Antichrist as (Anti)Charisma: Reflections on Weber and the ‘Son of Perdition’
Journal Title: Religions - Year 2013, Vol 4, Issue 1
Abstract
The figure of Antichrist, linked in recent US apocalyptic thought to President Barack Obama, forms a central component of Christian end-times scenarios, both medieval and modern. Envisioned as a false-messiah, deceptive miracle-worker, and prophet of evil, Antichrist inversely embodies many of the qualities and characteristics associated with Max Weber’s concept of charisma. This essay explores early Christian, medieval, and contemporary depictions of Antichrist and the imagined political circumstances of his reign as manifesting the notion of (anti)charisma, compelling but misleading charismatic political and religious leadership oriented toward damnation rather than redemption.
Authors and Affiliations
Brett Edward Whalen
Keywords
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- EP ID EP25300
- DOI https://doi.org/10.3390/rel4010077
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