Has Germany's Strongman Finally Arrived?

NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2015 | THETRUMPET.COM

Cuba: A threat to America Why Jerusalem is bleeding A new global arms race Pope Francis’s visit to America Is it too dangerous to send your kid to college?

Has Germany’s Strongman Finally Arrived? NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2015

VOL. 26, NO. 10 CIRC. 293,184

TARGETED President John F. Kennedy rides in a motorcade in Dallas, Texas, moments before his assassination. (public domain)

COVER ©istock.com/ostill Cover Story Features

Europe’s Old Demons Return 2 From the Editor Cuba: A Threat to America 1 Has Germany’s Strongman Finally Arrived? 7 Is It Too Dangerous to Send Your Kid The Herbert W. Armstrong Connection 8 to College? 11

Why Jerusalem Is Bleeding 12 The Holy City’s Child Terrorists 13 Departments A New Global Arms Race 15

Worldwatch Germany in Afghanistan, Japan in Infographic: ‘Beat Your Plowshares overseas combat, floods in the Carolinas, etc. 26 Into Swords’ 18

Societywatch Sanctuary cities, texting, etc. 29 Russia Outmaneuvers the United States in Syria 20 Principles of Living How’s Your Spiritual Diet? 33 The Startling Truth About One of Discussion Board 34 History’s Greatest Kings 22 A Firsthand Account 25 Commentary Are You Confident in America’s Political Process? 35 Pope Francis, President Obama and Their Adoring Press 30 The Key of David Television Log 36 ‘I Wondered With Great Admiration’ 31

More Trumpet Trumpet editor in chief Gerald Trumpet executive editor Stephen News and analysis A weekly digest Flurry’s weekly television program Flurry’s television program updated daily of important news theTrumpet.com/keyofdavid theTrumpet.com/trumpet_daily theTrumpet.com theTrumpet.com/trumpet_weekly From the Editor

Cuba: A Threat to America How the assassination of President John F. Kennedy proves that foreign intervention in Cuba remains a clear and present danger.

f you were alive in 1963, you probably remember where Do you suppose the Soviets and the Castros were wrathful you were the afternoon of November 22. That is the day you against John F. Kennedy? His administration ruined a plan that I heard the news that United States President John F. Ken- would have either held America at nuclear gunpoint—or would nedy had been shot. President Kennedy was murdered as he have destroyed it in gigantic nuclear balls of fire! I would think traveled by motorcade in Texas. Since that very day, the truth that would make them very angry and revengeful! Just over a about the assassination has been a mystery. year later, John F. Kennedy was dead. Lee Harvey Oswald, a former U.S. Marine, defected to the And now, the current U.S. administration has just flung open Soviet Union in 1959 and returned to the U.S. in 1962. Two the doors to diplomatic relations with Cuba. Today, to make days after the president’s assassination, he was murdered by a contact with the Communists, you can just go to Havana, 90 nightclub owner under dubious circum- miles south of Florida. stances. The Warren Commission, which Will this new diplomacy change the nature of the Cuban investigated the slaying, concluded that regime? Cuba remains a terrorist-sponsoring nation to this day. Oswald acted alone. Most Americans In those diplomatic negotiations, Cuba made no concessions. It still reject this explanation, and new got everything it wanted from its enemy, the U.S., and gave nothing. evidence corroborates their suspicion. It appears Cuba is still cooperating with Russia. On Octo- On September 16, the Washington ber 14, Fox News reported: “Cuban military operatives report- Times reported, “Three days after John edly have been spotted in Syria, where sources believe they are gerald flurry F. Kennedy was shot and killed in Dallas, advising President Bashar al-Assad’s soldiers and may be pre- U.S. Intelligence officials told President paring to man Russian-made tanks to aid Damascus in fight- Lyndon B. Johnson that they had confirmed that assassin Lee ing rebel forces backed by the U.S. Harvey Oswald had recently traveled to Mexico City to visit both “Gen. Leopoldo Cintra Frias, head of Cuba’s Armed Forces, the Cuban and Soviet embassies, according to a half-century- recently visited Syria to lead a group of Cuban military personnel old briefing memo, declassified on Wednesday.” joining forces with Russia in their support of Assad …. On Wednes- The American president was murdered by a Marxist who day, a U.S. official confirmed to Fox News that Cuban paramilitary was in contact with the Soviet Union and Cuba just days before- and special forces units are on the ground in Syria, citing evidence hand. It took the government 52 years to declassify this relevant from intelligence reports. The official, who spoke on condition of information, and still large sections of the document are blotted anonymity, said Cuban troops may have been training in Russia out. “Oswald’s travel plans were revealed in an unprecedented and may have arrived in Syria on Russian planes. declassification and released by the cia in thousands of Presi- “An Arab military officer at the Damascus airport report- dential Daily Briefings from the 1960s. Though the memos are edly witnessed two Russian planes arrive there with Cuban decades old, about a fifth of their content was still redacted to military personnel on board. When the officer questioned the protect sources and methods” (ibid). Cubans, they told him they were there to assist Assad because For decades, the government’s own official explanation was they are experts at operating Russian tanks, according to Jaime that Oswald was just a lone gunman. But the threat to America Suchlicki, the [University of Miami’s Institute for Cuban and was—and is—much greater than that. Cuban-American Studies] executive director.” Did the Castro brothers have a big hand in assassinating For years, intelligence sources have listed President Assad and the U.S. president? I’m not saying that happened, but with this Syria as the number two state sponsor of terrorism, after Iran. report it certainly seems like you could make a strong case for it. Cuba has a recent history with Russia in designing a nuclear President Kennedy caught the Soviets as they tried to deploy attack against America. Is Cuba about to join another world nuclear-capable supersonic missiles to Cuba. The Soviets tried power and complete that design? For the answer to that ques- to put these missiles at point-blank range, less than 100 miles tion, read my article “The Deadly Dangerous U.S.-Cuba Deal” at off the coast of the United States. Once those weapons were theTrumpet.com/go/12381. (We will gladly send you a free copy launched, they probably would have evaded detection and det- of this article. I also recommend you request our free booklets onated in Miami, Washington, d.c., and New York City without America Under Attack and Daniel Unlocks Revelation.) any warning! The leaders of Cuba and the Soviet Union clearly You need to beware of what is happening in Cuba! This is had designs on destroying America! a dangerous world. America is like a silly dove walking right Can Moscow reach across the Atlantic and strike America in into a deadly trap. Cuba isn’t dead. Communism isn’t dead. And our homeland? These are very real threats that even our own Cuba is reemerging as a clear and present danger to the government wants us to overlook. very existence of the United States! n NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2015 1 EUROPE’S OLD DEMONS RETURN

