The term “antichrist” can refer to a specific individual in Christian prophecy or, more broadly, to anyone who opposes the message or mission of Jesus Christ. The concept often describes a powerful, deceptive figure who will oppose Christ’s values & goals, before being ultimately defeated. The “beast from the sea” in the Book of Revelation is often interpreted as this figure, with some believing the number 666 might have originally referred to a historical figure like Emperor Nero.
Metaphysician and Unity Church co-founder Charles Fillmore defined anti-Christ as that which denies or opposes the idea that the Christ dwells in and is the true self of each individual. Whenever we see yielders of power opposing the Christ way of love of neighbor, restorative justice, generosity, compassion, kindness, healing, or affirmation of the marginalized, we are witnessing the spirit of anti-Christ, that is, an attitude that is opposed to what Jesus the Christ (Anointed) stood for, lived for, and even died for. From a Queer theological perspective, legislation, preaching, and attitudes that condemn or marginalize or reject LGBTQ+ people or that ignore the suffering of the poor or the politically victimized are the ”spirit of anti-Christ” alive and functioning in the world today.
There is probably no pre-ordained monster to be called “anti-Christ,” but every time the inclusivity, love, and welcome of Christ are denied, “anti-christ” is present in word and deed. The persons/representatives of anti-Christ are not limited to a single figure in history, but rather, it is an attitude that fails to see the divine spark in every person, and the innate dignity of every human being.
