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The resurgence and impact of age-old deities and entities from Mesopotamia within contemporary Western society.

The central concept of Jonathan Cahn's book revolves around the notion titled "The Return of the Gods." Cahn suggests that the divine figures once worshipped in ancient Mesopotamian societies, which subsequently became overshadowed by the rise of Christianity, are presently reemerging and weaving themselves into the tapestry of modern Western civilization, shaping the cultural shifts we see today. He ascribes the significant shifts in cultural standards, the rise of concepts related to gender, the resurgence of ancient ceremonies, and the growing contempt for traditional religious beliefs to their influence. Cahn suggests that in recent times, Western civilizations have grown increasingly vulnerable to turmoil and judgment than in the periods before they embraced the principles of Christianity, owing to a resurgence in cultural values.

Entities from the supernatural domain, particularly the shedim and daimonia of ancient Middle Eastern traditions, are once again extending their sway over contemporary societies in the West.

Jonathan Cahn's analysis suggests that the revival hinges on the idea of a residence occupied by otherworldly beings. He explains how Western civilization's embrace of Christianity resulted in the cleansing of these detrimental elements, fostering a society that was orderly, immaculate, and distinctly devoid of such influences. The rise of this vacuum has enabled malevolent spirits and demonic entities to not only reclaim their former sway but also to greatly exceed it.

During the era of paganism, malevolent supernatural entities were worshipped as gods.

Cahn delves into the ancient Hebrew and Greek...

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The Return of the Gods Summary The contemporary challenges related to sexual identity and gender have become the main stage for the revival of ancient deities.

The author identifies the primary battleground for these resurgent spirits as the realm of human sexuality. He focuses on Ishtar, a deity linked with the notions of sexual fervor, expression, and gender fluidity, as the primary catalyst for the assault on Western moral values. Jonathan Cahn draws a parallel between the sweeping alterations in sexual mores and the influence of the deity Ishtar, positing that this societal shift has significantly eroded the moral tenets of the Bible and fervently advanced a moral system rooted in ancient polytheistic beliefs that glorifies unrestrained sexual liberty and the breakdown of traditional gender roles.

The deity Ishtar, recognized as well by the names Ashtoreth or Astarte, has exerted a powerful sway through the sexual revolution, thereby gaining a dominant hold over America's and the Western world's cultural terrain.

Cahn delves into the historical worship of Ishtar, highlighting her notorious association with sensuality, her defiance of traditional standards, her inclination towards hostility, and her ties to prostitution, sorcery, and esoteric wisdom. He argues that the transformation of sexual norms, the progression of women's...

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The Return of the Gods Summary The resurgence of old pagan customs, celebrations, and timekeeping in today's society.

Jonathan Cahn suggests that the most evident sign of the resurgence of old pagan traditions in contemporary Western cultures is the observance of "Pride Month" in June. He believes that the month-long LGBTQ+ pride events, with their parades and festivities, are reminiscent of an ancient Mesopotamian period devoted to honoring the deity Tammuz, associated with the legends of Ishtar. He highlights a similarity between modern Pride festivities and ancient Mesopotamian ceremonies that venerated a god and incorporated aspects of gender diversity.

June is now recognized as "Pride Month," a contemporary equivalent to the historical summer celebrations and parades that honored the deity Ishtar.

Cahn suggests that the deity Ishtar is seeking to regain her ancient prominence by increasing her presence in contemporary cultural festivities. The author argues that the decision to designate June as "Pride Month" is a deliberate move to reestablish the influence and power associated with the nature of Ishtar. Cahn implies that the concept of "pride" pays tribute to the inherent haughtiness of Ishtar, thus associating the entire month with...

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The Return of the Gods Summary Modern social and cultural trends have profound links to convictions rooted in age-old heathen ceremonies.

Jonathan Cahn views the revival of ancient pagan practices as closely connected with seemingly secular movements in society and culture. He argues that the quest for dominance and sway stems not only from modern campaigns for societal equity but also resonates with the desires of entities from ancient times. He links the growing intolerance for dissenting opinions, particularly regarding sexual orientation and gender identity, to a past tendency where rigid conformity to the gods was demanded, and dissent could result in ostracism or death.

The quest for absolute control and the suppression of opposing views is evident in the rise of political correctness, the emergence of wokeness, and the embrace of cancel culture strategies.

Cahn argues that the initial embrace and encouragement of open-mindedness and tolerance at the beginning of the sexual revolution were intentional strategies by spiritual entities to secure their foothold in Western culture. Upon securing dominance, the spirits assumed a position that echoed the characteristics of Baal, the olden god from Israel, focusing their power on quelling opposition and mandating compliance with their freshly instituted moral...

The Return of the Gods

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Shedim and daimonia are malevolent supernatural entities in ancient Middle Eastern traditions. The term 'shedim' in Hebrew and 'daimonia' in Greek are associated with destructiveness and chaos, often linked to demonic forces. These entities were believed to have significant influence over human behavior and were sometimes worshipped as gods in pagan societies. Their resurgence in contemporary Western society is seen as a return to a time when these forces held sway over cultural and societal norms.
  • The Delphic Oracle was a priestess at the Temple of Apollo in Delphi, ancient Greece, believed to channel the god Apollo's prophecies. Spirit possession in this context referred to the belief that the Oracle was inhabited by Apollo's spirit during her trance-like state, enabling her to deliver prophetic messages. The Oracle's pronouncements were highly regarded and influenced significant decisions in ancient Greek society. The concept of spirit possession was integral to the belief in divine communication and guidance through the Oracle.
  • Baal was a Canaanite deity associated with fertility, storms, and agriculture. Traditional emblems linked to Baal often included symbols like...

Counterarguments

  • The influence of ancient Middle Eastern entities on contemporary Western societies is not empirically substantiated and could be seen as a metaphorical or symbolic interpretation rather than a literal one.
  • The worship of malevolent supernatural entities in paganism is a matter of historical and theological debate, with many scholars arguing that ancient pagan religions were complex and not solely focused on malevolent forces.
  • The idea that Western civilization's departure from foundational values has led to a resurgence of ancient gods is a subjective interpretation that may not account for the diverse and multifaceted nature of societal change.
  • The assertion that ancient spirits are driving the...

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