The refugee crisis is precipitating a transformative identity crisis in Europe. by brad macdonald

ou have probably seen Europe is experiencing a transforma- dramatic resurgence and Europe’s roll- footage of helpless ref- tive identity crisis. ing financial problems, is the way it is ugees pouring into In the immediate aftermath of World causing Europe to shed this postwar Europe. It can bring War ii, the most destructive conflict in veneer and return to its past. Being tol- you to tears to see history, the primary goal of Europe’s erant feels good, until hundreds of thou- photos of drowned postwar architects was to create a system sands of foreigners enter your nation and toddlers, pregnant that would guarantee peace and stability. expect you to foot the bill. Being multi- women traversing This meant suppressing past demons and cultural is wonderful, until Muslims dangerous terrain, and thousands of founding a system on more advanced val- waving Islamic State flags and eyeing Yunderdressed, malnourished children. ues. Postwar Europe was built to value your teenage daughter settle in your vil- But there is another important angle collaboration and cooperation. It was lage. Being antiwar feels righteous, until to this crisis that hasn’t received nearly designed to be enlightened, multicultural Russian tanks roll across the border. enough consideration. This is the impact and tolerant. It has positioned itself as the Europe right now is a place where the refugee crisis is having and will world’s moral authority: It abhors war; it dreams are beginning to meet reality. robert increasingly have on Europe. Not just the defends the environment and human (This clash is yet to happen in America

immense financial cost, or the potential rights; it values international cooperation. and Britain to this degree, though it is michael infiltration by Islamist terrorists, or the The problem—as any history book looming.) Harsh realities are forcing / afp

inevitable erosion of European culture. will show—is that this is not who Europe Europeans to substitute postwar val- / getty These consequences are significant. But is. This is not Europe’s dna. ues with basic human urges. Tolerance

something more fundamental, and more Perhaps the greatest effect of the is being replaced by prejudice, multicul- images alarming, is unfolding. refugee crisis, together with Russia’s turalism by patriotism, the community 2 THE PHILADELPHIA TRUMPET simple: The Middle East, espe- terrorist activity. More than 90 percent cially Syria, remains a war of the refugees are Muslim. In Septem- zone. Migrants are flowing ber, German authorities arrested an into Europe from Afghanistan, Islamic State recruiter operating in a Pakistan, Libya, Somalia and refugee center in Stuttgart. In another other war-stricken countries; case, reported by the Express, “One [ref- potentially hundreds of thou- ugee] admitted to helping more than 10 sands more could come from trained [Islamic State] rebels infiltrate these nations. Reports vary, Europe under the guise of asylum seek- but between 8 million and 11 ers. He said: ‘I’m sending some fighters million Syrians have been dis- who want to go and visit their families. placed since 2008; millions are Others just go to Europe to be ready’” (Sep- homeless. One million Syrians tember 10). have moved to Lebanon. Two One video showed refugees flying million have relocated to Tur- Islamic State flags as they disembarked key. Another 600,000 are in the train onto German soil. Another camps in Jordan. video showed young men, one only a This is not hyperbole: Unless boy, brushing a finger past their throats, something changes soon, mil- depicting decapitation. Elias Bousaab, lions of refugees from the Mid- Lebanon’s education minister, warned dle East, North Africa and in October that two in every 100 Syrian Central Asia will make their migrants infiltrating Europe are Islamic way to Europe in the com- State terrorists. That’s 2,000 terrorists ing months and years. Given for every 100,000 Syrian refugees. a choice, most will head for It’s hard to remain multicultural and Germany. tolerant in the face of numbers like that! UPRISING PEGIDA supporters gather This crisis is not going away quickly Statistics also show that criminal in Dresden, Germany, on October 12. or easily. There is no simple solution, and activity increases when refugees arrive. Top: Nazis demonstrate in Berlin during a 1933 election campaign. no way to avoid terrific cost. Europe is in In October, the Gatestone Institute Above: A poster declares “Islam and a deep trouble and Europeans are begin- reported, “Asylum seekers are driving European suicide” at a rally in Dresden. ning to come to terms with this reality. a surge in violent crime in cities and The more they consider the ramifica- towns across Germany” (October 11). tions, the more alarmed they grow. In September, a leaked report showed that police in Hamburg have stopped A Legitimate Threat confronting migrant youths because It’s not politically correct to discuss, they are often outnumbered and over- but it is reality: Someone has to pay the whelmed. Reports of refugees shoplift- spirit with a greater determination for cost of sustaining the refugees. Each ing, burgling homes, committing assault self-preservation and self-advancement. refugee costs over $18,000 per year, and stalking German women have The demons of the past are returning, according to estimates from German become routine. In some cities and vil- and they are provoking the most signifi- local governments. This is the cost of lages, authorities have cautioned native cant transformation in Europe since the accommodation, food, health care and Germans to avoid venturing out at night. Second World War. administrative expenses. The 1.5 million Being open-minded is easy from a dis- refugees Germany will accept this year tance. It’s much harder when you can’t An Intractable Problem will cost over $27 billion. leave your home for fear of foreigners. More than 700,000 refugees entered Many experts say that the $18,000 Europe between January and September. figure isn’t accurate and the true costs A Serious Backlash During September and October, 10,000 are much higher. The Kiel Institute for When one feels threatened, it is human refugees were crossing Europe’s borders Global Economics estimates the cost to nature for resentment and anger to well images every day. Germany alone was anticipat- be $70 billion annually. There’s also the up. Unsurprisingly, anti-migrant ral- getty

/ ing the arrival of another 920,000 ref- longer-term cost of integrating the ref- lies have become increasingly common afp / ugees in the last three months of 2015, ugees, educating them and getting them across Europe. The number of protest- bringing the total number for the year to into the workforce. It’s no secret that ers at these rallies is increasing too, and schwarz 1.5 million. Tens of thousands have set- Europe isn’t a picture of financial and many rallies have a solid contingent of

tobias tled in other European nations. economic health right now. It is a legiti- Nazis. At one rally in Germany, protest- , The crisis shows no signs of abating, mate concern: Can Europe afford to take ers were heard chanting, “We will do images despite the best efforts of European care of millions of refugees? to you [the refugees] what Hitler did to

getty leaders to curb the flow. The reason is There is also the threat of increased the Jews.” Violent attacks on migrants NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2015 3 by the Schengen Agreement, a historic SEEKING REFUGE Migrants cross the Macedonian- treaty signed in 1985 that created a bor- Serbian border on their derless Europe, allowing the free flow way to Germany. of goods and people. During the refugee crisis, border controls, even border closures, have occurred in EU member states in the Balkans, and even in Austria and Germany. When push came to shove, national interest superseded EU policy. This raises some fundamental ques- tions about the EU. What is its purpose, and how valuable are its institutions, if member states in the event of a crisis simply ignore EU principles and act in what they feel is their best interest? This doesn’t mean the refugee crisis is going to tear the EU apart. Actu- ally, the clash of interests between EU member states and the conflict between member states and Brussels is provoking some significant discussions about how and migrant homes and camps are also Netherlands, the Freedom Party led by to augment European unity. Although commonplace. Germany’s Interior Min- Geert Wilders, advocates confronting the refugee crisis has created some istry reported more than 490 attacks Islam in Europe. Wilders regularly warns fissures in the EU, it is also a prod for between January and October; only 153 about the “Islamic invasion” taking place, greater cooperation. were recorded for all of 2014. warning that the refugees are a threat to For example, the refugee crisis is a During October 17 mayoral elections Dutch “security, culture and identity.” major incentive, among others, for the in Cologne, candidate Henriette Reker Europe’s politicians are having to development of an EU army. Europeans was knifed in the throat by a right-wing come to grips with the new reality: To are beginning to see the value in fix- extremist. The man attacked Reker thrive politically, they need to be much ing the refugee crisis at its source. This because of her support of Angela Merkel’s less concerned about being tolerant and means greater military involvement in embrace of the migrants. The same day, multicultural, and far more concerned the Middle East and North Africa, and in a school in Sweden that was being pre- about defending their nation (and Europe the Mediterranean Sea. “We are going to pared to house 80 refugees was torched. in general) from the negative impacts of move towards an EU army much faster Incidents like this are occurring weekly, the refugees, Russia’s resurgence, and than people believe,” stated Joseph Daul, sometimes daily, in Germany and other perpetual financial uncertainty. president of the European People’s Party, nations that have taken in migrants. the largest European-level political The groundswell of anger and frustra- An Existential Problem party, on October 15. tion is having a dramatic and worrying Consider also the predicament the ref- Jean-Claude Juncker, the EU Commis- effect on politics in Europe. The popular- ugee crisis is creating for the European sion president, has made the develop- ity of far-right parties and parties advo- Union. EU leaders and nations are con- ment of a Common Security and Defense cating anti-immigrant policies is soaring. flicted (and often bickering) about how Policy a top priority. “European defense In parliamentary elections in Switzer- to handle the refugees. Angela Merkel cooperation remains a patchwork of land in October, the Swiss People’s Party, wants Europe to embrace the refugees; bilateral and multilateral agreements,” a conservative, anti-immigrant party, meanwhile, the governments of Hungary read a strategic note issued by the Euro- won handily with 30 percent of the vote. and Slovenia are building fences to keep pean Commission in June. “It is time for a (The migrant crisis was the number one migrants out. reckoning: Traditional methods of coop- concern for more than half of voters.) In In more ways than one, the refugee eration have reached their limits and Sweden, the Swedish Democrats, a far- crisis has pitted national policies (and proved insufficient. European defense right party with neo-Nazi connections, is national leaders) against EU policies needs a paradigm change in line with the now the most popular party in the coun- (and EU leaders). At times, nations have exponential increase in global threats armend try. During parliamentary elections in ignored EU policies and principles in and the volatility of our neighborhood.”

