Vol. 21 No. 3 Third Quarter 2018

“And“And whosoeverwhosoever shallshall offendoffend oneone ofof thesethese littlelittle onesones thatthat believebelieve inin me,me, itit isis betterbetter forfor himhim thatthat aa millstonemillstone werewere hangedhanged aboutabout hishis neck,neck, andand hehe werewere castcast intointo thethe sea.”sea.” MarkMark 9:429:42 2 Twenty-First Century WATCH Vol. 21, No.3 COMMENTARY The Pope Knew, They ALL Knew by Mark Armstrong

It’s all over the place. Even abused teenage boys and adults time, dating back decades. the Fake News outlets haven’t for years from his parish post in This is an open secret that been able to white-wash a scan- Santiago. He was never prose- has been part and parcel with the dal so huge, so horrific. So, for cuted criminally, but in 2011 the Catholic Church across the Unit- the most part, they report it briefly Vatican sentenced him to a life of ed States and all over the world before returning to their mission prayer and penance.” Cruel and (many South American coun- of destroying the Trump presiden- unusual, isn’t it? tries, Australia, Ireland, Italy...) It cy. Of course the pope knew! He Recently he was scolding an has been known and written for knew what was up when he visit- audience of nuns about the evils decades that Catholic “divinity ed Chile in January 2018 where of GOSSIP! It was supposedly schools” and seminaries are bas- he faced unprecedented hostility, a light-hearted comment when tions of homosexuality. Appar- and issued “a somber apology” he compared convent gossip to ently there’s no hope of success for the unspeakable abuse Cath- terrorism. Is there some doubt or elevation within this powerful olic priests had visited upon the as to what that was about? The organization for would-be priests children of their congregations. nuns must have known too! The without being a little light in the It was somewhat difficult to ig- bishops, the cardinals, they’ve slippers, to put it mildly. nore when three Catholic church- all known all along. The excuse The current scandal involves es were firebombed coincidental heard over and over is that every the former ambassador from with his arrival. profession has a bad apple now the Vatican to the United States, “Clerics” have been elevated and again. But the vast majority Carlo Maria Vigano, having writ- to high office by the Vatican even of Catholic priests are wonderful ten an eleven page letter saying he while involved in the cover-up teachers and mentors to the chil- warned Francis, the beleaguered of crimes committed by their dren in their care. Really? pope, about the heinous homosex- colleagues. From the LA Times, What percentage of priests is ual activities of the former arch- January 16th, “Francis in particu- 300 in one state, pray tell? And bishop of Washington, Theodore lar has been heavily criticized for why did this information only McCarrick toward “young sem- his 2015 appointment of a bishop, leak out in an Attorney Gener- inarians.” According to Vigano, Juan Barros Madrid, to head the al’s report out of Pennsylvania? he personally warned the “hum- Diocese of Osorno in Southern It made news around the world ble pontiff” of McCarrick’s histo- Chile. recently because it involves so ry in 2013, telling him that there “Some abuse victims have many priests in a single state, had been a litany of complaints accused Barros of protecting a having raped and abused at least and that the Vatican retained a mentor, Father [sic] Fernando a thousand, and probably many thick dossier dating back to the Karadima, who was investigated more children (predominantly year 2000 cataloging him as a se- by the Vatican and found to have young boys) over a long period of rial abuser. His letter quotes his Continued on page 27 Third Quarter 2018 Twenty-First Century WATCH 3

F E A T U R E S

Commentary: Socialist Venezuela Falling The Pope Knew, Apart as President Maduro They All Knew 2 Shockingly Blames Party 23 Mark Armstrong by Kenneth Rapoza, Forbes

When You Die – Then What? 4 Garner Ted Armstrong

All Roads Lead to Rome Michael Armstrong 28

Bible Study: Higher Spiritual Standards 14 Dr. James Ricks Facebook’s Antidote to Russian Interference in US Elections 33 Murray Allatt

The Balance of Our Choice 17 John Mitchell

Photo credits: Cover – Vincenzo Pinto/Getty Images page 2 – Giulio Napolitano/Shutterstock page 3 – InkDrop/Shutterstock page 11 – eFesenko/Shutterstock page 24 – Michel Piccaya/Shutterstock page 25 – (top) Senate Democrats/Wikipedia page 25 – (bottom)David Shankbone/Shutterstock page 31 – (L) Finoskov (R) Joanbanjo/Wikipedia page 33 – rvlsoft/Shutterstock page 37 – (top) Oliverrees/Shutterstock Islamic Challenge to Italy page 37 – (bottom) Stefano Guidi/Shutterstock page 39 – Lalupa/Wikipedia Michael Burkert 37

TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY WATCH is an official publication of The Garner Ted Armstrong Evangelistic Association and The Intercontinental Church of God, headquarters Tyler, Texas USA Copyright © 2018 The Garner Ted Armstrong Evangelistic Association. All rights reserved. 4 Twenty-First Century WATCH Vol. 21, No.3 When You Die – Then What? My mother died about midnight. I was holding her hand, praying for her to “hang on,” as she grew weaker. But one moment she was alive and the next, dead. What happened at death? What happens next? Did my mother die – or only a part of her? Is she still conscious? Are the dead yet able to see the sorrows and tears of loved ones?

by Garner Ted Armstrong

Death is the enemy of man Just How Important IS It? have put their minds to these and we all hate it. We hate it most When public-opinion poll- fathomless mysteries for many of all when death strikes very sters ask Mr. and Mrs. Average centuries now, and have not close loved ones, taking them Citizen their opinions about life, found the answer! away from us; out of our lives, death, and the hereafter, they find Today, modern space-age away from our daily routines–– most simply unconcerned. science, and a dazzling array of just gone. Most do not under- They just don’t like to think technological achievements have stand death. about it happening to them. created an awesome new Dagon Why is it that, with all our But when death strikes sud- for the Western World. The aver- advancements in science and denly EVERYTHING is changed! age citizen finds himself continu- industry––our accumulation of Suddenly, we must pause, in our ally amazed at all that is accom- knowledge, that we still do not swiftly moving lives, to face plished in the name of “science.” know the answers to the biggest death. And we are compelled to He faithfully trusts this false and most puzzling questions of ask, “Just what is death?” And, god of science to lengthen his life all––what are we, and where are for that matter, what is life? span, transplant his kidneys when we going? Can anything, after all, be they fail, help him reduce or put Millions believe in some kind more singularly important than on weight, change his very per- of life after death. But no one the answers to these questions? sonality, and perhaps allow him seems able to prove such an as- You’re here. You live. But to choose the sex of his progeny. sumption. Some believe we never why? The modern world looks to die but go on living, in one place its mechanical god––science–– or another, or in one form or an- Unsolved Dilemma of to SAVE it from all its troubles. other, for all eternity. Others be- Centuries People look to medical science lieve we have always lived. They Serious though these ques- to save them from sickness; to think life is a strange succession tions are––urgent though they the physical sciences to produce of different existences––each in be––man has not yet answered the continual flow of goods and a different form, in a different them! Science does not know; services to make their life one place. says it cannot know. Philosophers, of physical ease and pleasure. But no one seems to know theologians, anthropologists, his- They look to the “life” sciences for sure! torians, scholars of every stripe to explain to them what they are, Third Quarter 2018 Twenty-First Century WATCH 5 and where they’re going, and the babes!” (Mat. 11:25). Now that you think about it, meaning of life. But, somehow words like “life” and “death” are death stops it all! YOU Can Die! words almost no one has ever At death, science stops its If anything could be called researched, or looked up in a mouth. A doctor, quietly sympa- “instinct” in the human crea- dictionary. thizing with grieved members of ture, perhaps the “instinct” of If you did try to find some the family may say, in a kindly self-preservation could. “scientific” definition for life, you voice, “I’m sorry, there is nothing We just automatically seek to would find only some statements further medical science can do preserve, to protect, to lengthen to the effect of “the state of being for him.” and hang on to our lives! But we alive,” or the ability of a “living” Today, the world exalts CANNOT! How futile, how ut- organism to utilize organic life knowledge. It holds aloft the terly helpless we feel, when we in a living metabolism, and other institutions of “higher” learning. are urging a loved one to “hang such “double-talk” which would The leaders of mankind are prod- on”––to fight to live––and see NOT, in actual fact, tell you what ucts of these same educational that life ebbing away right before life is! institutions––the “educated” men our eyes! But the Creator of all life of the world. But that average person just does tell you what it is! But can anyone claim to be never gets around to thinking And He stresses its source, truly educated who does not about his own death. and its temporary qualities, and know what HE is? Is “educated” And I don’t mean moribundity its uncertainty! Listen! the correct description for one of spirit or fear of death. I do not “Whereas you know not what who does not know why he is mean a constant contemplation of shall be on the morrow. For what alive––or where he’s going, or death. But the knowledge of how is your life? It is even a vapour, what is death, and what happens truly mortal, how temporary, how that appears for a little time, and at death? fragile this physical, chemical ex- then vanishes away...” (James These men CAN know. They istence really is! 4:14). could have understood, long ago, Somehow, the average person Always, God Almighty stress- had they not rejected the very feels himself almost indestructi- es the uncertainty of life. He says, foundation of all knowledge: the ble. He can imagine something “For dust thou art, and unto dust revealed Word of God! terrible happening to someone shalt thou return” (Genesis 3:19). But God has said of them, else, but it’s almost impossible to You are a physical, temporal “And even as they did not like to imagine it happening to himself. creature entirely dependent upon retain God in their knowledge [in It’s like a fear of the unknown. a metabolic process of muscles, their education, their institutions Since most people do not nerves, sinews and bone, upon of higher learning] God gave know what is life, what is death, blood and air, upon food and wa- them over to a reprobate mind...” and what happens at death, they ter. You are a living organism––a (Romans 1:28). simply prefer not to think about terribly fragile, temporary creature. Death is a fearful, unknown it. You’re made of the elements blank to the great minds of this But we can die. And we do. of the ground. Perhaps, in our world. They simply do not know And we shall. modern societies, of food nicely what it is! But, what happens then? served on “man-made” plates of But you can know––if you’re fine china we don’t like to think willing to know! Jesus thanked What Is Your Life? of the fact our food is literally His Father that He had “hidden Just what is this physical, composed of so much “dirt” and these things from the ‘wise and chemical, brief experience we that we are, very literally, “dirt.” prudent’ and revealed them unto call “life,” anyhow? But we are!

