In late 2009, it occurred to me that the then current German Defence Minister Baron Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg possibly could become the final "Beast," the King of the North. In this article, I will give some reasons why he may be, as well as some reasons why he may not be.
Note: This article is highly speculative at this time and I am not saying as of 2020 (or in earlier editions of this article) that Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg will become the King of the North, only providing some reasons and ideas why he might.
The Guardian gave some background about him:
Karl-Theodor Maria Nikolaus Johann Jacob Philipp Franz Joseph Sylvester Freiherr von und zu Guttenberg does not have a snappy name. Perhaps that is why he is known in Bavaria as "the Rocking Baron". Unusually for a man whose family tree stretches back to the 12th century, the 37-year-old aristocrat has charisma and a glittering political future. In February he became Germany's youngest economics minister, and in Sunday's elections he won the highest percentage of constituency votes of any candidate. He became the envy of fellow politicians by attracting thousands of people to his rallies, a phenomenon not witnessed since Helmut Kohl. The Windsors should take note. As the leading contenders drained the colour from their campaigns by trying to say as little as possible, the young baron triumphed by being himself – a mixture of fiscal conservatism and an even-handed personality unafraid to challenge orthodoxy. He opposed the proposed buyout of Opel by a consortium led by the Canadian spare parts maker Magna and the Russian bank Sberbank, but he got plaudits for standing up to Angela Merkel. Guts are in the family genes. His great-grand-uncle, the Catholic monarchist Karl Ludwig von Guttenberg, was tortured by the Gestapo and shot after the failed assassination attempt on Hitler. He revealed no names of the fellow plotters. Mr Guttenberg does not need a job. He gets more than he needs from his family estate in Bavaria. If duty impels him, German politics will be all the richer. (Editorial. In praise of … German aristocracy. The Guardian. Wednesday 30 September 2009. http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2009/sep/30/in-praise-of-german-aristocracy viewed 30 April 2010)
In late 2009, a Canadian writer reported:
For the first time Europe speaks with one voice, the low-key Flemish of President Herman Van Rompuy. ... Given the realities of geoeconomics it is not inconceivable that a far more dynamic leader such as German Economics Minister Karl Theodor von und zu Guttenberg might one day be in charge.
Is the past key to the future? If one goes back five centuries China and India ruled the global economy. Turkey dominated the world of Islam. Europe suddenly came together under the leadership of the young dynamic Habsburg Charles V, who ruled from Belgium. Charles sought to halt the expansion of Islam, defend European civilization, unite the continent and forge a Latin American empire. Europe enjoyed a global reach under his reign, not only by military might but by “soft power” and diplomacy.
If America declines, will Europe fill the vacuum, partly in response to the Chinese challenge? To some this seems unlikely but think back to the world of only a scant 10 years ago when the Anglo-American model of stakeholder capitalism stood triumphantly (and perhaps a tad arrogantly) and practically alone on the top of the heap, and how much has changed since then. (Moore K, Lewis D. The decline of America. Ottawa Citizen, Canada – Dec 24, 2009. Original URL: http://www.ottawacitizen.com/technology/decline+America/2377175/story.html; updated URL: https://ottawacitizen.com/news/the-decline-of-america)
The idea that a Habsburg may once again lead Europe was a teaching of the old Worldwide Church of God.
In 2010, a writer for Die Tageszeitung concluded:
Europe needs a directly elected leader with charisma ('Europe Needs a Directly Elected Leader with Charisma'. Spiegel, 8 September, 2010. http://www.spiegel.de/international/europe/0,1518,716361,00.html)
The Bible warns of a strong leader who will rise up in the area north of Jerusalem (like Europe; see also (see also Jerusalem: Past, Present, and Future) that will apparently be charismatic (cf. Daniel 7:20,11:21-24,31; Revelation 13:3-5) and lead a confederation that does not stick well together (Daniel 2:42-43), like many of the nations of the European Union.
Here is some information about about him and his family:
Baron zu Guttenberg’s grandfather (his mother’s father) was the late German winemaker & Croatian politician the Count of Vukovar. From the Count, Baron zu Guttenberg is descended from the noble house of Elt z.. .At the ripe age of 70, the Count of Vukovar took up arms in defence of the town of Vukovar during the Yugoslav Wars of 1991...
The Baron’s wife, meanwhile, is Stephanie, Countess of Bismarck-Schönhausen, great-great-granddaughter of the “Iron Chancellor”, Otto von Bismarck. A portent of this economics minister’s future? (Cusack A. The Freiherr of Finance. October 5th, 2009, http://www.andrewcusack.com/2009/10/05/guttenberg-germany/ viewed 04/25/10).
Karl-Theodor's mother, Christiane Gräfin und Edle Herrin von und zu Eltz genannt Faust von Stromberg (now Christiane Henkell-von Ribbentrop), is a member of the Eltz family, which has strong ties with Croatia. She is the daughter of Jakob von und zu Eltz, a former President of the Association of Winemakers in Rheingau who became active in Croatian politics after Croatian independence, and is related to the princely family of Liechtenstein and is also a descendant of the Habsburg-Lothringen imperial family, including Maria Theresa of Austria. (KARL THEODOR ZU GUTTENBERG. http://dictionnaire.sensagent.leparisien.fr/KARL%20THEODOR%20ZU%20GUTTENBERG/en-en/ accessed 05/14/18)
So, even in 2009, some started to wonder if the Baron (who was economics minister in mid-2009, and until March 2011 defense minister) might wind up in a much more influential role.
In 2011, the then 97 year-old former WWII codebreaker for the UK, Harry Beckhough put together a video where he stated he wanted:
...to introduce to you the man that may well become the new Führer of Germany...Baron Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg...here is my man to watch as future Führer...more educated, more aristocratic...than Hitler (Europes New Fuhrer - by Harry Beckhough WW II Codebreaker, uploaded February 9, 2011. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9LplCcxyPo4 viewed 20120501)
Notice what his wife mentioned the following in an interview (machined translated from German to English):
When we got married, I knew that he wanted to get involved politically.(Und plötzlich ist dein Mann Minister. Bild, 15 02 2009. http://www.bild.de/BILD/politik/2009/02/15/bundeswirtschaftsminister-guttenberg-ehefrau/stephanie-im-interview.html)
So, the Baron has long had political ambitions.
He has been considered to be focused perhaps more than he should be on his public image according to certain German-language news sources (Ramelsberger A. Guttenberg's Ground Zero show. 13 September 2011 http://www.sueddeutsche.de/bayern/ex-minister-in-new-york-guttenbergs-ground-zero-show-1.1142531; Comeback at Ground Zero. 12 September 2011 http://www.stern.de/politik/deutschland/die-guttenbergs-in-der-bild-zeitung-comeback-am-ground-zero-1726942.html). The final Beast likely will be as well (cf. Daniel 8:25).
Notice also the following:
November 29, 2013
BERLIN - No German politician of the post-war era has had such a meteoric rise, and precipitous fall from grace, as Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg, the Bavarian baron who fled Berlin for New York in 2011, his career in tatters over accusations of plagiarism.At his peak in 2009, when he served as economy and then defense minister, Guttenberg was seen as a potential successor to Chancellor Angela Merkel...
Germany had never seen a politician like him. A descendant of Leopold II, Holy Roman Emperor in the late 18th century, Guttenberg attended AC/DC concerts at night, had a glamorous wife, and could point to a family of Nazi resisters -- his grandfather is said to have narrowly escaped execution after saying that he'd rather kill SS officers than Jews...
Since leaving Germany two years ago, Guttenberg has lived with his wife Stephanie -- a great-great grand daughter of the first German Chancellor Otto von Bismarck -- and two daughters in the wealthy New York suburb of Greenwich, Connecticut.He is a non-resident "distinguished statesman" at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) in Washington and serves as ambassador for a European Commission initiative to promote internet freedom.But until recently, he had kept a relatively low profile in Germany, returning home "rather frequently but very silently", he told Reuters in a recent telephone interview.That changed earlier this month when Merkel received him in the Chancellery for a one hour "secret" meeting that was leaked to the media. What the two discussed remains a mystery, but the encounter was seen by some as a test of the public mood for a Guttenberg comeback....
Can he rehabilitate himself?One problem is that Guttenberg has never really accepted the plagiarism charge, even after the University of Bayreuth, which awarded him a Ph.D. in 2006, ruled he had "extensively violated academic standards and intentionally cheated."In Germany, politicians are expected to be above reproach and Guttenberg would have a tough time winning back the support of a German media that feels burned and betrayed by the man they made a star.But time has a way of healing old wounds, and Guttenberg is only 41 years old...
He can't return now -- the memory of the mother of all plagiarisms is still too sharp in people's minds," said Juergen Falter, a political scientist at Mainz University."But could it happen in a few years from now? Sure, it's possible. Guttenberg is still very popular, even among some Social Democrats. You have to go back to a young Helmut Schmidt to find a German politician with his charisma." http://mobilebeta.reuters.com/fallen-baron-fuels-debate-in-germany-from-ny-exile
He rose quickly once and may very well do so again.
Now while it is not absolutely sure at this date who will be the final Beast leader (AKA King of the North), Baron zu Guttenberg is a candidate of interest. He even has referred to himself as a type of a beast:
"There's no doubt whatsoever that I'm a political animal, a 'zoon politicon'," he told Die Zeit newspaper in what appeared to be a carefully orchestrated comeback after eight months away from the spotlight. http://in.reuters.com/article/2011/11/24/idINIndia-60716820111124
"For Aristotle's zoon politikon there are no persons beyond the walls of the city; outside the city there exist only beasts or gods."page 169, Urbanization and values, CRVP, 1991, By George F. McLean, John Kromkowski
If Karl zu Guttenberg becomes the King of the North (Daniel 11:36-40), he would also be the final Beast of Revelation. Interestingly, a comedic spoof of Karl zu Guttenberg was premiered on March 4, 2013 (see Baron Guttenberg does not show up for premier spoofing him). A line that was supposed to be in it was as follows:
“I carry myself with the thought, a zoon politikon to be,” says the film-Guttenberg, who is here from Franz Ferdinand and Thunder Mountain and in Berlin shaking the fence of the Chancellery.
„Ich trage mich mit dem Gedanken, ein Zoon Politikon zu werden“, verkündet der Film-Guttenberg, der hier Franz Ferdinand von und zu Donnersberg heißt und in Berlin am Zaun des Kanzleramts rüttelt.
Thus, various ones in Germany, at least, realize that the Baron called himself a type of political Beast. Many will be surprised if he does turn out to be the Beast warned against in biblical prophecy.
Herr Guttenberg still draws crowds:
1 September 2017
More than 1,000 people queued to crowd into a hall in the small Bavarian town of Kulmbach this week for a German parliamentary election rally. Hundreds more sat in the foyers or stood outside to watch the event on television screens. A stranger might have thought that chancellor Angela Merkel was heading the bill. Instead the speaker was a local politician who is not even standing in this month’s parliamentary poll: Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg. Widely seen as one of the few German politicians with genuine crowd-pulling power, Mr zu Guttenberg was once a rising star of German politics. ...
His allies in the Bavaria-based Christian Social Union, which campaigns jointly with Ms Merkel’s Christian Democrats, appealed for his return.
Now, six years on, the 45-year-old prince from across the water is back — at least for the September 24 election. In Kulmbach, he spoke effortlessly without notes for 75 minutes: self-deprecatingly, he joked that he could not have read out a written speech because someone might have thought it was plagiarised. He was “brilliant”, said a spectator. “Captivating,” said another. “A real noble,” said a third, suggesting that the advantages of birth still count, at least among people whose ancestors were zu Guttenberg underlings. One man held a banner saying: “The saviour of us all.” ...
Bild, the top-selling newspaper, pictured Mr zu Guttenberg and his wife Stephanie — a descendant of 19th-century statesman Otto von Bismarck — on its front page with the headline: “The return of the Guttenbergs.” Werner Weidenfeld, head of the Centre for Applied Policy Research in Munich, who has known Mr zu Guttenberg for a decade, says: “He is a charismatic politician in a political landscape not overloaded with charisma.” https://www.ft.com/content/14073d00-8f11-11e7-a352-e46f43c5825d accessed 09/06/18
Notice that Herr Guttenberg was called “The saviour of us all.” Well, Jesus is the Saviour (1 Timothy 4:10; Acts 4:10-12; 2 Peter 3:17-18). But the Bible warns about a Beast that will appear to many, particularly in Europe, as the one who will deliver them from problems (e.g. Daniel 11:23-24) and that will be worshipped (Revelation 13:1-8).
There are certain "Catholic" prophecies about a leader often called the "Great Monarch," who is supposed to save Catholicism and become the Emperor of an end-time "Holy Roman Empire" (see also The Great Monarch: Biblical and Greco-Roman Catholic Prophecies). Notice the following "Catholic" writings:
Father Laurence Ricci, S.J. (died 1775): At a time when the whole world seems doomed, God will intervene. With His aide a valiant duke will arise from the ancient German house which was humiliated by the French monarch. This great ruler will restore stolen Church property. Protestantism will cease ... This duke will be the most powerful monarch on earth. At a gathering of men noted for piety and wisdom he will, with the aid of the Pope, introduce new rules, and ban the spirit of confusion. Everywhere there will be one fold and one shepherd." (Conner p.37)
Werdin d' Otrante (13th century): "The Great Monarch and the Great Pope will precede Antichrist...All the sects will vanish. The capital of the world will fall...The Great Monarch will come and restore peace and the Pope will share in the victory." (Connor, Edward. Prophecy for Today. Imprimatur + A.J. Willinger, Bishop of Monterey-Fresno; Reprint: Tan Books and Publishers, Rockford (IL), 1984, p. 33).
Several private prophecies of canonized Saints specifically state that there will be a latter restoration of the Holy Roman Empire and that there will be at least one last Holy Roman Emperor. The authenticity of the authorship of such prophecies of canonized Saints (e.g., St. Hildegard, St. Vincent Ferrer, St. Francis of Paula, and St. John Vianney) at least over the last eight hundred years is scholastically unquestionable. (Birch, DA. Trial, Tribulation & Triumph: Before During and After Antichrist. Queenship Publishing Company, Goleta (CA), 1996, p. 281).
Some of the prophecies involving the "Great Monarch" seem to be discussing the same individual that the Bible calls the final "King of the North" (Daniel 11) and the final "Beast" (Revelation 13). Because of this, many "Catholic" (including Eastern Orthodox) prophecies will be included in this article.
(For more on the Great Monarch, check out the article: The Great Monarch: Biblical and Greco-Roman Catholic Prophecies.)
Some still are wondering about him politically:
Does Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg want to gain a foothold in Germany again?
In the lobby affair surrounding Philipp Amthor, Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg is a dazzling marginal figure. There are rumors surrounding his return to the political stage.
June 27, 2020
The affair with the ominous start-up Augustus Intelligence, to which both Amthor and Guttenberg had business ties, not only marks the (preliminary) end of a steep career for a young conservative from Mecklenburg. The best side effect of the debate is probably that it should finally give momentum to efforts to increase lobbying transparency in the Bundestag.
In addition, however, the events cast new light on the baron, who is still haunted by German and Bavarian politics. Sometimes he does that as a promise, sometimes as a threat, it depends on the perspective.
In any case, it is still the case even after years in exile in America. In his prime, Guttenberg once had an aura somewhere between conservative Barack Obama and Tom Cruise. Political operations do not forget something like this so quickly; simply because it’s so rare.
His wife and he were considered a political dream couple, on the best way to the Chancellery. Until, yes, until a doctoral thesis came in between, Guttenberg has put together a few jokes over the years. This demonstrative self-irony bathed in refinement is generally very well received.
But what is Guttenberg doing today? Where and how exactly is he working outside of Augustus Intelligence? And could he possibly actually return to the big political federal stage again? …
The following can only be considered fairly certain: Guttenberg assumes that some have a deep longing for a return to politics, driven by the idea of full rehabilitation, reparation. …
“Honestly, Guttenberg no longer plays a political role,” says a CDU MP. “Karl-Theodor is a great communicator, but he definitely lacks substance,” says a CSU student. …
The fact that Stephanie zu Guttenberg recently told the “Gala” about a family return to Germany is causing talk in the capital. Some spread the rumor that “KT” is looking for an electoral district for the return to the Bundestag, others consider that to be empty talk, even nonsense. 06/27/20 https://www.web24.news/u/2020/06/does-karl-theodor-zu-guttenberg-want-to-gain-a-foothold-in-germany-again.html
KT may not have much of a political role in 2020, but he still has one. One that may greatly increase in the future.
Despite not holding public office, Herr Guttenberg has remained in the public eye. He writes and sometimes is interviewed by the news media.
He seems to promote an agenda that he wants to lead Europe. In certain respects, he reminds me of the late Winston Churchill.
He warned about Russia and Europe (see Karl zu Guttenberg on Germany’s change of relationship with Russia; Ukraine a wake-up call).
He has also been warning about what is happening with the USA and its relationship with Europe. Here are links to reports of a May 2014 and a July 2014 interview of him on CNN: Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg on CNN tells of selective anti-Americanism growing in Germany and Karl Guttenberg on USA espionage and damage to US-German relations; He calls Obama the ‘most detached President’ in decades.
Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg had an article in the Wall Street Journal and that made the news in Germany on September 4, 2014 (the German article was machine-translated):
Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg has accused the Europeans in drastic words failure and blindness in the face of crises in the Ukraine and the Middle East. The conservative American newspaper “Wall Street Journal” published on Thursday a long contribution of the former German defense minister , in which he goes hard with the American government and especially with the EU to court. “While the government of the United States is obviously overwhelmed by the variety and severity of crises, with which it is confronted, it makes the European politicians not even something that they do not know what to do,” writes Guttenberg. In allusion to Christopher Clark’s book “The Sleepwalkers” about the outbreak of the First World War, the CSU-man referred to the European leaders of today as “Sleepwalkers”, the “do not realize the consequences of their inaction.”
The EU Summit, where Heads of State and Government decided last weekend to rule within a week on new sanctions against Russia, Guttenberg calls a “beauty contest”. European politicians would find still reasons why the EU is not functioning. “But Eurocrats Excuses keep the soil does not depend on further turn,” Guttenberg holds.
“Delusional Rapture”
European citizens and their politicians he accused of “delusional rapture” before, because they do not take threats beyond their limit seriously. Even after the launch of the Malaysian passenger plane over eastern Ukraine “there was no EU-wide shock and dismay,” says the former minister. He is convinced that Russia would not be content with the Eastern Ukraine, “if it is not stopped.” As Russia would stop, Guttenberg says.
In the Middle East he sees a failure of Europeans who do not understand to use their influence on Israel and the Palestinians. For Gaza war Europe had produced only “useless press releases and a two-sided design on the reconstruction of Gaza”. The German, who now leads a consulting firm in America, does not mention the offer of Berlin and other European powers to contribute by sending observers to resolve the Middle East conflict. A corresponding European foray in the UN Security Council seems, however, currently stuck in New York.
The original German text:
Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg hat den Europäern in drastischen Worten Versagen und Blindheit angesichts der Krisen in der Ukraine und im Nahen Osten vorgeworfen. Die konservative amerikanische Zeitung „Wall Street Journal“ veröffentlichte am Donnerstag einen langen Beitrag des früheren deutschen Verteidigungsministers, in dem er hart mit der amerikanischen Regierung und vor allem mit der EU ins Gericht geht. „Während die Regierung der Vereinigten Staaten offenkundig von der Vielfalt und Schwere der Krisen überwältigt ist, mit denen sie konfrontiert ist, macht es den europäischen Politikern nicht einmal etwas aus, dass sie nicht wissen, was sie tun sollen“, schreibt Guttenberg. In Anspielung auf Christopher Clarks Buch „Die Schlafwandler“ über den Ausbruch des Ersten Weltkriegs bezeichnet der CSU-Mann die führenden europäischen Politiker von heute als „Schlafwandler“, die „die Folgen ihrer Tatenlosigkeit nicht erkennen“.
Den EU-Gipfel, auf dem die Staats- und Regierungschefs am vorigen Wochenende beschlossen, innerhalb einer Woche über neue Sanktionen gegen Russland zu befinden, nennt Guttenberg einen „Schönheitswettbewerb“. Europäische Politiker fänden immer noch Begründungen dafür, warum die EU nicht handlungsfähig sei. „Aber Eurokraten-Entschuldigungen halten die Erde nicht davon ab, sich weiterzudrehen“, hält Guttenberg fest.
„Wahnhafte Entrückung“
Den europäischen Bürgern und ihren Politikern wirft er „wahnhafte Entrückung“ vor, weil sie Bedrohungen jenseits ihrer Grenze nicht ernst nähmen. Selbst nach dem Abschuss des malaysischen Passagierflugzeugs über der Ostukraine „gab es nicht EU-weiten Schock und Bestürzung“, behauptet der frühere Minister. Er gibt sich überzeugt, dass Russland sich nicht mit der Ostukraine begnügen werde, „sofern es nicht gestoppt wird“. Wie Russland zu stoppen wäre, sagt Guttenberg nicht.
Auch im Nahen Osten sieht er ein Versagen der Europäer, die ihren Einfluss auf Israel und die Palästinenser nicht zu nutzen verstünden. Zum Gaza-Krieg habe Europa nur „nutzlose Presseerklärungen und einen zweiseitigen Entwurf über den Wiederaufbau von Gaza“ hervorgebracht. Der Deutsche, der inzwischen in Amerika ein Beratungsunternehmen führt, erwähnt nicht das Angebot Berlins und anderer europäischer Mächte, durch eine Entsendung von Beobachtern zur Lösung des Nahost-Konflikts beizutragen. Ein entsprechender europäischer Vorstoß im UN-Sicherheitsrat scheint in New York allerdings derzeit festzustecken. http://www.faz.net/aktuell/politik/ausland/frueherer-verteidigungsminister-guttenberg-rechnet-mit-deutschland-ab-13135817.html
Here is how that Wall Street Journal article by Baron Guttenberg begins:
September 3, 2014
The European Union named new leadership on Saturday. Yet the latest EU summit in Brussels was just another beauty contest with layers of geopolitical cosmetics, lacking any promise of a new beginning. After months of institutional paralysis, European leaders still find ways to rationalize why the EU is not ready to act. In the past year, national and European-level elections and then the summer break have left the EU in an extended freeze.
But Eurocratic excuses don’t stop the Earth from spinning. http://online.wsj.com/articles/karl-theodor-zu-guttenberg-the-return-of-europes-sleepwalkers-1409786698
To me, he is acting a bit like Winston Churchill. He is telling the Europeans that they need to take the lead, but they are afraid to do so. Winston Churchill made all types of warnings before World War II, and ended up leading the UK to fight in that war. Herr Guttenberg is seemingly making comments that could put him in a position that people in Europe will turn to him to lead the fight that could be called World War III (see also World War III: Steps in Progress).
In 2014, Herr Guttenberg was appointed to the advisory board of an electronic payment firm called Ripple. Here is a link to some comments from Ripple: https://ripple.com/insights/karl-theodor-zu-guttenberg-joins-ripple-labs-advisory-board/
Here are some comments from someone who read the above a few years after I did:
I found an interesting article about the Baron becoming an advisor to a new Bitcoin competitor. They ask him many questions and you get some candid insights as to how he thinks the Ripple proticol can 'redefine the environment of (international) financial transactions'. He believes a 'widespread adoption of Ripple will also provide a welcome boost to global development' and could see a reduction of the price of things around the world by 3pc and will have great benefits for international trade! Sounds like the merchents of the Earth would love that and mourn it's loss (Rev 18:11).
The difference between Ripple and Bitcoin is that Ripple will be working within the international banking and governmental systems unlike Bitcoin. I think that this Ripple protocol could be the way it will go and Bitcoin will be left behind.. Guttenberg also believes that within 2-3 years we could begin to see changes and that over the next 5-10 years it is hard to see what the world would look like and as Guttenberg states 'this is what makes the technology so exciting'.