2010, it won 5.7 percent of the vote; in favor of policies in their own best inter- In layman’s language, the paper, pub- nimani October, polls showed it winning 25 per- est. Take, for example, the Schengen lished at the behest of Juncker, is say- / afp

cent of the vote. It’s the same in Denmark, Agreement. One of the EU’s defining ing that Europe needs an army capable / getty where the Danish People’s Party recently characteristics is its open borders and of confronting Russia, getting involved won its biggest share of the vote ever. the free movement of people between in the Middle East and North Africa, and images The most popular party in the member states. This was formalized stopping the refugee flood. 4 THE PHILADELPHIA TRUMPET Political Upheaval in Germany Arrows indicate common Murmansk ASYLUM SEEKERS IN EUROPE The refugee crisis has set off a political migration routes crisis in Germany. German politics has

been remarkably stable for more than a Origins of people applying for decade, thanks largely to the consistent Asylum, January–August 2015 leadership of Chancellor Angela Merkel. 120,000+ But Merkel’s leadership, and legacy, are now in serious jeopardy. Sweden Finland Merkel has embraced the refugees Norway and migrants, promising them a home, 10,000 Estonia a fresh start and a new life. At first, the Russia German public, in general, agreed with Latvia Moscow Asylum claims in Europe, her. But as the images of hundreds of Lithuania January–August 2015 thousands of Muslims pouring into UK Hamburg Belarus 100,000+ Europe came out, the German public Germany Poland Calais began to have second thoughts. Merkel Frankfurt Czech Rep. Ukraine did not. She modified her language and Munich Austria dialed back her enthusiasm, but didn’t Hungary 100 Italy alter her views. As far as she is concerned, France Milan Romania Serbia Germany’s borders should remain open. Bulgaria Georgia Time will tell, but Merkel’s embrace of Rome Istanbul Spain Turkey the migrants could be her undoing. Athens Chancellor Merkel’s popularity is Mersin Syria plummeting. On October 20, EurActiv Beirut Homs Iran Baghdad reported on polls revealing public confi- Morocco Tripoli Benghazi Afghanistan Iraq dence in the chancellor at an all-time low. Cairo “Her approach to the refugee crisis … has Algeria Sabha Pakistan cost the previously lauded queen of the Libya Egypt Saudi Arabia polls dearly,” the organization reported. “According to data collected by insa on behalf of Focus Online, around 33 per- Mali Niger Chad Yemen cent of Germans believe that it would be Sudan Eritrea right of her to resign” (emphasis added). According to Richard Hilmer, the for- Nigeria mer head of Infratest-Dimap, an elec- toral research provider, “the feeling is growing that [Merkel’s refugee] policy is out of control.” Merkel is the face of the failure, and she is going to be held “per- for a conference with members of Merkel’s demise would create an sonally responsible for everything that her Christian Democratic Union. But enormous opportunity for the right happens from here on in, be it negative what was supposed to be a gathering party, and the right individual. or positive,” he said. German paper Die among friends turned into a blistering Welt, usually a Merkel ally, reported, indictment of her chancellorship. One Watch Bavaria icmpd , “The chancellor is walking on thin ice.” after another, the delegates at the Glo- Germany is gripped by deep social and afp , For Merkel, the most alarming trend bana Trade Center—town councilors, political upheaval and is experiencing a post is the growing resentment and oppo- regional party grandees, and simple transformational identity crisis. A new sition coming from her own party. On members—took turns to criticize her political experiment is taking shape washington October 7, 34 regional officials from open-door refugee policy” (October 16). as Germany’s political parties position the , the Christian Democratic Union (cdu) At a protest staged by the German themselves to appeal to a German pub- wrote to Merkel, warning that Germa- anti-immigrant movement pegida in lic that is tired of crises, feeling disen- reuters , ny’s resources were nearly exhausted Dresden, protesters carried around gal- franchised by the perpetual lack of real

europol due to her open borders policy. Within lows for Angela Merkel. solutions, and increasingly worried by , a few days, hundreds of cdu members Although many Germans respect the influx of refugees. insider had signed the letter. and admire Merkel, and believe she has As Europe’s old demons return and A Wall Street Journal article excelled as chancellor, they vehemently the basic urges of self-preservation business : described an October cdu meeting: “Ms. oppose her approach to the refugee cri- and nationalism once again take hold, source