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Your Bible reveals the life of take place––NOT of being alive ONE source to which you can go man is a purely chemical, phys- during death! to get the true answer, and that ical existence, that our metabol- source is the inspired Word of ic process is the same as that of The Certainty of Death your God! animals! (Eccl. 3:19.) Nowhere You know several people who The Bible is, in a sense, the does your Bible say man has an have died. Probably, some were obituary of the leading men that immortal soul, or that there is a very close to you and you cherish God used throughout history. The “soul” in man. Rather, the Bible the memory of them, remember- greatest men of the Bible all died! shows man IS a soul. That is, each ing the way they were, the things Perhaps we haven’t thought about that. But it brings out a Job spoke of being kept in the tremendous principle and should give all of us comfort through grave and waiting for a change to life! take place—NOT of being alive David was a man after God’s own heart. When David prayed, during death! God heard. The Psalms are, in many cases, actual prayers David soul (nephesh, in the Hebrew) is they said and did, their person- prayed. One of those Psalms a person, and can die. ality and character. Yet, they are bears directly on the subject of Read Ezekiel 18:4 and 18:20 dead. death! where God says, “the soul that In the modern, “chic,” God- sinneth, it [the soul] shall die.” rejecting world, death is ignored David Died It is true there is a “spirit” in by most people. It’s something David was afflicted. In what man (Job 32:8) but that spirit is that “happens” once in a while to exact way we don’t know. But he NOT the man and is not con- soldiers, or victims in automobile apparently was very near death! scious apart from the man. Job, accidents, or elderly people, or He cried out in Psalm 102:1- in the same book said, “But man cancer patients, or those you read 5: “hear my prayer, O Lord, and dies, and wastes away, yes, man of in the newspapers. But most let my cry come unto thee. expires [original, implying exha- people simply do not like to face “Hide not thy face from me lation, or expiration of air] and death. The idea is repugnant to in the day when I am in trouble; where is he?” (Job 14:10.) them. incline thine ear unto me: in the In this same passage, God Still, as the old saying goes, day when I call answer speedily. inspired Job to say “O that thou “There’s nothing surer than death “For my days are consumed wouldest hide me in the grave, and taxes.” like smoke, and my bones are that thou wouldest keep me secret, Isn’t it about time you won- burned as an hearth. until thy wrath be past, that thou dered about death? Isn’t it about “My heart is smitten, and wouldest appoint me a set time, time you began to admit to your- withered like grass; so that I for- and remember me! If a man die, self there is such a thing? And get to eat my bread. By reason shall he live again? All the days isn’t it about time you proved to of the voice of my groaning my of my appointed time will I wait, yourself the real truth about it? bones cleave to my skin.” till my change come. Thou shalt Remember again, there is no Finally, he cried out in verse call, and I will answer thee: thou “dead” person to whom you can 24, “I said, O my God, take me wilt have a desire to the work of talk. Science can’t give you the not away in the midst of my thine hands” (Job 14:13-15). answer. Philosophers say they do days...” Job spoke of being kept in the not know what death is, except David cried out to God to grave and waiting for a change to that it is not life. There is only lengthen his life––to save him Third Quarter 2018 Twenty-First Century WATCH 7 from death! And God Almighty remembrance; knowing that righteous judge, shall give me at answered that prayer! shortly I must put off this my tab- that day” (II Timothy 4:6-8). David didn’t die as a young ernacle, even as our Lord Jesus The apostle Paul isn’t in man. He ruled Israel for forty Christ hath shewed me. “heaven.” He said he won’t get years. David lived his full “three “Moreover I will endeavor his reward until that day––the score and ten” and died at the age that ye may be able after my de- day Christ returns! of 70. cease to have these things always Christ said, in Revelation But the point is that David in remembrance.” 22:12, “My reward is with me!” did die! So Peter died. But Christ isn’t here yet. The In I Chronicles 29:28, we Yet, he wrote the book on apostle Paul is still dead and read this of David, “And he died hope. buried. in a good old age, full of days, Peter hoped for the resur- And did you notice? riches and honour: and Solomon rection and the kingdom of God. The apostle Peter and Paul his son reigned in his stead.” But he certainly didn’t expect to viewed death rather objective- The apostle Peter was in- receive it then. Peter himself said ly. Although it was a sobering spired to write: “Men and breth- that Christians would not find the experience, the apostle Paul ren, let me freely speak unto you praise and honor they sought un- almost welcomed it. He said in of the patriarch David, that he til the appearing of Jesus Christ! Philippians 1:21, “For me to live is both dead and buried, and his He clearly stated in Acts, as we is Christ, and to die is gain!” sepulchre is with us unto this saw, that David was NOT in When Stephen was martyred, day...for David is not ascended heaven––but dead and buried. he simply said, “Lay not this sin into the Heavens” (Acts 2:29-34). Yet, God allowed Peter––one to their charge!” (Acts 7:60.) David lived a full life; God of the most important men in Why? answered his prayers; he did have God’s Church to die! Why in the face of death were the mind of God (Acts 13:22). these men calm? What is it that But David died––and he is The Apostle Paul Died they knew about death that didn’t still dead. David is NOT in heav- The apostle Paul wrote 14 frighten them? en. That’s what your Bible says. books of the Bible. He was the But why? apostle to the Gentiles, held a People of God Why did David die? Why very important spiritual office, Allowed to Die hasn’t he received his reward? had worked diligently and hard James and John were mur- Will David ever be conscious for many years, and appears to dered. God allowed it! again? have been one of the most truly Elisha, who raised the dead to spiritual men who ever lived. life, and was the greatest servant The Apostle Peter Died He was stoned, shipwrecked, of God in his day became sick Peter was one of the leading put in prison. Paul was certainly and died. apostles in the New Testament tried in every conceivable way. You can read it in II Kings Church! He was one of the But he died. 13:14, “Now Elisha was fallen Original Twelve Disciples–– He said: “For I am now ready sick of his sickness whereof he handpicked by Christ. to be offered, and the time of my died.” Peter knew he was going to departure is at hand. But, “maybe Elisha lost faith” die! “I have fought a good fight, I - you say? He said in II Peter 1:13-15: have finished my course, I have Not at all! “Yea, I think it meet, as long kept the faith: Henceforth there Notice, verse 21. “And it as I am in this tabernacle, to is laid up for me a crown of righ- came to pass, as they were bury- stir you up by putting you in teousness, which the Lord, the ing a man, that, behold, they

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spied a band of men; and they of God on the face of the earth. the morning; and at even my wife cast the man into the sepulchre of He had actually seen the throne died; and I did in the morning as I Elisha: and when the man was let of God in vision. God revealed was commanded.” down, and touched the bones of some of the most detailed and The next few verses explain Elisha, he revived, and stood up important prophecies ever given what her death was to signify to on his feet.” to man through Ezekiel. the people at the time. But the God inspired that! But God allowed his wife to point is she died. He wanted to get across a die. And it can be demonstrated great principle! that Ezekiel had not yet lived to Mrs. Armstrong’s Death That is, God’s servants––the be fifty––and certainly his wife My mother, Mrs. Armstrong, greatest of them––do die! But had not lived her “three score and was in her seventy-sixth year. God wanted to be sure no one ten.” She had lived a full life. had reasoned that perhaps Elisha But God allowed her to die. Right now, she’s in a better had lost faith. So He inspired this The account is found in Ezekiel condition than any of the living. account to occur after Elisha’s 24:16-18. She’ll never have to shed one death. “Son of man, behold, I take more tear. She won’t feel cold or Here was proof that Elisha away from thee the desire of your heat. She won’t ever go hungry. had not lost faith; God had not eyes [his wife] with a stroke: She’s safe. She can’t fall forsaken him. yet neither shalt thou mourn nor away. She’ll never again have to It merely came time for Elisha weep, neither shall thy tears run struggle to overcome this or that to die. He had served his purpose down. problem. She’s safe. on this earth. Elisha became sick “Forbear to cry, make no God says, “Precious in the and God simply allowed him to mourning for the dead, bind the sight of the Lord is the death of die. God took him from the evil tire of thine head upon thee, and his saints” (Psalm 116:15). Mrs. to come. put on thy shoes upon thy feet, Armstrong’s death was precious God allowed the wife of and cover not thy lips, and eat not in God’s sight. She had lived Ezekiel to die. Ezekiel was one the bread of men. a life of great service to God’s of the most powerful servants “So I spake unto the people in Work; had overcome her human nature; had qualified to have a place in the Kingdom of God. Mrs. Armstrong is in the grave now. She is waiting for the second coming of Christ; waiting for the resurrection from the dead, just as are Elisha, and David, and Peter, and Paul.

Any Life After Death? Remember what Job was inspired to say? “O that thou wouldest hide me in the grave, that thou wouldest keep me se- cret, until thy wrath be past, that Tradition holds that the Cave of the Patriarchs houses the double thou wouldest appoint me a set tombs of Abraham and Sarah, Isaac and Rebecca, Jacob and Leah, time, and remember me! If a man considered the Patriarchs and Matriarchs of the Jewish people. die, shall he live again? All the Third Quarter 2018 Twenty-First Century WATCH 9

days of my appointed time will I Jesus, and for the word of God, His Son Jesus...” (Acts 3:26). “... wait, till my change come” (Job and which had not worshiped the the Saducees came upon them, 14:13, 14). beast, neither his image, neither being grieved that they taught Job knew about the resur- had received his mark upon their the people, and preached through rection of the dead. And so does foreheads, or in their hands; and Jesus the resurrection from the anyone who knows the promises they lived reigned with Christ a dead!” (Acts 4:1-2.) of God! Your Bible speaks in thousand years”! Notice! Peter preached the both Old and New Testaments And the “souls” John saw in resurrection! He said nothing of a resurrection of the dead––a this vision were dead! Notice: about the completely pagan doc- re-creation of life! “But the rest of the dead lived not trine of any supposed “immortal Daniel was inspired to write, again until the thousand years soul” or going to “hell” or “heav- “And many of them that sleep in were finished!” (Revelation 20:5.) en” when one dies! the dust of the earth shall awake, John saw a vision concerning Rather, he emphasized how some to everlasting life, and the resurrection of the just! Christ even David, a man after God’s some to shame and everlasting promises rulership with Him to own heart, was dead and buried contempt” (Daniel 12:2). those who overcome (Rev. 2:26; (Acts 2:29) and showed the be- Later, Christ quoted these 3:21) which He will give at His re- lievers that David had not gone same words. Read John 5:21 turn (I Cor. 15:23; Phil. 3:20, 21). to heaven (Acts 2:34), but was through verse 29! Jesus said: The resurrection of the dead waiting in his grave, just as the “For as the Father raiseth up the was the whole hope––the heart Bible says, until a resurrection of dead...even so the Son quick- and center of the message of the just! eneth [makes alive] whom He the early Church! Notice how it will...Verily, verily, I say unto completely dominates the ser- Meaning of Life you, the hour is coming, and now mons of Peter and Paul in early Paul was inspired to write is, when the dead shall hear the Church history. Read all of the one whole chapter on the subject voice of the Son of God: and they following verses in context in of the resurrection! You need to that hear shall live. . . Marvel not your own Bible! “...have cruci- study the whole 15th chapter of I at this: for the hour is coming, fied and slain: Whom God hath Corinthians! in the which all that are in the raised up...” (Acts 2:23, 24). Notice how Paul was directed graves shall hear His voice, and “This Jesus hath God raised up, of God’s Holy Spirit to answer shall come forth; they that have whereof we all are witnesses… the “let’s suppose” and “what if?” done good, unto the resurrection For David is not ascended into kind of questions people would of life, and they that have done the heavens: but he saith himself ask! evil, unto the resurrection of [proving David, too, expected to “But some man will say, ‘How damnation” (judgment; margin). wait till a change came, through are the dead raised up? And with Christ spoke of more than a resurrection!], The Lord said what body do they come?’” (I one resurrection! unto my Lord, Sit thou on my Cor. 15:35.) Notice the proof. Turn to right hand, until I make thy foes And true to that prediction–– Revelation, chapter 20. Now read thy footstool” (Acts 2:32-35). people ask: “Yes, but what about verses 4 and 5. “And I saw thrones, Peter continually emphasized those ‘vaporized’ at Hiroshima and they sat upon them, and judg- Christ’s resurrected as proof of and Nagasaki?” People want to ment was given unto them: and the future resurrection of all man- know about men buried at sea, I saw the souls of them [Greek kind! “And killed the Prince of eaten of sharks. And what about word: “Psuche” - meaning same Life, whom God hath raised from those cremated? as “Nephesh” in the Hebrew] that the dead...” (Acts 3:15). “Unto All right––what about them? were beheaded for the witness of you first God, having raised up Is it “difficult” for God

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because the same body no longer Father, even so we also should point! remains? walk in newness of life. For if we John was inspired to say, “But Ridiculous! And that’s ex- have been planted together in the the rest of the dead [those not in- actly what Christ inspired Paul likeness of His death, we shall be cluded in the resurrection to eter- to write about such questions. also in the likeness of His resur- nal life at Christ’s coming!] lived “Thou fool––that which thou rection!” (Romans 6:4-5.) not again until the thousand years sowest is not quickened, except Your God shows you that were finished!” (Rev. 20:5.) The it die...so also is the resurrection those who have truly been con- words following this parenthet- of the dead. It is sown in corrup- verted, who have utterly surren- ical statement then refer back to tion; it is raised in incorruption... dered to Him––who have given the first resurrection of the dead it is sown a natural body; it is up their carnal arguments, their in Christ! raised a spiritual body!...” (I Cor. resentment and hostility toward But the rest of the dead–– 15:36-44.) God and His Word, and who have those millions having never Just as Job said, there is a com- begun to really live by God’s heard; never having an opportu- plete change at the resurrection. A Word, will be in the resurrection nity for salvation “lived not again spirit is being given life––not an of the just! until the thousand years were old, disease-ridden, maimed or Paul said this was the driving finished!” mangled, shot or burnt, hideous- ambition in his life! Notice verses 11 through 15! ly deformed or wasted human, “...and I count all the things “And I saw a great white throne, physical body!! but loss for the excellency of the and Him that sat on it, from “We shall be changed!” said knowledge of Christ Jesus...that I whose face the earth and the Paul. (I Cor. 15:52.) may know Him and the power of heaven fled away; and there was His resurrection...if by any means found no place for them. And I Hope of The Dead I might attain unto the resurrec- saw the dead, small and great Can you see? Your creator tion of the dead!” (Phil. 3:8-11.) stand before God; and the books says death is death––just as you But what about those who were opened: and another book know it is––and that a resurrec- have NOT been converted? What was opened which is the book of tion from the dead is the whole if someone dies who never real- life: and the dead were judged hope of a Christian! That’s why ly knew the truth? What about [not sentenced, or “condemned,” Paul asks, “Else what shall they the millions upon millions of but judged] out of those things do which are baptized for [Greek: Asians, Africans, and members which were written in the books “Huper” meaning for the hope of] of all races right down through according to their works...” the dead, if the dead rise not at history who never even heard the Notice what the Bible does all? Why are they then baptized name of Christ, let alone had an NOT say! Millions have false- for the hope of [margin] the dead? opportunity to hear and study His ly pictured this event as a great And why stand we in jeopardy word? What becomes of them? “assembly line” of miserable hu- every hour?” (I Cor. 15:29-30.) mans, marching endlessly past The hope of the dead is a res- The Rest of the Dead a great “courtroom,” each told urrection from the dead! Baptism Christ spoke of a resurrection in his turn, “You go to heaven,” symbolized that resurrection! to “judgment” (John 5:29). The “You go to hell!” “Therefore we are buried word rendered “damnation” in Isn’t that the way you have [by being immersed completely the Authorized Version is more always pictured it? in water––symbolizing burial] correctly translated “judgment” But that isn’t what the Bible with Him by baptism into death: from the original. says! that like as Christ was raised up Notice how the Bible inter- Your creator says the dead from the dead by the glory of the prets the Bible on this important will finally be judged out of Third Quarter 2018 Twenty-First Century WATCH 11

