I have a distinct memory from my childhood that has always stayed with me. I was only in the first grade, and for the first time in my life, I learned about the history of slavery in the United States. Soon after, I also learned about the Holocaust. Heavy subject matter for first grade, I know, but even in the brief and perfunctory manner in which we learned about these subjects, a question arose in my spirit. “How could anyone have allowed these things to happen?” I asked myself. The answer, I felt, came in the fact that few people had the courage to truly stand for truth and righteousness at a time when an inhuman evil was being perpetrated in their midst. The silence of the majority has always empowered the minority of evildoers.
And so it was then, all the way back in first grade that I distinctly remember making an inner vow. I told myself if I ever lived at a time when it was required to speak out, to stand for truth and righteousness, to stand firm, that I would not remain silent; I would not sit down, no matter the cost.
It’s no surprise, then, that here I find myself, half a lifetime later, a polarizing figure, being attacked, slandered and lied about from all sides. And as far as the attacks go, it has been a fairly busy week.
First, on the extreme left, the George Soros-funded Media Matters website has launched yet another attack, accusing me with the same old tired cliches of bigotry, racism and hatred.
In this particular slander-piece, I am listed alongside several of “the greats,” including Rush Limbaugh, Glenn Beck, Mike Huckabee and Michael Savage.
Apparently, the reason I was included among these men is because of a comment I made while being interviewed by Mike Huckabee on his radio program. While discussing my new book, “Mideast Beast: The Scriptural Case For an Islamic Antichrist,” with the former governor, I said I felt that “Islam is an inherently evil and soul destroying, freedom destroying, force in the earth.”
Of course, Media Matters misquotes me as simply calling Islam an “evil religion.” Not that my actual quote was radically different, but it is a misquote nonetheless. It’s also clear that they purposefully left out the portion of my statement where I say that Islam is a “freedom destroying force in the earth.” But of course they would delete this portion of my comment – after all, who can really argue with my statement? Show me anywhere in the world where a more devout form of Islam is implemented without freedom being trampled upon?
But it is from the right that another, far more odious form of slander is now spreading. This attack is far more concerning than Media Matters’ standard stereotyping and demagoguery. This time, the attack is deeply anti-Semitic. This particular accusation began late last year when some obscure white supremacist blogger wrote an extensive slander piece accusing me and several other Messianic Jewish figures of being secret agents in an evil Zionist conspiracy to infiltrate American Christian churches, spreading our Jewish deception. Featuring prominently at the head of this piece is a picture of me with red glowing eyes, Satan perched on my shoulder and the Israeli flag to my side.
The author of the article begins by making the incredibly revealing statement: “I mean, look at the guy – he looks seriously Jewy to me.” Then comes the standard anti-Semitic conspiratorial bile:
My guess is Richardson was born with one seriously Jewy sounding name, maybe something like “Schlomo Goldstein.” His life in the Mideast “as an artist” was really intense training at the Mossad Institute of Advanced HasbaRATS learning about Islam for his new career in America as a major league Christian BS artist.
Later, I am linked in with other American evangelicals Joel Rosenberg, Dr. Michael Brown, Arnold Fruchtenbaum and several others, all who are also allegedly part of this Zionist conspiracy to deceive Christians. For my part, despite the fact that I am not Jewish, I was honored to be included alongside these fine men.
But if such deeply anti-Semitic slurs were limited to only a few juvenile white supremacists, I would be less included to be concerned. But in recent weeks, the anti-Semitism has metastasized. This time, the slander comes from another blogger named Sean Osborne, an American evangelical Christian and military figure who also writes for the Northeast Intelligence Network. On Osborne’s blog, not only myself, but other well-known Zionists and Christians are once again accused of being part of a Zionist agenda.
On Osborne’s blog, a commenter begins the smear:
Richardson projects a convincing Christian jargon and appears to be well-schooled in the Bible. But the first alert my spirit had re: Joel was his overwhelming acceptance by powerful people and the media. That was a red flag right there. I often wonder if he is part of the what I call “white propaganda.”