Merkel had come to the eastern Ger- sis. Germany’s chancellor is more vul- Germans will increasingly look for a map man town of Schkeuditz on Wednesday nerable than she ever has been. leader and political party willing and NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2015 5 able to lead Germany (and even Europe) to join the far-right extremist parties of and will grow even more so as the refu- through this transformation. pegida or Alternative für Deutschland. gee crisis intensifies. The region to watch right now is The German people want a mainstream The other man to watch is Bavaria. Situated in the southeastern political party that has the same views Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg, a native part of Germany, bordering Austria and on the key issues, especially the refugees. Bavarian and another Strauss disciple. the Czech Republic, Bavaria is the soul of The csu is positioned to be that party— Before he moved to America in 2011, the nation. The region is conservative and to capitalize on Merkel’s misstep and Guttenberg was Germany’s defense staunchly Catholic, and it has a rich his- potential downfall. minister, the most popular politician in tory with some of Europe’s most power- Germany, and the man many expected to ful empires and most dangerous regimes. Two People to Watch be a future chancellor. Guttenberg has a “Bavaria has often been a center for new But here is what’s really interesting. Horst captivating personality. He belongs to political experiments in Germany,” Seehofer is close to two individuals the German nobility and looks like a movie explained Stratfor. “In times of deep Trumpet has long identified as candidates star. He communicates with force and social upheaval, this involved embrac- to play a greater role in German politics. vigor, but is also a pragmatic, deep thinker. ing extreme positions” (October 18). Guttenberg understands Bavaria, and specifically the city of Germany and Europe. Munich, was the breeding ground of Guttenberg is a faithful National Socialism. The young Adolf Hit- csu member, and Seehofer ler was raised in Bavaria, and made his has been begging him to first attempt to seize power in 1923 in return to German poli- Munich in the Beer Hall Putsch. Munich tics for years. For a long “had a special place in the Nazi pantheon, time Guttenberg rejected and in 1935 Hitler declared it the ‘capital Seehofer’s request. That of the Nazi movement’” (ibid). changed in October when There is a very good chance that Ger- he accepted a job working many’s next leader will come from Bavaria. with Seehofer and the csu. STOIBER GUTTENBERG The primary political party in Bavaria “This step back into poli- is the Christian Social Union. The csu is tics seems comparatively conservative and is one of the largest The first is Edmund Stoiber, former leader small for a man who was minister for eco- mainstream political parties in German of Bavaria and former csu chairman. nomic affairs and defense and even con- politics. It is also the sister party and Stoiber, like Seehofer, has publicly sidered a candidate for chancellor,” noted historic ally of the Christian Democrat expressed concerns about the refugees Süddeutsche Zeitung. “But apparently this Union, Angela Merkel’s party. Together, and Merkel’s handling of the crisis. He is just the right entry level Karl-Theodor the cdu and csu have been the most influ- has warned that this crisis threatens the zu Guttenberg wants” (October 1). ential alliance in modern German politics. “dissolution” of Europe; he has questioned Guttenberg will join Seehofer’s csu But the refugee crisis has introduced Merkel’s views on Islam; and he has repri- advisory team and will give counsel on tension and instability into this alli- manded Merkel for ignoring the concerns foreign policy, defense and technology. ance. The csu does not share Merkel’s of the German people. In September, Ger- He will also help Seehofer get the party views on the refugee issue; in fact, it man news media reported that Stoiber ready for local, national and European staunchly opposes them. (Bavaria is had conducted a secret 1½-hour meeting election campaigns, including the 2017 on the front lines of the crisis and has with the prime minister of Hungary, Vik- federal elections and 2018 national elec- watched refugees pour into Bavarian tor Orbán. Orbán is a pariah in Europe tions. Guttenberg will work closely with cities and villages.) because of sentiments he has expressed Seehofer, and undoubtedly alongside Horst Seehofer, Bavaria’s minis- about the refugees that many consider Edmund Stoiber. ter-president and csu chairman, has cruel and heartless. Stoiber, it seems, has We need to watch this axis of power- been one of Merkel’s loudest critics. In no problem talking to Orbán. (It was also ful Bavarians! October, Seehofer threatened to take reported that following his secret meet- The refugee crisis is thrusting Ger- Merkel and the federal government to ing with Orbán, Stoiber invited him to many (and Europe) into a transforma- court over its migrant policies. He also speak at a gathering of csu politicians.) tional identity crisis. Germany and hinted that if Merkel doesn’t change Stoiber has a long legacy in German Europe will look for a leader who under-

her tune there will be a political crisis politics and was groomed by German stands what is happening. They will seek getty

between the cdu and csu. Despite his strongman Franz Josef Strauss. (Ger- someone capable of shaping this new images strong reproaches, csu supporters are ald Flurry explains this legacy in “Has identity—someone capable of standing up ,©

pressuring Seehofer to do even more to Germany’s Strongman Finally Arrived?”, to Russia, getting tough with the refugees, istock

oppose Merkel and fix the refugee crisis. page 7.) Stoiber and Seehofer are articu- and finally fixing the economic crises. . com

Although the majority of the German lating the thoughts and concerns of rap- This is the new sobering reality: Con- / edstock public disagrees with Merkel on the ref- idly growing numbers of Germans and temporary Europe is on its way out and ugee issue, most Germans do not want Europeans. Their message is popular Europe’s old demons are returning. n 6 THE PHILADELPHIA TRUMPET HAS GERMANY’S STRONGMAN FINALLY ARRIVED? We have been prophesying of this for 70 years. Crises in Germany and Europe are reaching new heights. Watch what happens next. by gerald flurry

ermany is facing one German Chancellor Angela Merkel What do we of the worst crises has been very liberal in opening Germa- really mean with in its modern his- ny’s borders to this flood of foreigners, ‘integration’? What is the tory. Refugees from and she is quickly losing popular sup- purpose of right to asylum? And how the Middle East are port as a result. much more immigration is possible?” flooding into Europe One prominent politician who has (September 4, Trumpet translation; by the hundreds of strongly criticized Chancellor Merkel emphasis mine). thousands, and more are traveling to for her response to the refugee crisis is Mr. Stoiber warned that all Europe GGermany than to any other nation—an Edmund Stoiber. He was once chairman faces an oncoming “era of immigra- estimated 1.5 million just this year! of the Christian Social Union (csu), sister tion.” He said, “We have watched for too This is an emergency with massive party to Merkel’s Christian Democratic long seeing our external borders cease implications for Germany. First is the Union. “Certainly he would ask the to exist in southern Europe.” He flatly financial cost of assimilating all those question, how many people from different rejects Merkel’s statement that Islam is people into German society, including the linguistic and cultural backgrounds can a part of Germany. “I’m not adopting this com . strain on public services and welfare pro- our country accommodate?” he said, proposal,” he said.

istock grams. Many Germans are also troubled according to Germany’s Der Bayernkurier. This crisis could alter Germany’s

/© by the cultural and religious influence of “There are limits in transportation and political landscape. It would do so even