One last thing he responded with to a qustion caught my attention. The questioner wanted to know what he beklieved he could offer to Ripple Labs as an advisor? He focused on his political experience but then went on to mention that within a fragile ecosystem that Ripple Labs will need to make 'informed and prudent decisions'. So the Baron believes that his widom and prudence are his greatest attributes he can offer them. I know of a certain king of the North in Isaiah 10:13 who also thinks he is wise and prudent:
“By the strength of my hand I have done it,And by my wisdom, for I am prudent;
And, yes, Herr Guttenberg does seem to believe he has much to offer the world.
Back in 2014, I posted the following:
A reader sent me the following which he said was basically machine-translated:
Ripple Labs: Guttenberg is now in Cyber-Currency
The traditional payment system is “antiquated, expensive and inefficient”, says ex-Minister Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg. So he turns now to the digital financial world and starts as a consultant for Start-up Ripple Labs.
12.07.2014
San Francisco – The former Economic- and Defense Minister Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg joint the American Start-up Ripple Labs as consultant. He wants to help the company, which is specialized in money transfers, “to circumvent the regulatory pitfalls”, Guttenberg told the “Wirtschaftswoche” according to an earlier information on Saturday. According to the report Ripple Labs is working to make transfers as easy as sending an email…
Guttenberg said: “The traditional payment system is antiquated, expensive and inefficient.” The market for Cyber-Currency is still in its infancy “but the invention of this technology cannot be reversed”, Guttenberg said. The former politician emerges now on the company website as one of eight advisers.
The former ‘man of hope’ of the CSU was Minister of Economic Affairs and took over the defense portfolio in autumn 2009. Beginning of 2011 Guttenberg, stepped down after the University of Bayreuth had denied him the title ‘doctor’, because of plagiarism. He then moved with his family to the United States. http://www.spiegel.de/netzwelt/web/karl-theodor-zu-guttenberg-arbeitet-jetzt-fuer-start-up-ripple-labs-a-980675.html
Here is something that Ripple Labs said about him:
Ripple Labs is thrilled to announce that Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg is joining the advisory board. Mr. zu Guttenberg is the Chairman and a Founder of Spitzberg Partners LLC, a New York-based boutique corporate advisory and investment firm that provides strategic counsel and investment insights on European and international political, economic, diplomatic, technology, and security issues.
He served as Minister of Economics and Technology and then as Minister of Defense in the cabinet of German Chancellor Angela Merkel. As the youngest Defense Minister in German history, he led the most significant structural reform of the German armed forces since the Bundeswehr’s founding. During his time in office, Minister zu Guttenberg was Germany’s most popular politician.
Mr. zu Guttenberg was a Member of Parliament (Bundestag) during 2002-2011 and served as spokesman on the Foreign Affairs Committee. He was also a Member of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe and Secretary General of Germany’s co-governing CSU party.
Herr Guttenberg is one I have in mind as a possible future King of the North or supporter of that king. Knowledge of buying and selling with technology in the 21st century would be quite helpful for the final Beast power. Back on December 13, 2011 (see Guttenberg Criticized, But…), I reported the following about Baron Guttenberg:
Notice some prophecies related to the Beast and his empire:
15 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. 16 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, 17 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. 18 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 13:15-18)
The fact that the Baron is to advise about internet security and surveillance may encourage him to press to get the above implemented. The fact that he was once Economics Minister for Germany also gives him additional qualifications to possibly help fulfill Revelation 13:15-18.
His new role is consistent with that. Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg keeps taking steps consistent with one who could be the final Beast. While he has not yet publicly pressed to get Revelation 13:16-18 implemented, his background and interests show he is one who will likely understand enough technology to do so. (Thiel B. Europe eliminating remaining ‘bank secrecy’ as it gets closer to Revelation 13:16-18. COGwriter, October 22, 2014)
And has he taken steps consistent with that?
Notice the following:
May 15, 2017
The former head of Germany's armed forces is now helping to bring blockchain tech to some of the world's largest financial institutions.
An early advisor to distributed financial technology firm Ripple, not to mention a bonafide German baron, Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg today plays a key role in enabling the heavily funded startup to make inroads in the banking sector. But as co-founder of consultancy Spitzberg Partners, he is setting his sights beyond finance.
Over the course of his time at both the Ministry of Defense and Minister of Economics & Technology, zu Guttenberg built up an extensive network of global politicians, technologists and bankers.
Long rumored to be a potential candidate to replace his former boss, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, zu Guttenberg last month revealed exclusively to CoinDesk that his firm had partnered with the State of Delaware's blockchain initiative to help bring a global tech cohort to the tiny US state.
Now, he says his firm has taken on a "significant portion" of blockchain companies as clients and is consolidating those resources to focus on a concerted push to bring the technology to the world.
At Spitzberg’s New York City headquarters, zu Guttenberg explained how the work he's conducting in Delaware, with Ripple and with other blockchain firms, is part of a larger plan.
Zu Guttenberg told CoinDesk:
"I always tell the dreamers in the bitcoin community and the blockchain community, don't expect that this will happen at one point and everyone is enlightened. It will be a bumpy process." ...
Though Ripple has set legacy financial technology firm Swift square in its sights, zu Guttenberg said that Ripple’s secret to widespread adoption has been recognizing when to play nice with other legacy platforms.
"Many of these players, although they are sitting on already rotten instruments or structures, will be in place, and in power," he said. "[They will be] dramatically empowered by political circles for quite a while and they're still extremely influential."
Global vision
To help modernize those legacy systems, though, Ripple will require more than just a willingness to play nice with banks. Government support is crucial.
Zu Guttenberg cited smaller nations such as Estonia and Singapore, and jurisdictions including the Zug region of Switzerland and Delaware, as fundamental testing grounds for the types of legislation that might one day underpin a new financial infrastructure.
While he said the topic of how blockchain is being adopted by governments comes up organically in his meetings with leaders around the world, zu Guttenberg argued that the push to bring blockchain into widespread adoption will require a more concerted effort.
"People [need to] deliver the experiences from these test runs to other governments, to old industry and back to the blockchain industry."
He concluded:
"That doesn't happen by itself and we're delighted to be at that intersection."
https://www.coindesk.com/meet-the-german-baron-who-thinks-blockchain-will-beat-the-middlemen/
Blockchain may well be used by governments for monitoring (see also Bitcoin and the Beast of Revelation?).
In December 2015, former German Defense Minister Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg called Donald Trump "that blonde lunatic named Donald" (Guttenberg KT. Wish List or Reality? Digital Trends in 2016 | Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg | hub conference. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dgdZUA96UBU. Posted December 11, 2015).
The Hub Conference claimed that it "brings pioneers and champions of the digital future" together. My comments about it and to hear what Baron Guttenberg had to say are in the video: Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg and Europe’s Future.
In that same presentation, he decried that the "tech world and political world could not be more detached from each other." He also said he wanted to stop terrorists from utilizing encryption technologies that governments could not break. He made it clear he wanted to change that.
He talked about using the "power" of community standards" to police the internet. He mentioned that about, not only terrorists, but said "other kinds of questionable content." The Bible warns of the following time:
11 "Behold, the days are coming," says the Lord God,
"That I will send a famine on the land,
Not a famine of bread,
Nor a thirst for water,
But of hearing the words of the Lord.
12 They shall wander from sea to sea,
And from north to east;
They shall run to and fro, seeking the word of the Lord,
But shall not find it. (Amos 8:11-12)
It has long been my view that this prophecy will involve internet censorship, and Baron Guttenberg seems to approve it.
In 2017, Herr Guttenberg urged Germany to do more because of the rise of Donald Trump:
Former Defense Minister Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg has called on Germany to become more self-assertive with Donald Trump, a president who he believes may well bring about an era of “erratic” politics. …
former German Defense Minister Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg has called on Berlin to ditch what he called its “passive, wait-and-see” attitude towards the United States and nurture “a culture of responsibility” instead.
In a guest column in German daily Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, published Friday, the former conservative politician said Mr. Trump’s rise was a time for the German government to “be prepared to do more.” 01/20/17 https://global.handelsblatt.com/politics/time-for-tough-talk-with-trump-687154
Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg was interviewed on Fox Business Network’s Mornings with Maria in May 2017, about Donald Trump’s plans to pull out of the Paris climate agreement, he stated:
I think this will weaken the US’s position on the international stage. I think the reaction will be harsh on the other side of the Atlantic. And I fear that might zero into further tensions into other topics. http://www.msn.com/en-au/news/australia/exiting-paris-agreement-will-weaken-us-kt-zu-guttenberg/vp-BBBJzIO
Many in Europe agree with Herr Guttenberg’s assessment of Donald Trump.
in 2019, Herr Guttenberg told CNBC some of his views of Donald Trump and Germany:
Trump has repeatedly called on NATO allies like Germany to increase contributions toward defense, often criticizing them for not complying with a commitment to spend 2% of their gross domestic product (GDP). But Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg, the former German defense minister, doubted whether Germany would ever reach that target.
“Will Donald Trump ever be happy? Probably not, even if they come to these numbers, which I think is more or less impossible, he will just find the next thing to throw at Germany, or not even at Germany, whomever pleases him at that very moment,” he told CNBC’s Geoff Cutmore in Salzburg, Austria.
The relationship between the United States and Germany has been somewhat tense since Trump took over at the White House, especially in areas such as trade and foreign relations ...
“It is rather dangerous,” zu Guttenberg told CNBC about the situation. “I don’t expect anyone stepping deliberately into a war. I talk to many stakeholders in the U.S. political spectrum and everyone says even Donald Trump — who is always good for a surprise at that’s the mildest phrase I can find for his political acting — doesn’t have an interest at all to ruin his re-election chances for next year by waging a war against Iran. On the other hand, talking to stakeholders from the region over there, they are afraid, and they say we have never been as close to war as right now,” zu Guttenberg, who also served as German economy minister, said.
“We are now at a threshold, if we have an accident, just an accident, it could ignite (tensions) even more right away and the one thing that worries me the most (is) we have never been as disunited in the so-called Western part of the group of six,” he added. https://www.cnbc.com/2019/07/26/ex-german-defense-chief-questions-calls-for-increased-nato-spend.html
So, Baron Guttenberg has concluded that it is impossible to please Donald Trump and that he will always be against Germany.
In November 2023, he was asked about the 'Trump effect' again:
Is Donald Trump a threat to world peace if he is reelected?” German talk show host Sandra Maischberger asked former Defense Minister Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg on November 14. ...
Guttenberg’s main concern appears to be a Trump comeback, stating:
It wouldn’t be a pleasure for us, because he is not a friend of the trans-Atlantic alliance. He is not a friend of the Germans; we saw that already. The chances are relatively high, because many Americans have their fist in their pocket, including Republicans, and say this is likely the greatest scumbag that we ever had in U.S. politics, that’s how it was told me personally. But he has done one thing: He delivered. He was one of the few that has implemented his, yes crude and crazy, promises. If someone likes it or not.
This is one of many warnings that Guttenberg has uttered about Trump since he ran for the presidency in 2016. Following Trump’s election victory, Guttenberg told Bild: “This is a result that shakes up the world.”
On multiple occasions, Guttenberg has called on Europe to become independent of the U.S. because of Trump. In 2019, he told Gerzo Media, “Let’s finally get to terms with things we should have done by ourselves already for decades. Let’s create a European structure for our armed forces and let’s create ideas for how to deal with our neighborhood without the U.S.” (Michaels J. Guttenberg: The Return of the ‘Blond Bully’ Threatens World Peace. November 21, 2023)
Since Herr Guttenberg is pro-Germany, his conclusion will influence his attitude towards the USA.
The Bible shows that Europe will ultimately turn to a ‘strongman’ of its own in Revelation 17:12-13–one who is able to monitor buying and selling.
This may very well be Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg.
At the Hub conference, Herr Guttenberg also mentioned that he wants to put criminal penalties on internet and other technological companies that will not do as the government wants. He also discussed what he called the trade off between security and privacy. The Bible tells of a time when privacy will lose:
13 Therefore the prudent keep silent at that time, For it is an evil time. (Amos 5:13)
15 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. 16 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, 17 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.
18 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 13:15-18)
He also mentioned that the political environment was "too toxic" to resolve these and other issues in 2016. He said that there was growing anti-Americanism in Germany because of the Snowden leaks that had still not been resolved. And he blamed the USA for causing a lot of this.
He seemed, overall in the Hub speech, to sound like a statesman that wants to peaceably lead Europe. The Bible tells of one who will do something like that in the future:
24 He shall enter peaceably, even into the richest places of the province; and he shall do what his fathers have not done, nor his forefathers: he shall disperse among them the plunder, spoil, and riches; and he shall devise his plans against the strongholds, but only for a time. (Daniel 11:24)
He stated that he wanted a strong "European voice to confront the USA strongly." He also said:
Encyrption ... I see Europe in the driver's seat ... We don't have to give the other side of the Atlantic the forefront ... Artificial intelligence ... Robotics ... We should never underestimate what we have over here. (Guttenberg KT. Wish List or Reality? Digital Trends in 2016 | Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg | hub conference. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dgdZUA96UBU. Posted December 11, 2015).
Not long afterwards, Time reported:
December 21, 2015
For all the rhetoric from U.S. presidential candidates, Washington can no longer even pretend to play global police officer, because public support isn’t there for any action that might require long-term commitments of U.S. troops and taxpayer dollars. You may get a majority to say it’s time to send ground troops after ISIS, but Obama knows that support won’t last. The ugly response to the massacre in San Bernardino, Calif., suggests that U.S. public reaction to a major terrorist attack will not be as unified as it was after 9/11. And even if such an attack compelled the U.S. to act, it may have to act alone—there are now too many important international players with the political and economic self-confidence to simply ignore Washington’s lead.
That’s true even of allies. Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg, former German Defense Minister, warns of an erosion in transatlantic trust, exacerbated by the U.S. presidential-election season. The campaign anthem will be “forget Europe,” he says—and it won’t come only from Donald Trump. http://time.com/4154044/geopolitics-2016/
Notice also the following:
February 26, 2016
There was a time when Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg was widely tipped to succeed Angela Merkel as chancellor of Germany. Good-looking, aristocratic, married to a descendant of Bismarck and beloved by the popular press, zu Guttenberg had cut a dash, first as a decisive economics minister, and then as Germany’s youngest defence minister — appointed at the age of 37 in 2009. And then, in two disastrous weeks in early 2011, his gilded career fell apart, after it was revealed that he had plagiarised large parts of his doctoral thesis. Within two weeks, zu Guttenberg had resigned from the German government. Shortly afterwards, he left for a career in business in the US.
Ever since zu Guttenberg stepped down, there has been speculation about his return to German politics. Now, with Chancellor Merkel in deep political trouble over Germany’s refugee crisis, might this be a time for him to resurrect his political career? ...
Zu Guttenberg’s line, then and now, was that he had been unaware of the many instances of plagiarism in his work — that it was all simply the result of sloppy research practices, carried out at a busy time in his life. But he also thinks that, in retrospect, he had been riding for a fall — “I’d been irrationally hyped, way too high . . . It was far from reality, at least in my own perceptions . . . Looking back that was one of the mistakes I made, that I allowed it, that I didn’t actively counter it, but that’s extremely difficult when the whole thing is rolling.” He is smiling a lot, as he talks about this painful episode. “I talked with a lot of friends about it in that crazy hyped period that the moment necessarily must come that it tips in the other direction . . . I did not expect the story that came up, not at all, and this really hit me by total surprise. But again, looking back now, I’ve been in the wonderful situation to experience probably all the extremes that political life can offer.”
His words sound genuine. But they are also couched in terms of learning and redemption that might prove useful, were he ever planning a return to German politics. How often does he go back to Germany? “At the moment, I’d say probably about once a month, but mainly for a board meeting or an investment. Or I might give a speech, to test an idea . . . It’s about learning, learning, learning.”
Given all these uncertainties, I ask, “Are you getting calls from Germany saying come on back, things are . . . ” He interrupts me, before I complete the sentence — “Yes, more in the last couple of months.”
What kind of people?
“It differs. Sometimes it’s just people on the street who recognise me, with the beard and everything. Also the party.”
So what do you say?
“I have a responsibility over here. The company.” He adds that his business, which invests in technology companies has done “extremely well. A bit surprisingly well”.
This denial of political ambition sounds almost convincing. ...
As we sip our coffees, we discuss the Trump phenomenon. For zu Guttenberg, it is further evidence that politics is “becoming dirtier and dirtier. The new media don’t help here . . . I still struggle with myself, whether I am capable of doing that.”
I am slightly surprised by this apparent humility and remark that I cannot remember many politicians who have turned down the top job on the grounds that they are not up to it. The presidency of the US might be an impossible job, I point out, but somebody has to do it. Zu Guttenberg looks thoughtful and replies: “Somebody has to and of course, there is not a perfect figure for any political position. I think to know you are constantly working with and around your own deficits is already a very helpful starting point.” If that is a job application — it is one couched in strikingly modest terms. http://www.ft.com/cms/s/2/d938bd56-db12-11e5-98fd-06d75973fe09.html
Herr Guttenberg has been using modest terms. In my view, should he arise, it will make it easier for him to not be closely compared to people like Adolf Hitler and Donald Trump.
After Donald Trump was elected, notice also the following news item in German, followed by a machine-translated version into English:
yeDer Ausgang der US-Wahl sendet Schockwellen rund um den Globus. Für BILD analysiert Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg die Folgen des Wahlsiegs von Donald Trump: Für Europa werde es ein grauenvolles Erwachen geben. ( Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg | »Ein grauenvolles Erwachen für Europa! BLD – Nov 9, 2016)
Yet the outcome of the US election sends shock waves around the globe. For BILD, Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg analyzes the consequences of Donald Trump’s election victory: there will be a terrible awakening for Europe.
Former German Defense Minister Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg is correct–there will be a TERRIBLE AWAKENING FOR EUROPE. Europe will arise to become the Beast of Revelation!
Interstingly, after the Brexit vote, KT was interviewed by the FOX network. Notice some of what he said on June 24, 2016:
I don't see the necessary leadership in Europe at the moment. ...
We have to come to a new structure ... https://youtu.be/fMYFV_zwNrE
On a video published by the Octavian Report on November 15, 2017 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nTL_CgBwmxo around minute 25), Herr Guttenberg stated:
We are in urgent need of reforming the European Union.
According to Bible prophecy, as I have explained for years, the European Union will reorganize:
12 "The ten horns which you saw are ten kings who have received no kingdom as yet, but they receive authority for one hour as kings with the beast. 13 These are of one mind, and they will give their power and authority to the beast. (Revelation 17:12-13)
But how?
First, we will see some non-specifically prophesied rule changes and reorganizations in Europe. But as Ulrike Guerot indicated, that will not be enough.
It is likely that because of economic and civil unrest crises, that emergency provisions in the EU will be modified and then evoked in the future.
The Bible shows that it will be a relative few that will take advantage of the situation to get the final King of the North to gain control as the final Beast of the sea of Revelation 13. Notice what Daniel 11 teaches about the King of the North:
21 And in his place shall arise a vile person, to whom they will not give the honor of royalty; but he shall come in peaceably, and seize the kingdom by intrigue. 22 With the force of a flood they shall be swept away from before him and be broken, and also the prince of the covenant. 23 And after the league is made with him he shall act deceitfully, for he shall come up and become strong with a small number of people. 24 He shall enter peaceably, even into the richest places of the province; and he shall do what his fathers have not done, nor his forefathers: he shall disperse among them the plunder, spoil, and riches; and he shall devise his plans against the strongholds, but only for a time. (Daniel 11:21-24)
So, this leader will promise peace and prosperity. He will make a deal with a small amount of people to gain power (cf. Revelation 17:12-13). He will promise peace and prosperity in a time of crisis. This King is also the "Beast" that the ten kings give their power to in Revelation 17:12-13 (see also Must the Ten Kings of Revelation 17:12 Rule over Ten Currently Existing Nations?).
Could Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg be trying to set the stage for the coming reorganization for Europe? It certainly seems possible.
Notice some of what the Bible teaches about the final King of the North:
36 “Then the king shall do according to his own will: he shall exalt and magnify himself above every god, shall speak blasphemies against the God of gods, and shall prosper till the wrath has been accomplished; for what has been determined shall be done. 37 He shall regard neither the God of his fathers nor the desire of women, nor regard any god; for he shall exalt himself above them all. 38 But in their place he shall honor a god of fortresses; and a god which his fathers did not know he shall honor with gold and silver, with precious stones and pleasant things. 39 Thus he shall act against the strongest fortresses with a foreign god, which he shall acknowledge, and advance its glory; and he shall cause them to rule over many, and divide the land for gain. (Daniel 11:36-39)
From the passages in Daniel we see that this ambitious and arrogant king is not truly devoted to any existing religion, but that he somehow promotes another. One way this could be done would be to come up with a new order within Catholicism (which is not that hard to do as even one of my relatives was able to do so). A new order allows one to have certain unique characteristics while still claiming to be part of the Roman Catholic faith. And in the King of the North’s view, if he promotes an order that (at first at least) seems fairly "Catholic," this ruse will work for some time.
Interestingly, there is a Byzantine prophecy that the Great Monarch will amass gold:
Emperor Leo the Philosopher (died 912): You will amass the gold of the nations ... And you will be the leader of the surrounding powers ... and those that are near will prostrate themselves before your feet (Tzima Otto, H. The Great Monarch and WWIII in Orthodox, Roman Catholic, and Scriptural Prophecies. Verenika Press, Rock City (SC), 2000, pp. 76-77).
Baron Guttenberg was Economics Minister and likely understands the value of gold. It will be interesting to see WHEN he makes public statements about gold, as if he is the one, it is of virtual certainty that he will do so. The accumulation of gold is consistent with Daniel 11:43. The fact that he honors some type of deity with gold suggests that he is involved with a religion that values idols/icons; as the Baron's professed faith currently does.
Like the King of the North, the final Beast power (who is also the final King of the North) wants himself and his system to be worshipped:
1 Then I stood on the sand of the sea. And I saw a beast rising up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and on his horns ten crowns, and on his heads a blasphemous name. 2 Now the beast which I saw was like a leopard, his feet were like the feet of a bear, and his mouth like the mouth of a lion. The dragon gave him his power, his throne, and great authority. 3 And I saw one of his heads as if it had been mortally wounded, and his deadly wound was healed. And all the world marveled and followed the beast. 4 So they worshiped the dragon who gave authority to the beast; and they worshiped the beast, saying, "Who is like the beast? Who is able to make war with him?"
5 And he was given a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies, and he was given authority to continue for forty-two months. 6 Then he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme His name, His tabernacle, and those who dwell in heaven. 7 It was granted to him to make war with the saints and to overcome them. And authority was given him over every tribe, tongue, and nation. 8 All who dwell on the earth will worship him, whose names have not been written in the Book of Life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. (Revelation 13:1-8)
Since there are both Greco-Roman Catholic (see Greco-Roman Catholic Prophecies: Do They Mirror, Highlight, or Contradict Biblical Prophecies?) and biblical prophecies (Revelation 17:1-9) that suggest that the powers of Antichrist will call themselves "Catholic," it would seem that someone who was outwardly 'Catholic,' but not truly committed to that faith would be a candidate to be the "Beast." Consider that Baron Guttenberg's plagerism scandal was considered to be a death blow to his career. While the 'deadly wound; in Revelation 13 seems to apply to the 'Holy Roman Empire,' the Baron's fall from politics that could revive is consistent with Revelation 13:3.
It also could be consistent with the following:
Oracle of Baalbek: And the name of this King is concealed among the nations; and his name is similar to the last day, and it is written from the 18th letter. And when he will receive his empire, his name will be Anastasius, (Anastasois). (Tzima Otto, p. 64).