things written in the “books,” and that they will be judged by their works! And what are those books? The original Greek word is “Biblos.” And “Biblos” is trans- lated correctly into English as “Bible.” Surprising though it may seem, there is nothing “holy” about the word “Bible” when it is used by itself. But when the word “Holy” is added to the word Bible, (which merely means books) then the meaning is Holy Books! Of course! That is exactly how you will Mount of Olives Jewish Cemetery contains hundreds of thousands of tombs, including the tombs of famous figures in Jewish history. be judged. God says, “I change not!” (Mal. 3:6.) Jesus Christ is Each Christian is judged, accord- Perhaps the missionary labored the same, yesterday, today, and ing to his works, based upon the several hours under the hot sun forever (Heb. 13:8). God will Word of God. to repair his tire––arriving at the judge those people in the future Your God is fair. God does village several hours later than just as He judges today! not judge you by one “method,” he had intended. Meanwhile, the And how does He judge His and then judge multiple millions, elderly grandfather of the family own people? or even billions of other human upon which he was about to call “For the time is come that beings by a totally different stan- had “passed away.” Mind you, judgment must begin at the house dard. Think about it for a moment. this missionary was going to of God: and if it first begin at us, Does it make sense to you bring the “name” of Christ to this what shall the end be of them that that millions of people could be isolated Chinese family. obey not the gospel of God?” (I sent to a supposed “ever-burning But the grandfather died! Peter 4:17.) hellfire,” helplessly and uselessly All during his lifetime he never Judgment is a “discerning.” beating at the flames that threaten once had an opportunity to even Those who are members of God’s to engulf them, shrieking in hid- heard the name of Christ––let true Church, members of the very eous and all-consuming agony alone heard one word out of the body of Christ (I Cor. 12:13) are forever and ever and ever––for Word of God or one word from being judged now! (I Peter 4:17.) all eternity, just because a mis- a missionary, teacher, preacher, And how are they being sionary had a flat tire? government official, or even a judged? Let’s follow it further. neighbor about his responsibili- Christ said, “...Man shall Perhaps (and this is not so far- ties before God. not live by bread alone, but by fetched but that it could have Rather, he had been reared in every word that proceedeth out been true), a missionary was the Taoist or Buddhist religion. of the mouth of God” (Mat. 4:4). striving to reach a tiny Chinese Does it make sense to your “Thy word is truth,” (John 17:17) village. Let’s assume the mis- rational mind that this elder- said Jesus Christ. The books or sionary ran into trouble with his ly Chinaman would then be “Biblos” which are the laws by ancient old Ford automobile, and doomed to spend all eternity in which you and I are judged are received a severe tire puncture an ever-burning hellfire because the books of your own Bible! on the rough and rocky road. a missionary had a flat tire? Continued next page 12 Twenty-First Century WATCH Vol. 21, No.3

Preposterous! beings must have the same op- not see, and ears that they should And so it is preposterous ac- portunity you have! not hear;) unto this day” (Rom. cording to your Bible! How righteous, how just, how 11:7-8). No, your God is a just God! merciful, and how PERFECT is Are God’s own elect (Isaiah He treats all human beings the great plan of God! 44:1; 45:4) lost forever because equally! He deals the same way What happens, then, if a loved God Himself has caused them to with Chinese as with Africans, one of yours died not having “un- be blinded to His truth? the same with Americans as derstood” much of the word of No! Notice the proof! “For with Britons, the same with God? I would not, brethren, that ye Australians as with Germans, and should be ignorant of this mys- the same with Asians as with The First Chance–– tery, lest ye should be wise in Latin Americans! For Everyone! your own conceits; that blindness Those who have never had Death is death––the complete in part is happened to Israel, until an opportunity to learn about absence of life and consciousness. the fullness of the Gentiles be God’s word and His laws, who Remember, your Bible re- come in” (Rom. 11:25). have never even heard the only veals the “dead not know any- God has a time schedule He name whereby man must be thing.” There is no consciousness is working out. He will finally saved (Acts 4:12) must have that of the passing of time. In the par- give all those ancient Israelites–– opportunity! able of Lazarus and the rich man, whose hearts were hardened, Religious hobbyists, arguers, the rich man “lift up his eyes” in who did not know the way to sal- scoffers, and bigoted antagonists a resurrection––unaware that vation––their first chance! will oftentimes accuse the Great thousands of years had passed Notice it. “And so all Israel Creator for this masterful plan between the time when he died shall be saved!” (Rom. 11:26.) of offering a so-called “second and his yet future resurrection. If He says further, “For God chance”! you have not yet read the gripping hath concluded them [shut them With boiling rage, many a re- booklet on Lazarus and the Rich up in unbelief––original] all in ligious hobbyist has shrieked his Man, then write or call our office unbelief, that He might have mer- venom at any supposed “second for your free copy immediately. cy on all!” (Rom. 11:32.) chance”! The majority of those dying “...God our Saviour; Who will But is this a second chance? today in all nations are NOT have all men to be saved, and to When, pray tell, did these mil- converted! come unto the knowledge of the lions of wretched, hapless, disil- The majority of those having truth” (I Tim. 2:3, 4). lusioned and illiterate souls ever died through the past centuries Every human being WILL be have a “first” chance? died with no knowledge of Christ, given an opportunity to hear, and They never did. But they will. of the Bible, or the way to salva- to understand the Word of God. God says, “But the rest of tion. But they are not hopelessly He will then make up his own the dead lived not again until the lost. mind; make his own decision thousand years were finished!” Notice what God says about about whether he will obey! And these will be resurrected His own specially chosen peo- to “judgment” which is NOT a ple, Israel. “What then? Israel What About Suicide? sentencing based upon deeds they hath not obtained that which he And what if someone kills did in ignorance. But is, rather, seeketh for; but the election hath himself? Will he be resurrected? a period of 100 years duration obtained it, and the rest were Of course! Suicide is self-murder. (Isaiah 65:20) during which ev- blinded (according as it is written God commands, “Thou shalt not ery one of these multiple millions, God hath given them the spirit of kill” and says the wages of sin, perhaps even billions of human slumber; eyes that they should which is the breaking of God’s Third Quarter 2018 Twenty-First Century WATCH 13

Ten Commandments (I John 3:4), death and hell [Greek word, the elements shall melt with fer- is death (Rom. 6:23). “Hades” meaning the grave] were vent heat, the earth also and the In the case of suicide, the cast into the lake of fire. This is works that are therein shall be penalty is the same as for any the second death!” (Rev. 20:14.) burned up!” (II Pet. 3:10.) other broken law. In the resur- A grave is only a grave when But before giving this awe- rection after the millennium of it contains a body. This scripture some warning of impending peace on the earth (Rev. 20:5), speaks of a resurrection to phys- destruction of the wicked, Peter the resurrection to judgment, any person having committed suicide A resurrection is the hope of the will learn the enormity of his sin; will hear the Word of God, just dead—not living for all eternity like the millions of others who in some fanciful “limbo” or committed sins, and who died not having the knowledge of the compartment of “heaven” or “hell.” truth. ical life, for the incorrigible evil, again shows the righteous mer- Is There a Hellfire? and a “Gehenna” fire destroying cy of the loving God, who “... Believe it or not, the Bible them! is longsuffering to us-ward, not shows there must be a third and Read what God inspired the willing that any should perish, final resurrection! This time, a prophet Malachi to write: “For but that all should come to repen- resurrection to death––by fire–– behold, the day cometh, that shall tance!” (II Pet. 3:9.) for those who have deliberately burn as an oven; and all the proud, There is the real truth about and willfully sinned. yea, and all that do wickedly, death––from your own Bible! Remember, there are three shall be stubble: and the day that Death is death––without con- classes of people with whom cometh shall burn them up...and sciousness. A resurrection is the God is dealing. Those who have ye shall tread down the wicked; hope of the dead––not living for repented, and, whether living or for they shall be ashes under the all eternity in some fanciful “lim- dead, will rise to meet Christ in soles of your feet...” (Mal. 4:1-3). bo” or compartment of “heaven” the air (I Thess. 4:15-18), com- The Gehenna fire of your or “hell.” ing down on that day with Him Bible is much hotter than the The stories you’ve heard all to the mount of Olives (Zech. pagan myth of an “ever-burning” your life about the boiling pots 14:4) to rule with Him for 1,000 fire. This fire really burns––it or the “pearly gates” are sheer years (Rev. 2:26; 3:21; 5:10; destroys! myth! But the plain truth of your 20:4). Then there are the millions Write or call for the booklet Bible is clear! What a great bless- of those who have never under- about Lazarus and the Rich Man. ing it is to know the truth about stood––the “rest” of the dead It explains how the rich man death! And how especially com- (Rev. 20:5). comes up in this final resurrec- forting is this knowledge when And then there are those who tion––only to see the advancing you must literally see death come will not choose to repent––who wall of flame before him. There to a loved one. are finally to lose out on salvation! is a mighty real fire revealed in God’s great and merciful Notice the Bible proof! the Bible––Gehenna (Greek purpose in our lives is achieved After the millennium of word) fire. because Christ conquered death! Christ’s rule on earth; even after Peter said, “But the day of the He will soon release those who the picture of the Great White Lord will come as a thief in the are “waiting” for their change to Throne resurrection to judgment night; in which the heavens shall come––and that day is much near- (Rev. 20:11-12), God says, “And pass away with a great noise, and er now than you may think! 14 Twenty-First Century WATCH Vol. 21, No.3 BIBLE STUDY by Dr. James & Natalie Ricks Higher Spiritual Standards