ostill so many Arabs and Muslims. Then there hospitals and soccer stadiums. There are faster if one of these refugees commit- / is the very real danger of violent terror- also limitations for our country. … How ted a deadly terrorist attack. Chancellor trumpet ists entering in among the refugees! much foreignness can a country handle? Merkel already appears vulnerable on NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2015 7 The Herbert W. Armstrong Connection by gerald flurry ranz Josef Strauss was a leader among world leaders. F He served as premier of the prominent state of Bavaria, as West Germany’s defense minister, in three other cabinet-level ministerial posts, and as the prominent chairman of the Chris- tian Social Union, a party he helped found, the headquarters of which is located in the Franz-Josef-Strauss-Haus in Munich. Otto von Habsburg was head of a family that had ruled the Holy Roman Empire from the 15th century to the 19th century. He served as a member of the European Parliament, devoting his life to creating a European superstate. He authored The Social Order of Tomorrow, which espoused essentially the same ulti- mate vision that Strauss’s The Grand Design did: the creation of a federated United States of Europe, underpinned by Catholicism. Herbert W. Armstrong was connected to these men in the sense that he saw in them characteristics that matched Bible prophecies about a modern German strongman. But he was also connected to them in another way: They both visited him. Dr. Habsburg flew to California in July 1983 to meet Mr. Armstrong at the headquarters campus of Ambassador College and the Worldwide Church of God. He addressed the students, toured Ambassador Auditorium, and dined with Mr. Armstrong and other college faculty and church officials. He had a private meeting with Mr. Armstrong and another with the head of the church’s news bureau. After delivering an address in Los Ange- les, he flew with Mr. Armstrong on the church’s private jet to Washington, d.c., for another address. this issue and would become far more so. Bavarian Prime Minister Edmund Stoi- “the strongman of Europe”—not just And this is hardly the only crisis in ber describes his personal memories of Germany. They called him “a man for Germany and Europe! The whole euro- Franz Josef Strauss, who would have emergencies.” He was unafraid to chal- zone faces economic and financial turned 100 years old. Stoiber called lenge others. When the first post-Nazi collapse. Russia’s resurgence under Strauss ‘the father of the people’s party’ chancellor needed someone to build up Vladimir Putin is deeply troubling to and ‘the greatest political son of Bavaria.’” West Germany’s military to help stave off Eastern Europeans in particular. In the article, Stoiber wrote, “He was a Soviet Russia—even though the German Together these crises constitute one Bavarian in the heart of Germany and military was at that time synonymous of the most significant threats Germany European in vision. The modern peo- with Nazi evil—this seemingly impossi- and Europe have experienced since ple’s party was embodied in Franz Josef ble job went to someone tough enough to World War ii, and easily the most signifi- Strauss. … For me, he remains a teacher handle it: Franz Josef Strauss. cant since German reunification in 1989. and fatherly friend” (ibid). In 1965—just 20 years after World Europe’s greatest need right now Mr. Stoiber sees Strauss as a men- War ii, when few would have envisioned is leadership. tor, and seeks to continue his legacy. He Germany as a re-emergent world power— was one of the first to support Strauss’s Strauss wrote a book titled The Grand Stoiber’s Mentor campaign for the chancellorship in 1980 Design: A European Solution to German Edmund Stoiber’s criticisms are of spe- and served as a campaign aide. Stoiber Reunification. It explained how Germany cial interest because of this man’s fasci- followed in Strauss’s footsteps as minis- could rise to power again—as part of a nating history. ter-president of Bavaria and csu chairman. federal Europe. The central idea behind The German-language article that To understand the significance of Strauss’s vision was what he called “a reported on his comments was actu- this association, you must know more massive drive to achieve, step by step, a ally about an event Stoiber spoke at about Franz Josef Strauss. European political federation.” He spoke commemorating Franz Josef Strauss. Strauss is a giant in German post- out for the reunification of Germany, Under the headline “Stoiber: Strauss war history. His remarkable political effectively preparing the nation for its Is the Father of the People’s Party,” Der career spanned nearly four decades unification in 1989, and was instrumen- trumpet Bayernkurier reported, “The csu hon- from the 1950s until his death in 1988. tal in developing the European Union as orary chairman and long-standing He was literally known in the press as a means of achieving German ambitions. 8 THE PHILADELPHIA TRUMPET In 1968, Finance Minister Strauss gave an interview to the Mr. Armstrong wrote that he kept in touch with Strauss and popular radio and television programs Mr. Armstrong estab- knew him well. Ten years later, they met again—a remarkable lished: The World Tomorrow. In 1969, Strauss went to visit Mr. relationship, even among the dozens of others Mr. Armstrong had Armstrong at his home. with prime ministers, presidents, kings and other world leaders. The strongman of Europe toured the award-winning build- “Incidentally, Drs. Habsburg and Strauss are close friends,” ings and grounds of the Ambassador College campus in Pas- Mr. Armstrong wrote, “and for some reason I do not under- adena, which won the Professional Grounds Management stand—but may be of God’s designing—both are very friendly Society award three times for best landscaped and best main- to me and to Ambassador College” (member and co-worker tained campus in the United States. He met students and fac- letter, July 24, 1983). ulty members, delivered an address to them, toured a class, God inspired the Bible with accurate prophecies of events and later sat for another interview for The World Tomorrow. that are happening now, centuries after they were written. The class he toured was my Comparative Religion class. It He revealed those prophecies to Mr. Armstrong. He literally was quite an experience to see this man and his entourage come opened to him the office doors of heads of state. Is it possible into our class. I could tell the instructor had a little difficulty that He inspired these great German men to come to Mr. Arm- getting through his lecture with Herr Strauss listening intently strong, and that He has some design for it? for a few minutes. There was a buzz all over campus that day. We Those men came to Ambassador College with an open mind didn’t know what the future held for Strauss, but we definitely and were deeply impressed. In the buildings, in the landscapes, felt like something unusual and significant was happening. in the students, in the faculty, they saw a way of life that worked! At the end of Strauss’s first day on campus, he made an These were able men who devoted their dynamic lives to trying extraordinary remark. “[H]e commented that he had just spent to better their country and their world—as they saw fit, using the happiest day of his life,” Mr. Armstrong wrote. “The peace politics, strategy, economics, religion. They came to Ambassa- and happiness here are contagious! Dr. Strauss drank it in. Herr dor College and saw something totally different, totally unex- Strauss said, ‘We need an Ambassador College in Germany’” pected. It was real education that solved real problems. They (co-worker letter, June 28, 1971). saw a way of life that worked because it came not from politics After Strauss visited Pasadena, he flew to the Ambassador or tradition or human reasoning but from the Bible. College campus in Big Sandy, Texas, and then on to Houston When people fulfill their purpose for being created, they are and Washington, d.c. And interestingly, he actually sent his joyful, and the peace and happiness is contagious. God’s way of wife back to Pasadena to enjoy one more day on that peaceful, life was rare in Mr. Armstrong’s lifetime, and it is rare today. But happy, beautiful campus. it does live on. It exists here, at Herbert W. Armstrong College.