Dr. Tzima Otto (interpretting the above): The Greek name Anastasios translates as the one who is connected with the Resurrection. ... I believe that we have again a prophetic mention on the Great Monarch (ibid, p. 65).
Not only is a type of resurrected 'Holy Roman Empire' expected, if the Baron rises up, that will be considered as a major resurrection of his career. The 18th letter of the Greek alphabet is a sigma, and the last name before the baron title for KT is Sylvester, which begins with the English equivalent to a sigma in Greek. On the other hand, Dr. Tzima Otto wrote, based on other information in the Oracle that referred to the "last day of the week" and "the Resurrection" of Jesus (which was actually on Saturday) that somehow this person has a connection to the Sabbath, which begins with the Greek letter sigma (Tzima Otto, pp. 199-200).
As far as religion goes, notice this passage in the Book of Revelation:
7 But the angel said to me, “Why did you marvel? I will tell you the mystery of the woman and of the beast that carries her, which has the seven heads and the ten horns…9 “Here is the mind which has wisdom: The seven heads are seven mountains on which the woman sits…16 And the ten horns which you saw on the beast, these will hate the harlot, make her desolate and naked, eat her flesh and burn her with fire. 17 For God has put it into their hearts to fulfill His purpose, to be of one mind, and to give their kingdom to the beast, until the words of God are fulfilled. 18 And the woman whom you saw is that great city which reigns over the kings of the earth.” (Revelation 17:7,19,16-18)
Since the Beast turns on the woman of Rome, this is obviously someone who is not truly dedicated to the Roman Catholic faith. (Note to Roman Catholics: I am NOT trying to be offensive to Greco-Roman Catholics in my analysis here. Most Roman Catholic scholars acknowledge that the seven hills and the “great city” spoken of in the Apocalypse is Rome. As I make clear in my book 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect, I am concerned that some who do not truly believe the original Catholic faith, including an antipope, will rise up in the end. And this seems to be consistent with both biblical and Roman Catholic prophecies for the end times.)
Here are a few more scriptures that are associated with this Beast/King of the North:
23 "And in the latter time of their kingdom, When the transgressors have reached their fullness, A king shall arise, Having fierce features, Who understands sinister schemes. 24 His power shall be mighty, but not by his own power; He shall destroy fearfully, And shall prosper and thrive; He shall destroy the mighty, and also the holy people. 25 "Through his cunning He shall cause deceit to prosper under his rule; And he shall exalt himself in his heart. He shall destroy many in their prosperity. He shall even rise against the Prince of princes; But he shall be broken without human means. (Daniel 8:23-25)
12 "The ten horns which you saw are ten kings who have received no kingdom as yet, but they receive authority for one hour as kings with the beast. 13 These are of one mind, and they will give their power and authority to the beast. 14 These will make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, for He is Lord of lords and King of kings; and those who are with Him are called, chosen, and faithful." (Revelation 17:12-14)
Both Daniel and John seem to be writing about the same leader. He is cunning. He has schemes and plans, hence will likely appear on the scene as nice and popular. Yet, this leader will at some point persecute those that are truly faithful, yet will ultimately lose.
Also, if certain Greco-Roman Catholic prophecies about the “Great Monarch” are correct (see also The Great Monarch: Biblical and Catholic Prophecies), this leader will change the "Catholic" faith and offend many of its clergy:
D.A. Birch (20th century): Francis also speaks in a series of letters to Simeon de Limena, Count of Montalto in great detail of a future Great Monarch who will be a Roman Emperor. Limena was a great patron of St. Francis’ order and also a great military protector of the Church…Several potentially confusing things are now told about this future Monarch. He is described as founding a new religious order. To the reader this may sound like he also become a priest. That is not the case. What happens is that he founds a religious order, part of which contains military men who take religious vows. He will be the head of the military arm of this order. In this sense it will be like the Knights Templar of the Middle Ages.
St. Francis of Paula (15th Century)…“He shall be the founder of a new religious order different from all others. (Birch, DA. Trial, Tribulation & Triumph: Before During and After Antichrist. Queenship Publishing Company, Goleta (CA), 1996, pp. 276-270)
Franciscan Friar (18th century). “All the religious orders will be suppressed, except one, the rule of which will be as rigid and severe as that of the monks of the past. During these calamities the Pope will die. As a result, the most powerful anarchy will prevail within the Church.” (Dupont, Yves. Catholic Prophecy: The Coming Chastisement. TAN Books, Rockford (IL), 1973, p. 79)
Ven. Magdalene Porzat (19th century): An enormous bird (Great Monarch) shall awake...Behold their is confusion; confusion even in the sanctuary. (Culleton, R. Gerald. The Prophets and Our Times. Nihil Obstat: L. Arvin. Imprimatur: Philip G. Scher, Bishop of Monterey-Fresno, November 15, 1941. Reprint 1974, TAN Books, Rockford (IL), pp. 202, 205)
Ven. Anne de la Foi: " There will be discord in the Church" (Dupont, p. 114).
Sister Marianne Gaultier (18th century): “…the Prince shall reign, whom people did not esteem before, but whom they shall then seek. (Dupont, p. 75).
D. Birch (commenting after the above in his book), “Many of the prophecies speak of the fact that the Great King at first will not be well-liked, especially by the French clergy” (Birch, p. 276).
Even if all of the above is in total error, the biblical fact is that the future King of the North and final political leader known biblically as the Beast will not truly be a devoted Greco-Roman Catholic. He will likely claim that religion, change it, and ultimately his closest supporters will attempt to destroy it (Revelation 17:16-18). Some of his true colors will apparently be seen as he starts to rise up as some of the Greco-Roman Catholic clergy will not care for him at first.
Here are a few facts about Karl-Theodor von und zu Guttenberg that suggest, to me at least, that he is NOT truly a devoted Roman Catholic:
If Baron Guttenberg actually ever establishes or promotes a new "Catholic" religious order, this is an indication that he is very likely to be the "Great Monarch" of Greco-Roman Catholic prophecy (the final King of the North in biblical prophecy). If he also ends up on very good terms with Cardinal Koch (Kurt Koch Made a Cardinal: Might He Become the Antichrist?), this may also be an indicator--and could be a strong indicator.
Lest Roman Catholics feel that the idea of many Greco-Roman Catholics falling for an end-time ecumenical religion that calls itself "Catholic" is not a Roman Catholic prophetic understanding, please notice the following:
St. Gregory the Great, Pope (d. 604): In those days, near the end, hardly a Bishop, but an army of priests and two-thirds of the Christians will join the Schism (Culleton, R. Gerald. The Reign of Antichrist, Reprint TAN Books, Rockford, IL, 1974, p. 122).
Saint Cyril of Jerusalem (died 386): Antichrist ... shall through his great power, deceit and malice, succeed in decoying or forcing to his worship two thirds of mankind (Connor, Edward. Prophecy for Today. Imprimatur + A.J. Willinger, Bishop of Monterey-Fresno; Reprint: Tan Books and Publishers, Rockford (IL), 1984,p. 74).
St. Francis of Assisi (d. 1226): There will be an uncanonically elected pope who will cause a great Schism, there will be divers thoughts preached which will cause many, even those in the different orders to doubt, yea even agree with the heretics, which will cause my Order to divide (Culleton, R. Gerald. The Reign of Antichrist, p. 130).
Blessed Joachim (died 1202): Towards the end of the world Antichrist will overthrow the Pope and usurp his See (Connor, p. 76).
Anna-Katarina Emmerick (October 1, 1820): The Church is in great danger…The Protestant doctrine and that of the schismatic Greeks are to spread everywhere. I now see that in this place (Rome) the (Catholic) Church is being so cleverly undermined, that there hardly remain a hundred or so priests who have not been deceived. They all work for the destruction, even the clergy. A great destruction is now at hand...
(April 22, 1823): I saw that many pastors allowed themselves to be taken up with ideas that were dangerous to the Church. They were building a great, strange, and extravagant Church. Everyone was admitted in it in order to be united and to have equal rights: Evangelicals, Catholics, sects of every description. Such was to be the new Church (Dupont, pp. 66, 71).
Priest Herman Kramer (20th century): The False Prophet...will persuade all infidels, apostates and apostate nations to worship and adore him...Antichrist "sitteth in the temple of God" (I Thes. II. 4)...possibly one of the churches in Jerusalem or St. Peter's in Rome...The False Prophet will proclaim the resurrection of the Roman Empire...The word "image" is in the singular number, indicating only one statue, which he may set up in the great church, St. Peter's (Kramer H.B. L. The Book of Destiny. Nihil Obstat: J.S. Considine, O.P., Censor Deputatus. Imprimatur: +Joseph M. Mueller, Bishop of Sioux City, Iowa, January 26, 1956. Reprint TAN Books, Rockford (IL), p. 320-323).
Priest Paul Kramer (21st century): The errors of Orthodoxy and of Protestantism will be embraced by that false church, it will be an ecumenical church because the Anti-Pope will be recognized by the world — not by the faithful, but by the world — by the secular world and the secular governments. The Anti-Pope will be recognized as the legitimate Pope of the "church," and the legitimate head of the Vatican State. That "church" will be united with all the false religions. (Kramer P. The Imminent Chastisement for Not Fulfilling Our Lady’s Request. An edited transcript of a speech given at the Ambassadors of Jesus and Mary Seminar in Glendale, California, September 24, 2004.THE FATIMA CRUSADER Issue 80, Summer 2005, pp. 32-45 http://www.fatimacrusader.com/cr80/cr80pg32.asp viewed 4/15/08)
The reality is that both biblical and Greco-Roman Catholic prophecies warn that an ecumenical religion will sweep the world and likely be considered by most to be the "Catholic" faith--and that the secular leaders (like a future "emperor") and others will support this.
How come many Greco-Roman Catholics and others are prophesied to fall for this? The Bible suggests that part of the reason is because signs and lying wonders:
9 The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, 10 and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 11 And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie, 12 that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness (2 Thessalonians 2:9-12).
2...The dragon gave him his power, his throne, and great authority. (Revelation 13:2)
13 And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs coming out of the mouth of the dragon, out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet. 14 For they are spirits of demons, performing signs...(Revelation 16:13-14).
If the Baron is the one, Satanic demons will enter him and perform signs.
And notice that signs and wonders are prophesied to be associated with the Great Monarch:
Discourse of a Holy Man to Emperor Manuel II Palaeologous (15th century): And the members of the clergy and the monastics as well as every social stratum of humanity, against their own will, but led by a divine sign will come to Constantinople...Then, an angel...will descend from heaven...and he will crown the Emperor of Peace. The King will be present in Constantinople (Tzima Otto, pp. 99-100).
Anonymou Paraphrasis (10th century): The one true King..will hear the voice and instructions by an Angel appearing to him…the name of the King is hidden [concealed] among the nations…And the particular manner of the king’s manifestation to the public [to the world] will take place as follows: A star will appear [will become visible] for three days long and during the third hour of the night, on the eve of the feast day of the Mother of the Most High (it will become visible) in the Middle of the City. And this star is not one among the planets…And a herald speaking with a very loud voice in the course of the three days will summon and unveil the hoped for one…There will become visible in the sky a ‘nebulous firmament of the sun’…under that image will be suspended a cross…And the invisible herald from Heaven with his thunderous voice will say to the people: Is this man agreeable to you? At that moment everybody will be taken by fear and terror...they will elevate him on a high spot and will proclaim him (their) hereditary Monarch (Tzima Otto, pp. 30,32, 50-51, 52,53).
The name hidden among the nations may represent how his name should be interpreted--in other words, with different languages/alphabets being considered.
In the above, some type of cross is shown to be a sign or wonder in the sky. And while most Greco-Roman Catholics consider that a cross would be the sign of a 'Catholic,' notice the warning from a Roman Catholic priest:
Priest P. Huchedé (19th century): What this sign shall be time alone will reveal. Yet there are some {Catholic} commentators of the Holt Writ, who, according to a special revelation pretend to say that it shall be formed out of the Greek letters X and P, interlaced...which resembles the number of Christ. (Cornelius a Lapide in Epis. 2 to Thes.). No one can either buy or sell without that…(Huchedé, P. Translated by JBD. History of Antichrist. Imprimatur: Edward Charles Fabre, Bishop of Montreal. English edition 1884, Reprint 1976. TAN Books, Rockford (IL), p. 24).
The interlaced Greek letters X and P make what is called a Chi-Rho cross.
A "Brother David Lopez," made the following claims about a message supposedly from Mary in August 1987:
Before the great tribulation, there is going to be a sign. We will see in the sky one great red cross on a day of blue sky without clouds...This cross will be seen by everyone: Christians, pagans, atheists, etc., as well as all the prepared ones (Flynn, Ted and Maureen. The Thunder of Justice. MaxKol Communications, Inc. Sterling (VA), 1993, p.349).
Crosses will be part of the identifying sign of the "Great Monarch" according to certain (not always accurate) private prophecies:
St. Francis de Paul (d. 1507): A new order will be founded, that of the Cruciferi, because its members will carry the cross on their banners...the power of Islam {is to be} destroyed by the Great Monarch. (Culleton, The Reign of Antichrist, p. 142).
St. Francis de Paul (1470):...From your lordship {Simeon de Limena, Count of Montalto} shall be born the great leader of the holy militia...These devout men shall wear on their breasts, and much more in their hearts, the sign of the living God, namely the cross...members of this holy order... (Culleton, The Prophets and Our Times. Nihil Obstat: L. Arvin. Imprimatur: Philip G. Scher, Bishop of Monterey-Fresno, November 15, 1941. Reprint 1974, TAN Books, Rockford (IL), p. 157-161)
Priest Lavinsky (died 1708): The world will be harassed by civil wars...the Cross, to the astonishment of all, will shine in double splendor through many lands because of the great ruler (Connor, pp.36-37).
Anne Catherine Emmerich (October 1820): I saw the demolishers thronging into it accompanied by the beast....The first circle was composed of youths and maidens; the second, of married persons of all classes from royalty down; the third, of religious; the fourth, of warriors, led by a rider on a white horse; and the fifth, and last was made up of citizens and peasants, many of whom were marked on the forehead with a red cross. (Emmerich AC. The Life of Lord Jesus Christ and Biblical Revelations. Schmöger edition, Vol. IV. Nihil Obstat: D. Jaegher, 14 Februari 1914. Imprimatur: A.C. De Schrevel, Brugis, 14 Februari 1914. Reprint TAN Books, Rockford (IL), 2004,)
Thus, it appears that the use of signs such as crosses and other wonders will apparently mislead many.
The Bible suggests that a "prince" who will become the King of the North will be from the people of the Roman Empire (Daniel 9:26-27) as it was that empire that destroyed the city of Jerusalem and its temple/sanctuary in 70 A.D. And the Baron (and multiple millions) fit this.
We in the Continuing Church of God (like the late Herbert W. Armstrong) believe that the Assyrian peoples migrated into central Europe in ancient times (see Germany's Assyrian Roots Throughout History). Many scholars believe that the descendants of the biblical Asshur (Genesis 10:22) seem to have become Assyria (Radmacher Concordance in. Nelson Study Bible, p. 11). Even the Catholic saint Jerome indicated that the descendants of the biblical Asshur ended up in Europe (Jerome. Letter CXXIII to Ageruchia, Chapter 16. Translated by W.H. Fremantle, G. Lewis and W.G. Martley. From Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, Second Series, Vol. 6. Edited by Philip Schaff and Henry Wace. (Buffalo, NY: Christian Literature Publishing Co., 1893.) Revised and edited for New Advent by Kevin Knight. <http://www.newadvent.org/fathers/3001123.htm>). And the Baron's ancestry clearly includes those of Central Europe.
Notice the following:
3 And He will stretch out His hand against the north, Destroy Assyria, And make Nineveh a desolation, As dry as the wilderness. 14 The herds shall lie down in her midst, Every beast of the nation. Both the pelican and the bittern Shall lodge on the capitals of her pillars; Their voice shall sing in the windows; Desolation shall be at the threshold; For He will lay bare the cedar work. 15 This is the rejoicing city That dwelt securely, That said in her heart,"I am it, and there is none besides me." How has she become a desolation, A place for beasts to lie down! Everyone who passes by her Shall hiss and shake his fist. (Zephaniah 2:13-15)
Notice particularly that God, who will punish Assyria (as also confirmed in Isaiah 10:12) is stretching His hand against a power of the north. That this northern power is Assyria. The King of the North will rule over end-time Assyria (for more on this, please see Who is the King of the North?). The King of the North, like that of the Baron, is Assyrian.
The ancestry of the expected Great Monarch in Catholic prophecy sometimes supports the Baron, but not always. Here are two that partially seem to:
Brother Louis Rocco (died 1840): A Catholic descendant of a German imperial house (Hapsburg?) will rule a united Germany with peace, prosperity and great power, for God will be with this sovereign (Great Monarch?)...A Great Monarch will arise after a period of terrible wars and persecutions in Europe. He will be a Catholic, he will not be a German (by birth?). (Culleton, The Prophets and Our Times, p. 195).
Anonymou Paraphrasis (10th century): And the name of his Father is divine [or august, i.e. having an "imperial title"]. (Tzima Otto, p. 40)
Note: the parenthetical comments with question marks were inserted in the prediction by the Catholic priest Culleton. His comments (which were written about 70 years ago) would point to someone such as the Baron, who is a descendant of the Habsburg/Hapsburg line. As far as not being German, perhaps it does not mean "by birth," but perhaps could be interpreted to mean that he has a mixed heritage (as do most of the Habsburg line). Dr. Tzima Otto put the "imperial title" comment in her quote. And since he too was a baron, the Baron's father had what could be considered as an imperial title. The Hapsburgs, for a time, ruled over the 'Holy Roman Empire.'
Here are some Catholic predictions that stress the German connection:
Cyril the Hermit (14th century): A German ruler will persecute priests and monks and do much harm to the Church. (Culleton, The Prophets and Our Times, p. 155)
Brother Louis Rocco (19th century): A Catholic descendant of a German imperial house will rule a united Germany with peace, prosperity and great power, for God will be with this sovereign (the Great Monarch?) ... A Great Monarch will arise after a period of terrible wars and persecutions in Europe. He will be a Catholic; he will not be a German (Culleton, The Prophets and Our Times, p. 195).
Father Laurence Ricci, S.J. (died 1775): "After the rule of Napoleon a time will come when the people will become poor and the world will be punished in three ways: wars, famines, and pestilences. At a time when the whole world seems doomed ... a valiant duke will arise from the ancient German house which was humiliated by the French monarch ... (Connor p.37)
One suggests that he is a descendant of a German house, but perhaps that he is not completely German. Two of the above suggest a German leader who will change the Catholic faith. One considers this to be a bad thing, while the other seems to consider this to be a good thing. It probably should be noted that according to Jesus, along with religious deception, "wars, famines, and pestilences" are part of the "beginning of sorrows" (Matthew 24:7-8) that occurs just prior persecutions (Matthew 24:9-10) as well as the Great Tribulation (Matthew 24:21).
Here are some Catholic predictions that stress French connections:
Abbot Joachim (died 1202): At that time a handsome monarch, a scion of King Pepin, will come as a pilgrim to witness the splendor of this glorious pontiff, whose name shall begin with R (Culleton, The Prophets and Our Times, pp. 147-148).
St. Caesar of Arles (died 543) ...there will be a great Pope...This Pope shall have with him, the Great Monarch, a most virtuous man, who shall be a scion of the holy race of French kings...(Culleton, The Prophets and Our Times, p. 126).
St. Cæsarius (died 543): This prince shall extend his dominion over the entire universe. Dominabitur per universum orbem. At the same time there will be a great Pope, who will be most eminent in sanctity and most perfect in every quality. Per voluntatem Dei assumetur unus Papa, vir sanctissimus, et in omni perfectione perfectus. This Pope shall have with him the great monarch, a most virtuous man, who shall be a scion of the holy race of the French kings. Habebit suum virum sanctissimum qui erit de reliquis sanctissimi Francorum sanguinis Regum. This great monarch will assist the Pope in the reformation of the whole Earth. (Rossi, p. 101)
Bl. Rabanus Maurus (died 856): Our principal doctors agree in announcing to us, that towards the end of time one of the descendants of France shall reign over all the Roman Empire; that he shall be the greatest of the Empire; and that he shall be the greatest of the French monarch, and the last of his race. After happily governed his kingdom, he will go to Jerusalem, and depose on Mount of Olives his sceptre and crown. This shall be the end and conclusion of the Roman and Christian Empire (Culleton, The Prophets and Our Times, p. 136).
Aystinger the German (12th century?): The shall arise in the last times a Prince sprung from Emperor Charles who shall recover the land of promise and reform the Church. He shall be Emperor of Europe. (Connor, p. 31)
St. Remigius (5th Century): Take notice that the Kingdom of France is predestined by God for the defense of the Roman church which is the only true Church of Christ. This kingdom shall someday be great among the kingdoms of the earth, and shall embrace all the limits of the Roman Empire, and shall submit all other kingdoms to its own scepter (Birch, p. 246).
Josefa von Bourg (d. 1807): God will choose a descendant of Constantine, Pepin, and St. Louis, who has been tried by a long period of exile to rule over Europe. He will have the sign of the cross on his breast...Under him the Catholic religion will spread as never before (Culleton, The Prophets and Our Times, pp. 181-182; Connor, p.37).
Blessed Johannes Amadeus de Sylva (15th century): Germany and Spain will unite under a great prince...until all countries unite under the Great Ruler (Dupont, p. 74).
Note: Although not commonly used in modern English, "scion" means "descendant." It has been claimed that the Habsburg line descended from Charlemagne, and King Pepin was the father of Charlemagne. Many of the prophecies suggest that the Great Monarch is French in some manner (see also The Great Monarch: Biblical and Catholic Prophecies). But the Baron, while partially of Frankish descent, is considered to be German--so he fits or does not fit depending upon how many of the prophecies are analyzed.
The Bible itself warns that a "prince" (Daniel 9:26-27) will become the "King of the North" (Daniel 11:31-40).
And perhaps, he will only remain a prince. While Herr Guttenberg is not ruling over Europe at this time, he is influential there and seems to be taking steps related to European politics. He may well rise much further in time, with just a small number of supporters intially (cf. Daniel 11:23).
In early 2010, I wrote:
As far as being exiled goes, the Baron is not always popular, and he may become unpopular for a time.
That happened.
In 2011, he actually resigned as Defense Minister because of a plagiarism issue (http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704506004576173970765020528.html). He and his family then moved to the USA, so a sense he was exiled. Therefore, the fact that he left Europe for a while (he and his family returned and re-established a residence in Germany in 2019, after nearly 8 years of 'exile': https://www.welt.de/print/die_welt/hamburg/article200619444/Leute-KT-zu-Guttenberg-begeisterte-mit-Vortrag.html) is of interest.
And while I believe that I am the first person in the world to ever write that Baron Guttenberg may end up in exile (before he exiled himself), after I wrote that the German press starting saying that he was in exile during his USA residence:
Nun, nach der Plagiatsaffäre um seine Dissertation und seinen Gang ins amerikanische Exil, setzt sich das Rätselraten fort. Er meldet sich aus Übersee zurück, deutet ein Comeback an...
(TV-Kolumne: „Maybrit Illner“: Das Guttenberg-Rätsel - weiter lesen auf FOCUS Online: http://www.focus.de/kultur/kino_tv/focus-fernsehclub/tv-kolumne-maybrit-illner-das-guttenberg-raetsel_aid_687881.html)Now, after the plagiarism scandal surrounding his dissertation and his walk into exile in America, continues the guesswork. He is back from overseas, hints at a comeback...