if it was in any way possible. However Paul said if Jesus Demands Obedience they do leave the marriage they are not bound. Note I Corinthians 7:27. One cannot force an unconvert- to od s aws G ’ L ed mate to honor the marriage vow. The Sermon on the Mount reveals a number of issues in which Jesus’ Did Jesus want more or less obedience to the standards are deeper and higher than the leaders of written law than the Pharisees? Did the Pharisees Israel. Christ told his disciples that they should obey have higher, tougher standards than Jesus? One issue the deep spiritual intent of the law including every is divorce. The religious leaders of Israel saw in the jot or tittle of the law. law the ability to divorce one’s wife. Christ told them Mat. 5:18-19, “For assuredly, I say to you, till that while that law did exist, it only existed because heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will of the CARNALITY AND WEAKNESS OF MEN. by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled. Christ’s standards were higher than the religious Whoever therefore breaks one of the least of these leaders and are based on the original intent of God. commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called Mat. 19:5-9, “And said, ‘For this reason a man least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his and teaches them, he shall be called great in the king- wife, and the two shall become one flesh’. So then, dom of heaven.” they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what Christ says that if we teach that the law is done God has joined together, let not man separate. away we are wrong. He demands we try and keep the “They said to Him, ‘Why then did Moses com- law, the written law of God. He surprisingly told his mand to give a certificate of divorce, and to put her disciples that they had to be more obedient than the away?’ super religious Pharisees. “He said to them, ‘Moses, because of the hardness “For I say to you, that unless your righteousness of your hearts, permitted you to divorce your wives, exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and but from the beginning it was not so. And I say to Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom you, whoever divorces his wife, except for sexual of heaven” (Mat. 5:20). immorality, and marries another, commits adultery; Jesus then commences to show his followers and whoever marries her who is divorced commits what he means by deeper and truer obedience to adultery.’” (NKJV) the law. The first issue he tackles is the law on mur- Pragmatism and the welfare and safety of wom- der. He says you cannot just not physically murder en allowed for divorce laws in Israel but, Jesus had someone, but you also cannot murder him in your higher spiritual standards than the Pharisees. Paul thoughts and in your mind and in your heart. also followed the same higher spiritual standards. Mat. 5:21-22 “You have heard that it was said Paul told believers to remain with pagan spouses to those of old, ‘You shall not murder, and whoever Third Quarter 2018 Twenty-First Century WATCH 15 BIBLE STUDY murders will be in danger of the judgment.’ Jesus. Believers have a higher standard to uphold “But I say to you that whoever is angry with his even than the religious leaders of the world. Jesus brother without a cause shall be in danger of the said that about His world. judgment. And whoever says to his brother, ‘Raca!’ Mat. 5:13-14, “You are the salt of the earth; but shall be in danger of the council. But whoever says, if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? ‘You fool!’ shall be in danger of hell fire.” It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love trampled underfoot by men. your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ “You are the light of the world. A city that is set “But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those on a hill cannot be hidden.” who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and In a society led by the Pharisees and scribes Jesus pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute said his followers had to be the salt, the wonderful you;” (Mat. 5:43-44). spiritual flavor, and the light. Does that sound like Jesus raises the bar. He set standards so high that his followers had a free pass with regard to the law it literally changed the world. Most religions say and relied on grace alone? It sounds like they were support your followers and smite the infidels. But expected to be the light of the world, the ones setting not Christ. He set higher standards of obedience to the highest standards of conduct and repenting the God’s Laws than even the Pharisees. Love your ene- deepest when they failed. Then after repentance, my? Wow! What was his goal for his disciples? becoming the true lights. Jesus said, “If you love “That you may be sons of your Father in heaven; me, keep my commandments,” which are the same for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, commandments that Christ himself delivered to and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if Moses on Mt. Sinai and kept with the deep, true you love those who love you, what reward have you? intent of God. Do not even the tax collectors do the same? We should look at the Fifth Commandment re- “And if you greet your brethren only, what do you garding honoring our elderly parents. The Pharisees do more than others? Do not even the tax collectors and scribes had set up extra laws which allowed a do so? Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your child to avoid taking care of his parents. The Corban Father in heaven is perfect” (Mat. 5:45-48). system allowed them to pay off the religious lead- Jesus explains that when we obey His laws in a ers instead of taking care of their parents. This add- spiritual manner we can become more like the Father. ed law allowed for the breaking of one God’s Ten This certainly is raising the bar. We cannot hate no Commandments. Jesus was very critical of the entire matter the offenses. One should avoid evil people but system. not hate them, it is not good for our character and Mark 7:9-13, “He said to them, ‘All too well you well being. Then Jesus talked about adultery. He not reject the commandment of God, that you may keep only said do not commit adultery but do not commit your tradition. For Moses said, “Honor your father adultery in our hearts. If one looks upon a woman and your mother”; and, “He who curses father or (i.e., pornography) in order to commit adultery in mother, let him be put to death.” But you say, “If a the mind he is also guilty. Note verse 28 of Matt 5. man says to his father or mother, ‘Whatever profit Again a higher standard existed with Christ than the you might have received from me is Corban’ [a gift religious leaders. to God], then you no longer let him do anything for his father or his mother, making the word of God True Repentance and Obedience of no effect through your tradition which you have handed down. And many such things you do.’” Require a Higher Standard Jesus insisted on all the laws being obeyed, and not allowing people to avoid one which also enriched The true followers must understand God’s Laws the religious leader’s system. The corruption of the at a higher and deeper level to fully repent and follow Pharisees is obvious. This revelation from Jesus

Continued next page 16 Twenty-First Century WATCH Vol. 21, No.3 BIBLE STUDY came from an accusation of the Pharisees with regard They put on a good show of religiosity and to hygiene. Were the Pharisees really concerned with obedience, but Christ’s standards for obeying the the disciples’ hygiene? No! This was really about written law––not just their extra rules and laws–– the extra laws and traditions which were instituted was far greater and higher. Never did Jesus repudiate over the years by the Pharisees and scribes since the written law, just the Pharisee’s manufactured returning from exile. They required a ritual hand regulations. Paul reiterated this in a letter to evangelist washing before eating. It was about man made laws Timothy. and traditions. They are found today in the Talmud, 1 Tim. 1:8, “But we know that the law is good if Mishnah and Midrash. one uses it lawfully.” Paul understood that some of Can we see why Jesus was so upset with them? the leaders of Israel were improperly applying the Read Matthew 23 to see a clear picture of Christ’s Laws of God. Jesus maintained the highest standards view of the religious leaders of his society. It was of lawful obedience to the Law for us. Grace was nev- not just their hypocrisy: they really did not obey the er an excuse to break God’s laws, see Romans 6:1-2. written Law of God as they should have. They found ways to exempt themselves as well from true obedi- Christ’s New Covenant Makes the ence in some areas. Pharisees were not simply not practicing what they preached but their works were Law More Binding, Not Less far short of what God required. Some of them were self-righteous show offs and others were evil. Jesus came to offer us a path to repentance and Mat 23:2-3 says, “The scribes and the Pharisees true change of character with the help of God’s Holy sit in Moses’ seat. Therefore whatever they tell you to Spirit. Through the power and grace of God we be- observe, that observe and do, but do not do according lievers are being led to place the spiritual goodness to their works; for they say, and do not do.” (NKJV) of the Law in our hearts. Jesus is saying obey the Pharisees only when Heb 8:10-11 “For this is the covenant that I will they accurately apply the scriptures but do not follow make with the house of Israel after those days, says their personal examples. The leaders found ways to the LORD: I will put My laws in their mind and write exempt themselves from some of the harsh rules they them on their hearts; and I will be their God, and they hung on the people. The leaders of Judah like the shall be My people. rest of this world were deceived regarding the real, “None of them shall teach his neighbor, and none deep meaning of God’s Laws. In the future the entire his brother, saying, ‘Know the LORD,’ for all shall world will really know God and His high standards. know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of Mat. 23:4-5, “For they bind heavy burdens, hard them.” (NKJV) to bear, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they Jesus raised the standards to much higher spiritual themselves will not move them with one of their fin- levels. He wants us to have the law––its righteousness gers. But all their works they do to be seen by men. and love––inside of us. Wow! Someday in the future They make their phylacteries broad and enlarge the kingdom, the entire world will really know and borders of their garments.” understand God’s Laws and ways as well.

Watch us online! Find Sabbath sermons from the Intercontinental Church of God. Updated each week with messages from a variety of inspiring speakers. Third Quarter 2018 Twenty-First Century WATCH 17

The Balance of Our Choice

by John Mitchell

“We have been the recipi- goal toward which we unitedly of the ultra liberal, or the young ents of the choicest bounties of press. There is no great single rabid “New Leftist”, such as the Heaven. We have been preserved, unifying bond, no common spir- newly elected congresswoman these many years, in peace and itual dedication; no deep tran- from New York, Alexandria prosperity. We have grown in scendental purpose for which we Ocasio-Cortez. numbers, wealth and power as strive. Never before has there Incisive analysis of society’s no other nation has ever grown; been a time when Americans ills has always brought rebuttal but we have forgotten God. We found they could argue by mere- and disagreement. But the vi- have forgotten the gracious hand ly mentioning the name of their cious attacks and language used which preserved us in peace, country. is something we are not used to and multiplied and enriched and Today Americans disagree in America. There was a time strengthened us; and we have about America. Some aren’t even when both sides could argue their vainly imagined, in the deceitful- sure what America is. Great voices ideals and positions, each born ness of our hearts, that all these of protest are heard from every out of a sense of what was best blessings were produced by some conceivable source. Sneers from for this country. Some have said superior wisdom and virtue of young, would-be revolutionaries at the end of debates, “We are all our own…” (Presidential Procla- are answered by hoarse shouts patriots.” Really? No, all are not mation - April 1863). And those from hard hats and super-patriots. patriots for America or American words are truer today than they The “Make America Great Again” ideals. ever were in Abraham Lincoln’s bumper sticker is answered by Where went our patriotism? day. the “Make America smart again, Did something kill it? Did it just Drained by war, torn by Impeach Trump” slogan. Some gradually die? Patriotism is, af- crime, sick with drug abuse, rid- say America is falling apart. ter all, a deep, prideful love of den with immorality, driven with Others say America has never one’s country, a thankful appre- lust, stricken with senseless pro- been better. Politicians, sensing ciation for the freedoms and lib- crastination, lack of purpose, the public weariness over the erties bought at such a dear cost flagging loyalty, and spiritual past eight years of gloomy by the tens of thousands who poverty, a great nation looks over reports, plead for a “what’s good paid the most horrible of prices. the edge into chaos. We don’t about America” dialogue. The Patriotism is love of country and know why we are. America has rhetoric of conservative leaders love FOR country. But like the no great cause. There is no great is answered by the acidic tongue love within a tight knit family, a

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completely patriotic American one day we will spend our sunset foretold the fantastic wealth of can become very, very angry at years telling our children and our America. He said in: trends within his or her country. children’s children what it was GENESIS 49: 22-26, “Jo- Just as parents who dearly love once like in the United States seph is a fruitful bough, even a their children can become an- where men were free.” fruitful bough by a well; whose gry when they witness the child Most Americans have for- branches run over the wall; his making a decision they know will gotten how to sacrifice. We’re bow abode in strength, and the harm them. Patriotism can never sick, and our greatest sickness is arms of his hands were made be blind flag waving, a star-span- our stubborn refusal to acknowl- strong by the hands of the mighty gled refusal to admit family dif- edge our own moral and spiritual God of Jacob even by the God ficulties, a blind determination poverty. To diagnose our many of thy Father, who shall help to remain studiously ignorant of illnesses is to invite snorts and thee; and by the Almighty who deep family sickness. sneers from a rising number of shall bless thee with the bless- Today, youthful Americans “super patriots” whose stock in ings of heaven above [meaning chide the super-patriots with in- trade is the big-business Chamber our climate and general weath- sistent flag waving by literally of Commerce attitude of “Let’s er conditions], blessings of the dressing in the flag. Red, white talk about what’s right about deep that lieth under [our miner- and blue sells more than any oth- America.” Fine, let us do so… als, coal, oil, gas and natural re- er color combination at the mo- We are the greatest single power sources], blessings of the breasts, ment. Shorts, jeans, shirts, pon- the world has ever known. We and of the womb [our longer life chos, hats and posters with anti have risen to dizzying heights of expectancy and generally bet- establishment rhetoric attached technological development and ter health]: the blessings of thy are the “dress uniform” of the day scientific achievements. Ameri- father have prevailed above the for the teeming throngs of paid can footprints dot the moon. Our blessings of my progenitors unto “useful idiots” who, when asked language, our culture, our prod- the utmost bounds of the ever- what they are protesting, have ucts have girdled the globe. We lasting hills: they shall be on the absolutely no clue. Most have no have been blessed with the most head of Joseph, and on the crown idea of who America is and most fabulously rich piece of real of the head of him that was chief importantly, why America is. estate on this good earth. Our among his brethren.” The reason is that we have standard of living has risen to Yes, we’re very rich. And become so affluent that the material heights never imagined we’re also very sick. Sick with knowledge and reason for why in the science fiction of yester- our own affluence––with crime, America is America has lead us year. We’re rich! Filthy rich! But, pornography, disease, unemploy- to a generation of people who where did we get our wealth? ment, inflation, divorce, massive have forgotten how to sacrifice; How did we get rich in the first urban crises and racial inequality. who were never taught why we place? The fabulous lands of our Our most precious national re- are so blessed or how to have a peoples, our mineral resources, source, our youth, are sick. To- love of and for America. To quote our natural stands of timber, our day, our nation’s youth spurn and former President Ronald Reagan sprawling grazing and farm lands, reject almost every facet of all as he assessed this condition: our almost endless coastlines, our that can be called the “status quo” “Freedom is never more than one strategic sea gates, our favorable achieved by the older generation. generation away from extinction. climates, our very inventive ge- They are sick to death of lying, We didn’t pass it to our children nius and ingenuity; all were giv- cheating, double standards. They in the bloodstream. It must be en to us by the God this genera- are sick of the “Do as I say, not as fought for, protected, and hand- tion has forgotten. I do” hypocrisy of a generation of ed on for them to do the same, or The Biblical Patriarch Jacob self-seekers whose goals of ma- Third Quarter 2018 Twenty-First Century WATCH 19

terialism have resulted in the con- the only remaining task was to war for total victory. ditions presently around us. They clean up the loose ends of war. History is written that suc- are sick of useless wars––unde- For the majority, it was time for cessive generations may learn clared, unnecessary, and unfin- a transition into an era of peace from it. In Korea, America wrote ished. But one sickness doesn’t and prosperity. But with the ex- history in the blood of her sons, heal another. Two wrongs never plosion of a nuclear bomb by our husbands and fathers. But we make a right. former ally, Russia, Americans failed to read and learn from that America desperately needs a soon began receiving an insistent lesson. After the tens of thousands great cause. She needs a vital, liv- and obvious message: The world of rotting corpses were either bur- ing, noble, just purpose. Perhaps it’s not too late for the younger generation to succeed where their “Freedom is never more than one elders have failed. Maybe they generation away from extinction.” can yet catch the vision of a great cause, a dynamic goal which — Ronald Reagan calls for, and is worthy of, great sacrifice. In his inaugural address, had not been made safe for de- ied or left to decay on the rugged, President Nixon said, “We find mocracy after all. World War II icy slopes of Korea, after a major ourselves rich in goods, but rag- had not been the war to end all war had sapped American mili- ged in spirit.” He said that ours is wars. Suddenly, the specter of all- tary and economic strength, the a “crisis of the spirit,” and added out nuclear war loomed large. world had learned a lesson: They that, to solve “…a crisis of the Then came the Korean War. learned that the United States’ spirit, we need an answer of the Korea changed America and very will could be challenged. That spirit.” But what has happened few have realized how drastic the pride in her power was flag- to the spirit of America? Where the change was. To understand ging. That fourth-rate countries went our pride? what’s been happening to us, we with vastly inferior industrial, There are reasons for a de- need only to look back as far as economic and military strength cline in patriotism. There are rea- 1950. We lost in Korea and there- could test America’s might time sons for our spiritual poverty, our in lies the answer to “Where went and time again and find it weak- moral sickness. We Won the War, our Why.” Since Korea, America ened, unsure, and cautious. And and Lost the Peace! After Sep- has not had a victory. Her sons so for the first time Americans tember 1945, Americans could have fought in far corners of the tried to fight a conventional war get back to the business of their world in undeclared wars for for limited political purposes, for own private lives. That global “limited political objectives,” led limited military objectives, with conflict, which had called upon by civilians. The one bright mo- “conditioned response” and the Americans for the highest kind ment in what became a tiresome piecemeal contribution of mil- of sacrifice, was over. The world series of humiliating defeats, itary hardware and personnel. had been made safe for democra- stalemates and docile subservi- Make no mistake. Korea was an cy, or so we thought. ence to piracy was the Cuban absolute turning point of recent Americans had fought Missile Crisis. But even that was history. It was the first big crack against the very embodiment of short-lived. We wound up with in the PRIDE of America’s power. evil and they had, together with a stalemate in Korea. We hoped The cruelest thing one hu- their Allies, won. With the last for the same type of stalemate in man being can inflict upon anoth- enemy vanquished and the doc- Vietnam. Today stalemate is still er human being is to take away uments of total surrender signed, the name of the game; not all out his confidence, his pride. To strip

