My faith (Lutheran) teaches that the book of Revelation is apocalyptic literature, not a presentation of concrete things that will happen. The creatures and numbers are symbolic and are to be understood by believers, but remain a mystery to others. We believe we have been in end times since Christ returned to heaven. He will come back again - but only once, not twice like those following Reformed theology believe.
With that background said, I believe the Antichrist (Satan) is always present and a force to be dealt with in then life of a Christian. The forms he takes can be any false god you choose. Some Muslims have chosen to worship the 12th Imam, a false god and therefore a Satanic entity. So yes, the 12th Imam is of the Antichrist.
I think it is very important that we not only understand our own faiths, but that we understand the faith of those in opposition to us. We must understand who the Twelvers think this being is and all the mythology around it so we can understand and predict their behavior.
That's interesting because it's certainly not what Luther thought himself.
With that background said, I believe the Antichrist (Satan) is always present and a force to be dealt with in then life of a Christian. The forms he takes can be any false god you choose. Some Muslims have chosen to worship the 12th Imam, a false god and therefore a Satanic entity. So yes, the 12th Imam is of the Antichrist.
I think it is very important that we not only understand our own faiths, but that we understand the faith of those in opposition to us. We must understand who the Twelvers think this being is and all the mythology around it so we can understand and predict their behavior.
A very interesting post, thank you.