(TV-Kolumne: „Maybrit Illner“: Das Guttenberg-Rätsel - weiter lesen auf FOCUS Online: http://translate.googleusercontent.com/translate_c Machine-translatexiled into English by Google, 12/02/11)
Even Herr Guttenberg referred to his time in the USA as exile in December 2015 (Guttenberg KT. Wish List or Reality? Digital Trends in 2016 | Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg | hub conference. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dgdZUA96UBU. Posted December 11, 2015).
Consider that even the problems Karl zu Guttenberg had seem consistent with Daniel 11:21. Here are three translations of that:
21 And there shall stand up in his place one despised, and the kingly honour shall not be given him: and he shall come privately, and shall obtain the kingdom by fraud. (Daniel 11:21, Douay-Rheims)
21 "'His place will be taken by a reject, a man spurned and passed over for advancement. He'll surprise everyone, seemingly coming out of nowhere, and will seize the kingdom. (Daniel 11:21 from THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language © 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson. All rights reserved.)
21 And in his place shall stand up a contemptible person, to whom they had not given the honor of the kingdom: but he shall come in time of security, and shall obtain the kingdom by flatteries. (Daniel 11:21, ASV)
21 The successor of this king of the north will be a worthless nobody ... (Daniel 11:21a, CEV)
Interestingly, the Baron was considered to have had a major chance to become Chancellor of Germany before the plagiarism scandal. In a sense, he was "a man spurned and passed over for advancement" as THE MESSAGE version of Daniel 11:21 indicates.
Notice also the following prophecy of the Great Monarch:
Anonymou Paraphrasis (10th century): Men thought of him that he is a nobody and useful for nothing. (Tzima Otto, p. 32)
Notice that the above rendering as well as the CEV for Daniel 11:21 refer to this leader as a useless "nobody."
Many wrote Baron Guttenberg off.
Also interestingly, even though many have rejected, ridiculed, and despised him for plagiarism, after the Baron resigned, some (and this was alluded to earlier) have suggested that he should rise up again as Germany needs him:
"I hope that we keep him as a politician and see his return as soon as possible," Hans-Peter Uhl, the domestic affairs spokesperson of the conservative Union bloc in parliament, said in the Wednesday edition of the daily Mitteldeutsche Zeitung...
Peter Altmaier, parliamentary chief of the Union bloc, also said he can imagine Guttenberg returning to politics in the foreseeable future.
According to political scientist Gerd Langguth from the University of Bonn, Guttenberg will not likely stay out of the public eye for long. He told the Wednesday edition of the Thüringer Allgemeine newspaper that he sees a comeback in about three years...Langguth said Guttenberg's "honorable statements" on Tuesday had made such a return feasible. (Talk begins about a Guttenberg comeback. The Local, 3 March 2011. http://www.thelocal.de/politics/20110302-33437.html)Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg, Germany's Defense Minister, resigned Tuesday amid pressures related to plagiarism in his doctoral dissertation. Apparently, more than 20% of his dissertation was copied without attribution. Mr. zu Guttenberg was one politician whom many Germans still trusted. The scandal has changed that view for many.
Mr. zu Guttenberg is considered by many as "Germany's most promising politician." Although Chancellor Merkel tried to protect him, his action of essentially "lying" in an academic setting is forcing people to question his integrity in other areas and responsibilities. Thousands of graduate students across Germany also wrote an open letter to Mrs. Merkel calling for zu Guttenberg to step down.
An article describing the scandal ended with the observation: "As for Mr. zu Guttenberg himself, it would be unwise to write him off. By stepping down now, he hopes to preserve much of the goodwill he has accumulated over the past few years. His resignation may be a prelude to resurrection rather than the end of a brilliant career" (The Economist, March 1, 2011).
Even though plagiarism appears to be a "minor" sin in relation to other horrendous abuses by public officials, it breaks the 8th and 9th commandments and results in consequences. Mr. zu Guttenberg may reemerge in politics in the future (and this bears watching), yet his actions and their ramifications reinforce the biblical principle, "be sure your sin will find you out" (Numbers 32:23). (TW News & Prophecy, LCG, March 4, 2011).
Could Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg make a comeback? Perhaps if he does a stint in the European Parliament first, as some suggest. It is unlikely, however, that he could ever be chancellor—Germans do not take lightly to academic fraud. Guttenberg is still popular, however. There is a Facebook fan page entitled "Against Going After Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg" which boasts more than 400,000 fans. (Alles (not) in Ordnung Weekly Standard, Washington DC - April 4, 2011 http://www.weeklystandard.com/blogs/alles-not-ordnung_556221.html)
According to a latest poll by German public television ARD, some 72 percent of respondents thought Guttenberg should make a comeback in the future. http://news.xinhuanet.com/english2010/world/2011-03/03/c_13758223.htm
Whether his political career can rebound from the plagiarism scandal remains debatable. The embarrassing affair has destroyed his credibility, but some German political experts argue that after time spent in the political wilderness as penance, Mr Guttenberg could try and revive his political career, and certainly age is on his side. May 9, 2011. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/germany/8503065/Karl-Theodor-zu-Guttenberg-A-profile.html
Let me add here that since Herr Guttenberg's plagiarism scandal, several other German political leaders have been found to have some plagiarism issues associated with their own doctoral studies (German Plagiarism and Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg). Thus, if this matter is seen as relatively common, this may well help people to overlook it.
Orthodox prophecy indicates that the Great Monarch will re-enter the political realm:
Anonymou Paraphrasis (10th century): And the (Guardian Angel will say to him further: come forth from your hiding place, do not hide yourself any longer, many are looking for you [or, are searching for you, are demanding to see you, asking for you]; everybody will exit and only you, alone, will enter. (Tzima Otto, p. 31)
Since writing back in March 2011 that Karl Guttenberg may re-emerge in the political arena, it has begun to happen. The EU announced:
Digital Agenda: Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg invited by Kroes to promote internet freedom globally
Brussels, 12 December 2011 – European Commission Vice-President Neelie Kroes has invited Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg, a former Federal Minister of Defence, and of Economics and Technology, in Germany, to advise on how to provide ongoing support to Internet users, bloggers and cyber-activists living under authoritarian regimes. This appointment forms a key element of a new "No Disconnect Strategy" to uphold the EU's commitment to ensure human rights and fundamental freedoms are respected both online and off-line, and that internet and other information and communication technology (ICT) can remain a driver of political freedom, democratic development and economic growth...
The "No Disconnect strategy" will assist people in four ways:
- Developing and providing technological tools to enhance privacy and security of people living in non-democratic regimes when using ICT.
- Educating and raising awareness of activists about the opportunities and risks of ICT. In particular assisting activists to make best use of tools such as social networks and blogs while raising awareness of surveillance risks when communicating via ICT.
- Gathering high quality intelligence about what is happening "on the ground" in order to monitor the level of surveillance and censorship at a given time, in a given place.
- Cooperation. Developing a practical way to ensure that all stakeholders can share information on their activity and promote multilateral action and building cross-regional cooperation to protect human rights. http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/11/1525&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en
So, he has, and apparently will develop more, expertise in computers and surveillance. The Baron's appointment should sound out potential alarms to all who understand Bible prophecy, as the final Beast power will develop frightening economic control (cf. Revelation 13:15-18), probably using 21st century technology. Yet, instead, the Baron is being ridiculed for this appointment as well as his plagiarism scandal (e.g. Ridicule for Guttenberg’s new EU internet role The Local - Dec 13, 2011. http://www.thelocal.de/sci-tech/20111213-39475.html). Another concern about the internet appointment is that Daniel 8:23, while consistent with one knowing aspects of Catholic private prophecy, suggests that the final King of the North leader will "understand hidden things" (Youngs Literal Translation)--such as perhaps, internet secrets. The Baron's position related to the internet, directly or indirectly, may help him fulfill Daniel 8:23 if he is the final King of the North.
His statements at the Hub Conference in December 2015 indicate that he is interested in more than 'protect human rights,' but to increase the government's ability to control information in the internet.
Notice more reports about and from the Baron:
‘Baron Cut-and-Paste’ may return to politicsDec 30, 2011Bavaria’s state premier Horst Seehofer said on Friday he would do his best to bring disgraced former Defence Minister Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg back into German politics in 2012.A new book, “Vorerst Gescheitert” (Failed at First), is Guttenberg’s attempt to repair his tattered reputation and set the stage for a comeback. Structured as an interview with Giovanni di Lorenzo, editor-in-chief of Die Zeit newspaper…
Why did he want the doctorate — in addition to his aristocratic title of Freiherr (similar to Baron) and his political laurels? In a country where customers are asked to list their academic titles on applications for retail loyalty cards, a Ph.D. is the ultimate accessory to a political career.
Guttenberg says “the biggest mistake of his life” was refusing to acknowledge that he didn’t have time to do a good job on the thesis — a mistake he blames on “arrogance combined with a fair amount of vanity.” As a result of being overstretched, his approach became “chaotic,” he says…
Guttenberg, says his “strength is returning” for the next chapter in his life.
He sees a “political leadership crisis” in Germany. Though he won’t be pinned down on timing, Guttenberg says he expects to return and re-enter German politics in some form. (Hickley C. Plagiarist Baron Seeks Political Comeback With Lame Excuses. December 15, 2011. http://www.businessweek.com/news/2011-12-15/plagiarist-baron-seeks-political-comeback-with-lame-excuses.html)
So, vanity was the apparent reason for the Ph.D. and taking short-cuts to get it was the result of vanity and arrogance (cf. Daniel 11:36-37) according to Karl zu Guttenberg himself. And he wishes to rise up again (Daniel 11:21-22). These seem to be traits of the final King of the North.
Also notice:
Guttenberg says he's ready for comeback
Disgraced former Defence Minister Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg is taking his first steps towards a political come-back, less than a year after his plagiarised doctorate forced him to resign...support within the party for Guttenberg’s return was growing, and that Christian Meißner, a CSU official in Guttenberg’s home district, had asked him to attend a meeting within the next four to five weeks.
Guttenberg texted back that he would attend, the magazine said. (Guttenberg says he's ready for comeback The Local.de, January 8, 2012. http://www.thelocal.de/politics/20120108-39985.html)In September 2011, Baron Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg said he would leave Germany for the U.S. His decision stemmed from a plagiarism scandal that resulted in his resignation as German Defense Minister, and the stripping of his doctorate by his alma mater. His plan was to spend two years in the U.S. on a type of “sabbatical,” in order to “rethink his political career” (Der Spiegel, September 6, 2011). Now fast-forward just four months… Herr Guttenberg appeared on the scene in Germany two weeks ago related to a technology project. This week’s headlines ran, “Disgraced former Defence Minister Karl-T heodor zu Guttenberg is taking his first steps towards a political come-back, less than a year after his plagiarised doctorate forced him to resign.” Guttenberg has now “agreed to meet [Christian Democratic Union] party officials in Bavaria to discuss his participation in the 2013 general election, Der Spiegel magazine reported on Sunday” (The Daily, January 8, 2012).
The Baron’s star was on the rise until his fiasco several months ago. At the time, the German press was calling him “Germany’s most popular and promising politician.” It appears that his star may be on the rise again, perhaps in the near future (2013), as he could once again become “Germany’s most popular and promising politician.” Bible prophecies reveal that a charismatic and influential leader will one day head a European, German-led Beast power (Daniel 9:27; 11:21-23; Revelation 13:1-10). We need to keep our eyes on this up-and-coming political force. (TW News & Prophecy, January 13, 2012).
Talk of a Guttenberg return – something a certain section of his centre-right Christian Social Union (CSU) party has wanted since he was forced to resign last March – has been fuelled recently by party leader Horst Seehofer who promised he would all he could to make it happen.
Guttenberg asked to see Seehofer on Thursday and told him he was not going to come back yet, the Süddeutsche Zeitung reported on Friday.
“It would not be the right moment,” wrote Guttenberg in a letter to the CSU. “And I have also to learn from my mistakes.”He said he did not intend on making any public appearances in Germany, although he seemed to hint he would be back in politics at some point. “Yesterday it was about timing,” the letter said.
Seehofer said he respected Guttenberg’s decision, despite having argued strongly in favour of a return. (Guttenberg rules out return for 2013 election. The Local, January 20, 2012. http://www.thelocal.de/politics/20120120-40229.html)
So, while he decided against a 2013 as well as the years that have past, the German electorial political return that some had urged, the Baron still acts as if he does intend to more directly return to politics. Others still want him to return (Karl Guttenberg: CSU Leader Wants Him to Make a Comeback).
Some have stated that he may need to lead Germany:
Philipp Mißfelder, head of the Junge Union...made it clear that he saw Guttenberg, who belongs to the Bavarian sister party of the CDU, the Christian Social Union, as the best hope for the future. With his modern but clearly conservative orientation, Guttenberg was the “best political guarantee of survival for the union and defence against the Green zeitgeist.” “Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg, with his great credibility, appeals to many non-voters and former voters, so that in a very short time he has become an indispensable bearer of hope,” he said. http://www.thelocal.de/politics/20101014-30485.html
It is not just political leaders that have wanted Baron Guttenberg to return. Notice what Time reported on March 3, 2011:
As soon as new broke of his resignation, supporters established a Facebook page “Wir wollen Guttenberg zurueck” (We want Guttenberg back) and by midday Wednesday some 344,262 people were say they “like” the sentiment. A page set up by Guttenberg opponents got just 5,177 “like” clicks...
Some analysts speculate that Guttenberg will duck out of the spotlight for a while, weather the legal storm that may be approaching, and then stage a glorious return. http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,2056525,00.html#ixzz1FY7621lR
He is still popular. If he becomes more involved in issues with the Vatican, a religious order, and/or the EU, watch out!
He is keeping himself part of European politics. In 2012 Karl-Theodore zu Guttenberg was listed as a member of a group called European Council on Foreign Relations (European Foreign Policy Scorecard 2012. ECFR January 2012, p. 144).
As of March 2013, many still did not want him to return:
A survey released on Tuesday shows 54 percent of Germans are against the retired Guttenberg re-entering the political arena.
Hamburg - The longing for "Gutti" has its limits: Only 38 percent of Germans want the former Defence Minister Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg returns (CSU) in the policy. (Original German link: http://www.abendzeitung-muenchen.de/inhalt.karl-theodor-zu-guttenberg-54-prozent-gegen-ein-gutti-comeback.ce4868af-55ce-4b1f-8dbf-fadd2fe59963.html)
Yet, 38% is more support than Adolf Hitler had for a while. So, I did not write Baron Guttenberg off then.
Notice also the following Eastern Orthodox prophecy:
Blessed Hieronymus Agathaghelos (1279): The suffering that lasted three years is providing you with serenity and the end of the sufferings that are already behind you. The one who despised your head will make plans leading to his own downfall, but his subsequent repentance will avail him nothing ... Ruler ... nobody will laugh at your expense and no one will cause you any shame (Tzima Otto, p. 130, 132).
In 2011, I posted that the above might apply to him (see Baron Guttenberg’s House May Fulfill a Prophecy (and is in a Celebrity Neighborhood)). Since then, people have laughed at Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg. There was even a spoof of him on German television in 2013 (see Baron Guttenberg does not show up for premier spoofing him).
He has been in the news from time to time regarding his political views. The following from him was, in my view, fairly humorous:
July 15, 2015
If the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result, the leaders of Europe and Greece are insane.
After a 17-hour summit, Europe's leaders have reached a deal. If the Greek parliament passes a package of reforms by Wednesday night, the country's creditors will move forward with a third bailout on terms that are much stricter than previous proposals.
If the deal proceeds, it will avert the immediate chaos that Greece's uncontrolled exit from the euro area would entail, and enable European leaders to talk about something else for a while. Unfortunately, it does nothing to address the fundamental issues that have repeatedly landed Europe in crisis since 2009. Former German Economic Minister Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg quipped that Europe hasn't been kicking the can down the road, it's been kicking it up a hill and wondering why it keeps rolling back on its foot. http://www.thespec.com/opinion-story/5732825-europe-must-integrate-or-let-greece-go-it-alone/
The deal in Greece did not change, like the others that Karl-Theodore quipped about.
What about 2017?
Well, the Baron remains outspoken about Donald Trump:
20 January 2017
Former Defense Minister Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg has called on Germany to become more self-assertive with Donald Trump ....
Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg has called on Berlin to ditch what he called its “passive, wait-and-see” attitude towards the United States and nurture “a culture of responsibility” instead.
In a guest column in German daily Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, published Friday, the former conservative politician said Mr. Trump’s rise was a time for the German government to “be prepared to do more.”
Mr. zu Guttenberg ... moved to the U.S. and built a career as a trans-Atlantic specialist in New York, where he followed the American election closely.
The ex-politician, fearing the 45th President of the U.S. would usher in an era in which “the erratic becomes the norm,” expressed deep skepticism of Mr. Trump’s approach to policymaking. “The lack of government experience, which he wears like a badge of honor, cannot be compensated for by ‘deal making’ alone,” he said. https://global.handelsblatt.com/politics/time-for-tough-talk-with-trump-687154
Notice the following (the original German follows the machine-language translation into English):
29 January 2017
The CSU wants a radical change in Russia and refugee policy. The party sees itself strengthened by Donald Trump - and with Karl Theodor zu Guttenberg brings back a hope-bearer, in which many in the Union already sees an alternative to Merkel.
29.01.17
Die CSU will einen radikalen Wechsel in der Russland- und in der Flüchtlingspolitik. Die Partei sieht sich durch Donald Trump gestärkt - und bringt mit Karl Theodor zu Guttenberg einen Hoffnungsträger zurück, in dem manch einer in der Union schon eine Alternative zu Merkel sieht. https://deutsche-wirtschafts-nachrichten.de/2017/01/29/guttenberg-kehrt-zurueck-alternative-zu-merkel/
An alternative to Angela Merkel? Well, apparently not in 2017, but we will see.
Also notice:
Capuchin Friar (18th century)...A scion of the Carlovingian race, by all considered extinct, will come to Rome to behold and admire the piety and clemency of this Pontiff, who will crown him, and declare him to be the legitimate Emperor of the Romans, and from the Chair of St. Peter, the Pope will lift up the standard, the crucifix, and will give it to the new emperor. (Culleton, The Prophets and Our Times, pp. 177-178).
The Carlovingian dynasty (also known as as the Carolingians, Carolings, or Karlings) was a Frankish noble family which started with Pepin King of the Franks.
Venerable Holzhauser (died 1658): He will be a Catholic, a descendant of Louis IX, (yet) a descendant of an ancient German family, born in exile. (Culleton, The Prophets and Our Times, p. 171).
The Baron is a "Catholic" and a descendant of an ancient German family, but he was not really born in exile (although some might interpret the fact that Germany was divided into East and West at the time of his birth as a "time" of German exile).
Several private Catholic prophecies tie into other French monarchs:
Prophecy D’ Orval (18th century): Come, young Prince, leave the Island of Captivity. Join the lion to the white flower. Come ... The powerful man, assisted by God, will establish himself well. Many wise laws shall restore peace. This scion of Capet will be so prudent and wise that all men will believe God to be with him. Thanks to the Father of mercies, the Holy Sion (Holy Catholic Church) sings again in the temples, One only God. Many poor wandering sheep (Protestants) shall come to drink of the living spring of truth and grace. Three princes and kings shall throw off the garb of error, and will see clearly in the faith of God. At this time two-thirds of a great nation of the sea (England) shall reassume the true faith. (Rossi G. THE CHRISTIAN TRUMPET, OR, Previsions and Predictions about Impending General Calamities, The Universal Triumph of the Church, The Coming of Antichrist, The Last Judgment, and The End of the World. Compiled by PELLEGRINO [Gaudentius Rossi], A Missionary Priest with Superior's permission. Boston, THOS. B. NOONAND & CO., 1873, pp. 17-18)
St. Remigius (494): “Take notice, my child,” St. Remigius said to King Clovis, “that the kingdom of France is predestined by God for the defense of the Roman Church, which is the only true Church of Christ. This kingdom shall one day be great among the kingdoms of the Earth, and shall embrace all the limits of the Roman Empire, and shall submit all other kingdoms to its own scepter. “It shall last until the end of time. “It shall be victorious and prosperous as long as it will remain faithful to the Holy Roman See, and will not be guilty of any of those crimes which ruin nations; but it shall be rudely punished every time that it will become unfaithful to its vocation.” (Rossi, p. 20)
Venerable Abbé Necktou (18th century): A man disliked by France will be placed on the throne; a man of the house of Orleans shall be made king. It is only after this event that the counter-revolution shall begin. (Rossi, p.30)
Francis I was the father of Charles de Valois, Duke of Orléans. The Capet line is also known as "The House of France." Perhaps it should be mentioned that Priest Rossi's commentary of the statements of Remigius seem to be that it was the essentially the descendants of Charlemagne are the ones destined to support Rome. An interesting observation of Remigius' prophecy is that the last statement above indicates that the last king may also betray Rome, and that is consistent with biblical prophecy (Revelation 17:9,16). Whoever the final "King of the North" will be, he will betray the church that will be based out of the city of seven hills.
Notice also:
Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg is a Habsburg...He said, "What Europe is suffering from is not so much a financial crisis, but a crisis of leadership."
... Niall Ferguson...in the Wall Street Journal...he was saying, by 2020..., "The capital of Europe may well be in Vienna and we may see a revival of, or reconstitution of, the Habsburg Empire in Central Europe."
Now this goes over a lot of people's heads, but this is what Bible prophecy talks about. About a Beast power in Europe influenced by a strong Catholic Church. The Habsburgs provided a number of the emperors for the Holy Roman Empire. And Karl zu ... Guttenberg has Habsburg blood.
Otto von Habsburg, before he died, made the statement, "There may yet be a role for the Habsburg throne in Europe." And we've been talking about these things for 60 or 70 years. (Winnail D. Lessons from America's apostasy. Sermon, Charlotte, NC, Novermber 26, 2011)
Baron zu Guttenberg’s Return from Exile
EU Vice President Neelie Kroes invited Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg to Brussels “to advise on how to provide ongoing support to Internet users, bloggers and cyber-activists living under authoritarian regimes.” He has been living in the U.S. for the last several months in a type of self-imposed exile, while working with a major political think tank. Baron zu Guttenberg acted as a former “Federal Minister of Defence, and of Economics and Technology, in Germany,” and was thought by many to be in the running to be the next German chancellor, prior to the revealing that he had plagiarized large portions of his doctoral dissertation (Europa.eu, December 12, 2011).
Baron zu Guttenberg’s relatively quiet return to Europe has not gone without notice. Some have accused him of attempting a political comeback─something the Baron has denied. However many believe that public opinion will be forgiving of his editorial misdeeds given the proper amount of time. This sentiment was reflected by the EU Vice President when she was pressed about zu Guttenberg’s checkered past: “Kroes insisted it was she who approached zu Guttenberg and not the other way around. ‘I am looking for talents, I am not looking for saints’” (Financial Times, December 12, 2011).
Scripture does reveal that at the time of the end, a “strong man” will come onto the scene to lead Europe. This man will have the power and charisma to lead Europe in some amazing ways (see Daniel 9:27, 11:21-23; Revelation 13:1-10). Although we do not yet know the future role of zu Guttenberg, he is descended from royalty, he is highly educated and well connected, and he is ambitious. He is definitely one person to watch, as even members of the mainstream press recognize. (TW News & Prophecy. December 30, 2011)
If Karl zu Guttenberg is the one who will become the final King of the North of Bible prophecy, then he will emerge further in European politics, even though he could be expected to have more set-backs. We will see.
Notice the following (bolding from the source):
Francis di Paola (April 25, 1485): God almighty will exalt a very poor man of the blood of Emperor Constantine, son of St. Helena and of the seed of Pepin, who shall on his breast wear the sign which you have seen at the beginning of this letter [cross]. (Tzima Otto, p. 279)
People of noble birth, which is what is indicated by other predictions, tend not to be financially "poor." If this is supposed to apply to the Baron, perhaps people will conclude it means "poor in spirit" or very humble. Yet since the Baron seems wealthy, in my view, he contradicts the literal sense of this non-biblical prediction.