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the manhood, the moral courage, that the war just might be over more than an order, for a victory the volition from another is to at any moment. Every common more than stalemate, for territo- subject him, utterly, to the cru- soldier knew in his heart that his ry rather than for attrition. When elest sort of torment. It kills his commanders, all the way up to viewing the Korean War and the spirit. The unsatisfactory conclu- the highest diplomatic levels, did Vietnam War with all their futility, sion to the Korean War was a cru- not want victory. They did not in retrospect it makes our current el blow to the manhood of Amer- want North Korea, they wanted situation in our wars in the Mid- ica. A little time had been bought, truce. Each fighting man knew in dle East, and the protracted strug- but at enormous cost. Perhaps his heart he would never see the gle of these past eighteen years, it is good few Americans real- Yalu River bordering Communist all the more incomprehensible. ized in 1952 how terribly soon China; that he would never drive To break the pride of a peo- another useless conflict, for the the enemy from North Korea. ple, you must first break their spirit. Then make their purposes only selfish, personal ones. Make We forsook the Creator who blessed life and peace and the material- istic goals of an affluent society and enriched us above all peoples more urgently important to them who have ever walked the earth. than sacrifice for a transcenden- tal cause. To break the pride of a people, you must have them same limited objectives, with the Americans proved they were greedy, sick with lust, insatiable same inevitable outcome, would willing to die to make men free. with desire for orgiastic aban- be joined. To have known in the They were willing to fight, and if don. You must continually wear early ‘50s that the same agoniz- need be, die for their own home- down their national pride, their ing task was to be attempted all land, or for the preservation of God-given purpose, their deep over again might have been even their own way of life, their free- loyalty to the whole family living more disastrous to American will doms and liberties, their loved within one concept of govern- and resolve than the actual occur- ones, and their sons and daugh- ment, one blessed land they call rence. ters. They could fight like no home. “Limited objective” became other soldiers when it was for The pride in our power is the byword. With it came con- victory, when it was to conquer, gone. Our spirit has been broken. fused aims. Most Americans to enforce a total surrender upon Something has been steadily kill- would never understand painful, a hated foe. But could they fight ing us. We have no single, grand prolonged struggle over worth- with the same spirit for “limited goal toward which we united- less real estate for limited politi- political objectives” in a strange ly press. We envision no great cal objectives. They could under- country to carry out their part as purpose which calls from us in- stand fighting for home, and for functionary of worldwide geo- dividual and collective sacrifice. country. They could understand political considerations? They We are ennobled by no special, fighting against the forces of evil proved, in World War II, and unique pursuits which are righ- and to make the world safe for again in Korea, and in Viet- teous in a world filled with un- Democracy. But they would nev- nam, Iraq and Afghanistan that righteousness. We have compro- er understand fighting for limited they are superb warriors. They mised our morals, made futile our goals, simply to “demonstrate” to proved they can win. But they religions, destroyed our families, an enemy, or to “inspire” others. also proved in Korea, in Vietnam, corrupted our youth. Once the “Peace” talks began, it today in Iraq and Afghanistan, What caused it all? We for- was lost on none of the troops that they need to fight for a cause got the God who gave us our free- Third Quarter 2018 Twenty-First Century WATCH 21

doms and liberties! We forsook a healthy, viable people. Some thers fought and bled could result the Creator who blessed and en- leaders have recognized what in our downfall. riched us above all peoples who had made America great. The Those who disagree, includ- have ever walked the earth. Our late economist, Roger Babson ing the super-patriots who want laymen plunged into material- said, “The test of a nation is the to hear nothing except “what’s ism with greedy delight, and our growth of its people––physical- right about America,” insist that churchmen gave their blessing, ly, intellectually, and spiritually.” only a small number of individu- calling the breaking of God’s Ten Money and so-called prosperity als are really sick; that too much Commandments a “new morali- are of very little account. Baby- publicity is given to the evils in ty.” As a nation, we have forgot- lon, Persia, Greece, Rome, Spain, society, and that society is really ten God. We do not keep His laws. France, and Britain all had their no worse than it has ever been. And that same God says to us: turn in being the richest in the They see America as only a lit- Leviticus 26:18-20, “And if world. Instead of saving them, tle confused, perhaps temporari- ye will not yet for all this hear- their so-called prosperity ruined ly procrastinating, but not really ken unto me, then I will punish them. Our nation is now rated sick. But America is really sick; you seven times more for your the richest, but it could easily the diagnosis is spiritual cancer, sins. And I will break the pride of become a second class nation and the disease could be fatal! your power; and I will make your and head downward. Money will It’s not too late for Ameri- heaven as iron, and your earth as not save us. Crops will not save ca to see the vastness of her sins, brass: And your strength shall be us. Trade wars will not save us. just as she has recognized the spent in vain: for your land shall Stock Exchanges and banks will vastness of her wealth. It is not not yield her increase, neither not save us. Only a sane spiritu- too late for a spiritual answer to shall the trees of the land yield al revival which changes the de- our deepest problems of the spir- their fruits.” sires of our people will save us. it. But it’s much, much later than It’s been broken. We don’t We must be filled with a desire you think. keep the Ten Commandments. to render service, to seek peace The measure of a nation’s Can anyone, in good sense, deny through strength rather than se- greatness is not its industrial ca- the connection? “And I will make curity through weakness, to put pacity, not its natural resources, your heaven as iron, and your character ahead of profits. Even not its GDP. It is the quality of earth as brass, and your strength the Republic for which our fa- the character of its people. Amer- shall be spent in vain.” We have spent our strength, oh, how we’ve spent it. We have wasted our en- ergies, our vast wealth, our young men and women; we have spent enormously, vastly, prodigiously. And we have done it all in vain. We have spent our homes and families, our farms and produce, our factories and their products. We have spent our time and our concern. We have spent dearly, all in vain. Something terrible has hap- pened to America. What has World map indicating percentage of the population of a country been broken is the inner core of which identifies as atheist or claims no belief in God as of 2006.

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ica has been losing its character ment. He really does exist. And in the soil, striving by our own upon which it was founded. The He does say in His Word that He humanly devised mechanical question is, have we lost the will punishes people who are con- means to produce crops. God and ability as a nation to repent stantly breaking His laws and says, “Thine own wickedness before God, whose guiding hand bringing the awesome problems shall correct thee, and thy back- inspired our founding? Can you we see everywhere around us slidings shall reprove thee” (Jer- envision government leaders today upon themselves. It does emiah 2:19), and “O Israel, thou hast destroyed thyself, but in Me is thine help” (Hosea 13:9). So far, God is not yet directly With all that, in His great punishing our peoples. He is merely mercy Our Creator says, “It’s not too late for America yet.” letting us kill ourselves. We could still repent; and He would help us. Notice the con- ditions: “Thus saith the Lord of dropping to their knees in real matter to Him how we live! hosts, the God of Israel, Amend heartfelt repentance before God, Ezekiel 7:3-4, “Now is the your ways and your doings, and crying out to Him to deliver us end come upon thee, and I will I will cause you to dwell in this from our awesome national prob- send mine anger upon thee, and place. Trust ye not in lying words, lems? “Ridiculous!” some would will judge thee according to thy saying, The temple of the Lord, say. And because such a picture ways, and will recompense upon The temple of the Lord, The tem- of national repentance is so “ri- thee all thine abominations. And ple of the Lord, are these. For if diculous” to even imagine, our mine eye shall not spare thee, ye throughly amend your ways peoples are headed for perhaps neither will I have pity: but I will and your doings; if ye through- the greatest national punishment recompense thy ways upon thee, ly execute judgment between that ever came on any nation. No- and thine abominations shall be a man and his neighbour; If ye tice this prophecy from the book in the midst of thee: and ye shall oppress not the stranger, the fa- of Ezekiel: know that I am the Lord.” therless, and the widow, and shed Ezekiel 9:9, “The iniquity of Does this sound a little not innocent blood in this place, the House of Israel [our modern vague, perhaps a little archaic? A neither walk after other gods to English-speaking peoples] and little too much like “Old Testa- your hurt: Then will I cause you Judah is exceeding great and the ment Fire and Brimstone?” Don’t to dwell in this place, in the land land is full of blood [America delude yourself! God is going that I gave to your fathers, for- leads the world in crime] and the to punish our peoples severely ever and ever,” (Jeremiah 7:3-7). city full of perverseness [our cit- for our national and individual Otherwise a national captivity ies have become asphalt jungles crimes and sins unless we really and scattering of our peoples to of crime, immorality, drug addic- repent and turn to Him. the four winds is foretold in the tion and sensuous pleasure seek- So far, God is not yet di- book of Ezekiel (5:11-12.) ing], for they say, The Lord hath rectly punishing our peoples. Right now our current lead- forsaken the earth, and, the Lord He is merely letting us kill our- ership is striving with all they seeth not.” selves. He is letting us suffer the have to restore America’s pride, And isn’t that exactly what automatic consequences of our its power. Our economy is the millions say today? “God doesn’t own ways. We abuse the earth strongest in the world, our rebuilt exist,” “He’s gone way off some- He gave us, polluting our rivers military the best fighting machine where,” “He’s gone into retire- and streams with pesticides and on this planet. There are more ment.” But God is not in retire- chemicals. We kill the nutrients jobs now than there are people to

Continued on page 36 Third Quarter 2018 Twenty-First Century WATCH 23

As President Maduro Shockingly Blames Party

by Kenneth Rapoza, reprinted with permission from Forbes.com

News flash! Socialism in of blaming Washington (espe- disaster. The country faces a poor, closed-door economies is a cially the CIA) for Venezuela’s massive brain drain, with mid- failure. So says Nicolas Maduro, troubles. dle-class people leaving in droves who happens to be the president “The production models to Madrid and Miami. Lower-in- of one: the biggest failed state in we’ve tried so far have failed, come Venezuelans are trekking the Americas, poor ol’ Venezuela. and the responsibility is ours— across borders into Colombia and In a surprising twist on Mon- mine and yours,” Maduro told Brazil. day, Maduro went against the So- the PSUV party congress. Inflation is off the charts, up cialists United (PSUV) playbook Venezuela’s economy is a thousands of percentage points over the last few years, and up hundreds of percent this year alone. The currency is useless. Some towns have taken to barter- ing. Venezuelan GDP will contract by more than 10% again this year. For this oil-rich country, once the richest in South America, the re- actionary socialist policies enact- ed under decades of PSUV rule have been completely ruinous. The fact that Maduro finally ad- mits it is telling, and no small feat on his behalf. Maduro should be commended for it. “Enough with the whin- Caracas, Venezuela May 30, 2018. Venezuelan president, Nicolás ing,” Agence France Press re- Maduro, during a state visit by the Cuban president Miguel ported him saying. “We need to Diaz-Canel to Venezuela. Recently, in a rare moment of honesty, Maduro blamed himself and his party for the country’s crisis. produce with or without [out-