The commenter confuses me with author Joel C. Rosenberg, but Osborne uses the opportunity to refer to me and others who hold to my perspective on the end times (figures such as Chuck Missler, Joseph Farah, Joseph Chambers, Walid Shoebat, Sid Roth, Paul Wilbur and several others) as “the prophets of Ba’al,” “deceivers” and “false prophets.” Finally Osborne perpetuates the anti-Semitic slur by asking the following question: “Are these men unsaved Jews? Maybe they are.”
But here is where the issue of silence and righteousness comes into place. Among all of the other evangelical Christians commenting on the site, not a single person raises a word of protest. It is always in silence that evil is allowed to advance. This is a lesson the church absolutely must understand in these last days. Standing firm will have its consequences, but we must resolve now to be hated, accused and slandered from all sides. It will come from both the left and the right. It will come from those outside as well as those considered to be brothers and sisters.
When I look back at the vow I made in the first grade, I can see God’s hand working in my life, even before I knew Him. I had no idea then that in only a few short decades, I would be living at a time that in many ways would parallel the 1930s. If ever there were at time the church must resolve to stand firm, it is now. But for men and women of righteousness everywhere, now is the moment to resolve to stand firm regardless of the consequences. And in doing so, we can find strength in the comforting words of Jesus: “If the world hates you, you know that it has hated Me before it hated you” (John 15:18).
19 Responses
You are suffering for a worthy cause. Early in 2010 it became so clear to me that this entity in Revelation that persecutes christians and jews must be islam. Then your book came across my path and brought it all together in a clear way. The Lord has used you to express these things in a convincing, irrefutable manner with a genuine heart for those enslaved in islam. Your boldness in telling the truth is refreshing. I hope in these things you never change. You know it doesn’t get better but till He comes in His glory. The Lord shall go forth as a Mighty man as a warrior He’ll stir up His zeal With a SHOUT He will sound the battle cry and will triumph over His enemies. Lay hold of His grace to put all these things behind you. So many of us can not be in your place of influence but we rejoice when you answer these contradictions as you do. I hope to learn to pray for you.
Your insight on end times and your love of the Word have greatly encouraged our family as we look for Jesus to return. Thank you for the risk that you are taking. We will be praying for you and your family as you stand for truth.
Joel,
I’m a Filipino contract worker here in the middle east. I too am a born- again christian and I have been reading all your articles in your website JT eversince, and because of you, reading the bible has become very exciting, knowing that each context relates to what is happening in the world especially here in the middle east. I am a musician in our “underground” church and not all of my bretheren are as much interested in understanding the mideast beast and what he’s about to do. Please continue to press-on what you have started. I feel the holy spirit is with you and everything you do is annointed and blessed by our Lord Jesus who’s coming is very near and His kingdom will be established here on earth as it written in the scriptures. God bless you and your family.
“It is enough for a disciple that he be like his teacher, and a servant like his master. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more will they call those of his household!” Matthew 10:25
“Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
“You are the salt of the earth… Matthew 5:11-13a
Walid Shoebat once said something like if there are no wolves attacking you maybe you’re not a sheep. Persecution is a major sign that you are a true Christian. Not when people are rude, but when they fearlessly speak the truth and a shine a light into the darkness.
Joel, thanks for for everything you do. I really believe you are in the center of God’s will for your life. Think about how this controversy will explode when the Madhi really does come and starts blaspheming Christ and those who live in heaven. Personally, I think this controversy will lead directly to the strong delusion of 2 Thessalonians 2:11. Thanks for everything you are doing.
Hi Joel. I continue to follow your teachings, including your last book which I really need to get started on. Yes the persecution from within is something to behold as others stick to another paradigm, or just deny the Truth. For myself, I look forward to it, as Scripture states the Truth and others need to clear their minds for a bit and see what it really says. Islam is extending itself deeply into Europe, so much so it may be possible to form a union between the ME nations and Turkey, through an alliance with NATO. Just a whiff of this is in the air, but certainly it could be called the iron and miry clay feet, if it comes about. Turkey is incredibly impressive in it’s policies and connections not entirely revealed. Watching them closely will give early hints. New events in Kurdistan are also noteworthy, which encompasses the upper Mesopotamia and the Land of Shinar.