A great deal of Strauss’s vision has having gotten started. But the Bible War ii, Mr. Armstrong said the fulfill- since become reality. Beyond that, the reveals that Europe will not only unite, ment of this prophecy was yet future. strongman persona he embodied is but that it will become a superpower! It Now we are seeing it happen! The future one that could hold the key for Ger- specifies that it will consist of 10 nations, of Europe is tied to this king of fierce many’s future! and that it will be glued together by the countenance. We are watching for him. Vatican and powered by a political leader Mr. Armstrong watched Franz Josef A Prophecy About a Strongman in Germany. A strongman. Strauss, a powerful man and a favor- One man who closely watched Strauss’s God revealed symbols of future events ite of the Vatican, to see if he would political career was Herbert W. Arm- to the Prophet Daniel. But interestingly, fulfill the biblically prophesied role of strong. He was founder and editor in He did not explain to Daniel what those Europe’s strongman. In a 1983 letter, chief of the Plain Truth newsmagazine, events would be. The prophecy was Mr. Armstrong mentioned two “out- forerunner of the Philadelphia Trum- sealed until the “time of the end” (Dan- standing political leaders.” The first pet. Mr. Armstrong observed world iel 8:17; 12:4, 9). Compare these events to was Strauss; the second was Otto von events closely, especially in Europe. He today, however, and it is clear that these Habsburg, who led the 700-year-old devoted much of his work and his mes- prophecies are for now! Daniel 8:23 house of Habsburg, a dynasty that ruled sage—which reached millions of people describes a “king of fierce countenance” the Holy Roman Empire for centuries. It worldwide—to analyzing Germany in who rises to power not democratically, is one of the most prestigious royal fam- particular. Why? Because he studied and but “by flatteries” (Daniel 11:21). The Bible ilies in Europe. Habsburg was a leading proclaimed Bible prophecy, and Bible prophesies that this powerful leader will member of the European Parliament prophecy forecasted not only that Ger- reign over the “king of the north” (Dan- who devoted his life to European unifi- many would reunite, but that it would iel 11:40). He will be from a war-making cation. Both of these men, Strauss and lead Europe once again—exactly what nation descended from ancient Assyria: Habsburg, forged personal friendships we are seeing today. Germany. Mr. Armstrong prophesied with Mr. Armstrong (sidebar, above). Bible prophecy gets specific about about a fierce king ruling a German-led Mr. Armstrong wrote, “The world Germany’s future. Analysts say that federal European superpower—begin- appears bereft of ‘great men.’ But a Europe’s political unification project is ning in the 1930s! And even when Hitler world-recognized ‘strong man’ in all about to fall apart without really ever rose to lead Germany, early on in World probability will now very soon appear. … NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2015 9 There will be 10 [kings], ruling 10 nations for an audience with Pope Benedict xvi, unify Europe under the Vatican? or groups of nations in the area of the who is also a Bavarian. So Stoiber has a In 2008, Bild.de wrote, “When asked once-great Holy Roman Empire. But close connection with the Vatican.) if he felt like a political grandson of Franz there will be one super-king over the 10″ Guttenberg is bright, young, aristo- Josef Strauss, Guttenberg clearly avows (Plain Truth, May 1969). cratic and popular. He is the protégé of the csu patriarch, even though he was Concerning that super-king, Mr. Arm- Stoiber, who is the protégé of Strauss. He just 16 years old as he died: ‘Strauss has strong wrote that Europe was “waiting is also yet another favorite of the Vati- influenced even me. Therefore I feel nei- for the confidence-inspiring leader ….” can. Interestingly, part of his family line ther shame nor fear to repeatedly appeal Mr. Armstrong felt Franz Josef Strauss traces back to the House of Habsburg. specifically to the impressive legacy of might be that leader. Yet Strauss died Politically, he is descended from the Franz Josef Strauss.’” in 1988. Habsburg died in 2011. German lines of Strauss and of Habsburg. Such statements powerfully recall strength and the dream of European In an August 17 article headlined, “Gut- what Mr. Armstrong said about Strauss unification, however, did not die with tenberg, the Savior in Demand,” Germa- and the prophesied emergence of a Ger- them. When Strauss first published his ny’s Wirtschafts Woche wrote, “Germans man strongman. We continue to watch ideas, he knew he might not live to see are constantly fascinated by every new Europe the same way Mr. Armstrong did his dreams carried out. “… I am under action of the former defense minister, and are seeing prophecies snap into place no illusions about the length of time it even after he escaped to a luxury prop- faster than ever! It is amazing how much will take to set this sequence of events in erty in New York following his downfall of what we see today traces straight back train,” he wrote. “It might take a genera- for plagiarism in 2011. This unwavering to the vision and even the persons of Otto tion. … If the process is to take time, then fascination also explains why yet another von Habsburg and especially of Franz it must be time put to good use.” traditional German organization is vigor- Josef Strauss. Clearly, Strauss’s legacy During Strauss’s day, the groundwork ously courting Guttenberg as their savior, continues through Edmund Stoiber and was laid for the fulfillment of the proph- the csu”—the party of Strauss and Stoiber. Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg. ecies of a Vatican-German alliance and When he became defense minister Given the atmosphere of crisis and the rise of a German strongman. Still, in 2009, Guttenberg was reportedly the political climate in Germany today, those prophecies have yet to be fulfilled. welcomed by the military as “one of we should watch for this prophecy to be Though conditions weren’t quite ready their own,” largely thanks to his centu- fulfilled at any time! for such a strongman to emerge then, the ries-long aristocratic background. The Spiegel Online published an article stage is set for his appearance today. influence of the aristocratic class in the about the crisis on August 31. Its title: That man is out there somewhere— military and elsewhere in German cul- “Dark Germany, Bright Germany: Which ready to take control of Europe and ture has remained strong. Side Will Prevail Under Strain of Refu- literally shock the world! If we understand Germany’s gees?” Will this nation lose control of recent military history, that could be its borders and succumb to the flood of Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg a vital piece of information! For exam- immigrants until much of it becomes Now, Europe’s refugee crisis is bringing ple, that nation started World Wars i more foreign than native? That is what this question to the forefront, a question and ii. (Request The Holy Roman Empire we are seeing in Britain and the U.S. Or Herbert W. Armstrong first asked more in Prophecy for more information.) will Germany find some bright, enlight- than 80 years ago: Who will be the strong- Note the full name of the aristocratic ened course of action to solve this crisis? man of Europe? Europe clearly needs a Karl-Theodor Maria Nikolaus Johann Or—will it respond with a strong- leader with vision, a leader able to con- Jacob Philipp Franz Joseph Sylvester Frei- man—and a dark Germany? front these epic problems. herr von und zu Guttenberg. Freiherr is a Biblical prophecy makes the answer Germany is the strongest, healthiest title of nobility (also known as reichsfrei- clear. A strongman is on the scene, just nation in Europe, and the only nation herr) denoting a baron of the Holy Roman waiting for the right moment to emerge capable of addressing these crises. The Empire. Do you think the man who bears in order to realize Strauss’s vision for German people also have a history of that name and those centuries of heritage G er m a ny repeatedly turning to a strongman for shares the same deep desire of Strauss, and for leadership in an emergency. Recall Otto Habsburg and Stoiber? Does he want to Europe! n the Great, Charles v, Otto von Bismarck and Adolf Hitler, to name a few. One man we have watched for some Why look for a strongman? years is Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg, another Bavarian political leader. Gut- History and prophecy prove that when the tenberg entered the scene as Stoiber was wrong leader gets control of Europe, the world running for chancellor. (Incidentally, just enters terrible times. one day after Stoiber nearly became Ger- man chancellor in 2002—his party lost Request our free book The Holy Roman Empire in by only the tiniest of margins to that of Prophecy to learn more. Gerhard Schröder—Stoiber was in Rome 10 THE PHILADELPHIA TRUMPET poisoning and alcohol-related injuries; the majority are freshmen. The number one cause is binge drinking. Besides the deaths from alcohol abuse, another 590,000 students are injured each year from alcohol-related accidents, including automobile wrecks and falls from high-elevation balconies. While some new college students are experienced with drinking alcohol, many are not. It is the young freshman who refrained from alcohol and drug use in high school who is the most vulnerable to the peer pressure to party up. “At least eight freshmen at U.S. colleges have died the first few weeks of this school year,” reported Inside Higher Ed in September 2014. At Texas Tech University, a freshman died of alcohol poisoning at a frater- nity party 24 hours before his first day at school. At Michigan State University, Is It Too Dangerous to an international student died after a night of drinking during the university’s Send Your Kid to College? “move-in weekend.” At Towson Univer- sity, a freshman died after falling into a glass door at a party. These were terrible Parents are relieved when they get their child through high tragedies for the families, friends, col- school and into college. But is campus living safe? by dennis leap lege administrators and other students. American colleges and universities hat type of environment do could happen in their community. But tout themselves as bastions of personal you picture college to be? it did! freedom for young college students. They W Especially if you are planning Within days of the Umpqua killings, can be overwhelming places for students to send your child to one, you need to two more campus shootings took place. who lived a structured and safe life at make sure that picture matches reality. The shooting at Northern Arizona Univer- home. There is only so much that college Of the 52 school shootings that took sity in Flagstaff left one freshman dead or university administrators can say or place in 2015 before mid-October, 21 and three other young students injured. do to warn your child. All wise parents occurred at colleges and universities. At Texas Southern University in Houston, need to make time to educate their col- The bloodiest took place at Umpqua two students were shot, one fatally. lege student about the choices he will be Community College in Roseburg, Ore- Mass shootings at college campuses forced to make while living on his own. gon, on October 1. The statistics are chill- make big news. However, there are other ing: nine people murdered at point blank life-threatening risks your teen must Rape and Sexual Assault range; nine others seriously injured. The escape to survive college. Here are sev- At many college parties, illegal drugs are shooter, also a student, committed sui- eral that you should be preparing your often consumed with alcohol. Besides cide. This was the first campus mass son or daughter to avoid. being potentially fatal, experts know shooting to take place in one classroom. that drug abuse is a main factor leading Attending her first week of college, Binge Drinking to college campus rape and sexual assault. Sarah Cobb, 17, was in the classroom next College students have come to believe “The majority of safety-related incidents to the murders. Familiar with hunting, that partying, which often means … occur when students are under the she fully understood what was happen- excessive drinking and dangerous influence,” warns Connors State College’s ing inside the classroom next to hers. She drugs, is an essential part of their high- eight-page student safety manual. “Many ran through the rest of the building tell- er-education experience. The Princeton victims and perpetrators of sexual assault ing others to run from the tragic trou- Review publishes an annual list of the are under the influence when an incident ble. “I don’t even know what to think,” top party schools in America based on occurs. Make smart choices so that your she said when asked about surviving student surveys. judgment and your safety aren’t compro- trumpet / the mass shooting. “I’m terrified. I don’t College administrators are not mised by alcohol or other drug abuse.” want to go back there for a long time.” thrilled to have their institution win the The manual makes a few more state- barreiro