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side] aggression, with or without As a result, Chavez saw capi- later. Venezuelans were not sur- blockades, we need to make Ven- talism and, to a large extent the prised. Chavez became that much ezuela an economic power,” he United States as an enemy of the more popular. said. state. But to many, PSUV is more PSUV was created by the Washington helped the than a bunch of postcolonial late Hugo Chavez. Once one of Chavez storyline by antagoniz- Chavistas who believe socialist the most popular leaders in Latin America, the red beret-wearing anti-imperialist had luck on his Inflation is off the charts, up side for most of his governing thousands of percentage points over years. High oil prices kept the the last few years, and up hundreds one-trick-pony Venezuelan econ- omy humming. of percent this year alone. But Chavez was a dyed-in- the-wool “Open Veins of Lat- ing him at every turn, convincing policies are the way to govern. in America,” “Wretched of the PSUV voters that they were still PSUV is also the party of nar- Earth” socialist. His leadership being persecuted by a foreign cotraffickers and other unsa- comes from a position of revenge power. He survived a coup at- vory characters. The Treasury for years of colonial pillage and tempt in 2002, orchestrated by or Department lists Maduro’s re- foreign corporate malpractice, at least with the blessing of U.S. cently deposed vice president particularly those displacing and intelligence forces, according to Tareck El Aissami as a drug killing indigenous populations. mainstream media reports years trafficker. He stepped down this

A graffiti wall with a painting of the former Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez and his successor Nicolas Maduro. The country they loved is crumbling, largely due to Chavez’s policies, continued by Maduro. Third Quarter 2018 Twenty-First Century WATCH 25

summer, some say as a fig leaf to the Trump Administration. El Aissami is sanctioned from trav- eling to the U.S. or buying and selling U.S. assets. He says he owns no assets in the U.S. and denies all allegations against him. The bulk of PSUV politicians, however, do not have El Aissa- mi’s background nor face alle- gations of wrongdoing. But one thing they have in common is the belief that socialism works, even in a poor country. Clearly their view is skewed. Next-door neighbor Cuba has been a socialist, closed economy Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren: more taxes, more regulation. for decades. The largest island in Free health insurance. Free public colleges. Who’s buying? the Caribbean has been stuck in the past since the 1950s. as expanding Medicare insurance their wealth offshore to avoid tax- and free public college tuition. ation. And large corporations will Democratic Socialists: Meet The problem is funding these simply relocate their corporate Nicolas Maduro programs for such a massive pop- headquarters to low corporate Maduro’s mea culpa on his ulation. income tax jurisdictions, keeping country’s economic demise While everyone argues that nothing but research and devel- comes at a time when many new taxing the rich and wealthy cor- opment here at home. Apple did Democrats in the U.S. are advo- porations is the solution, they for- this in Ireland—case in point. cating for socialist policies, such get that the rich will simply hide Strong economies, helped along by low taxes, bring in more money to the government. High taxes encourage tax fraud and reallocation of resources to low- tax jurisdictions and—in a glob- al economy—offshore to other countries. Wealthy social democratic countries, such as those in Scan- dinavia, tend to be smaller than Venezuela. Sweden has around 10 million inhabitants. Norway has even less. Venezuela has around 30 million people living within her borders. Corruption and political will- power are a perennial problem in Latin America. High taxation

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to fund social programs is more likely than not to line the pockets of the government. High taxation to fund social programs is more likely than not to Meanwhile, In The Failed line the pockets of the government. State Of Venezuela ... Power blackouts are a daily occurrence in parts of Venezuela some towns, too. Public transpor- “They send (running) water today despite PSUV’s redistribu- tation in smaller cities outside of once a month. The rest of the tionist policies designed to help the government hub of Caracas is time we have to buy it,” Vazquez the poor. Help them with what, unreliable. quoted a woman named Florimar exactly? Surely not help them AFP reporter Alex Vazquez Nieves, a school teacher, as say- keep the lights on. Or pay for visited one such city recent- ing in a story that ran on the AFP medicine. Or food. Or a bus ride ly, San Juan de los Morros, and wire yesterday. “There have been to work. talked with the locals. He said it times where we’ve had no elec- Running water is scarce in has become a city where “noth- tricity for 24 hours.” some towns. ATMs are empty in ing works.” Meanwhile, Democratic so- cialists here say that the only rea- son socialism hasn’t worked is that no one is doing it right. Maybe it works in small, rich, homogenous societies like Nor- way. Like Venezuela, they too have a lot of oil. But their income and capital gains taxes are low- er (flat tax of 25%). Norway has also been reducing their corpo- rate tax rate, down from 50% in the 1980s to around 24% today. Norway is also an open market economy. By comparison, Venezuela is a generally closed economy tax- ing nasty, evil corporations (and even nice ones) at a whopping 34%. They could tax them at 80% if they wanted and give everyone free health care and free college and free busses to work. But before long, and if this crisis keeps up, the only compa- ny Venezuela will have left is its state-owned oil firm Pdvsa and a few mom-and-pop businesses Hunger prompted the massive and deadly Venezuela riots of 2017. selling food to the poor—who A year later, the Venezuelan people have become accustomed to need President Maduro more than rummaging through garbage bins to find anything to eat. ever to help them pay for it. Third Quarter 2018 Twenty-First Century WATCH 27 The Pope Knew Continued from page 2

purported statement to Francis, “...I don’t know if you know Cardinal McCarrick, but if you ask the Congregation of Bishops, there is a dossier this thick about him. He corrupted generations of seminarians and priests and pope Benedict ordered him to with- draw to a life of prayer and pen- ance.” Where have we heard that before? There is apparently some dispute over whether “Benedict” in fact permanently de-frocked “Cardinal” McCarrick. Maybe archbishops and cardinals who ly Vatican residences, and the someone should ask him. had been personally informed many “gay” scandals that have Soon after the pope was per- or seen evidence of McCarrick’s rocked Rome, this is a very queer sonally informed and warned of long history. To have named the outfit. We only hear about apolo- McCarrick’s scandalous record, names of these lofty prelates is gies and penance when children McCarrick was sent on a series considered by the mainstream are involved. Francis is indeed of international missions repre- media, an “unthinkable” breach the one who, soon after having senting “the church,” to include for Vigano to have committed. been chosen, said the church a trip to China, thus having been When the pope was asked owed an apology to homosexu- “rehabilitated” by the Vatican. Vi- upon his return to the Vatican als who’d been offended in some gano’s letter says that two suc- from Ireland (where he also had way by church teachings or pol- cessive secretaries of State at to acknowledge the priest/pedo- icies. Now apologies are being the Vatican knew, and had plen- philia outrage, delicately) he ap- proffered to the families of chil- ty of evidence as to McCarrick’s peared to be aggressive saying, “I dren who have been abused by well-documented predilections. won’t say one word about that.” their own high and mighty clergy. But the corker was that he per- That, being the letter accusing There have been hundreds, sonally informed Francis (Ber- him of covering up McCarrick’s undoubtedly thousands of these goglio) only a short time before evil deeds by re-assigning him to situations, and they shrug it off. the Vatican sent him out as a rep- official Catholic missions. “Is it fair to apologize?” Francis resentative, presumably in his It is mighty convenient that asked in Chile. Long before the priestly uniform. He also repre- the acts of these weird holy men advent of Francis, the “church” sented the Vatican during U. S. – are so unspeakably wicked that sold valuable properties and paid Cuba talks during the Obama ad- they can’t even be spelled out in out enormous sums to buy the ministration. Oops. the press or any polite company silence of victims who were but That little detail meant that anywhere. The details are such children when they were abused the pope himself was involved in that no one can even imagine. by the backward collars. covering up the magnitude of the Who would even allow such de- We’ll probably never know scandal by allowing McCarrick pravity into their mind? the full extent of evil committed to travel in representation of the As recent news attests, from by the vile priests in tall hats and Vatican, presumably as a Cardinal. the police raids of “drug-fueled flowing robes. Maybe it’s just as Vigano’s letter also identified the homosexual orgies” at the priest- well. 28 Twenty-First Century WATCH Vol. 21, No.3

ROME

by Michael Armstrong

Perhaps no other organiza- discerning differences between of God is blasphemed among tion on earth has wielded influ- Christian sects is hardly worth the Gentiles through you, as it is ence or generated controversy on the effort. Indeed, the beliefs and written.” (Romans 2:21-24) the scale of the Roman Catholic practices of the largest and most As these hideous stories Church. Likewise the Roman successful protestant denomina- continue to unfold, can there be Empire, from which it sprung, is tions are virtually indistinguish- any doubt about the injury sus- nearly beyond comparison in the able from the organization they tained by any moral authority the annals of history. This Empire has have “protested” against. For this Roman Church might retain? To been the single greatest influence reason, the entire perception of many, they may never have had on western thought, customs, and Christianity is tainted by the de- any in the first place. The dam- institutions. The Catholic Church, generacy of the unholy charlatans age is done to the children and worthy of its heritage, contin- who have claimed the headlines young adults raised and educated, ues to exercise an authority that yet again. through no fault of their own, transcends borders. It boasts the Paul, in his letter to the under such a system. How could largest “Christian” congregation church in Rome during his day, it possibly retain their respect? in the world with an estimated issued a sharp reprimand to those Does this not factor into why 1.2 billion adherents. whose claims of purity and righ- countless millions have ceased Today it is rocked by scan- teousness in contrast with their to practice any form of religion? dal of the most vile nature. Those deeds had shown them to be hyp- Sadly, all of Christianity suffers who have studied its sordid past ocrites and had actually led to the on account of these dark deeds. will hardly be alarmed by cur- truth of God being reviled among Even if the disillusionment rent revelations. The intrigue the gentiles. He wrote, “Thou were limited only to Catholics, and depravity of the Catholic therefore which teachest another, it weakens a bloc who has typi- Church has penetrated the public teachest thou not thyself? thou cally stood for traditional values consciousness to the point that that preachest a man should not against social “progress.” most of the growth and progress steal, dost thou steal? Thou that While these repercussions made by Christians in relatively sayest a man should not commit are lamentable, a tragedy among modern eras has been on account adultery, dost thou commit adul- tragedies is that the Roman of protestants, those whose very tery? thou that abhorrest idols, Catholic Church was ever con- identity is defined by rebellion dost thou commit sacrilege? Thou sidered “Christian” in the first against Catholicism. that makest thy boast of the law, place. Its traditions and accou- To the uneducated, uninter- through breaking the law dishon- terments prove it utterly worthy ested, or non-believing however, ourest thou God? For the name of its Roman heritage. Its history Third Quarter 2018 Twenty-First Century WATCH 29

and that of the Empire are insep- 25, and January 1 dedicated to the point of temple construction, arable. A brief examination of Janus (the god of beginnings and they maintained social norms the customs and beliefs extant endings, whose two faces looked and promoted stability. An altar at and before its inception reveal into the future and the past) were stone, now housed in a museum at great deal. Much light can be covered with Christian meaning. in Cologne, Germany, inscribed shed on how this powerful orga- Allegedly marking the birth and about the 2nd century AD pro- nization can be so at odds with circumcision of Jesus Christ, they vides us an example. It depicts a the teachings of scripture, and allowed the average citizen to sacrifice, performed by a Roman how its highest echelons can accept the new religion of Rome and in typical Roman manner, be embroiled in such salacious without actually changing any of to the goddess Vagdavercustis, debauchery. their customs. who is most likely of German or Let it first be stated that This strategy characterized Celtic origin. “Catholic” by definition means the growth of the Roman Empire. This practice is also evi- “universal.” While it is not the Instead of suppressing the cults dent in the early development of only modern church to use this and beliefs of the conquered, Rome. Much was borrowed from term to describe itself (oth- they fit them into the existing hi- the Greeks, who were their pre- ers include Eastern Orthodox, erarchy of their religion. By pre- decessors in world dominance. Anglican, Lutheran, and some serving local traditions, even to Greek belief divided governance Methodists) it is not surprising that such inclusive terminolo- gy would be employed. Rome never shied away from adopting the deities or customs of those it conquered. Much of what was es- tablished in those days continues in modern times. The days of the week, the months, the planets, all bear the names of their gods. Sol, Helios, and Luna all serve as the root for a great many English words. The root of Venus has manifest- ed itself in such diverse terms as wish, wean, win, venison, venom, venerate, and, less surprisingly, venereal. Other words based on the names of gods include cereal, janitor, junior, juvenile, narcissist, aphrodisiac, gigantic, hyacinth, mentor, panic, siren, tantalize, and fortunate. Most of our major holidays deserve a special study of their Mosaic of the Vatican grottoes under St. Peter’s Basilica, on the own. Such observances as the ceiling of the tomb of the Julii. Representation of Christ as the festival of Sol Invictus (the un- sun-god Helios or Sol Invictus riding in his chariot. Dated to the conquerable sun) on December 3rd century AD. Continued next page 30 Twenty-First Century WATCH Vol. 21, No.3

