The figure of the katechon in thought of Carl Schmitt

Abstract

The term "catechon" is an expression that is increasingly used both in scientific works and in public debate. By definition, it means “to hold back, to hold back, to restrict, to keep in check, to postpone or to delay. This word was used for the first time in 2 Thessalonians (2 Thessalonians2:7–8). In this passage of the Bible, the Apostle Paul responds to the rumors of Christ’s imminent return. It reminds the Christian community that this event will not take place as long as the God appointed containment force, the catechon, remains in place. Only when it is abolished or removed will the final confrontation between Christ and "lawlessness" take place, followed by the end of the world. The catechon thus seems to refer to a force or entity that holds back or delays the eschaton and whose operation is still active. The person who revived this concept is Carl Schmitt. He conducted an in-depth analysis of the above expression. This article is a comprehensive consideration of the issue of the katechon, its genesis, explanation of who or what it was, as well as the impact of the analysis of this word on the modern world.