But since Greco-Roman Catholic prophecies are not normally from the Bible, and do not even need to be accepted according to Roman Catholic sources (Devine, Arthur. Transcribed by Marie Jutras. Prophecy. The Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume XII. Published 1911. New York: Robert Appleton Company. Nihil Obstat, June 1, 1911. Remy Lafort, S.T.D., Censor. Imprimatur. +John Cardinal Farley, Archbishop of New York), pretty much no one will expect that all the Catholic prophecies about the Great Monarch will need to be fulfilled (see also The Great Monarch: Biblical and Catholic Prophecies).
While not a direct descendant of the late Otto von Habsburg (who died July 4, 2011), the fact that the Baron zu Guttenberg's mother (Christiane zu Eltz) is a Habsburg and Herr Guttenberg thus a Habsburg (http://www.william1.co.uk/h13.htm accessed 05/14/18) may be important for another reason.
The old Worldwide Church of God indicated that the Beast could be Habsburg/Hapsburg descendant. It also published:
The House of Habsburg will play a leading role in European affairs for centuries to come. The ideal of universal rule — unity under a single authority — is by no means dead. (Stump KW. THE HISTORY OF EUROPE & THE CHURCH Part Five THE FIRST REICH. Plain Truth, November-December 1983).
For a time, it watched Otto von Habsburg (e.g Hogberg GH. Otto von Habsburg MAN WITH A MISSION. Plain Truth, March 1984; Stump KW. THE HISTORY OF EUROPE & THE CHURCH Part Ten THE FINAL UNION. Plain Truth, June 1984). But he died July 4, 2011, so obviously he was not the Beast.
As it turns out, one of Otto von Habsburg's titles was "King of Jerusalem." Without listing all the reasons here why that is important, suffice it to say that biblical and non-biblical prophecies (some that are not included in this paper are shown in the article Otto von Habsburg was “King of Jerusalem”?) show that the King of the North will conquer Jerusalem, and having that "King of Jerusalem" title would seem to help politically-diffuse some complaints when it happens.
As a Habsburg, it may be that some will feel that the Baron is entitled to use the title King of Jerusalem, and hence justify any actions taken to conquer Jerusalem (presuming that the Baron becomes the final King of the North). More on Jerusalem can be found in the article Jerusalem: Past, Present, and Future.
Now as far as Habsburgs go, notice some comments in a 2023 book written by Archduke Eduard Habsburg:
I'd like to ask whether our lives, politics--indeed our world--wouldn't be better if we tried to do at least a few things "the Habsburg Way." (Habsburg E. The Habsburg Way: Seven Rules for Turbulent Times. Sophia Institute Press, 2023, p. 5)
For all their faults, the Habsburg rulers appear to have cared for their subjects quite well. ... we do not need to "bring back the Habsburgs" or "re-introduce monarchy" (although I'd never say never) ... these ideas--and requiring them from our political leaders--would greatly improve our contemporary world. (Ibid, pp. 7-8, 10)
The Seven Rules
1. GET MARRIED...
2. BE CATHOLIC ...
3. BELIEVE IN THE EMPIRE ...
4. STAND FOR LAW AND JUSTICE...
5. KNOW WHO YOU ARE ...
6. BE BRAVE IN BATTLE (or Have a Great General)
7. DIE WELL ... (Ibid, p. 11)
The fact is, the Habsburgs--and for the most part still are--Catholic. Period. Full stop. (Ibid, p. 49)
If the reign of Leopold I was the pinnacle of Catholic faith in the Habsburg lands, many other Habsburgs were devout ... For example, Maria Theresia made pilgrimages ... But here faith was very strict ... Meanwhile her husband was ... actually a Freemason ... The sons and daughters of Maria Theresia and Francis were raised between the very severe faith of their mother and the very humanistic faith of their father. It is perhaps no wonder that many preferred their father's faith. (Ibid, pp. 65-66)
After eight hundred years of the intimate Habsburg presence in European politics, members of our family are still putting their faith first and making it the center of our lives. (Ibid, p. 75)
The Holy Roman Empire ... was shaped by, the Habsburg family for hundreds of years ... (Ibid, p. 79)
Holy Roman Empire ... by the Middle Ages, this state structure governed most of the Roman Empire's former territory including Germany, Netherlands, Austria, Slovenia, Czeck Republic, the territory of today's Poland, and Northern Italy. (Ibid, p. 81)
The idea of centralized government in the Habsburg lands began to advance under Maria Theresia. ... In some ways, centalization was inspired by the Masonic idea that reason could determine the best policy, and therefore that all change could come from above and be implemented by a small, virtuous elite. (Ibid, p. 84)
In the end, the idea of empire (in German reich) has shaped Europe for nearly six hundred years, with greater and lesser success. But one historical curiosity above the Holy Roman Empire is that, according to legal scholars, it never officially, legally ended. ... even after 1806 when the Holy Roman Empire ended. ... So, very technically speaking, empire continues to even to this day. ... perhaps one day in the future it will once again be "en-soul" a united Europe? (Ibid, p. 89)
monarchs ... Contrast this mindset with some modern politicians. Not having been raised to responsibility, and with less permanently secure positions, they will quite understandably be more naturally tempted to use their careers as paths to personal advancement ... (Ibid, p. 99)
I leave you with this question: Who protects the voters from their politicians today? (Ibid, p. 102)
Dr. Otto von Habsburg ... From the birth of the Paneuropa Union, in 1952, Otto fought for a united Europe ... In 1973, Otto became head of the International Paneuropa Movement, and in 1979 he was elected to the European Parliament for the first time. ... he insisted that symbolic seats in the Parliament be kept empty for the future for countries still trapped behind the Iron Curtain. (Ibid, pp. 147, 149)
We Habsburgs still live by traditional family values and live by them. ... Are we waiting for the monarchy to return? No. (Or are we?) (Ibid, p. 152)
And the next time a politician does something outlandish, ask yourself: What would a Habsburg do? (Ibid, p. 155)
(Habsburg E. The Habsburg Way: Seven Rules for Turbulent Times. Sophia Institute Press, 2023, pp. 5, 7-8, 10, 11, 49, 65-66, 75, 79, 81, 84, 89, 99, 147,149, 152, 155)
So, Eduard Habsburg, who is "Hungary's Ambassador to the Holy See and Sovereign Order of Malta" (Ibid, p. 159), seems to be pushing for a return to the monarchy and a revived "Holy Roman Empire."
Is it possible that this may happen under the leadership of a Habsburg descendant like Baron Guttenberg?
The following article discusses Herr Guttenberg's background and warns against him:
Germany military welcomes new defence minister
By Ulrich Rippert
7 November 2009The appointment of the new defence minister, Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg (Christian Social Union, CSU), unleashed a storm of enthusiasm in the German officer corps, according to SpiegelOnline.
On the evening that he took the oath of office, Guttenberg gave a short speech to employees at the Ministry of Defence in the historical surroundings of Berlin’s “Bendlerblock,” where the officers who had plotted to assassinate Hitler were executed. He stressed that, in his opinion, the ministry was a “key department.” His remarks received extended applause, according to press reports.
Guttenberg was welcomed by the assembled military as one of their own. His noble title and his aristocratic family’s 800-year-old tradition played a not insignificant role in their response.
There is hardly another country in the world in which the influence of the aristocratic caste in the army—as well as in other areas of society—has remained as strong as in Germany. Even in the assembly of the post-World War II Bundeswehr (federal armed forces) in the second half of the 1950s, figures such as Wolf Stefan Traugott Count von Baudissin and Johann Adolf Count von Kielmansegg played a central role. Both had been leading officers in Hitler’s Wehrmacht, only coming into conflict with the Nazi leadership in the final days of the war.
Together with Ulrich de Maizière, who as part of Field Marshal Wilhelm Ritter von Leeb’s staff led the Wehrmacht on the Western front, they organized the reconstruction of the German army in the 1950s. De Maizière comes from a French Huguenot family and is the father of the new interior minister, Thomas de Maizière, who previously headed Angela Merkel’s chancellery.
The aristocratic elite has played a devastating role in German history. It dominated both the officer corps of the Reichswehr (Imperial Army) and the Wehrmacht. In the Weimar Republic, the Reichswehr formed a state within the state, having rejected the democratic foundations of the constitution and being implicated in numerous coup attempts. In Hitler’s Wehrmacht, it was the aristocratic generals who organized the war of extermination and conquest.
The field marshals of the Nazi period were nearly all of noble birth. The list was headed by Werner von Blomberg. Then followed Walther von Brauchitsch, Günther von Kluge, Ritter von Leeb, Fedor von Bock, Erwin von Witzleben, Walter von Reichenau, Gerd von Rundstedt, Georg von Küchler, Erich von Manstein, Ewald von Kleist, Maximilian von Weichs, Wolfram Baron von Richthofen, Robert Ritter von Greim and Eduard Baron von Böhm Ermolli. Aside from Hermann Göring, only a few non-aristocrats are on the list of field marshals. Included among them are Erwin Rommel, Albert Kesselring, Wilhelm Keitel and Friedrich Paulus.
Then, like today, the aristocratic families comprised a firmly established social caste with traditional rites and a pronounced snobbish outlook. Marriages and business are conducted exclusively among social equals.
Count von Baudissin was married to Burgrave and Countess zu Dohna-Schlodien. His partner in the construction of the Bundeswehr, Count von Kielmansegg, married Mechthild von Dincklage in 1934. Her son, Peter Matthias Alexander Count von Kielmansegg, emeritus professor in Mannheim, is married to Freiin von Kauder, Countess Walpurgis von Schweinitz und Krain.
Karl-Theodor—we will dispense with his eight other first names—Baron von und zu Guttenberg is part of this aristocratic caste and maintains its elitist habits. He lives in Burg (castle) Guttenberg near Kulmbach in Franken, which has been the family headquarters since 1482. Since February 2000, he has been married to Stephanie Countess von Bismarck-Schönhausen, who is directly descended from Otto von Bismarck, the iron chancellor.
His mother is Christiane Henkell von Ribbentrop. She is the daughter of Jakob Count and Noble Lord von und zu Eltz (Faust von Stromberg), and Ladislaja Freiin Mayr von Melnhof. Her second marriage in 1985 was to Adolf von Ribbentrop, the son of Joachim von Ribbentrop, Hitler’s foreign minister, who was executed in 1946 as a war criminal, who is thus the stepfather of the new defence minister.
His maternal grandfather, Jakob Count Eltz, was a German noble and a member of the Sovereign Order of the Maltese Cross in Rome, where he served as a permanent envoy with the rank of ambassador. The primary residence of the Eltz family dynasty, from 1745 until their expulsion in 1944, was Schloss Eltz in Croatia. Very early on in the breakup of the former Yugoslavia, Eltz was an advocate of Croatian independence. Jakob Count Eltz maintained close relations with Croatia’s President Franjo Tudjman, who in 1991 appointed him “representative of the Republic of Croatia, situated in Bonn.” From 1992 to 2000, Jakob Count Eltz was a deputy in the Croatian parliament. He was also a recipient of the Medal of the Golden Fleece, a knightly order established in 1430, an honour respected and much sought after among the European aristocracy.
Guttenberg and the war in Afghanistan
At 37, Guttenberg is the youngest individual to ever serve as German defence minister. His political rise has been extremely rapid. One year ago, he was appointed secretary-general of the CSU; three months later he succeeded Michael Glos (CSU) at the Economic Affairs Ministry. Just six months after that he took over the Ministry of Defence. Although many commentators were surprised by this political move, it had been in preparation for a long time.
“For all who know the ambitious Guttenberg it was clear: This man uses the office of secretary-general as a springboard,” wrote Wirtschaftswoche in the spring, stressing, “Foreign policy is his hobby.” But the Foreign Ministry lay beyond the reach of a CSU politician, as it has been traditionally claimed by the Free Democratic Party (FDP). “Only the office of the defence minister remains,” the business paper wrote in February. Which would be a good fit, Wirtschaftswoche continued, “If for anything, from autumn 2008 von Guttenberg was known for his consistent justification of the German Armed Forces mission in Afghanistan.”
Before taking his ministerial post, for several years Guttenberg led the CSU executive committee’s Special Committee on Foreign Policy. As spokesman of the Working Group on Foreign and Security Policy (ASP), he wrote a memorandum in July 2007 on the “German commitment in Afghanistan.” In it he called for the creation of the post of “Afghanistan coordinator,” who would take on the important task of presenting “outwardly and in its entirety” Germany’s commitment in the Hindu Kush. Achieving the “aims and interlinked civilian-military strategy of the government” would require countering German public opinion, which is highly critical of the war. The “Afghanistan coordinator could, supported by a small staff, be housed directly in the chancellor’s office,” Guttenberg’s memorandum argued.
Whether this represents the first steps in the establishment of a ministry of propaganda is not immediately clear. But Guttenberg left no doubt that it was necessary to counter the widespread antiwar sentiments of the general public. In view of the “strained security situation,” the deployment of German forces was exposed to fierce criticism again and again, he complained. Public debate frequently “differentiated between military security and civilian reconstruction in a manner that was not objective.” That was inadmissible, because “without security, the civilian reconstruction of Afghanistan cannot be tackled,” he wrote.
Guttenberg stressed, “There is no alternative to the German commitment in Afghanistan.” The achievements of “our soldiers and development aide workers are considerable and admirable.” He justified the establishment of a special department for Afghanistan in the chancellery with these concluding words, “This measure could contribute crucially to optimizing Germany’s overall deployment in Afghanistan and to heightening acceptance of our [military] commitment within the population.”
Since then, the situation in Afghanistan has deteriorated dramatically. Resistance to the occupying armies, including the Bundeswehr, has clearly increased. Propaganda about humanitarian operations is disproved almost daily by reports of intensified attacks on the population. The massacre in Kunduz was symptomatic of this. Often, newly built roads and social facilities are destroyed again by the actions of the NATO forces, including those of Germany.
The false nature of the propaganda about building “democratic structures” is becoming increasingly clear, not just to the population in Afghanistan but also among the soldiers. NATO troops are propping up a regime in Kabul that is corrupt to the marrow.
Under these conditions, Defence Minister zu Guttenberg has gone on the offensive. Just a few days after taking office, he stressed that it is indeed war that is being waged in Afghanistan. Under these conditions, he said, it would be wrong to use “euphemisms” regarding the Bundeswehr’s mission. In a discussion with Bild Zeitung, he explained that it is a combat mission. Although international law was clear that wars could only take place between states, he did not believe that a soldier could relate to such “necessary legal, academic or semantic sensitivities.”
The arrogance of this aristocratic offspring could hardly be expressed more clearly than in the manner with which he brushes aside an illegal war as a question of “semantic sensitivity.” (Rippert U. Germany military welcomes new defence minister. WSWS, November 7, 2009. https://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2009/11/gutt-n07.html viewed 05/09/14)
It is interesting that even in 2009, various ones started to see potential problems with him.
The Baron's full name (including his title) is Karl Theodor Maria Nikolaus Johann Jakob Philipp Franz Joseph Sylvester Freiherr von und zu Guttenberg. It is a long name with 88 characters.
Because he is nobility and not technically royalty, it is possible that the Baron is one who could fulfill the following prophecy:
21 And in his place shall arise a vile person, to whom they will not give the honor of royalty; but he shall come in peaceably, and seize the kingdom by intrigue (Daniel 11:21).
This is of interest, because later in Daniel 11:40, one who could be this person, is called "the king of the North." And while a "king" is normally royalty, perhaps his actual title/position will not be one considered as "royalty" in the conventional sense (though ultimately the Bible indicates that he will think he is above God and everything else, per Daniel 11:36-38). On the other hand, the fact that royalty is not officially recognized in Germany, that could be the fulfillment--he has a royal-type name, but is not an actual royal.
As far as not getting the honor of royalty goes, I personally have met a couple of Habsburgs who were formally invested as royalty--but that has not been the case for Herr Guttenberg, despite also being a Habsburg descendant--thus this lack of investiture by Herr Guttenberg seems consistent with Daniel 11:21.
There are numerous Roman and Eastern Orthodox Catholic prophecies that give information about the name of the "Emperor" or "Great Monarch." Many are complicated, some are unclear, and some seem to be contradictory.
Here is a Catholic one claiming Henry:
Anna-Katarina Emmerick...July 12, 1820. I had a vision of the holy Emperor Henry. I saw him at night kneeling alone at the foot of the main alter in a great and beautiful church...and I saw the Blessed Virgin coming down all alone... (Dupont, Yves. Catholic Prophecy: The Coming Chastisement. TAN Books, Rockford (IL), 1973, p.62)
Yves Dupont (20th century) Henry is the Great Monarch (Dupont, p. 62).
Henry seems to mean "home ruler." If the emperor has to born with the name Henry, then Baron Guttenberg would seem to be disqualified, unless somehow he adds that to his name (or since he is from the town of Guttenberg, he is considered to be a "home ruler'). Orthodox writer Dr. Tzima Otto claimed that Henry is a name the ruler would add after gaining power--if so, then the Baron is not disqualified currently on the basis of his name.
Here are some prophecies, however, that seem to more clearly suggest names that the Baron has (bolding/italics in sources):
Apocalypse of Daniel (Greek version c. 800): This is his name: that which begins with the letter K of the alphabet. (Tzima Otto, H. The Great Monarch and WWIII in Orthodox, Roman Catholic, and Scriptural Prophecies. Verenika Press, Rock City (SC), 2000, p. 106)
St. Methodius of Patara ... mentions explictly the name of John . . . among his baptismal names there is the name John, although it does not correspond to his favorite appellation; or . . (Ibid, p. 81)
Monk Leontios (no later than 912): Oh, look at this hawk who is coming to sit and watch over the vineyard for three days in a row... he is holding a bench and a sword ... and enquired the King saying: what is your name? and he responds with these words: the poor one, the poor-lion, my name is Ιώ. I was a fugitive from everybody and I have come to fulfill my 36 days. ... and my name is iota and omega along with the long syllable, which is called Ιώ. ... Afterwards I will go to where I exited from and then the wolf will also come but for a few days. (Ibid, pp. 79-80,85)
Dr. Tzima Otto (interpreting the above): St. Methodius of Patara ... mentions explicitly the name of John . . . among his baptismal names there is the name John, although it does not correspond to his favorite appellation; or . . . as we saw in Monk Leontios give us merely my name is Ιώ. ... In Greek, the name John begins with Ιώ, ... We have in the Greek language the name Joseph ... the Romans were using the Josephus variety thereof; consequently Ίώαηπος fully satisfies the prophetic constraint that the baptismal name of the future emperor must begin with Ίώ and end with an s. ... Joe = Ιώ (Ibid, p. 81, 86, 89, 90)
St. Methodius of Patara (4th century, though the writing may be from the 7th century): ...the nations that are located in the North will be moved into action with great speed and fierce anger...Then the nations that are located in the southern corner will be roused into action and the Great Philip with an army of people composed of 18 different languages will get together in the Seventh-Hilled City (ibid, p. 109).
Magdeburg Chronicle (c. 12th century): Of the blood of the Emperor Charles the Great and of the Kings of France shall arise an Emperor named Charles, who shall rule in Europe, by whom the decayed Estate of the Church shall be reformed and the ancient glory of the Empire restored. (Dupont, p. 26; Connor, p. 31)
The Baron's first name is Karl. One of his names is Johann (John). Another of his other names is Joseph. One of his other names is Phillip. And Charles is the French and English version of the name Karl, his first name. The European Union currently "has 23 official and working languages" (ec.europa.eu/languages/languages-of-europe/eu-languages_en.htm), hence part of a European army that gets together in the "Seventh-Hilled City" could have people speaking 18 languages. Again these predictions are not proof that the Baron is to be the final King of the North--but if for some reason if any in the hostile spirit world were allowed by God to see who he would have been, it is possible that is how they could possibly know and relate this through the sayings of mystics.
The following suggests that the Great Monarch's name will also begin with a K. It also indicates that he could be a problem for Rome, which is most widely known as the City of Seven Hills, but since this is an Eastern Orthodox prophecy, it may refer to Istanbul/Constantinople.
Emperor Leo the Philosopher (died 912): Woe to you city of Seven Hills when the twentieth element is praised in your walls. At that moment the ruin and perdition of your strong leaders has arrived, and those who judge without justice; and of that (particular) leader of yours who has scythe-like fingers which scythe is the scythe of desolation and a blasphemy of the Most High God (Oraclulum X, cited by Tzima Otto, p. 67).
Dr. Tzima Otto (interpreting the above): When the letters are understood as numbers, then the 20th element is K. It is possible that one of the baptismal names of the Great Monarch may {begin}...with a K (ibid, p. 67).
Here is a curious Orthodox prophecy:
Anonymou Paraphrasis (10th century): He was given an education ever since he was born, and the king has a name 80 characters long. (Tzima Otto, p. 39).
Now if exactly 80 total characters is meant, than Baron Guttenberg's name would seem to be too long. However, if it means at least 80 characters (and there are some issues on the translation of this passage, per Dr. Tzima Otto), then the Baron may fit this.
But a curious point is that one of his "names," Freiherr, is not a name but a title (though one in Germany you can only have as a 'name' if you inherited it). If just that word is eliminated, then his name is exactly 80 characters in length. Or if it is included, and the descriptive terms "von und zu" (which translated mean "and from") are eliminated, then it also is 80 characters.
A reader sent me the following:
Karl = 'Strong man' or 'free man' and equates royal status according to https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carl_(name)
Also apparently the name Karl comes from the name Charlemaign which is also very interesting!
Theodore = ‘God Given’… Equally interesting!!
Maria = Bitter- synonym = Indignation; Daniel 8:19 amongst other verses talks of a time of indignation at the appointed time of the end (KJV).
Nikolaus = ‘Victorious; conqueror of the people’, or possibly ‘victory of the people’… The first one speaks for itself really!
Johann = ‘God is merciful’
Jacob = ‘Supplanter’ - to supersede (another) especially by force or treachery. Synonym = overthrow.
The King of the North overthrows many nations but Moab, Edom and Ammon escape.
Philipp = "horse-loving" or "fond of horses," from the Greek Philippos- In ancient Greece only the rich could afford horses so can mean nobility.
Or maybe it could signify he is linked to the four horsemen of Revelation.
Franz = Translates to the word ‘French’ when translating from German to English. Also, rulers of Austria and the Holy Roman Empire have had this name. In some of the Catholic prophecies you have documented it talks of the Great Monarch being French. Well he has the German word for French in his name??
Joseph = ‘He will add’. Not sure about this one other than possibly linked to the next name Sylvester, making it ‘He will add to the forest.’ Though God will make the trees of his forest so few in number a child may write them (Isaiah 10:19).
Sylvester = ‘Of the forest’. This was trickier to find as it kept coming up with ‘New Year’s Eve’. But behindthename.com has this to say, “From a Roman name meaning "of the forest" from Latin silva "wood, forest". This was the name of three popes, including Saint Silvester I who supposedly baptized the first Christian Roman emperor, Constantine the Great. As an English name, Silvester (or Sylvester) has been in use since the Middle Ages, though it became less common after the Protestant Reformation. This makes me think of Isaiah 10:15-19:
15 Shall the ax boast itself against him who chops with it? Or shall the saw exalt itself against him who saws with it? As if a rod could wield itself against those who lift it up, Or as if a staff could lift up, as if it were not wood! 16 Therefore the Lord, the Lord[a] of hosts, Will send leanness among his fat ones; And under his glory He will kindle a burning Like the burning of a fire. 17 So the Light of Israel will be for a fire, And his Holy One for a flame; It will burn and devour His thorns and his briers in one day. 18 And it will consume the glory of his forest and of his fruitful field, Both soul and body; And they will be as when a sick man wastes away. 19 Then the rest of the trees of his forest Will be so few in number That a child may write them.