of the earth into three realms: the theology. The accouterments, features her image. sky, the sea, and the underworld lilies, eggs, etc., are inescapable The extent to which west- ruled by Zeus, Poseidon, and links to the practices of ancient ern life features relics from the Hades respectively. The Romans Rome. Roman Empire makes the links also elevated a triad above the Third in the Capitoline Triad, between ancient and current reli- multitude of deities, the first of as it is called, was Minerva. gious belief all the more obvious. which included Mars, Quirinus, Primarily associated with wis- The ancient Romans worshiped a and Jupiter. Quirinus was the dom, her influence was applied to triad, the Roman Catholics wor- founder Romulus made into a strategy, music, poetry, medicine, ship a trinity. With their festivals god, but Jupiter was supreme commerce, and many crafts. The largely intact, a group of three among the gods. owl was her “sacred creature,” still supreme, and many of their The lineup later changed on account of which owls are other traditions preserved, tran- to Jupiter, Juno, and Minerva. symbolic of wisdom to this day. sitioning to “Christianity” proba- Jupiter remained premier in all Minerva is still prominently fea- bly didn’t involve many practical changes for the average Roman. The story of Emperor The extent to which western life features Constantine and his role in ad- relics from the Roman Empire makes vancing Christianity towards the links between ancient and current becoming the religion of Rome is well known. Disagreement religious belief all the more obvious. among the various churches, not helpful in promoting the uni- matters and was given titles such tured in modern education insti- ty necessary in maintaining an as invictus, imperator, and trium- tutions. Hundreds of universities, empire, led him to personally phator. Juno was both Jupiter’s among them some of the most intervene and chair the famous wife and sister. As queen of prestigious in the world, feature Council of Nicea in 325 AD. the gods she was given a great her image in their seals and use The trinity was one main issues many roles over time, including her name for their buildings or before the council, others includ- war and the preservation of the programs. ed Sunday worship and Easter. Empire. She was always of great A statue of Minerva is Evidently ecumenical agreement importance to women and her at the center of the Sapienza did not prove to be enough as care of the state was portrayed University of Rome. This univer- shown by Constantine’s edicts, in matronly fashion. Some of her sity was founded in 1303 by Pope such as against the Arians and primary functions included child- Boniface VIII for ecclesiastical against heretics. birth and fertility, and she came studies. It is currently one of the While some scholars doubt to be associated with many rites premier educational institutions the legitimacy of Constantine’s of this nature in February. in Europe and among the best own conversion, it is undeni- Her own festival was at the attended. She appears on the seal able that he paved the way for beginning of March, intention- of California, whose statehood Christianity to become the reli- ally coinciding with the renew- being granted without previously gion of Rome, however spurious als brought by spring. Her son being a territory was equated to the version they adopted. At his Mars was allegedly conceived Minerva being born fully grown. death it was said that he ascended by a magical flower. These days The Congressional Medal of to heaven, certain believers were the Roman Catholic Church Honor, the highest honor and even criticized for offering sacri- promotes its own spring festival, decoration available to a member fices before his statues. again thinly veiled with Christian of the United States Military, also This calls to mind the Third Quarter 2018 Twenty-First Century WATCH 31

traditions of the Imperial Cult dominated the expression of per- anywhere in modern life except often called emperor worship. sonal need or desire. Today use in the ceremonies of the Roman It began with the first emperor, of the rosary and the responsive Catholic Church. Phallic symbols Augustus. Succeeding the re- readings of mass are familiar to were common in pagan culture, publican era of Roman history, any practicing Roman Catholic. how is it that attaching one to Augustus became emperor in 27 Ancient public rituals were even the roof of a building now signi- BC. In this role he also assumed more demanding, requiring fies that it is a place of Christian the title of chief priest, which trained professionals. For this worship? continued with subsequent em- they had the College of Pontiffs An obelisk (read phallic perors. Though he resisted their (Collegium Pontificum) consist- symbol) is one of the defining efforts during his life, after death ing of the Pontifex Maximus, the icons of St. Peter’s Square in the Senate voted to deify him. Rex Sacrorum, the Flamens, and the Vatican. It is Egyptian in or- Many future rulers would also the Vestal Virgins. igin, constructed possibly around have this honor bestowed upon Does that ring any bells? 2500 BC, and was moved from them. Because bells were in fact rung. Heliopolis (a center of sun wor- The Catholic Church goes Such a multitude of religious ship) to Alexandria by Emperor through a similar review process paraphernalia existed, some of it Augustus during his reign. Later, before recognizing an individu- quite vulgar, that it nearly defies the infamous Caligula brought it al’s sainthood. It involves a thor- comprehension. One cannot find to Rome and placed it in the cen- ough review of life and character. the use of an ancient religious ter of what would become known Evidence of a miracle being per- object such as the tintinnabula as Nero’s circus. Transferred to formed after praying to the saint is required for beatification ex- cept in cases of martyrdom. The process is long and canonization cannot occur until after a second miracle occurs. Saints are considered par- ticularly efficacious in situations they are known to have experi- enced in life. There are a great many patron saints for certain lo- cations or particular professions. Having a multitude of heavenly beings to invoke dependent on circumstances was part of life in polytheistic Rome. Even the ear- liest Romans believed they were watched over by their ancestors. Other beliefs about the afterlife are not incongruous with church dogma. Continuity in the approach Left: Ancient Roman tintinnabulum depicting Jupiter and the to prayer is remarkable. Proper Capitoline Triad. Typically adorned with bells and male genitalia, formula was stressed above all tintinnabula were supposed to ward off evil spirits. Right: else. Even privately, recitation Catholic tintinnabulum depicting Christ and saints.

Continued next page 32 Twenty-First Century WATCH Vol. 21, No.3

its current location in 1586, it can define what sorts of practices were considered advantageous didn’t have to be moved far as were typical to its entirety. There both socially and economically. the Vatican now occupies much were times when heterosexual To anyone who holds to of the same ground. This was monogamy was encouraged as the moral teachings of scripture, accomplished at the direction of the basis for the healthy growth such occurrences are abhorrent. Pope Sixtus V. and foundation of the empire. Yet the Roman Catholic Church Sixtus V must have been Celibacy was required in certain is currently plagued by scandals quite the obelisk fanatic as he is cults and sects, such as the Vestal of the exact same nature. Are also responsible for erecting a Virgins. On the whole however, they not worthy of their history number of others. He transferred there was ample opportunity for in every way? How can they pos- one from the Circus Maximus, decadence. sibly claim to represent the true originally taken from the temple Both slavery and prostitu- God, and be the church founded of Amun in Karnak, to Lateran tion existed, legally, throughout by Jesus Christ, when the de- Palace, an ancient palace of the Empire. Slaves were the fining aspects of their religious Roman Emperors that became absolute property of their mas- practice are so firmly rooted else- the main papal residence. He ters and could be subjected to where? Jeremiah 10:2 includes also moved the Flaminio and any degradation. Both male and the phrase, “learn not the way of Esquiline obelisks. Popes Pius female prostitutes were ever the heathen.” VI, Clement XI, Alexander VII, available. Carnal exploits with a God has never failed to pun- Clement XIV, and Pius VII all slave or prostitute of either gen- ish his people when they forsook had obelisks transported as well. der was an unremarkable fact His commandments and obser- The Pantheon, itself a former of life. Notable citizens of the vances, and instead indulged in temple now used as a Roman highest standing could engage the customs of their neighbors. Catholic Church, received one in them without the slightest loss Is it not worse yet to take those belonging to a temple for Isis. of reputation. For a married man customs and claim they honor the Occupying the same land, to engage in such pursuits was true God? Hundreds of Priests using the same buildings to cele- not even considered adultery, have abused thousands of chil- brate the same holidays with the which term they only applied to dren in Pennsylvania alone. Acts same rituals, the Roman Catholic relations with a married woman. so disgusting you can hardly bear Church remains an empire in its There were no moral taboos asso- to consider. What if the extent own right. It rules a sovereign ciated with these actions. were known worldwide? state, participating in world af- Deities were not all the The world desperately needs fairs on par with other nations. Romans borrowed from Greece. the pure truth and guidance This is part of the reason the mis- Pederasty remained one of their of scripture. This hypocritical deeds of its clergy have so long predilections. It was common monolith, an antiquated amal- gone unpunished or remained for young male prostitutes to use gamation of the vilest nature, is unknown. The silence of victims Greek names, regardless of where not fit to represent or lead the has been paid for while the per- they were from. Tales of their Christian world. Truth is readily petrators are secreted away. This gods included such unnatural available to those who seek it. pattern of abuse, in its very na- couplings, as in the case of Zeus We can only pray that those who ture, has its roots in antiquity as and his cup bearer Ganymede. In have suffered the most find their well, as will be evidenced by the earlier times, males between the way out from under the oppres- deviance of their predecessors. ages of 13 and 20 participated sive deeds and dogma of these The history of the Roman in such relationships, with much wolves in sheep’s clothing. The Empire is so long, and its borders older men, as an initiation to wrath of the Shepherd will surely so large, that no single statement adulthood. These associations find them out. Third Quarter 2018 Twenty-First Century WATCH 33 facebook’s Antidote to Russian Interference in US Elections

by Murray Allatt

GTAEA-Australia has boost- The explanation was given: “What to do: Complete the ed on Facebook (paid for posts to “Not Authorized for Ads with authorization process. be distributed) hundreds of posts Political Content “You can check the status offering booklets, CDs, DVDs “Your ad was not approved of your review in your Support and the Twenty First Century because your Page has not been Inbox.” WATCH magazine to targeted au- authorized to run ads with polit- The “political” post is shown diences in Australia, New Zealand, ical content. below. Canada, the UK, the USA and the countries of northwest Europe. Until very recently we have had no problem gaining approv- al to boost our Ads—which can variously consist of video of GTA TV programs, sermons, links to booklets on Biblical topics, links to GTA audio/video sermons and blog commentaries. However, as many other users of Facebook who boost posts have become aware, over the last six months there has been a fundamental shift in how Facebook treats it’s ad- vertisers and their boosted posts (Ads). In April, this year, we boosted a post advertising the new hard copy print edition of, The Ten Commandments booklet by Garner Ted Armstrong. The boosted post ran for 66 days–– without issue. However, on day 66 we were abruptly advised that the Ad was “Not Approved”. It still had a substantial budget in hand. Continued next page 34 Twenty-First Century WATCH Vol. 21, No.3

Now, what Facebook does you’re using qualifies as political, • economy not do––ever––is identify specif- based on the definition we’re us- • education ically what it is about a post that ing for enforcement. • energy is claimed to be “political.” We “You can learn more about • environment are left to guess. Are the words what qualifies as political in • foreign policy “banished from court houses, the Ads Help Center. • government reform schools and other public build- “What to do next: • guns ings,” political? Or did someone “You must authorize your • health at Facebook read the book online Page to run political ads. To • immigration and find something that qualified begin the authorization process, • infrastructure for Facebook’s definition of what please visit your Page’s Settings. • military is “political?” You can find more informa- • poverty If we look at the dictionary tion here. Once you’re authorized • social security definitions of “political” we find to run political ads, be sure to se- • taxes there are several. The Oxford dic- lect the political ad option. Your • terrorism tionary proffers the following: ad will run with the political ad • values” (Ah, values–– “Political” - Adjective header and disclaimer. have we fallen foul of this 1.1 Relating to the govern- “Thanks, dot point by promoting ment or public affairs of a country. “Nick - Facebook Ads Team” “Christian” values in what “a period of political and Now, when you go to the Ads Facebook would like to be a economic stability” Help Center you find a plethora of “values” free society?) 1.2 Interested in or active in material of what Facebook now “Other Countries Not politics. says requires “Ad authorization.” Listed Above: This section is “I’m not very political” When you click on Ads only applicable to you if ad au- 1.3 Motivated by a person’s Help Center you find that not thorization is available in your beliefs or actions concerning only “political” matters (accord- country and your country isn’t politics. ing to Facebook’s enforcement listed above. “a political crime” policy) but matters of national “If the ad authorization pro- 2 derogatory. Done or acting importance also fall under the cess is available in your country in the interests of status or pow- authorization process. Helpfully and you plan to run ads target- er within an organization rather Facebook has listed topics that ing your country that are related than as a matter of principle. are verboten in boosted ads with- to politics or issues of national Perhaps one of those defi- out authorization––at least so far importance, we currently don’t nitions could be stretched. But as any ad running in or targeted enforce on a specific list of is- really? to the USA. Below is just some sues related to your country. You Facebook does have a stock of Facebook’s Ads Help Centre should use your own judgment response to queries about their explanantion. and any applicable local require- rejection of ads, often ads that a “This is an initial list of ments to determine what a “na- few months earlier ran without top-level issues that will be con- tional legislative issue of public issue. Here is one exchange: sidered to require advertiser au- importance” is in your country. “Hi Murray, thorization and labeling for ads Issues may be topics discussed I’ve put together some infor- targeting the US. We expect this or debated at a national level that mation about our ad policies and list may evolve over time. may influence the outcome of an the actions you can take. • abortion election or result in/relate to ex- Here’s what’s preventing • budget isting or proposed legislation.” your ad from being approved: • civil rights As noted at the outset we are The text and/or imagery • crime based in Australia, according to Third Quarter 2018 Twenty-First Century WATCH 35