I continue to support you as a Brother in Christ, and pray for you and your family. As you clearly love the Word of God and speak it boldly you will be persecuted. Stick to your Scriptures and you will be blessed and protected. The more the controversy, the more you will be read.
I still post some of your articles over at FP, and sometimes the discussion gets heated, other times ignored. Feel free to join in if you would like.
God Bless You
David
The fact that Sean Osborne said such things says a lot about his character and totally destroys any credibility he might have in decoding end time prophecy. If he is so quick to say such harmful/vile things (he obviously lacks wisdom in how to deal with people with opposing views) to a person that clearly loves the Lord, then how can we possibly trust his wisdom on such hermeneutical issues?
Many blessings to you Joel, I have not made such a pact, but it has been my duty since I became a Christian to seek truth and it has come from God alone that He is in agreement with the Ruach Hakodesh that the Messianic movement really is actually God bringing back his children out of traditional, secularised, pagan form of church to what it was in the 1st century before Constantine messed it all up. We are in end times do not be discouraged by worldly mens rantings, or even so called Christian rantings that try and slander also. Alot of people i know call me a conspiracy theorist christian and non christian, I tell them im not into conspiracy theories, im into conspiracy facts.
I agree with the middle east rethink and if a glove fits, why change it? Yahweh bless you, and keep you and make his face shine upon you and give you his Shalom! brother in Yeshua! Be strengthened and encouraged! Yeshua went through the same things.
I’m extremely surprised that Osborne “approved” my post over at his site – http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=8373186484944191934&postID=4868558461947958754 – he has more honor than I predicted.
That said, his reply to my comments sounded like psycho-babel and were extremely prideful. “The only barrier to truth is presuming that you already have it.”
During my devotionals this morning, IS 29:10 lept out at me (though yes, speaking of Israel). Seemed fitting of Osborne at the moment.
-Paul
Amen amen to all the above!
Shalom, Joel!
It is indeed quite upsetting when people start slandering you for standing up and daring to do what is right. But at the same time all this slandering should strengthen and encourage you to continue in your works, for our Lord Jesus Christ Himself said this would happen. If anything these attacks clearly show that you are on the right path.
Joel:
I have begun wearing an Israeli flag lapel in my support of Israel and the Jewish people! So far the response I have received is positive, but am bracing myself for opposition.
Joel: Why not start a movement amongst Christians willing to take a stand for Israel in this way? I believe its a good way to show our support for our Jewish brethren in a tangible, personal way and to denounce all forms of anti semitism including the repugnant replacement theology.
I stand proudly wearing the Jewish Star of David as a “Marked Man” and may God grant us all grace and courage to stand for our Beautiful Messiah the Lord Jesus and His Chosen People: ISRAEL.
Isaiah 46.13 I bring near my righteousness; it shall not be far off, and my salvation shall not tarry: and I will place salvation in Zion for Israel my glory.
Here is the link on Ebay for the pins: only $2.00 plus shipping! (They look great in real life: the picture on ebay does not reflect the actual item).
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Israel-Flag-Lapel-Pin-Israel-Pin-/290648605557?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item43ac01c375#ht_623wt_895
Shalom,
James
Read some history on the Soros family heritage and the halocaust. He is a Jew himself and the family sold out and betrayed many Jews to the Nazi’s.
I used to be a regular reader of Mr. Osborne’s site. I actually found your site through his. But on one occasion, Sean had misquoted a Scripture, so I asked him about it. He deleted my comments and completely berated me. I tried again, and he threw a MAJOR hissy fit. That was when I realized what a nut job he is. If you actually read through his comments, he claims that he does not use his brain, but receives his knowledge directly from the Holy Spirit. He also claims that anyone who disagrees with him on any little point doesn’t know the Holy Spirit. Can you say deluded false prophet? I honestly wouldn’t pay any attention to weirdos like this.
As a missionary living in a Muslim dominated nation for the past three years, I just wanted to drop you a hello and say thank you for all of your very helpful articles and research. I talk to other missionaries who also really appreciate your work. We just do not have the time to put into studying certain things and you really do the ground work for us. I cannot say I understand why some christians seem to hate you so much, but I suppose it is out of fear. I think that certain groups have a deep sense of insecurity and when any little tiny aspect of what their pastor teaches them is shown to be off a bit, their faith feels threatened. I think their faith is less in Jesus and more in being part of a church that they think is perfectly right.