Freiherr = Baron- He will not be given the honor of royalty (Daniel 11:21)
Von und zu = ‘of and at.’ Nobility symbol in Germany
Guten = ‘Good’
Berg = ‘Mountain’. The King of the North will likely try to say that he has been chosen to lead Gods kingdom on earth as head of its government (mountain) and could use the translation of his surname to show that he is the Great Monarch prophesied to come by Catholic seers! It also makes one think of Rev 17:9-11:
9 “Here is the mind which has wisdom: The seven heads are seven mountains on which the woman sits. 10 There are also seven kings. Five have fallen, one is, and the other has not yet come. And when he comes, he must continue a short time. 11 The beast that was, and is not, is himself also the eighth, and is of the seven, and is going to perdition.
Though ultimately it is his common names he goes by that I find interesting, as they could possibly mean:
Karl Theodore zu Guttenberg: - ‘Royal strong man Given by God, at Good Mountain’
A name with a meaning as such would seem to be fit for a prophesied King!
So, there may be even more to his names than the amount of letters that form them.
Karl Guttenberg was a virtual unknown until rose up. Both biblical (Daniel 9:26-27; 11:21) and non-biblical prophecies support the idea that one who was not considered to be of major importance will rise up as a military political leader (Revelation 13:1-4). He currently is not considered highly important, but if he is the one he will change.
Years back, Karl Guttenberg made statements about Afghanistan:
"Death and wounds have become companions to our military deployments and they will remain so in the coming years, and not just in Afghanistan," Defence Minister Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg said...The 38-year-old Guttenberg, who became defence minister in October, was the first to use the word "war" to describe the situation on the ground in Afghanistan (Berlin struggles to sell Afghan 'war' to gun-shy Germans. 25/04/2010. ),
Because of Afghanistan and other statements about it, the Baron lost some credibility and has had losses in his popularity for a time--but that later changed (and did http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2010-08-06/chancellor-merkel-s-popularity-drops-guttenberg-most-liked-poll-shows.html). Yet in the summer of 2010, he was once again considered to be the most popular politician in Germany according to one poll (http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2010-08-06/chancellor-merkel-s-popularity-drops-guttenberg-most-liked-poll-shows.html).
He wanted to modernize the German military and helped plan to also do so for the European military:
BERLIN — On Friday, the German defense minister, Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg, is set to present to Chancellor Angela Merkel his plans to modernize the Bundeswehr, the country’s armed forces. From all accounts, it could be one of the most radical and long overdue shake-ups undertaken in decades by a defense minister. ( New York Times – Aug 18, 2010. http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/19/world/europe/19iht-letter.html)
In the presence of defense of Belgium, France, the Netherlands and Germany on 1 September 2010 the European Air Transport Command (EATC) and entered into service. This celebration in Eindhoven, the Netherlands takes part in the Parliamentary State Secretary at the Ministry of Defence Christian Schmidt, Minister of representation to Guttenberg.
From the EATC future, the use of most of the military airlift fleet of the four participating nations will be planned and managed. The first stage of readiness should be made in December 2010. Ministers welcomed the entry to Guttenberg: "The opening of the EATC an important milestone in military cooperation in Europe. A leading example of a possible task and burden sharing in other areas. " (Machine translated from German to English. Eröffnung des Europäischen Lufttransportkommandos in Eindhoven. Mönch News, 01 September 2010. http://www.monch.com/moench-update.php)
If Baron Guttenberg becomes the Great Monarch, he could possibly fulfill the following:
Saint Cataldus of Tarentino (c. 500): "The Great Monarch will be in war till he is forty years of age....he will assemble great armies and expel tyrants from his empire. He will conquer England and other island empires" (Connor, p.30).
It should be mentioned that my read of the above prophecy (especially when others are considered) suggests that the "Great Monarch" will be dealing with wars of less consequence by age 40 (the war zone in Afghanistan comes to mind, which Karl Guttenberg was in), before dealing with more significant ones after that age.
Something is happening among German and Austrian Catholics that may help fulfill one or more prophecies of the Great Monarch:
Nearly a quarter of Germany’s 25 million Catholics are considering turning their backs on their Church in the wake of the child abuse scandals, a survey published Friday found. The poll of more than 1,000 Catholics by the Forsa Institute published by daily Bild, found 23 percent of Church members said they were thinking of leaving.
Even among those who described themselves as devout, 19 percent were considering walking away, the poll found.
The findings come as the Church faces its gravest crisis of modern times, with decades-old claims of child sexual abuse by priests surfacing in Germany and around the world. (Catholics ready for Church exodus, poll finds. The Local, Berlin - April 23, 2010. http://www.thelocal.de/society/20100423-26739.html)More Austrians than ever in history are expected to leave the Catholic Church this year.
Official figures from today (Thurs) show that 30,004 people left the Church in the first three months of this year, up by 42 per cent compared to the same time span of 2009 when more people than ever cancelled their membership.
These developments mean that between 70,000 and 80,000 Austrians are expected to leave the Church throughout this year after last year’s record of 53,216 people leaving the Church.
The image of the Austrian Catholic Church has suffered as hundreds of people come forward revealing how they were beaten or verbally or sexually abused by clergy and staff at Catholic boarding schools and other clerical institutions. Research by public opinion agency Integral showed earlier this year that 69 per cent of Austrians thought the Church was lacking in credibility in its dealing with the revelations.
A recent Karmasin poll showed that 57 per cent of Austrians are of the opinion Pope Benedict XVI should resign amid the sex abuse incidents across Europe were there a rule that enabled him to do so.
(Record 2010 Church exodus expected after whopping first-quarter figures. Austrian Independent, 22. 04. 10. http://austrianindependent.com/news/General_News/2010-04-22/2247/Record_2010_Church_exodus_expected_after_whopping_first-quarter_figures)The Catholic Church is currently being shaken by a number of financial scandals, not only in Franconia but also in Augsburg, another Bavarian city, where Bishop Walter Mixa's dip into funds from a foundation that runs children's homes recently made headlines.
More than €40 million have gone missing in the Diocese of Magdeburg in eastern Germany, €5 million have disappeared in Limburg near Frankfurt, and it was recently discovered that a senior priest in the Diocese of Münster had 30 secret bank accounts. And while parishes throughout Germany are cutting jobs and funds for community work, many bishops are still living on the high horse. A brand-new residence? An ostentatious home for their retirement? Restoration of a Marian column to the tune of €120,000? None of these expenditures presents a problem to high-ranking church officials from Trier in the west to Passau in the southeastern corner of Bavaria, whose coffers are brimming with cash.
In many places, this blatant disparity, along with reports of mismanagement, misappropriation and pomposity have prompted the faithful to challenge church officials. They are accusing many bishops of just covering up the problem, as they did in the sex abuse scandal. (Loll AC, Wensierski P. Financial Scandals - The Hidden Wealth of the Catholic Church Spiegel - June 14, 2010. http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/0,1518,700513,00.html)
Germany's biggest Catholic-owned publishing house has been rocked by disclosures that it has been selling thousands of pornographic novels...with the full assent of the country's leading bishops. The revelations made in the publishing-industry newsletter Buchreport concern Weltbild, a company with an annual NZ$3bn turnover and 6,400 employees. It is Germany's largest bookseller after Amazon and wholly owned by the Catholic Church. Buchreport revealed that Weltbild's massive assortment of titles available to customers online includes some 2,500 "erotic" books... Mr Mller said that in 2008, a group of concerned Catholics had sent bishops a 70-page document containing irrefutable evidence that Weltbild published books that promoted pornography, Satanism and magic. They demanded that the publisher withdraw the titles. But their protests appear to have been completely ignored... It emerged yesterday that in an attempt to clear itself of potential embarrassment over the sale of porn, the Catholic Church tried to sell Weltbild in 2009. But the bishops apparently abandoned the idea after they failed to get the price they were asking. (Catholic Church faces hardcore porn shame. November 5, 2011. http://www.nzherald.co.nz/world/news/article.cfm?c_id=2&objectid=10764039&ref=rss
Interestingly, these scandals may tie in with a Catholic prophecy about the timing of the Great Monarch:
Ven. Holzhauser (17th century): The Great Monarch will come when the Latin Church is desolated, humiliated, and afflicted with many heresies (Dupont, p. 114).
Nicholas of Fluh (15th century): The Church will be punished because the majority of her members, high and low, will become so perverted. (Dupont, p. 30)
These pedophile and other sex scandals have humiliated the Church of Rome ("the Latin Church"), hence if the above prediction is correct, then we are very near the time that the "Beast" leader will rise up.
The “Great Monarch” is also supposed to rise up during the time there are “very impious priests” (Tzima Otto, p. 53; see also The Great Monarch: Biblical and Catholic Prophecies)–which would be consistent with the whole sex scandal issue among the Catholic priesthood as well as the pornography scandal.
Eastern Orthodox prophecy suggests that the European leader rises up after Persia (Iran) takes destructive actions.
Oracle of Baalbek: And the name of this King is concealed among the nations; and his name is similar to the last day, and it is written from the 18th letter. And when he will receive his empire, his name will be Anastasius, (Anastasois). This king is bald headed, handsome … In his day the Persians will rise up and destroy the cities of the East … (Tzima Otto, p. 64).
The Bible teaches that a power associated with Iran and Syria will one day cause great damage to ‘the city of David” (Isaiah 22:6-9). This may well happen during Baron Karl-Theodor Guttenberg's time.
Furthermore, notice the following about another type of timing:
Monk Leontios (no later than 912): ... the King ... Afterwards I will go [march, pass over] to where I exited from; and the wolf will also come but for a few days. (Tzima Otto, p. 85)
According to Dr. Tzima Otto, "the wolf" is the Antichrist (ibid, p. 97). Thus, the Great Monarch is supposed to be around the same time that the final Antichrist rises up. And while some "Catholic" prophecies indicate that the final Antichrist comes at the end of the reign of the Great Monarch, the Bible suggests that the two will work together as the final Antichrist will encourage all to support the Great Beast Monarch.
Because the final Antichrist is mainly a religious leader (the false prophet), I do not believe that Baron Guttenberg can possibly be the final the final Antichrist.
Karl-Theodor zu Guttnberg was an invited speaker at the Fortune Global Forum in early November 2015. In an interview there, he (in English) mentioned the migrant situation in Europe and basically indicated that Europe needed to look beyond just taking short term actions, but also needed to better organize for the long term (Here’s Why Europe’s Political System is Failing). Despite his past plagiarism scandal, Baron Guttenberg is sought out for his international perspective on many matters that affect Europe.
He has also called for Europe to reorganize in later years.
The Bible tells of at least three reorganizations to come in Europe in Revelation 17 (see also Must the Ten Kings of Revelation 17:12 Rule over Ten Currently Existing Nations?).
The time will come when there will be a type of dictatorial 'United States of Europe.' Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg's support of reorganization in Europe is consistent with something that that the final King of the North (Daniel 11:21-44) would want. Herr Guttenberg has made other comments previously that he supports changes in Europe.
Notice the following:
Jihad & a Geopolitical G-X: Winning the War and Building the Peace
By Daniel J. Arbess and Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg
FEB 12, 2016
The civilized world is still being caught flat-footed by global Jihad, but at least we’re now realizing that our societies are engaged in a whole new kind of conflict—with a decentralized nonstate enemy, fueled by an archaic-techno mix of messianic theology and social media outreach. The self-proclaimed Islamic State (IS) is of course not a legitimate nation-state, but it still proclaims its goal to establish a caliphate governing Islam, while al Qaeda and numerous other jihadist groups position for the same goals. What’s needed next is an allied military strategy for reversing the jihadists’ recent shift toward territorial conquest, then, more challenging still, a coherent diplomatic process for stabilizing the Muslim world that offers its populations a path to better economic prospects and more participatory governance alternatives than they’ve enjoyed to date. ...
Establishing the peace will require an exceptional international collaboration, in turn calling for an open-minded rethinking of some assumptions and multinational institutions that have become so comfortable they’re calcified. ...
There is opportunity here for all the major powers. The G-X should include the members of the G-20 (including of course, members Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Indonesia) and majority Muslim nations that are acknowledged by the international community. Permanent guest invitations should be extended to the United Nations, the African Union, the Gulf Cooperation Council, the Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development, the Association of Southeast Asia Nations, the International Monetary Fund, and the World Bank. Observer status could be offered to nations that are geographically exposed to any solution, including, centrally, Israel, or countries with a rapidly growing Muslim community as in parts of sub-Saharan Africa. ...
Ultimately, the map of nations might benefit from a realignment around ethnic and sectarian lines, delineating and protecting separate ancestral homelands for Sunnis, Shiites, Alawites, Kurds, and other distinct ethnic groups. http://csis.org/publication/jihad-geopolitical-g-x-winning-war-and-building-peace
The Bible tells of a time of a coming confederation of Islamic nations, under a leader called the King of the South, which consistent with what Baron Guttenberg seems to be calling for in Daniel 11:40-43. The Bible also shows that the final King of the North will end up making a dishonest deal with that power in Daniel 11:26-27. While that deal has not yet been proposed, it is possible that Herr Guttenberg could be involve in the future.
In a German language interview article titled: Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg: Ich habe mit meinem damaligen Scheitern Frieden geschlossen (URL: https://www.augsburger-allgemeine.de/politik/interview-karl-theodor-zu-guttenberg-ich-habe-mit-meinem-damaligen-scheitern-frieden-geschlossen-id68462711.html) and machine-translated the German into English, which is as follows:
Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg: I have made peace with my failure at the time
13 November 2023
The new Guttenberg writes openly about his weaknesses and insecurities, yes you have admitted: “I am no stranger to depression either.” And you admit: “I was mercilessly overestimated.”
Guttenberg: Everything is correct. The following applies to my texts and statements: I try to reveal weaknesses authentically and without coquetry. This consequently includes fears and aspects of my mental life. …
You also seem to have treated yourself to some extent with self-irony.
Guttenberg (laughs): Oh yes! What could be better than laughing at yourself! That just makes life more fun. And there really are plenty of reasons to make fun of yourself. A few days ago I was at a panel discussion where a professor said she wrote her doctoral thesis about failure. In a rare moment of repartee, I replied: “And I failed my doctoral thesis.” We all had a hearty laugh. …
Does the intensive contact with the left Gysi make you move politically to the left?
Guttenberg: I am difficult to place politically. I’m not a classic conservative. I feel at home in the political center. Sometimes I identify with more left-wing and sometimes with conservative attitudes. I will no longer allow myself to be forced into a camp. …
At 51, you seem at peace with yourself after a long up and a crashing down. Have you become a completely relaxed person or is there also a show involved?
Guttenberg: I have arrived at my place. My well-being no longer depends on the applause or goodwill of others. But one thing challenges my composure: I’m worried about the tone, also the unforgiveness in our society, this absolute will to immediately deliver the next verbal, devastating blow. …
Some of your readers on LinkedIn want nothing more than for Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg< /span>.politics returns to the circus of
Guttenberg: Why should I? My time is over.
You should never say never.
Guttenberg: I know, I can say 17 times that my farewell is final, and some people just don’t want to believe it. I wonder how many times I’ll have to emphasize this. And when I was still defense minister, I already planned to leave politics in 2013. Now I had to leave in 2011.
Aren’t you flattered that some still demand your political comeback?
Guttenberg: I find that rather surprising. It has now been almost 13 years since I left politics. Regardless, I try to take responsibility for issues that affect the future of our children within a self-determined framework. And I now have more time to deal with the substantive questions of our lives. As a politician, you hardly have time for that. The majority of a politician’s time is dictated by others. Luckily I’m out of the business.
But sometimes you also suffer relapses, for example when Prigozhin staged a coup against Putin and you couldn’t resist acting like a politician to an ORF journalist to give an interview.
Guttenberg (laughs): It’s interesting what disruptions politics can trigger in the synapses of a person like me. So I keep appealing to myself: “Don’t behave the way you behaved 13 years ago!” But there is still something deep within me that can trigger certain political reflexes. So, even though I no longer want to, I answered the ORF journalist’s questions like a politician that day. I must have been itching again at the prospect of being important for a moment. Pretty idiotic, because few things are more insignificant.
So they still can, despite all the anti-politics reflex therapy.
Guttenberg: I am all the happier that the reflex to go back into politics no longer exists. Politics is a sometimes toxic and also vain business. There is a risk of drifting away.
But the new Guttenberg, your texts suggest, enjoys moments without feeling important. Have you really fundamentally changed? Who is the new Guttenberg?
Guttenberg: First of all, you remain the same person in an aging shell. 13 years ago I could not yet experience the beauty of the moment: I had neither learned nor understood it, also because it was never brought to my attention. Like many other people, I have been guided by past experiences and fears about the future. That doesn’t make a person more relaxed, happier and sociable. The fact that I have changed is certainly the result of hard experiences, but it also goes back to advice from other people. Today I am a completely calm, cheerful person. Attacks no longer hurt me. Not constantly worrying about the past and future can be trained like a muscle. …
The Irish poet Samuel Beckett wrote: “Try again. Fail again. Fail better.” Is “Fail better” the life motto of Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg?
Guttenberg: In the end, this insight from Beckett is a cipher for the art of leading a better life. Such a life can only be achieved if you make peace with yourself and your surroundings and become a forgiving person. I can gain a lot from Beckett’s insight. Many people used to see me as something I wasn’t. They projected something into me that didn’t exist in me.
People believed that as a dashing, young nobleman they could save Germany, and they were even believed to be able to, Angela Merkel to be replaced as Chancellor. There was a lot of hype about you.
Guttenberg: It was sometimes bizarre what people projected into me.
While he was been officially out of politics for some time, he has stayed connected to it.
As far as him making peace with his plagiarism scandal, Herr Guttenberg later went to another university and got another doctorate. From a political perspective that at least shows he has the intellect to attain a doctorate.
Dr. Guttenberg is currently somewhat of a political commentator, which means that he still has involvement and that he reaches people on a regular basis with his political views.
Now, remember that the Bible, in Daniel 11:21, tells about a leader who was once disgraced that prophesied to rise up.
So, should we count Herr Guttenberg out because of his comments in the interview?
No.
Politicians have long been known to change their minds when crises or opportunities arise.
He rose quickly once and may very well do so again.
Now while it is not absolutely sure at this date who will be the final Beast leader (AKA King of the North), Baron zu Guttenberg is a candidate of interest.
Recall that in the interview above he also said people remain basically the same as they were before.
What did he say he was before?
Remember that Dr. Guttenberg has referred to himself as a type of a beast, “There’s no doubt whatsoever that I’m a political animal, a ‘zoon politicon’,"
A zoon politicon is a political animal. This is still part of Herr Guttenberg.
Do not count him out yet. No matter what he said about his political career being over, I strongly assert that he will be again involved in politics. That does not mean that he has to become the Beast of Revelation 13:1-10 or the King of the North of Daniel 11:21-45, but he does remain one to watch for that role (cf. Mark 13:37).
Consider also the following prophecy about the King of Assyria, who is also the final King of the North and Beast:
5 “Woe to Assyria, the rod of My anger
And the staff in whose hand is My indignation.
6 I will send him against an ungodly nation,
And against the people of My wrath
I will give him charge,
To seize the spoil, to take the prey,
And to tread them down like the mire of the streets.
7 Yet he does not mean so,
Nor does his heart think so;
But it is in his heart to destroy,
And cut off not a few nations.
8 For he says,
‘Are not my princes altogether kings?
9 Is not Calno like Carchemish?
Is not Hamath like Arpad?
Is not Samaria like Damascus?
10 As my hand has found the kingdoms of the idols,
Whose carved images excelled those of Jerusalem and Samaria,
11 As I have done to Samaria and her idols,
Shall I not do also to Jerusalem and her idols?'”12 Therefore it shall come to pass, when the Lord has performed all His work on Mount Zion and on Jerusalem, that He will say, “I will punish the fruit of the arrogant heart of the king of Assyria, and the glory of his haughty looks.” (Isaiah 10:5-12)
Notice that a leader who does not think he wants to conquer will as that desire is still inside of him.
Could that be Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg?
One interpretation about a certain Great Monarch prophecy given in the 10th century is that he will communicate in English:
Dr. Tzima Otto: Apparently, the Emperor will employ the English language to communicate with his future subjects ... This is yet another marvel to behold, in a sense, considering that when Monk Leontios was giving his prophecies, the English language was an unknown quantity in international relations, Greek and Latin being still the languages of the sophisticated European scholars. Is is unlikely that there were many Byzantines speaking English at the time, yet Monk Leontios had already figured out everything in a most minute detail. (Otto, p. 94)
Baron Guttenberg is fluent in English. But again, so are many Europeans.
On June 11, 2012, Johns Hopkins posted a YouTube interview of Herr Guttenberg (AICGS At Issue Interview: Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg. Jun 11, 2012 by JohnsHopkins. http://youtu.be/f_97yILE5Bw)--which was completely done in English which I watched. He started out, after being asked about what he has learned more since moving to the USA, explaining that it seems to him that Americans are using Europe as a scapegoat for their (USA's) own economic problems. He also discussed trying to unify Europe, which he calls a "wonderful thing" and a necessity to act to get closer together. Herr Guttenberg also stated "We have had a Europe of different needs since the beginning... a multiple speed of Europe will require a certain vision...changes...the European Union needs to prevail." When asked if there could be a two or three Euro system, Herr Guttenberg indicated that it is not the plan. He also stated that he does not see countries leaving the Euro, though he could imagine that step.
His communications in German are also of interest. When he was Defense Minister, the opposition party suggested that he had a major anger problem. Notice a report from 10 June 2010:
Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg, the defence minister from the CSU, reportedly caused so much anger during the austerity negotiations that someone was overheard saying: “He carries on like Rumpelstiltskin”, in reference to a villainous dwarf from the Brothers Grimm fairy tale. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/germany/7819035/Angela-Merkel-rallies-against-name-calling-in-own-coalition.html
So, he is believed to have a tendency toward anger--so does the final King of the North (cf. Daniel 11:30).
But he has learned from that.
When he was publicly humilated with cake being put in his face in February 2012, he handled it calmly and like a professional politician concerned about his image (Cake-in-Guttenberg-Face). Also, when Ph.D. students walked out on him in November 2012, he also handled that well (Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg Rejected, Again). His outward calm may be real, but it also may be covering a tendency towards anger.
There are a variety of physical characteristics associated with the Great Monarch (as well as an interesting intellectual/spiritual one) in Byzantine prophecy such as the following one:
Monk Leontios (no later than 912): Go hurry to the West of the Seven-Hilled City; you will find there a man who is dear to Me; he is given to prayer, he has dark hair, honey-colored {sun-tanned} skin, he is gentle and noble-minded; he is cognizant of the things of the future; and on his right foot he has a sizable callosity (Tzima Otto, pp. 84,203--p. 203 says sun-tanned was a proper translation for "honey-colored").
Being a baron, one who suspect that Baron Guttenberg would be "noble-minded" and he does have dark hair. The photographs I have seen of him show him somewhat tanned and not nearly as white-skinned as some others in Germany. It may be of interest to note that if the "Seven-Hilled City" above is Istanbul (which is more likely here) than Rome, that the town of Guttenberg is west of it.