the above information, a coun- Saved?” wish to deliver. However, there is try not yet under the thrall of This video program remains a more difficult path to navigate Facebook’s “political’ advertising on our Facebook page with our in Ad choice than was the case dictum. But we do boost into the other embedded GTA TV pro- just a short time ago so far as USA, among other countries and gram videos. The post remains on what content can be boosted with therefore fall under this policy. As our page as well. Just not boosted. some assurance it will not be lat- we have many of our “followers” Should any wish to view the post er rejected. Initial approval does located in the USA our posts now and the video we’d be obliged to not guarantee later review will go there automatically regardless hear opinion as to how a program not result in a “Not Approved” of targetting. But those ads get to discussing the trinity rates as status, due to a faceless person followers in the US not by paid either “political’ or “a matter of employed by Facebook deter- advertising boosts but by reason national public importance” such mining what is “political” under of they being “followers.” as it requires authorization to run Facebook’s “enforcement defini- Now, it would not be a prob- as a “political” ad. tion of ‘what is political.’” Those lem if Facebook restrained itself Now, it may make some determinations appear to be very to regulating genuine political sense to be rated “political” the subjective in some instances. Ads. But a TV program adver- odd post we boost. In early July, Now, it certainly appears tising a book about prayer? Most we boosted an ad for the latest that all of this disruption in us- recently, August 4, our boost of a edition of Twenty-First Century ing Facebook’s boosted post Garner Ted Armstrong TV pro- WATCH magazine. gram video, “Is God a Mystery?”, OK. Let’s con- having been approved, was then cede the cover did two days into a seven-day boost, depict a political then the message, “Not Approved”. event and the text You guessed it. The boosted has a familiar ring ad was, “Not approved because to it. No doubt. But your Page has not been autho- let’s also ask wheth- rized to run ads with political er if Newsweek or content.” Time magazine (Do This particular video was those magazines embedded on our Facebook page still exist?), or The and boosted from there. During New York Times, it’s short run it had over 10,000 were running ads views. on Facebook to The verbiage promoting the boost circulation program was this: and ran with that IS GOD A MYSTERY? cover—would they In this TV program video need to be “autho- Garner Ted Armstrong asks the rized” by Facebook question, “Is God a Mystery?” to run “political” And “Is your religion any good ads? Probably not. to you if you can understand it?” Facebook pro- Offered is a free booklet titled “Is vides an inexpen- God a Mystery?” There is also sive way to reach a an audio sermon on CD,”Must large audience with You Believe In A Trinity To Be the messages we

Continued next page 36 Twenty-First Century WATCH Vol. 21, No.3 facility has it’s origins in Donald TV programs The Answer to of “issues of national importance” Trump’s election in 2016 and the Unanswered Prayer and Is God including “values”. But right now, claim (among several claims as a Mystery––both “Not Approved” it is only the USA that Facebook, to why the defeat came about) with the USA included as a target Twitter and the gaggle of other by his opposition that Russia country––are now approved to left leaning social platforms are had a real impact on the election run in Australia, New Zealand, interested to dictate what the outcome by posting some ads fa- Canada and the UK. We will populace reads and views. voring both him and his opponent resubmit other “Not Approved” Truly, the temptation is there on Facebook. We’re not blaming Ads and target them to countries to think this is all just a bad plot Donald Trump. other than the USA. Hopefully line from a Hollywood B grade Now, as an organization all will be approved. “thriller.” That would be wrong. based in Australia, with not just Now it may be that the polit- It really has the ring of Orwell’s Australia but the Anglo world and ical Left in these other countries 1984 at least as to what is trans- the rest of the world to boost to, will eventually have the ear of piring in the USA. The rest of what if we just dropped the USA Facebook and other social media the western world may not be far as a target country for our boost- platforms and be able to impose behind. And all because Donald ed (paid) Ads. Well, in line with similar bans on dissemination Trump won the 2016 Presidential Facebooks “helpful” instructions of Christian and other conserva- election? Really. excerpted above, by excising tive messages in these countries So much for freedom of the USA as a target country we by use of Facebook’s “political” speech, freedom of association, resubmitted Ads for the GTA definition and this bogus notion freedom of religion.

Balance of Our Choice swelling once again in the hearts “why” of America, which is the Continued from page 22 and minds of true patriotic citi- proper pride of our power among zens. Yes, we appear to be on the the nations. If we don’t, then all fill them. What a great position to way to restoring America to her our efforts, both the individual be in. We are the world’s leader God given example to the world. citizens and the leaders of Amer- in energy of all types and we are But will it last? ica, will find once more (and per- starting to export it to other na- God says He’s willing, if haps for the last time) our pride tions to reduce the influence of we are. He wants us to repent will be broken and we will have bad actor nations that dominat- individually and collectively as spent our strength in vain. God, ed Europe with their energy ex- a nation. If we do then He will please help us to choose to repent ports through political blackmail. forgive and restore what was tak- and be your people. The future of A feeling of pride in America is en away and what defined us, the America hangs in the balance.

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Stay Connected [email protected] • facebook.com/lineuponline2810 youtube.com/lineuponline2810 • plus.google.com/+LineuponLine Third Quarter 2018 Twenty-First Century WATCH 37 Islamic Challenge to Italy

by Michael Burkert Our daily news is rife with Roman Catholic Church as out of that the Italian government must stories of Islamic upheaval and touch. They are particularly dis- house, feed, clothe and provide unrest in places such as Denmark, pleased with the pope. (unlimited) medical care for the Sweden and Germany. What is refugees, above and beyond any little recognized however is the Illegal Immigration such care provided to Italian citi- challenge Islam poses to Italy. A Sharp Thorn zens, and this is causing much an- The home of the Roman Catho- Italy, it seems is chocked guish among the Italian people! lic Church would not seem to be full of immigrants from Albania, Hundreds of thousands of the most fruitful land for Islam Morocco, Egypt, Tunisia and So- Muslim immigrants, both legal to flourish, yet Islam is there, it’s malia, also many Pakistanis have and illegal simply do not care to ever-present and it’s hostile. also chosen Italy to stage their work. They rely on handouts from Unknown to most is that onward movement to Germany, the Italian government, which is there are over two million Mus- Britain or the United States. cash strapped and itself reliant on lims living in Italy today. A stag- There are hundreds of thou- handouts from the EU, primarily gering 250,000 Muslims are now sands of Syrians, thanks to the Germany. You can see Muslims Italian citizens. Islam continues European Union mandates that hanging around on the streets, to grow in the land of the popes, require Italy to accept these so- smoking cigarettes and drinking largely due to immigration, some called “refugees.” That means tea. They play Arab board games legal, but mostly illegal. The Ital- ian government appears to be both incompetent and impotent in any efforts to curb the massive flow of hostile Muslims into Italy. Islam is not a recognized religion in Italy. That’s correct, Islam is not an officially govern- ment recognized religion and as such, there are only eight govern- ment authorized Mosques in the country. Yet there are thousands of unofficial Mosques that have already popped-up across the land. The Italians don’t like this much and accordingly see their government as out of touch with Turin, Italy - August 21, 2018: Thousands of Muslims in prayer the people, much as they see the during the Islamic Sacrifice Festival, Eid Al-Adha. Continued next page 38 Twenty-First Century WATCH Vol. 21, No.3

and harass women walking down and he is 22 years old and a veter- stressed the strength and power the streets. This shocking con- an of the Italian Army. He led off of the Italian people and loved duct is seen in Rome near some the discussion with some pointed his country. It is widely believed of the historical sites as well as questions about what Americans that Mussolini would never allow in other locations, during the re- thought about Benito Mussolini. Muslim immigration to threaten Italian life, culture, and even the language. His great downfall was Pope Francis has stated a number mentioned and was attributed to his alliance with Hitler and of times that Islam is strengthening National Socialism. Europe and is a blessing to the church. Due to the Muslim invasion and assertiveness it is apparent that fascism may well be on the cent visit to Italy. While the eyes It was conveyed that most rise as it is seen as an alternative of the Carbinieri (national police) Americans only have a vague to losing the nation to Islam! But, and the local police are on them, knowledge of Benito Mussolini, there is another problem that Muslim no-go zones have already since he was deposed in 1943, at faces Italy and it comes from been established and are respect- the height of World War II. Then with in the walls of the “Stato ed by the police. Accordingly, an earful of what these student Vaticano,” otherwise known as crime is higher than ever and will friends thought of Il Duce! These The Vatican. in no doubt increase with time! young people were strong Italian The Italians are not hap- nationalists; a movement that is Pope Francis and Islam py about this and will no doubt considered to be growing. Pope Francis may be the eventually seek alternatives! That Benito Mussolini is thought most “Islamic Friendly” pope in might mean growing support for to have been a great politician history. Always in the past the the fascists, thought to be headed and leader of Italy. He always Catholic popes have been hostile by Alessandra Mussolini, a de- scendent of the 1920’s to 40’s dic- tator of Italy, Benito Mussolini.

New Respect for Mussolini While staying at a hotel in Rome, which was near the old city wall, a young man working at the desk asked if it would be possible to speak to some Italian students who would welcome the chance to practice English with a native speaker. Curiosities follow as to the attitudes of university students in Rome, and astonish- ment at what was said! The visitation was with sev- en students, both men and wom- en, their initial spokesman was a Verona chapter of Forza Nuova, far-right Italian Nationalist party, young man named Luigi Renaldi, rallying in front of the Castelvecchio against immigrants in Italy. Third Quarter 2018 Twenty-First Century WATCH 39 toward Islam and have taken ex- treme steps to avoid its influence in Europe. After all the Roman church is a EUROPEAN church, it always has been. But today, things are changing. The cru- sades of the past were ordered by the popes of that day. They sought to free the Holy Lands from Muslim domination and keep Islam OUT of Europe! Pope Francis has stated a number of times that Islam is strengthening Europe and is a blessing to the church. It’s appar- ent that the pope is oblivious to the dangers that Islam poses to Europe and the Roman church! The Pontiff has also ex- The Mosque of Rome, the largest mosque in the Western world. pressed his belief that the Quran grounds of the Vatican. To most Islam, the hatred of anything that is a “book of peace.” A book of Italians that proposal is not only implies Christianity is on the tar- peace? Hardly! But when one is outrageous, but a direct threat to get list of Islamic radicals. This deceived, one is deceived! Rev- their church and their nation. is a fact that few recognize today. elation 12:9 comes into play and Subsequently, there is little What is certain is this: Islam as it states, “And the great drag- support for “Il Papa (the pope).” poses a greater threat to Europe on was thrown down, the serpent However, he is the pope and even and particularly Italy than ever of old who is called the devil and some of the student acquaintanc- before. King John I of Poland Satan, who deceives the whole es were unwilling to criticize defeated the Ottoman invaders at world; he was thrown down to him. They were all Catholics and the Gates of Vienna on Septem- the earth, and his angels were while not loyal practitioners of ber 11, 1683; Europe thrived af- thrown down with him.” In Pope the faith, drew the line at openly ter the Muslims’ threat no longer Francis’ case, it is doubtful that criticizing “Il Papa.” was a cause of concern. Today, deception is all that difficult a Despite the ecumenicalism only the blind and the deceived task for Satan the devil! professed by Pope Francis, the fail to see the threat to Italy and Another example of how fact that Muslims absolutely hate Europe, but a new “Renaissance” the pope is so far out of touch the Roman Catholic Church can- is on the horizon! is that he publicly has stated his not be denied. The former self-ap- The Holy Bible doesn’t re- support for government funding pointed Islamic State, Caliph of veal that Europe will be Muslim, of Mosque construction. He is Islam, Abu Bakr Al-Baghdadi, quite the contrary; the Ten Euro- also a strong advocate for recog- proclaimed that the time would pean nations that will form the fi- nizing Islam as a “great religion” come, when the green flag of nal United States of Europe will in Italy. He strongly supports of- Islam flew over the Vatican and NOT be led under the green flag ficial recognition of Islam. The that St. Peter’s Basilica would be of Islam! When the Last Chapter final outrage, as seen by many turned into a Mosque. of European History is finally Italians, is that Pope Francis has While Pope Francis is “mak- written, it will not be penned by offered to build a Mosque on the ing nice” with Muslims and a Muslim! HowHow cancan youyou knowknow something,something, andand KNOWKNOW youyou knowknow it?it? AreAre youyou absolutelyabsolutely certaincertain ofof youryour placeplace inin God’sGod’s Kingdom?Kingdom? RepentanceRepentance isis notnot somethingsomething thatthat onlyonly happenshappens once,once, butbut continuallycontinually throughoutthroughout life.life.

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