocean, harkening back to Jules Verne’s Propeller Island, a novel published in 1895 about Plutocrats who flee to a giant ship in the Pacific Ocean. It’s worth noting that Thiel hasn’t quite abandoned all politics, as he contributes millions to causes like trying to defeat California’s proposed billionaire tax and protect Republicans’ congressional majority.”

• MUSKISM. “‘Muskism,’ the authors argue, ‘offers Americans a different arrangement for the 21st century: That “in an increasingly unstable world, both States and Individuals can fortify their Self-Reliance by plugging into [MUSK’S] infrastructures.” The Pentagon and NASA increasingly depend on SpaceX. Soldiers rely on Starlink. X and Grok define Reality for many in the MAGA-sphere. Unlike [Henry] Fordism, though, Muskism doesn’t seek to spread economic and social benefits broadly. ‘It promises Autonomy for some but Excludes migrants, supposed DEI dependents, and what Musk calls their “Woke Mind Virus” liberal enablers.’”

• WARNING. “‘The Alliance between MAGA Political Forces and the Tech Moguls — whose Trump-enabling ranks also include, with varying degrees of enthusiasm, the leaders of Oracle, Microsoft, Google, Facebook, Amazon, Salesforce, and OpenAI — deserves ongoing attention.’ Excursions into the ideological weeds like Muskism and The Nerd Reich are part of that process. After putting down these volumes, however, the reader may conclude: ‘We have reached “THE MOMENT” when analytical energy should shift from intellectual and psychological DIAGNOSIS to more tangible RESISTANCE.”’

DK NOTE. Given all these Dark Portents surrounding and infesting our culture, the Government and saddest of all, the Church, ‘What Now, beloved.’ What should be our Next Move?

1. LAST THOUGHTS

“A PRUDENT MAN [ sees evil and hides himself and avoids it, But the NAIVE [who are easily misled] continue on and are punished [by suffering the consequences of sin].” – PROVERBS 27:12, AMP

10 PREPS FOR AN AMERICAN REICH. Spiritual and Practical Preparations for Societal Chaos must focus on building personal Self-Reliance, securing Essential Supplies, and fostering local Community Networks.

• SPIRITUAL FOUNDATION: Most Importantly: Commit your life 100% to Christ or don’t even bother with the rest of the Checklist. For strength, for wisdom, a sense of order, mental health stabilization, and to maintain structured routines to handle high-pressure environments.

• DEEPEN FAITH IN SCRIPTURE: ‘Read and internalize God’s Word daily’ (in the morning) so your Spiritual Roots are strong and secure before trouble arrives. The importance of this cannot be stressed enough in order to Endure what is coming. It is our Spiritual Food, beloved.

• WATCH AGAINST DECEPTION: Flowing directly from what I just wrote above, take great care to ‘Guard your Mind with Biblical Truth’ to avoid being misled by False Teachings, False Government Officials, or widespread Cultural Delusions.

• MAINTAIN PERSONAL HOLINESS: ‘Pursue Purity, earnest Prayer, and an Active Walk with God’ rather than yielding to spiritual dullness or worldly habits often followed for years and left unquestioned. This the perfect time for a careful ‘Self-Examination’ before the Lord as preparation not only for the Crisis but for Heaven.

• POWER AND HEAT. Best to invest in a relatively low-cost ‘Solar Generator’ ($1,000-$1,200) by first shopping “Top Five” systems from reliable sources such as Consumer Reports etc.

• WATER: Store a minimum of ‘one gallon of water per person per day,’ targeting at least a two-week supply at home (such as 15 gallons per person) alongside portable filtration tools. Overall, aim for a minimum 30-day supply for drinking and sanitation needs.

• FOOD: Stockpile ‘shelf-stable, high-calorie staples’ like rice, beans, oats, canned tuna, and peanut butter. You can also purchase a 30 day supply of emergency food for four (e.g. My Patriot etc., about $200).

• FINANCE & DOCUMENTS: Keep ‘physical copies of vital personal documents and a reserve of small bills cash’ ($1, $5, $10) for use when electronic payment systems fail; some suggest keeping a small cache of silver on hand, but that is debatable.

• CLEAR COMMUNICATION: Establish ‘reliable, non-digital or analog communication paths’ if digital systems fail. Wise to purchase a solar powered emergency communication device or radio for updates on political or weather events (about $100). Build relationships with trusted neighbors to pool resources, share security watch duties, and establish local communication channels like walkie-talkies.

• SELF-DEFENSE. This is clearly up to the individual family group concerning Firearms. My family has nothing more than a 20-gauge shotgun and a semi-automatic 9 mm with adequate ammunition. sidearm. Absolutely no need to store up a paramilitary arsenal in my view. We are not “Preppers” in the normative secular sense of that term. Rather, I see each home as a ‘Refuge’ for one’s family and carefully selected individuals who need shelter, counsel ,and encouragement.

CODA. “FEAR NOT, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.

Behold, all those who were incensed against you shall be ashamed and disgraced; They shall be as nothing, and those who strive with you shall perish. You shall seek them and not find them— those who contended with you. Those who war against you shall be as nothing, as a nonexistent thing. For I, the LORD your God, will hold your right hand, saying to you, ‘Fear not, I will help you’…

BEHOLD, I AM COMING QUICKLY! [without delay]. Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book … And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last … I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things in the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star …

He who testifies to these things says, ‘Surely I am coming quickly.’ Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus! The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.” – ISAIAH 41:10-13; REVELATION 22:7, 12, 16, 20; NKJV

These are the very Words of our King to all the True Saints of God – and to all who desire to become part of His Great Company. ‘While there is still time.’

MEDIA

YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/egkkKFaflZs