It may also be of interest to that the Baron's semi-self-imposed exile (he could have stayed in his job as Chancellor Merkel supported him and told him not to resign related to the plagiarism matter) bears watching as that prophecy says that the one who will rise up "is cognizant of the things of the future" (cf. Daniel 8:23 "a king of fierce countenance, and understanding dark sentences, shall stand up" KJV; also cf. Ezekiel 28:3 knowledge of the prince of Tyre, who could be a parallel to the King of the North)--could he have decided to resign in 2011 to partially fulfill the prophecies about the "king" (Great Monarch) being pushed out to exile? I do not know, but if he is the one, I would not put it past him. The fact that in June 2011 he indicated that he may gone on a two-year sabbatical (see Karl Guttenberg Plans Two-Year Sabbatical Abroad, Guttenberg 'Moving Abroad for At Least Two Years'. Spiegel Online, June 10, 2011. http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/0,1518,767878,00.html) and his wife later confirmed a temporary relocation to the USA (see Stephanie Guttenberg Confirms Temporary Move to USA, Conner R. Ex-Defense Minister Guttenberg set for move to US. August 16, 2011. Deutsche Welle http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,,15318322,00.html) suggests to me that he is exiling himself, which certainly seems to fit with certain non-biblical prophecies.
Here is another prediction about physical characteristics:
David Poreus (17th century). "The Great Monarch will be of French descent, large forehead, large dark eyes, light brown wavy hair and an eagle nose. He will crush the enemies of the Pope and will conquer the {Middle?} East." (Dupont, p. 31; Connor p. 35)
Now, it is not clear if the Baron currently has a callous on his right foot, but according to other prophecies, something like that will affect his foot and/or his walk:
Anna-Katarina Emmerick (July 12, 1820): When the Mass had ended, Mary came up to Henry (the Emperor), and she extended her right hand towards him, saying that it was in recognition of his purity. Then, she urged him not to falter. Thereupon I saw an angel, and he touched the sinew of his hip, like Jacob. He (Henry) was in great pain; and from that day on he walked with a limp... (Dupont, p.62)
Anonymou Paraphrasis (10th century): The King has marks [to be identified with]: the nail of the big toe of his right foot has a callosity; his voice is sweet [or his manner of speaking]; his features are prepossessing; his appearance [shape, figure, bone structure] delicate like that of a woman {another translation suggests "good looking"}; he is about middle-age [or mature in years]; he began to develop a little bald head and his hair has began to turn gray a little; he is erudite and knows many things, he has foresight and is cognizant of the text of prophecies; which he relates to others and shares that information with others; his nose is a little curved [aquiline nose]; the eyes are prominent. He is poor, his hair is cut short and he is dressed in very poor clothing [rags] whose purpose is utilitarian...And the King will have three articulations [joints, knuckles; possibly referring again to the callosity on the big toe of his right foot]. (Tzima Otto, pp. 31-31; p. 174 for "good looking")
The Baron's nose is slightly curved and he does know many things. His hair is short-normal for a man. However, related to clothing, he does not seem to wear rags, he wears suits in most of the photos I have seen. But he has been photographed wearing military fatigues and other utilitarian clothing when he has been to areas like Afghanistan and when he has been at a rock concert or beer-serving establishment. As he gets older, he will likely get some graying of hair.
The next items are quite specific:
Anonymou Paraphrasis (10th century): And the King...has gotten olives [beauty marks] on his right side, also under the breast [or, on the waist line] ; and more on the shoulder, and the thigh and on the earlobe as well as on the right eyebrow... (Tzima Otto, p. 43)
I have not seen the un-shirted Baron, so most of the above I do not know. And if there are any on the earlobe or right eyebrow, they are either quite small or covered in the pictures I have seen.
Also notice:
Anonymou Paraphrasis (10th century): He is graceful and charming his cheeks are turning red when he blushes. He is tall in stature, he has a beard, and there is a moustache also ... he has dark hair, his head begins to turn bald in the front, he has an elderly look... (Tzima Otto, p. 43)
The Baron is considered to be graceful and charming. And while the Baron is not tall by modern standards, he would be tall by the standards of the time the above was written (the average height for a male was about 5 foot 5 or 6 inches a century or so ago). I do not know if his cheeks are able to turn red. He is slightly balding in the front. In the hundreds of photographs I have viewed of him, prior to May 2, 2015, he never had a beard or moustache. So, either the prophecy is in error (or does not apply to him) or he will get both a beard and a moustache. If so, then he might have that "elderly look."
Update: May 2, 2015. In an interview uploaded 4/29/15 on TheStreetTV, Herr Guttenberg had a beard and a moustache! Maybe he will keep it.
Herr Guttenberg still had his beard when he spoke at the Rhodes Forum 2015. At that forum, he said he was not opposed to all free trade agreements, but he had issues with the TTIP (Karl-Theodor von und zu Guttenberg at the Rhodes Forum 2015. Published on Dec 22, 2015. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XmIB_EJN2Ek&feature=youtu.be). Europe will be involved in trade deals according to biblical prophecies (see Revelation 18; see also WTO/TTIP and the Babylonian Beast). My suspicion is that he will one day feel that the USA has betrayed Europe on trade and this will greatly offend him.
At the Rhodes Forum, he also kept stating that real reform must take place in the United Nations and the European Union, but that there does not seem to be the will to do that. He said that a momentum needs to be created to deal with the flaws that existing institutions have.
At various conferences, including the Hub Conference 2015, Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg he again blasted government bureaucracy (Hub Conference 2015 Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg - Teil 1. http://youtu.be/UhtmuloV_ko). This shows me that he feels a strongman type leader, like himself, like the one prophesied in Revelation 17:12-13 is what he advocates.
At many conferences he has discussed digital payments (e.g. Karl-Theodor von und zu Guttenberg at the Rhodes Forum 2015. Published on Dec 22, 2015. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XmIB_EJN2Ek&feature=youtu.be), encyrption . He has stated that there is a transatlanic tension with a growing anti-Americanism in Europe (Hub Conference 2015 Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg - Teil 1. http://youtu.be/UhtmuloV_ko). He, at several conferences, has indicated that more terrorism is coming. Terrorism, trade, finance, and other matters could propel him to fulfill, or at least support the fulfilment of, various prophecies.
He wants a strong European voice to confront the USA and other partners (Hub Conference 2015 Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg - Teil 1. http://youtu.be/UhtmuloV_ko). He also blasted various Obama Administration policies related to Afghanistan as simplistic (Guttenberg interview on FOX. Did the U.S. ever have an end game in Afghanistan? Fox Business, Published on Oct 16, 2015. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dXbTqpu8V48&feature=youtu.be). He stated that the 2015 deal in Iran is about as lousy as it could be (Guttenberg interview on FOX. Did the U.S. ever have an end game in Afghanistan? Fox Business, Published on Oct 16, 2015. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dXbTqpu8V48&feature=youtu.be).
The fact that Herr Guttenberg is speaking in English on international policy in many places (as well as German in other places) suggests that he has a plan to to shape will happen in Europe.
Notice the following:
Germany Should “Use” Military Force. Speaking at a recent security conference in Berlin, German Defense Minister Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg urged Germany to “be prepared to use its military to defend the country’s economic interests.” Baron Guttenberg noted that the competing demands of nations today for raw materials made it imperative that Germany—a nation whose export-driven economy is heavily dependent upon imported raw materials—should be prepared to use its military forces to secure trade routes for raw materials and exported goods. While his political opponents were quick to challenge these strong statements as contrary to the German constitution, the Defense Minister saw his position as only logical (Der Spiegel, November 10, 2010). Bible prophecies have long foretold the re-emergence of Germany (modern Assyria) as a major player on the world scene (see Isaiah 10:5-14). The words and actions of this popular German Defense Minister, who is also a lawyer and of Habsburg lineage, will be interesting to watch. (World Ahead Weekly Update, LCG, November 18, 2010).
And the Baron is certainly one to watch, as he is obviously inclined to be a warrior. He has made several interesting military statements.
Furthermore, even though he is the Defense Minister, Baron Guttenberg has made statements suggesting that he would cut military spending (Baron Karl Guttenberg and defense cuts. Might he be the Catholic Great Monarch?).
Some may feel that a willingness to make defense cuts is a sign that Baron Guttenberg is a peacemaker, and not truly a militaristic leader. And that may be so.
But there are biblical and Catholic prophecies concerning false peace (1 Thessalonians 5:3), a false peace deal (Daniel 9:27), and leaders associated with those type of occurrences (Daniel 11:27).
Notice a Catholic prophecy and a biblical one concerning the false appearance of peace:
LaSalette Prophecy (1846): There will be a kind of false peace before the advent of Antichrist. (Culleton, R. Gerald. The Reign of Antichrist, Reprint TAN Books, Rockford, IL, 1974, p. 163)
3 For when they say, "Peace and safety!" then sudden destruction comes upon them...(1 Thessalonians 5:3).
Thus, it is possible that some of the actions that the Baron has taken will give the impression that he is a peacemaker. Perhaps he is, but the Bible warns about the one who will be the King of the North making peace deals that he will not keep (Daniel 9:27; 11:27).
As I have alluded to in this article, there are many private "Catholic" predictions for the Great Monarch that do not seem to apply to Baron Guttenberg.
Here are two:
Anonymou Paraphrasis (10th century): He has had only one woman and has had children with her, boys and girls. The names of the male and female children , respectively begin with the letters m, d, g, a, a, a, a, i [or rather the Greek transliterated equivalences μ, δ, γ, α, α, α, ι]. (Tzima Otto, p. 42)
Apocalypse of Daniel (c. 800): And on a Saturday morning as the sun rises, he will engage in a great war with the nation and the sons of Hagar, both he and the two small boys. (ibid, p. 106)
The Baron has only two children, but both are daughters. It is possible that he could have more children and have sons. It is also possible that "the two small boys" spoken of in the second prophecy above are not his children.
Now his daughters names are Anna and Mathilda. And while the name "Anna" fits the prophecy (it starts with "a"), "Mathilda" does not seem to (it either needs to start with a or i unless she is sometimes called by a a nickname, like "Ilda").
The following would not completely literally apply to the Baron unless once he is out of the limelight he decides to fish and perhaps sail:
Anonymou Paraphrasis (10th century): The one true King, who is inhabiting a humid place to avoid the heat; whom men have expulsed from his own dwelling and gave a place to live in the islands; who is engaged in navigation and fishing every week; (this King): will be revealed when the time of the power of the Ishmaelites comes to an end. (Tzima Otto, p. 30)
One aspect of the above that is odd, is that it suggests that the King rises up when the power of the Ishmaelites (Arabic/Islamic peoples) comes to an end. Yet other Catholic prophecies suggest that this same King will eliminate Islam. So, this one is either in direct contradiction, or perhaps it will be interpreted that he rises up after Islam seems to have power and that he is instrumental in making some (or all) of that power to come to an end.
It is not clear to me at this time whether the Baron cares to fish or is directly involved in navigation. Yet, if this is portion of the prediction is interpreted less literally, it is possibly applicable. How? It is obvious that he has been fishing around and navigating the political winds to decide what to do; the islands are perhaps also not literal, but he has been going to various isolated organizations and locations since he left his own dwelling.
While he may or may not move to an island, he bought a house on the eastern coast of Connecticut (Guttenberg moving to the US to write book. The Local, 28 July 2011. http://www.thelocal.de/politics/20110728-36589.html; Guttenberg hält die Laudatio beim AKV. http://www.az-web.de/news/hochschule-detail-az/1791378?_link=&skip=&_g=Guttenberg-haelt-die-Laudatio-beim-AKV.html). "Connecticut's shoreline is a humid subtropical climate" (La Bella L. Connecticut: Past and Present. The Rosen Publishing Group, 2010, p. 11). Thus, he seems to at least be partially fulfilling the 10th century prophecy (presuming that it applies to him) related to being in a humid area to "avoid the heat." Which may possibly instead or possibly interpreted to mean the political heat.
There is an ancient prophecy from the apocryphal book titled, the Ascension of Isaiah, that states:
Beliar will dwell in Manasseh, and by his hands I shall be sawn asunder. (The Ascension of Isaiah, Chapter 1, verse 9. http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/text/ascension.html)
Some believe that the reference to 'Beliar' means the future King of the North/Antichrist power (Jeffrey GR. Prince of Darkness: Antichrist and the New World Order. Random House LLC, 2008, p. 51), who somehow comes from Samaria (Kartveit M. The Origin of the Samaritans. BRILL, 2009, p. 326). The USA fits with the descendants of ancient Manasseh/Samaria (see Anglo - America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel), and Karl Guttenberg moved to the USA. Again, an apocryphal writing does not have to count, and my reading of that book suggests it may not be intended to be for this time, but the quote is of interest in relationship to Herr Guttenberg.
There is another prophecy from the Ancient Sibyl:
Book II 210: And Beliar shall come and many signs
Perform for man. And then of holy men
Elect and faithful, there shall be confusion.Book III 76: From the Sebatenes Beliar shall come. (Terry M. The Sibylline Oracles: Translated From The Greek Into English Blank Verse. IAP 2009, pp. 29, 37)
The Bible teaches that signs will accompany the 'man of sin' (2 Thessalonians 2:3), also called the 'lawless one' (2 Thessalonians 2:8-12). So, this may be why some associate Beliar with one they believe will be the biblical 'man of sin.' Sebastanes is believed to be a reference to Samaria (Terry, p. 37), which Bible prophecy seems to identify with the USA (see Anglo - America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel).
There are also more Eastern Orthodox prophecies for the Great Monarch that could apply to Karl Guttenberg. Here are some by Leo VI (surnamed the Wise or the Philosopher; Greek: Λέων ΣΤ΄ ό Σοφός, Leōn VI ho Sophos, 19 September 866 – 11 May 912), who was the Byzantine Emperor from 886 to 912 (notice also the interpretations from Dr. Tzima Otto that follow each, all bolding in text):
Emperor Leo the Philosopher (died 912): You the foreigner (or stranger) who is living in the stone, come, get out of it. Abandon the shedding of tears and the wailing and the agricultural lifestyle [or, the living in the countryside, as opposed to the city-living] and resume your life, you who were dead and filled with sorrows; having recollected once again the best of everything and having dispersed for ever the trophy of injustice and lawlessness. (Oraculum XII/Icone 12 as translated in Tzima Otto, p. 68)
Suggested Interpretation:
There are many prophecies of the Great Monarch representing a man who was kind of dead and comes alive again, or an emperor who was sleeping and is awakened...Therefore many previous commentators when they read the text 'you are living in stone' consider this metaophorical meaning only...It is quite possible that this 'foreigner' stanger, obviously not a Greek, has been living in a place surrounded by stones...along the...coastline. (Tzima Otto, pp. 68-69)Emperor Leo the Philosopher (died 912): The one who is considered dead (already) and escaping notice [or detection by human vision], many know him, although nobody sees him; He will rise up, all of a sudden, as if from a wine-revelry and will certainly hold the scepters of the kingdom. For a column having been seen in the vault of heaven as if twisted as if by spinning, an invisible herald will shout thunderously thrice:
Make haste and go to the western parts of the Seven-Hilled city and there you will find a servant of Mine, a man dear to Me; Bring him to the royal palace, he wears a helmet, he is soft-spoken, calm, noble-minded, he has very sharp knowledge of the future [or he can see well the future with the mind's eyes]. Thus, Oh Seven-Hilled city, you will acheive sovereignty once again. (Oraculum XIII/Icone 13 as translated by Tzima Otto, pp. 69-70)Suggested Interpretation:
This Oracle is most interesting in the sense that it lets us know that this man is not emerging suddenly out of nowhere. Many people know him already. But, He will be miraculously identified...He will where a helmet (It suggests a time of war). (Tzima Otto, p. 70)
Although the Baron is not an emperor yet, he certainly is a stranger/foreigner as he is living in the USA and not his native land of Germany. And though he is not literally dead, he was likely filled with sorrows related to his plagiarism scandal and the related fallout. It is possible that the Baron may be hurt physically and considered dead. Yet, that is not a requirement as Emperor Leo's use of the expression 'considered dead' can have a variety of interpretations including, in this case, that his political future has been considered dead by many (though not all, including me). Being a Baron, it can easily be concluded that he is "noble-minded."
The idea that the final King of the North will rise up unexpectedly is consistent with scripture (cf. Daniel 11:21-24). The idea that he will be a smooth talker (Daniel 11:23-24) and will be confirmed by signs and wonders is also consistent with scripture (2 Thessalonians 2:8-10). The idea that he will be a warrior is consistent with scriptures (Daniel 11:39-43; Revelation 13:4). The idea that he has futuristic knowledge/schemes is consistent with scripture (Daniel 8:23).
I would also add that the Bible warns that a seven-hilled city that reigns and it does not speak well of it (Revelation 17:9,18). The predictions of Leo VI will likely get people to accept that the King of the North is instead the "Great Monarch" who will help Europe, no matter who that leader will be.
There are many private Roman Catholic and Byzantine prophecies concerning the one they sometimes call the Great Monarch. Quite a few of them suggest that the Great Monarch may be the Beast, final King of the North of biblical prophecies (see that section in the King of the North article). Some Greco-Roman Catholic writers have also noticed this type of connection, and at least one has warned against Greco-Roman Catholics looking forward to the time of the Great Monarch.
And while not Karl Guttenberg does not fit all Catholic and Byzantine prophecies, since in my view, some are contradictory, no one individual possibly could (nor will all "private prophecies" be fulfilled, especially the way that many seem to understand them). Thus far, Karl Guttenberg seems to fulfill the Catholic and Byzantine prophecies regarding the "Great Monarch" better than anyone I have seen.
(For more on the Great Monarch, check out the article: The Great Monarch: Biblical and Catholic Prophecies.)
But are there biblical reasons to consider Karl Guttenberg?
Here are 28 items to consider:
I believe that if he is the one, he will re-emerge in European politics (which he is now doing, but not in a conventional way), though he may have some future setbacks first.
To slightly expand on point 15, notice the following news account that suggests his wife's attitude is that the state is above the Roman Catholic church:
...Stephanie zu Guttenberg, the head of a leading child protection group and wife of Defence Minister Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg, who called on the state to get tougher on abuse rather than leave it to the Church ... Guttenberg, who is the German president of the anti-abuse group Innocence in Danger, said the state could not leave it to the Church alone to pursue abuse.
“Priests and clergymen are citizens of the Federeral {sic} Republic of Germany. And if a citizen here commits a crime, then that must be punished through the institutions of the state,” she told reporters at a fundraising event Monday evening. (Minister calls for abuse compensation. The Local: German News in English, 9 Mar 10. http://www.thelocal.de/national/20100309-25745.html viewed 03/09/10)
So, if Baron Guttenberg has a similar attitude to his wife, he may feel that the state has the obligation to be above the Catholic church--a view that seems consistent with one that the King of the North has (cf. Daniel 11:36-38).
Since I first wrote about him in late 2009, there have been at least a dozen speculative predictions that I posted online that Baron Guttenberg has had somewhat fulfilled.
On June 3, 2010, also at my Los Angeles Church History and End Time Prophecy Examiner column, I posted an article titled Baron Karl Guttenberg and defense cuts. Might he be the Catholic Great Monarch? which explained why various Greco-Roman Catholic prophecies about the “Great Monarch,” including one about being exiled, might point to Herr Guttenberg. The same article also stated:
If Karl Guttenberg is part of a major Middle East peace deal, if he later establishes armies (or a great army), and if he establishes something like a new religious order within his version of the “Catholic” faith, he hopefully will get more people’s attention. And if Karl Guttenberg ultimately does gain the top job in a restructured Europe (especially if there are various signs and wonders at and after that time, cf. 2 Thessalonians 2:9-12 ), all would be wise to realize that he pretty much is the one who will be the final King of the North (despite the type of denials that would be expected).
Related to the above, on December 12, 2010, at the Los Angeles Church History and End Time Prophecy Examiner column, I posted an article titled Guttenberg to fulfill warning from Los Angeles End Time Prophecy Examiner? that included the following:
Well, late Thursday Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg announced that he {is} taking steps that seemed to fulfill one of those warnings:
German defense minister seeks more European military cooperationDeutsche Welle – Dec 9, 2010
So, he took at least an initial step in trying to come up with a multi-national great European army (which would also be multi-lingual).
On June 14, 2010, when he caught some flack about some of his statements related to Afghanistan, I posted (see Guttenberg Hints of Resigning):
If he does resign, this would not be a surprise. For various reasons, he may be out of the limelight for a while, if he does, in fact, become the final King of the North.
My statement was based on Daniel 11:21. And of course, while the Baron did not resign in 2010, he did end up 2011 resigning for other reasons. The fact that he indicated he might resign in 2010 was another factor that got me to consider that he might be the final King of the North. As far as being out of the limelight, on December 23, 2012, Der Speigel ran an article pointing out the fact that he was staying away from publicity, etc. (see Karl-Theodor Guttenberg working in secret?), hence providing further confirmation to my speculation.
Also, in June 2010, in my article Might German Baron Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg become the King of the North?, I posted the following:
As far as being exiled goes, the Baron is not always popular, and he may become unpopular for a time.
That is also related to Daniel 11:21. And not only did the plagiarism charge reduce his popularity, shortly thereafter he did go into a self-imposed exile. Even the German press has referred to his later move to the USA as “Exil” (TV-Kolumne: „Maybrit Illner“: Das Guttenberg-Rätsel – weiter lesen auf FOCUS Online: http://www.focus.de/kultur/kino_tv/focus-fernsehclub/tv-kolumne-maybrit-illner-das-guttenberg-raetsel_aid_687881.html) which is “Exile” in English.
On August 6, 2010, at my Los Angeles Church History and End Time Prophecy Examiner column, I posted (Karl Guttenberg most popular German politician. Might he rise further?):
Even if he temporarily loses popularity again, ultimately he may rise much further.
And the plagiarism scandal has, temporarily in a sense in my view, caused him to lose popularity. That is consistent with Daniel 11:21-24.
On October 21, 2010, at my Los Angeles Church History and End Time Prophecy Examiner column, I posted (Guttenbergs rising: Might Europe turn to Karl Guttenberg?):
Despite the Guttenbergs rising popularity, Karl Guttenberg is virtually unknown to those I have spoken to about him in Southern California (the American media tends to spend less time on foreign affairs than they do to American celebrities).
I have been one of relatively few to regularly post prophetic articles about him, and seem to be the first newswriter to specify that Karl zu Guttenberg may become the final King of the North of Bible prophecy and Great Monarch of Catholic and Byzantine (Eastern/Greek Orthodox) prophecy.
On February 25, 2011, I posted (Guttenberg Down, But Not Out):
And it is possible that he could end up out of the limelight, or even out of a political office, for a while.
That statement was based on Daniel 11:21-24. And although Angela Merkel had wanted him to remain as Defense Minister at that time, he resigned from political office shortly after (March 1, 2011, see Guttenberg Resigns!) a few days after I posted that he might.
On March 4, 2011, I posted the following written by the Living Church of God in a post titled LCG on Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg:
Mr. zu Guttenberg may reemerge in politics in the future (and this bears watching)…
In that same March 4, 2011 post, I wrote (bolding added):
And the Baron is certainly one to watch…I have had my eye on Karl Guttenberg since late 2009 when I initially reported about him. And he may be one to watch to rise up as the final “King of the North”…If Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg eventually establishes a new religious order within Catholicism (cf. Daniel 11:38), promotes European unity, promotes ecumenism, promotes peace in the Middle East, and/or otherwise rises up in European politics, he could be very interesting to watch. He now may have the time to do some of these things…As I reported before, certain Roman and Orthodox Catholic prophecies seem to suggest that a certain leader will arise in Europe after being exiled for something…
The fact that he is now “otherwise” trying to rise “up in European politics” is consistent with that speculation on my part, and makes him one to watch. Also in March 2011, in my article Might German Baron Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg become the King of the North?, I posted:
If he becomes more involved in issues with the Vatican, a religious order, and/or the EU, watch out!
And this last item has began to happen as Karl zu Guttenberg on 12/12/11 was appointed to a position in the EU (Guttenberg Criticized, But…), though this is not the final role I suspect that he may have.