No one living in Roseburg would have top spot. Why? Each year, an estimated ments about the dangers of mixing “legal” melissa believed that something so devastating 1,825 college students die from alcohol COLLEGE PAGE 36 u NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2015 11 RAGE Palestinians demonstrate in Gaza City on October 10 to support the recent upsurge of attacks against Jews.

Why Jerusalem Is Bleeding The recent rash of horrific attacks In mid-October, the day-in, day-out about escalating tensions and urge all by Palestinians in Israel is not list of Palestinian homicidal and arson- sides to take affirmative steps to restore leading to an independent state— ist attacks grew almost every single day. calm and prevent actions that would fur- it is leading to Jerusalem being Palestinian leaders actually encourage ther escalate tensions.” In other words, cut in half. by stephen flurry these attacks in order to advance their the Palestinians must tone down the vio- agenda, whipping up violent fervor with lence—and so must the Jews! ou may—or may not—have lies about “dirty” Israelis planning to Associated Press reporter Matt Lee heard vague reports of more vio- allow Jews to pray on the Temple Mount noticed the State Department’s veiled Y lence breaking out between Pales- or to just take it over, depending on whom condemnation of Israel. He quizzed State tinians and Jews. But look in detail at the you believe. Then they praise those who Department spokesman Mark Toner list of attacks and reprisals, just in the have tried to or succeeded in murder- about it: “Does the [Obama] adminis- first half of October, and it is horrifying. ing Jews. They even branded it: a “Day tration believe that Israel is inciting or A husband and wife are shot to death of Rage.” Palestinian leaders want their not condemning violence?” in their car by Palestinians, dying in people to go berserk with racist violence. “[W]hat we’ve been very clear about front of their four children, ages 9, 7, 4 Meanwhile, one wonders if we are saying is that we want to see both and 4 months. Two men on their way to just a “Day of Rage” or two away from sides take affirmative steps, affirma- worship in Jerusalem’s Old City are mur- another bloody intifada, where Pales- tive actions that reduce tensions in the dered, and a wife and 2-year-old child tinians go all-out and strap explosives region,” Toner said. He acknowledged are wounded by a knife-wielding Pales- and ball bearings to themselves, then the horrific attacks against Israelis but tinian law student. Palestinians in Gaza search out people on buses or families added, “[W]e’ve seen also attacks on fire rockets at Israeli civilians. A young at cafés that they can murder en masse. Palestinians, [investigations for which] Palestinian man stabs an elderly Israeli remain ongoing.” woman as she boards a bus. A Palestin- American Response Yes, outraged Israeli settlers have ian driver rams his car into a bus stop The nation with the world’s largest econ- burned olive trees and beaten Palestin- mahmud

and sends bodies flying, then gets out and omy, military and, formerly, political ians. Yes, Palestinian bystanders have hams hacks a victim with a knife. Two Palestin- influence has an opportunity to help. been killed as Israeli police, troops and / afp

ians board a bus and begin stabbing and What does it do? The United States airmen have conducted raids and strikes / getty shooting passengers, murdering one. Pal- Department of State responded to these against Palestinian terrorists (who not

estinian arsonists attack cars and build- terrorist attacks on Israeli citizens with only target Jewish civilians, but also hide images ings. Rioters attack police and soldiers. this: “We remain deeply concerned among and behind Palestinian civilians). 12 THE PHILADELPHIA TRUMPET But why is the State Department equating that with a man who plows his car into The Holy City’s Child Terrorists people at a bus stop, or a child who stabs ctober 12 was a normal day AFTERMATH Volunteers clean away at another child, or terrorists who O for a 13-year-old boy in Jerusa- up the scene of a bus attack in aim their rockets at civilian areas, or mur- lem as he got on his bicycle for a ride Jerusalem on October 13. derers who shoot unsuspecting parents through his neighborhood of Pis- to death in front of their young children? gat Zeev. Then, suddenly, two peo- Lee then asked what the United States ple rushed up and began to stab him. expects from the Israelis to reduce the This was the third knife attack violence in Israel. Toner responded that of the day around the Holy City, and they should “[uphold] the status quo the 22nd over a span of 13 days. But in Haram al-Sharif and [the] Temple the most startling fact was the age of Mount.” That is exactly what the Israelis the child’s would-be murderers: two have been doing for decades. By empha- Arab cousins, just 13 and 15. sizing it, the State Department was Police confronted the 15-year-old, “[I]mpressionable young responding to, legitimizing and perpet- who was still holding the machete. Palestinians have been uating a lie from Arab propaganda: that He charged, and was fatally shot. persuaded that their [g]od Jews are plotting to desecrate Muslim The 13-year-old was hit by a car. As requires them to kill, and holy sites and to blow up mosques. he lay on the pavement, squirming Chief among those Arab propagan- in blood, paramedics tried to save if necessary be killed, to dists is Palestinian Authority President his young life. An Israeli passerby ‘protect al-Aqsa.’” Mahmoud Abbas. He lied before the videoing the boy shouted, “Die! Die! —Daniel Horovitz, Times of Israel United Nations General Assembly about You son of a whore!” Israel sending Jewish extremists into the How has it come to this? Why are two children who should be doing home- al-Aqsa Mosque and said this on Septem- work or chores attempting murder instead? How much more saturated in hatred ber 16 during a speech on Palestinian tv: can Jerusalem get? Why Jerusalem Is Bleeding “[W]e bless every drop of blood spilled for What motivated these children to kill? Was it their parents, absorbed in Pales- Jerusalem. With the help of Allah, every tinian media that distorts events and demonizes Israelis? Was it propaganda in martyr will be in heaven. … Al-Aqsa is their schools? Was it the children’s television program with the Mickey Mouse-like ours and so is the Church of the Holy Sep- character who praises “martyrdom”? Was it the Facebook and Twitter images vil- ulcher. [Jews] have no right to desecrate ifying Jews and glorifying their murderous “martyrs”? Was it the religious estab- them with their filthy feet. We will not lishment implying, or stating, that “protecting al-Aqsa” means killing 13-year-olds? allow them to, and we will do everything Most likely, it was the accumulation of all these influences. This shocking in our power to protect Jerusalem.” attack reveals something larger: A whole generation of young Palestinians is Israel has consistently upheld a saturated in hate. decades-old policy of protecting and pre- But what about the Israeli who saw a heap of quivering, broken flesh crumpled on serving all holy sites in Israel—whether the street and shouted at him to die? His outrage is understandable. But his reaction they are Jewish, Christian or Muslim. reveals that he too carries a terrible hatred. Contrary to insinuations by the State Will “peace in the Middle East” ever be more than a cliché? Isn’t this problem Department (not to mention Palestinian beyond the ability of clever politicians to solve? terrorists), Israel has upheld that status Don’t we need a healing of minds in the Middle East? by brent nagtegaal quo since 1967, when it took control of East Jerusalem and the Temple Mount. But that fact is lost on—or ignored They just want a state so they can live Jews they encounter or the mobs in the by—the Obama administration. Sec- peacefully alongside Israel. West Bank who are seeking to set off con- retary of State John Kerry similarly Israeli Prime Minster Benjamin Net- frontations with Israeli troops, and you attributed the violence in Jerusalem to anyahu’s statement is more in line with the don’t hear much about frustration about Israeli policies, saying, “[U]nless we get visible, horrifying facts. “Terror,” he said, the peace process. … What you do see are going, a two-state solution could conceiv- “comes from the desire to annihilate us.” accounts of Muslim religious fervor that ably be stolen from everybody. [T]here’s Commentary’s Jonathan Tobin wrote, is drenched in the fever of martyrdom been a massive increase in settlements “While the narrative about this latest out- and faith-based hate” (October 12). over the course of the last years. Now you break of violence from critics of Israel is The Palestinians themselves have have this violence because there’s a frus- that it is all about the sins of the ‘occupa- called this uprising the “hibat al-Quds”— tration that is growing ….” tion’ and Israel denying hope to the Pales- the “Jerusalem awakening.” The terror is Secretary Kerry would have you tinians, what we are hearing from them coming as a response to a false conspir- believe that Palestinians are lashing out is a very different story. Read any of the acy about a Jewish takeover of Muslim images in violent terrorist acts because they are accounts of the motivations of the peo- holy sites. At its core, it is a religious war