Anyway, keep up the good work and my family and I will be praying for your family.
” Joel you and all of your pathetic little followers can smugly sit back and deny what the BIBLE says is gonna happen, but IT DOESN”T MATTER WHAT YOU SAY. GOD’S WORD will prove you all to be a bunch of deluded cultists. Everyone knows what you say is not true, but a bunch idiotic lies easily disproven by anyone who knows his BIBLE! I will pray for you and your confused followers that you will see the trut!”
Meditate on these verses, Chris.
Matthew 5:7-9, 11-12, 22 NIV
Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God. “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca,’ is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell.”
Romans 12:16-19, 21 NIV
Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
Hi Joel, I’m a fairly recent follower of your teachings, only having been introduced to the Islamic Antichrist paradigm a couple of years ago. Like you, I don’t hate Muslims – in fact I have shared the gospel with Muslims for years when I have had the opportunity through relationships at work and so forth. In this, as well as in your love for Israel, you are speaking the truth. Keep walking in love. “You will know them by their fruits”.
Hey Joel! First of all, I am proud to say that I do not have a clue who Sean Osborne is. For the past ten years, the Lord has been my Master, and Teacher … solely … through the Holy Spirit. Being immersed in His Word, and in His Love, has been enough for me. I do not watch T.V., I am on the computer some, but, it is with the Holy Spirit’s direction as to what He leads me to. I am not an ignorant person, in fact, I consider myself on the “cutting edge” of what all is going on in the world today, especially regarding prophecy and the end times! I consider myself “called” and “trained” to be a “Watchman” on the Wall … and I, too, will NOT be silent! The wonderful thing about my last ten years of life, is that it is TOTALLY opposite of what it was for decades before that. I did not have a personal relationship with the Lord, and I didn’t even own a Bible. Now, I devour His Word like one who is STARVING for food! I have a rather “bold” personality, and I get “excited” in the Spirit, and want to SHOUT the warnings and set off the alarms, but, I am been shut up and even thrown out of churches that I devoted years of my life, over the last ten, to witnessing, counselling, and guiding others to Christ. Accused of “misleading” and/or “teaching” false information. They all want us (you) to conform to their ways, and their writings, and their teachings, and WE WILL NOT DO THIS!!! One of the people the Lord led me to, to teach me, and to open my eyes about these end times, and the truth about them, is YOU!!! The Holy Spirit is choosy, too! 🙂 He has had me to DELVE into everything you have written, Walid has written, and a few others. He has had me to be inundated with learning about the Holocaust and Hitler’s regime, and all the other leaders of the time, over the past 3-4 years now. Prior to this, I couldn’t stand to look at any of the Holocaust stuff, and I especially didn’t want to hear anything about Hitler! The Lord has shown me the parallels. He has pointed out to me certain leaders and nations to pay attention to these days, and He has used YOU to affirm all that He is saying to me. I remember when I first started reading your books, and watching your DVD’s, thinking, oh my, when is the evil warfare going to start and try to take him out. I said that about Walid, too. No sooner had I felt these things in my spirit, over the past couple years now, it started big time with Walid, and now, it is getting this way for you. Expect worse, Joel, and expect it to affect your family as well. It has mine! But, this is truly what the Lord, and His Disciples meant when they said to keep the faith until THE END! Amen! Being in the center of God’s will is the best place, and also the scariest place, to be. But, as our Lord said in the Garden just before He began His walk to His final destination here on earth … the CROSS … “Abba Father, nevertheless, Your will be done!” May the Lord continue to bless you and keep you, as you continue walking in the dust of His feet! In His grip, jean dean < Josh 1:9
I first heard your name mentioned by Sid then by Chuck and downloaded your book. What great insight you have to the word! of God ! Your love of people comes through while discussing very profound and interesting views of the end of the age. And by the way we are all Jewish if the Spirit of God lives in us Praise His Name. The principilities of evil are fighting hard, but those who have insight will inform many. Thanks for writting, thanks for all you do for the Kingdom of God. May His grace abide upon you and even bigger doors open to teach others of what”s to come.