On May 10, 2011, I posted the following in an article titled Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg Out But…:
Here are Catholic and Eastern Orthodox prophecies that could apply to the Baron:
Josefa von Bourg (d. 1807): God will choose a descendant of Constantine, Pepin, and St. Louis, who has been tried by a long period of exile to rule over Europe. He will have the sign of the cross on his breast…Under him the Catholic religion will spread as never before (Culleton, The Prophets and Our Times, pp. 181-182; Connor, p.37).
Anonymou Paraphrasis (10th century): The one true King, who is inhabiting a humid place to avoid the heat; whom men have expulsed from his own dwelling and gave a place to live in the islands; who is engaged in navigation and fishing every week; (this King): will be revealed when the time of the power of the Ishmaelites comes to an end. (Tzima Otto, p. 30)
For those who are unaware, Karl zu Guttenberg descends from the Habsburg line and all the Habsburg line seems to have descended from Charlemagne (King Pepin was the father of Charlemagne). So the idea of one who is to become a ruler who has Baron Guttenberg’s ancestry is supposed to be exiled.
So, before he announced his exile, I suspected that he may fulfill exile prophecies.
A month later, on June 10, 2011, it was reported that the Baron could leave Germany for a couple of years (Karl Guttenberg Plans Two-Year Sabbatical Abroad). On July 28, 2011, it was reported that he was moving to Connecticut (Baron Karl zu Guttenberg Moving to USA).
Why was that location of importance?
Well, on August 25, 2011, in the post Baron Guttenberg’s House May Fulfill a Prophecy (and is in a Celebrity Neighborhood) I re-posted one of the old Eastern Orthodox prophecies about the Great Monarch (who seems to be the same person as the final King of the North in Bible prophecy) and then commented about how his new location may fit the prophecy:
Anonymou Paraphrasis (10th century): The one true King, who is inhabiting a humid place to avoid the heat; whom men have expulsed from his own dwelling and gave a place to live in the islands; who is engaged in navigation and fishing every week; (this King): will be revealed when the time of the power of the Ishmaelites comes to an end. (Tzima Otto, p. 30)
The coastal portion of Connecticut, where he now owns a house near other celebrities, has been described as a humid subtropical climate. Whether the Baron goes to islands, navigates, or fishes much, will be seen.
The fact that he moved to a location that somewhat fits that prophecy was of interest to me.
On August 25, 2011, I posted that a prophecy about people no longer laughing at him may apply (see Baron Guttenberg’s House May Fulfill a Prophecy (and is in a Celebrity Neighborhood)). This implied that he would be laughed at. He was formally laughed at with a spoof about him in 2013 (see (see Baron Guttenberg does not show up for premier spoofing him).
Interestingly, Karl zu Guttenberg’s first major speech after moving to the USA was actually in Canada, and he called for a stronger leadership in Europe. This is something that I covered at this National Church History and End Time Prophecy column on November 21, 2011 (see Baron Guttenberg back on public stage and is advocating stronger EU leadership for details). In that article I mentioned “23 items to consider as to why Karl zu Guttenberg could possibly fill the role that he now seems to be advocating,” thus I felt that part of the purpose of his speech was to tell the world that he might be interested in providing Europe the strong leadership he was advocating.
I wrote back in March of 2011 that Herr Guttenberg should be watched for possible re-emergence in the political arena. And this is one more step by him confirming those speculations. Notice something that I posted on December 9, 2011 (see Guttenberg Makes Return to EU Politics in Brussels):
If Karl zu Guttenberg is the one to become the final King of the North of Daniel 11, he will further re-emerge as a force in European politics–this is something that I am now, and have been for some time, watching for. And yes, I also suspect that he will have some disappointments on the way, but that does not change what I feel may happen with him.
The final Beast will ultimately become the political leader of Europe. And according to the Bible, he will have military abilities (Revelation 13:1-4) and apparently be popular and charismatic (cf. Daniel 7:20,11:21-24,31; Revelation 13:3-5).
The Baron did officially reemerge in EU politics (first article below is google translated):
12/12/2011New Job for Guttenberg
Advisor to the EU Commission
Brussels (dpa) – An ex-Minister Guttenberg returns to the political scene – but only for the time being the EU Commission in Brussels…Guttenberg said on Monday in Brussels: “This is not a political comeback. I went to the U.S. and I do not plan to return in the next few weeks or months”…
He added: “I’m going to use my wide range of contacts that I gained during my tenure policy in foreign affairs, security and economic affairs, to meet the protagonists.” http://www.welt.de/newsticker/dpa_nt/infoline_nt/brennpunkte_nt/article13762897/Berater-der-EU-Kommission.html
Digital Agenda: Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg invited by Kroes to promote internet freedom globally
Brussels, 12 December 2011 – European Commission Vice-President Neelie Kroes has invited Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg, a former Federal Minister of Defence, and of Economics and Technology, in Germany, to advise on how to provide ongoing support to Internet users, bloggers and cyber-activists living under authoritarian regimes. This appointment forms a key element of a new “No Disconnect Strategy” to uphold the EU’s commitment to ensure human rights and fundamental freedoms are respected both online and off-line, and that internet and other information and communication technology (ICT) can remain a driver of political freedom, democratic development and economic growth… http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/11/1525&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en
So, on December 12, 2011, Baron Guttenberg confirmed that he believes that he has military expertise, economic expertise, has political connections, and is popular with enough to help Europe now. And Europe apparently believes he has the computer and surveillance knowledge to be helpful.
As far as economic and computer knowledge, it should be noted that in July 2014, he became a consultant to Ripple Labs in order to help money tranfers (Europe eliminating remaining ‘bank secrecy’ as it gets closer to Revelation 13:16-18). A role that could be helpful for one who ultimately may wish to monitor buying and selling.
On October 22, 2015 I posted:
While he has not yet publicly pressed to get Revelation 13:16-18 implemented, his background and interests show he is one who will likely understand enough technology to do so. (Thiel B. Europe eliminating remaining ‘bank secrecy’ as it gets closer to Revelation 13:16-18. October 22, 2015)
On November 20, 2015, he publicly took a step that, in my view, did it when he pushed for Germany to be a leader in data collection (see article in German, which also acknowledges that he is learning a lot about dealing with the USA: http://www.spiegel.de/netzwelt/web/karl-theodor-zu-guttenberg-arbeitet-jetzt-fuer-start-up-ripple-labs-a-980675.html)--here is information in English: Karl Guttenberg sees Germany as a potential leader in ‘data protection’).
He did not start to publicly appear with a beard until sometime in 2015, and I speculated that he might do that and showed an ancient Eastern Orthodox prophecy about that. To see him with a beard, check out the news post Is Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg resisting the call to enter German politics?
And enough happened in 2017 related to blockchain which seems supportive of the eleventh item.
According to the website of Augustus Intelligence, Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg was for a time its “President in charge of General Affairs” (https://augustusai.com/imprint.html). Here is some information from two of its other webpages:
Mission
Augustus Intelligence is positioned as a pure AI company. Our mission is to produce and deliver secure artificial intelligence solutions, providing our clients with their choice of neutral, trusted, and scalable data-driven results. accessed 03/28/20 https://www.augustusai.com/
Trust in AI
AI systems have entered the workforce, and they’ve transformed the way businesses operate. They forecast future production demands, optimize delivery route … accessed 03/28/20
Trust in AI? So, the company that Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg was listed as president of, wants people to trust in Artificial Intelligence as it also pushes its use. He left that firm in July 2020.
The Beast will use AI.
On June 29, 2022, I posted:
A supporter in Europe tipped me off to the following article (originally titled Der Fernsehkonzern RTL nimmt den früheren Verteidigungsminister Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg unter Vertrag. Er führt im Streamingportal RTL+ durch zwei Unterhaltungsdokus. URL: https://www.sueddeutsche.de/bayern/fernsehen-koeln-karl-theodor-zu-guttenberg-bei-rtl-unter-vertrag-dpa.urn-newsml-dpa-com-20090101-220627-99-817625) which I machine-translated into English several hours ago:
Cologne (dpa) - Ex-Defense Minister Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg (50) is now under contract with the television company RTL. He should lead as a moderator through streaming documentaries. This was reported on Monday by RTL Germany. They are working together on "high-end documentaries for the streaming offer RTL +", it said in the message from Cologne. "Zu Guttenberg will act as moderator and interviewer through two 90-minute docutainment programs. These will be included in the program later this year." RTL did not initially reveal any details about the content. 06/27/22
I responded to the supporter who mentioned this that perhaps Barron Guttenberg was setting himself up like Donald Trump did.
Of course, Donald Trump was not known as a political commentator, but more of an entertainer and celebrity.
Few would have thought one with a background like Donald Trump would actually become the President of the United States--but he did.
It is not just in the USA that name recognition and publicity can help one politically.
Could Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg be laying a media foundation that he may later build upon?
Yes.
(Thiel B. Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg: The Next ‘Donald Trump’? COGwriter, June 29, 2022)
And, according to Business Insider on 24 November 2023, that is what KT is doing as there was an article „KT“ soll zur Medienmarke aufgebaut werden: Warum die Insolvenz der Looping Group jetzt auch Ex-Verteidigungsminister Guttenberg betrifft (URL: https://www.businessinsider.de/wirtschaft/looping-group-warum-die-insolvenz-jetzt-auch-ex-minister-guttenberg-betrifft/) which I machine-translated the German into English as follows:
“KT” is to be developed into a media brand: Why the insolvency of the Looping Group now also affects ex-Defense Minister Guttenberg
24 November 2023
It should be a brilliant comeback. A purified Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg should rise from the ashes like Phoenix. With a new image, new appearance and completely new sound. Less hubris, more personal failure.
In order to reinvent his self and the corresponding storytelling, the ex-minister, who had the image of a dazzler after his plagiarism scandal in 2011, founded a company in the spring of last year, “Open Minds Media GmbH”. Business Insider has the shareholders’ agreement. The company is intended to build Guttenberg into a media brand. According to the business idea, the man should from now on act as a TV presenter, speaker, book author and podcaster and become his own “brand”.
So, yes, my assertion in the Summer of 2022 that Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg could be laying a media foundation that he may later build upon looks to have been confirmed.
In summary, here are twelve speculative predictions that Baron Guttenberg fulfilled after I posted and/or wrote about them:
Now just because he at least partially fulfilled those does not prove that he must be the final King of the North. But they certainly give me reason, combined with biblical and other prophetic sources to consider that he could fulfill that role or at least aid the one who will have it.
But consider also the following:
Notice the following:
Plagiarism affair: Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg has again received his doctorate
August 13, 2020
The former federal minister earned a new doctorate from the University of Southampton …
The former Federal Defense Minister Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg (CSU) claims to have again a doctorate. The former CSU politician, who resigned from the federal government in 2011 because of a plagiarism affair surrounding his earlier doctoral thesis, received his doctorate again and now has the title of Doctor of Philosophy, he told the newspapers of the Funke media group . He received his doctorate from the English University of Southampton.
So far, he has spoken to almost no one about it, said zu Guttenberg. …
Guttenberg resigned from his ministerial post in 2011 after the University of Bayreuth revoked his first doctorate. They saw it as proven that he had written off his legal work in numerous passages and deliberately deceived it. https://www.tellerreport.com/life/2020-08-13-plagiarism-affair–karl-theodor-zu-guttenberg-has-again-received-his-doctorate.B1agm8MGD.html
Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg’ doctoral dissertation for the University of Southampton was titled “Agents, bills, and correspondents through the ages: an analytical reconsideration of the nature, scope, and significance of correspondent banking and its application in historical precedence and selected case studies.” Here is a link to an abstract (summary) of it: https://eprints.soton.ac.uk/435557/
Basically, getting this Ph.D. shows that he was capable of earning a doctorate. That will take some of the sting out of getting his previous doctorate revoked, for him both personally and politically.
Between resigning, exiling himself, staying out of certain areas of politics, being involved in pushing for European technological dominance, and getting a Ph.D., Herr Guttenberg has done a lot to position himself for a political comeback.
Furthermore, notice the following article (originally titled Der Fernsehkonzern RTL nimmt den früheren Verteidigungsminister Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg unter Vertrag. Er führt im Streamingportal RTL+ durch zwei Unterhaltungsdokus. URL: https://www.sueddeutsche.de/bayern/fernsehen-koeln-karl-theodor-zu-guttenberg-bei-rtl-unter-vertrag-dpa.urn-newsml-dpa-com-20090101-220627-99-817625) which I machine-translated into English:
27 June 2022
Cologne (dpa) – Ex-Defense Minister Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg (50) is now under contract with the television company RTL. He should lead as a moderator through streaming documentaries. This was reported on Monday by RTL Germany. They are working together on “high-end documentaries for the streaming offer RTL +”, it said in the message from Cologne. “Zu Guttenberg will act as moderator and interviewer through two 90-minute docutainment programs. These will be included in the program later this year.” RTL did not initially reveal any details about the content.
Perhaps Barron Guttenberg was setting himself up like Donald Trump did?
Of course, Donald Trump was not known as a political commentator, but more of an entertainer and celebrity.
Few would have thought one with a background like Donald Trump would actually become the President of the United States–but he did.
It is not just in the USA that name recognition and publicity can help one politically.
Could Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg be laying a media foundation that he may later build upon?
Yes.
He is considered to be a respected commentator by several in the international press.
Although Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg disparaged Donald Trump in 2015, perhaps he learned some political lessons from Donald Trump’s success and popularity. Being well known could well help Baron Guttenberg rise up again in the future, which is something he may very well do.
He still could he have a major political future.
If Baron Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg gets involved with a future Middle East peace deal and he establishes some type of new religious "Catholic" order, then it could very well be that he could be the final King of the North. But even if he is not, we are certainly living in times where a powerful leader in Europe will rise up.
Notice something that was published in a book that I wrote in 2009 (it was printed in August 2009):
The King of the North will probably proclaim “peace and safety” while plotting for the sudden destruction of those opposing him (1 Thessalonians 5:2–3). This would be a second false proclamation of peace. The sudden destruction is likely to include a nuclear attack, and could possibly happen in conjunction with a NATO exercise that would catch the U.S.A. and its Anglo-allies off guard (other nations are likely to also be involved). (Thiel B. 2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect. Nazarene Books, 2009, pp. 302-303).
His wife Stephanie has made a variety of public statements related to issues of morality. Notice, for example, the following:
Guttenberg slams 'porn chic' of female pop stars
Stephanie zu Guttenberg, the wife of German Defence Minister Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg, on Tuesday attacked the sexed-up, porn-influenced style of pop stars such as Lady Gaga and Rihanna and their potentially harmful influence on children.
“When I see nine-year-old girls are already watching Top Model-style shows on television or excitedly discussing the new video clip from Lady Gaga – with black leather corset, suspenders and naked bottom cheeks – then I am really worried about the female role models these children are growing up with,”…wrote…the 33-year-old the great-great-granddaughter of Germany’s Chancellor Otto von Bismarck…
“Cultural experts call the look of the noughties ‘porno chic’ – and artists like Madonna, Christina Aguilera, Rihanna or Britney Spears actually do sometimes appear in their videos or performances as characters in such films,” she wrote. (Guttenberg slams 'porn chic' of female pop stars. The Local, 14 September 2010. http://www.thelocal.de/society/20100914-29803.html)
Also note that "as economics and technology minister in 2009, Guttenberg had come out in favour of website blocks for child porn" (http://www.thelocal.de/sci-tech/20111213-39475.html).
It is interesting that both Baron and Stephanie zu Guttenberg have publicly taken what can be described as moral stands.
Despite the plagiarism issue, taking these moral stands in the past will likely get people in Germany and elsewhere to consider that the Guttenbergs are a highly “moral” family. And even though Stephanie zu Guttenberg is a Lutheran, her comments on moral issues may strike a cord with Catholics, as they too should be in opposition to the type of immoral displays from popular stars like Lady Gaga, Rihanna, etc. And Karl zu Guttenberg, some type of Catholic, apparently agrees with his wife making such statements.
Eastern Orthodox (Tzima Otto, pp. 17,33,42,48,53) and Catholic (Culleton, R. Gerald. The Prophets and Our Times, p. 195) prophecies about the “Great Monarch” support the idea that one who maintains a certain Catholic form of morality will lead Europe. Here is one that the Great Monarch:
“was born in this orderly life in order to preserve [safeguard] piety” (Tzima Otto, p. 48).
Taking stands against immorality would be consistent with attempting to “preserve piety.”
Notice the following two news items from 2010 related to the Baron and the military:
German Defence Minister Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg Calls For NATO Reforms
"We speak too much and achieve too little,” said the German Ministe {sic} as he hoped for "courageous and pragmatic” proposals to reform NATO to meet its objectives. The Minister was discussing the need for redeveloping the strategic concept for NATO and urged for inclusion of ideas from the new member states. (German Defence Minister Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg Calls For NATO Reforms. Source: eGov monitor - A Policy Dialogue Platform. Published Wednesday, 17 February, 2010 - 17:20. http://www.egovmonitor.com/node/33747 viewed 02/20/2010).
German minister calls for Lisbon treaty EU army
GERMAN FOREIGN minister Guido Westerwelle has called for the EU to proceed with plans for a European army under the Lisbon Treaty, which he dubbed “the beginning and not the end” of a common security and defence policy.
His remarks at the annual Munich Security Conference followed a call by Berlin’s defence minister Karl Theodor zu Guttenberg to end what he called Nato’s “absurd” practice of unanimous decision-making (Scally D. German minister calls for Lisbon treaty EU army. The Irish Times - Monday, February 8, 2010. http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/world/2010/0208/1224263954855.html viewed 02/20/2010).
Notice that the Baron wanted NATO to be changed. Yet he still wants NATO around. And he wants it to be able to make decisions without all the nations in it agreeing--he considers that having to get all agree is "absurd." That may not bode well for the one nation known as the USA. And that indicates that Baron Guttenberg seems to have dictatorial tendencies.
The Baron also wanted to modernize Germany's military:
A Mission to Modernize Germany’s Armed Forces
BERLIN-On Friday, the German defense minister, Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg, is set to present to Chancellor Angela Merkel his plans to modernize the Bundeswehr, the country’s armed forces. From all accounts, it could be one of the most radical and long overdue shake-ups undertaken in decades by a defense minister...(Demsey J. A Mission to Modernize Germany’s Armed Forces. New York Times, August 18, 2010 http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/19/world/europe/19iht-letter.html)
Modernizing, as well as being familiar with military details, armed forces is consistent with what would be expected by the one to become the end time Beast power. Also, as mentioned previously I personally have published online a variety of predictions about Karl zu Guttenberg which have come to pass, based upon the likelyhood that if he was the final King of the North of prophecy that he certain actions involving him would take place (for details, see Guttenberg re-emerging: Reasons he might be the prophesied King of the North and Guttenberg Appointed Advisor to EU Commission).
Of course, none of this proves that Karl-Theodor von und zu Guttenberg will have to be the King of the North, but these items may be more than an interesting coincidence. Time will tell.
Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg could simply be a politician, like many others, that has problems. And all his intentions could be fine. We will see. But Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg does seem, to me at least, to be taking the types of steps that one who could possibly be the final King of the North would actually take. And his ability to gain popularity seems consistent with scripture.
It is important to remember that there are more than a dozen New Testament admonitions to watch and be alert to the signs of the times in the last days (see Matthew 24:42-44; 25:13; Mark 13:33-37; Luke 21:34-36; Acts 20:31; 1 Thessalonians 5:6, 20).
Although Karl Guttenberg may not become the Beast leader, at this time, it still seems that the Baron is one to watch.
(More information on Baron Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg can be found in the news article Statfor’s Caesar: Karl-Theodor von und zu Guttenberg a Prince of the North? and a video of related to him is: Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg and Europe’s Future. Two short videos related to him are also available: Blockchain, Karl Guttenberg, and 666 and The Middle East, Prophecy, and Karl Theodor zu Guttenberg.
Thiel B. Might German Baron Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg become the King of the North? Could He Become "the Beast"? www.cogwriter.com/karl-theodor-zu-guttenberg-king-of-the-north.htm 2010/2011/2012/2013/2014/2015/2016/2017/2018/2019/2020 /2022/2023 /2024 0523
Information on the Bible, doctrinal, and prophetic matters in the German language is available at the Continuing Church of God: Deutsche page.
Some items in the English language of possibly related interest may include:
Europa, the Beast, and Revelation Where did Europe get its name? What might Europe have to do with the Book of Revelation? What about "the Beast"? Is an emerging European power "the daughter of Babylon"? What is ahead for Europe? Here is a link to a video titled: Can You Prove that the Beast to Come is European?
European Technology and the Beast of Revelation Will the coming European Beast power would use and develop technology that will result in the taking over of the USA and its Anglo-Saxon allies? Is this possible? What does the Bible teach? Here is a related YouTube video: Military Technology and the Beast of Revelation.
The Large Hadron Collider has Military Potential Some say this European project is only peaceful. So why is it working on capturing antimatter? Here is a link to a related video: Could the Large Hadron Collider lead to destruction?
Must the Ten Kings of Revelation 17:12 Rule over Ten Currently Existing Nations? Some claim that these passages refer to a gathering of 10 currently existing nations together, while one group teaches that this is referring to 11 nations getting together. Is that what Revelation 17:12-13 refers to? The ramifications of misunderstanding this are enormous. A related sermon is titled Ten Kings of Revelation and the Great Tribulation.
Might German Baron Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg become the King of the North? Is the former German Defense Minister (who is also the former German Minister for Economics and Technology) one to watch? What do Catholic, Byzantine, and biblical prophecies suggest? A video of related interest would be: Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg and Europe’s Future.
Germany's Assyrian Roots Throughout History Are the Germanic peoples descended from Asshur of the Bible? Have there been real Christians in Germanic history? What about the "Holy Roman Empire"? There is also a You-Tube video sermon on this titled Germany's Biblical Origins.
Germany in Biblical Prophecy Does Assyria in the Bible equate to an end time power inhabiting the area of the old Roman Empire? What does prophecy say Germany will do and what does it say will happen to most of the German people? Here is a version of the article in the Spanish language: Alemania en la profecía bíblic. Here are links to two English language sermon videos Germany in Bible Prophecy and The Rise of the Germanic Beast Power of Prophecy.
Who is the King of the North? Is there one? Do biblical and Roman Catholic prophecies for the Great Monarch point to the same leader? Should he be followed? Who will be the King of the North discussed in Daniel 11? Is a nuclear attack prophesied to happen to the English-speaking peoples of the United States, Great Britain, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand? When do the 1335 days, 1290 days, and 1260 days (the time, times, and half a time) of Daniel 12 begin? When does the Bible show that economic collapse will affect the United States? In the Spanish language check out ¿Quién es el Rey del Norte? Here is a link to a video titled: The Future King of the North.
Anglo - America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, British, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first?
Greco-Roman Catholic Prophecies: Do They Mirror, Highlight, or Contradict Biblical Prophecies? People of all faiths may be surprised to see what various Roman and Orthodox Catholic prophets have been predicting as many of their predictions will be looked to in the 21st century.
Did The Early Church Teach Millenarianism? Was the millennium (sometimes called chiliasm) taught by early Christians? Who condemned it. Will Jesus literally reign for 1000 years on the earth? Is this time near?
Could God Have a 6,000 Year Plan? What Year Does the 6,000 Years End? Was a 6000 year time allowed for humans to rule followed by a literal thousand year reign of Christ on Earth taught by the early Christians? When does the six thousand years of human rule end?
When can the Great Tribulation Begin? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? What happens before the Great Tribulation in the "beginning of sorrows"? What happens in the Great Tribulation and the Day of the Lord? When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord?
Who Are The Two Witnesses? What is their job? What does the Bible reveal? What has the Church of God taught on this subject? Might even Roman Catholic prophecies give some clues here?