It’s the End of the World as We Know It, But Do I Feel Fine?!? Part One

As a Christian, I feel it is necessary to put current issues into a different perspective from time to time. I believe that everything happens to a certain purpose and cause, whether I agree or understand what those purposes and causes are. I believe that the world and existence as we know it is whirling rapidly toward the ending specifically foretold in the Bible. I believe that certain events must occur in order for those prophecies to come to pass. I am going to look at current events through Biblical lenses. Whether you believe in God or not, it is worth looking at how these times are forming right before our very eyes. Up first… politics.

I am not an overly political person. I do not live and breathe off of every breath from the mouths of Obama or McCain. I am a registered unaffiliated. I have been told this is because I am a fence rider, that I do not have the wherewithal to make the right choice. This notion, of course, is garbage. I, for one, feel that the two-party system is an archaic design that has outlived its usefulness. If you research a little into American History, you will learn that the two-party system originated to define how this government would operate. There were two parties: the Federalists and the Democratic-Republicans. (imagine that, Dems & Reps were once THE SAME PARTY!!!) The Federalists wanted a strong national or central government and weaker state government whereas the Democratic-Republican party wanted a weaker central government and stronger state governments. The original two-party system came about because of the two major stances toward centralization of government. This was a big deal at the inception of our nation. And to some degree, at least when it comes to government programs and intervention into people’s daily lives, this still affects the parties today as Democrats tend to favor more government and Republicans tend to favor less. However, America has outgrown these simple boundaries. Today, we incorporate other issues into politics such as values. To be associated with a party today means to be associated with everything it entails. If you are a Democrat, you are assumed to be a slovenly liberal, whether you are or not. If you say you are Republican, then people assume you are a Bible-thumpin’ teetotaler whether you are or not. There are too many people who believe too many different things to be classified into two groups. It’s like saying elephants and dogs are the same because they are both mammals. Yes, they are both mammals, but they must also be classified very differently for obvious reasons. With the amount of diversity in the US , why do we continue to think that one of two people speak for everyone. It doesn’t make sense. Many people with differing ideas have to be classified under one REALLY big umbrella. What ends up happening is that lines don’t get crossed, they become blurry and indistinct. People have to choose sides that may or may not conflict with some or all of their values, feelings, and tenets. For example, what if a person is socially conservative (generally Republican), but favor strong government economic programs (generally Democrat). If this were you, who would you vote for? Does a candidate fit this mold? The edges are so blurry now, that standing firm to a particular side labels you a fundamentalist, or freak. What will become of this?

As mentioned earlier, I am doing this commentary, based on Biblical prophecies and how I see the “end of time” playing out. Various prophecies from Daniel to Revelation outline three major components of the world stage at the end times: a central global government, a central global economy, and a central global religion. Revelation 13 reveals the global economy and global religion (Rev. 13:4-7, 12 and Rev. 13:16). However, you must look to other Bible verses for references to the global government. Revelation 17:12-14 show that kings (rulers) will give up their authority to one central figure. Daniel 9:25-27 shows that “a ruler” will come to make peace with Israel .

What does that have to do with today’s political landscape?

Look at what is happening around the world. Russia is getting “buddy-buddy” with some of America ’s worst enemies: Iran , Venezuela , and Cuba . China is also befriending those folks along with North Korea . The Europeans have banded together to form the European Union. America is developing a superhighway to be used for commerce and trade between the NAFTA countries. India is threatening to develop nuclear ties with other countries if Pakistan doesn’t settle down. Today, governments are coming to the realization that cooperation can work to achieve everyone’s goals. While power is still the ultimate drug that drives these leaders, it’s the other two “end time” components working together that will culminate to establish the third component of the government. Commerce is what is driving most of this global togetherness. Governments are working together for common economic good. Political posturing drives the rest, with belligerent factions rattling the saber at each other. The real question is why would all these seemingly different groups be willing to relinquish power to another, more central player?

Let’s look to America ’s own turbulent political landscape. Americans are clamoring for change in Washington . They want less crap from Capitol Hill and more action. We want bigger houses, faster cars, more money in our pockets with much less work (another topic for another day). We want to be able to do what we want, when we want, and nobody standing in our way. We want a leader who will let us have the freedom to do whatever we desire, but the control to make it happen... on our terms of course. We want an Everyman who looks good, sounds good, and does good. Basically we want an umbrella figure that will make everything happen just the way we want it to. Some feel that Obama is the answer. Some feel McCain is the answer. Some don’t know and some don’t care. The point is that we want a leader who will make everyone happy all the time. As lines get more and more blurry, we see leaders who try to establish a commonality among everyone… basically trying to get everyone to meet on the same page. That means people have to make concessions on certain issues. A pro-lifer may have to concede on abortion issues in order to get more money in their bank account. A gay marriage advocate may have to concede on that issue if it means safer schools. This is happening all over the world. Countries are conceding certain issues going against their aggressive nationalism if it means a greater “good” in the end. Look at the European Union. For centuries, European countries squabbled and fought amongst each other, yet now they have a common governing body. While the EU doesn’t replace the sovereign governments of the individual nation, it does have some superseding precedents and powers. The individual nations are relinquishing power to the overseeing collective in order to obtain greater security and economic power. It is a model the world has been seeing for decades that is now looking like the way to go. We have witnessed OPEC, NATO, NAFTA, the EU, and the UN. Individual governments are coming to the understanding that collective thinking will bring greater rewards than individual lust. It is only logical and acceptable to assume that this paradigm will permeate the entire world. Lines are fading out of focus as collective thinking seems to be the newest style on the political landscape. Hard-edged leaders are being replaced by leaders willing to compromise with each other. It sounds good in a sense, but blurry lines often make you dizzy. Before you know it, you have lost too much and cannot regain the ground on which you once stood. All that’s keeping this from happening is one thing with which the collective can huddle around and build its stance upon… that’s for part two.