getty frustrated at the stalled peace process! ple going into the streets to stab random based on hatred of the Jews! NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2015 13 Jewish Lives Matter favors, but to benefit all of mankind. The more you scrutinize Bible proph- International coverage has been muted That booklet explains how (and we will ecy, the more you realize how timely if not outright biased. It has primar- gladly send you a free copy upon request). and accurate it is about the situation ily focused on the number of deaths on Who would hate something like that? in Jerusalem. either side of the conflict, or on the “dis- The very real, very active Satan the devil. The violent trend we see today is lead- proportionate” Israeli response. But what Wouldn’t you describe a 13-year-old ing to the fulfillment of a critical and proportion do you use, exactly, when peo- Palestinian trying to murder another surprisingly specific prophecy in Zech- ple are inspiring their children to pick up 13-year-old simply because he is Jewish ariah 14:1-2: “Behold, the day of the Lord a knife and go after your children? as satanic? cometh, and thy spoil shall be divided Even after 150 terrorist attacks within Satan hates God, hates His plan, and in the midst of thee. For I will gather all 48 hours, “somehow the international hates the people He commissioned. He nations against Jerusalem to battle; and community is silent in the face of this ter- inspires anti-Semitism. And he wants the city shall be taken, and the houses ror onslaught against my people,” Arsen that hatred to explode. rifled, and the women ravished; and Ostrovsky, a Jewish human rights lawyer, half of the city shall go forth into wrote. “Is our blood cheaper? Do Jewish Jewish Response captivity, and the residue of the people lives not matter? Let there be no mis- Following the October attacks, Israeli shall not be cut off from the city.” takes, ifs, buts or maybes. We are being civilians began purchasing stun guns, The Trumpet has publicized this targeted for one reason and one reason clubs and every available can of pepper prophesied development for years. only: We are Jews” (Telegraph, October 9). spray. They enrolled in classes to learn When there were flare-ups between Can anyone argue that he’s wrong? military-style hand-to-hand combat. Israel and Hezbollah in the north, and Like every other race, the Jewish Jerusalem’s mayor called for gun-permit then between Gaza and Israel in the race matters. Yet it has suffered unusu- holders to carry guns in order to hope- south, Gerald Flurry explained that the ally virulent hatred perhaps more than fully deter future attempted homicides. West Bank would be next, and finally, any other. Why have the Jews been hated Israel’s Central Bureau of Statistics Jerusalem. “We will see [the] prophecy in for centuries—in the Middle Ages, at says the country now has a shortage Zechariah 14:1-2 fulfilled very soon,” his booklet Jerusalem in Prophecy explains. “Do Jewish lives not matter? We are being Studying that prophecy in combination with several others, you see that targeted for one reason and one reason this event will plunge the Jewish state only: We are Jews.” —ARSEN OSTROVSKY and many other nations into a crisis more horrifying than the Holocaust. It the hands of the Catholic Church, by of private security guards because of will be a tragic period when Jewish lives the Spanish, by the Russians, by the increased demand. And those guards are won’t matter. Arabs, even by many Americans and now officially approved by the Economy But there is hope for Jerusalem. British. Why did Nazi Germany operate Ministry to work overtime. While the time ahead “will involve some an enormous machine solely to murder The Israeli government has put more sickening atrocities and bloodshed,” Jews? “Where is all of this hate coming police and soldiers onto the streets. It has that booklet continues, “it is directly from?” Trumpet editor in chief Gerald deployed soldiers to Jerusalem, a very connected to the greatest news this Flurry asks in his booklet The Key of rare occurrence. It has taken the major world has ever heard!” In the same way David. “A thinking person has to wonder! step of setting up checkpoints in East that the Bible was right about the events We know the Jews, like all humans, have Jerusalem and reportedly may close those we see exploding in Israel, the Bible is helped to create some of their own prob- routes completely. Soldiers are guarding right that they are leading to the return lems. But we must see that there is some- buses. Troops are on the streets. Palestin- of Jesus Christ to Earth—to Jerusalem! thing deeper behind anti-Semitism.” ian areas are being partially blocked off. Christ will end the days of people view- God is not a respecter of persons or What is this leading to? ing those of another race with hatred races (Romans 2:10-11; Acts 10:34). But The Israelis don’t know. The Palestin- and contempt. Because of Christ’s com- the Bible clearly reveals that God chose ians don’t know. The media don’t know. ing rule—and only because of that— a race of people and gave them a job to But the Bible reveals where this is head- the “Days of Rage” in do. Prominent among those people are ing. We are about to see Jerusalem split Jerusalem are about the Jews. God is using the Jews (Romans down ethnic lines between east and west! to become days of 2:28-29). Not to give them special, unfair These are the early stages of that division. peace. n

Half of Jerusalem is about to fall.

The present violence is a foretaste of a prophesied takeover of half the city. To learn more about this staggering prophecy, request our free booklet Jerusalem in Prophecy.

14 THE PHILADELPHIA TRUMPET A NEW GLOBAL ARMS RACE

The world is becoming a more dangerous place, and the blame largely rests with America. by richard palmer

Is the world more dangerous than ever before? You might read a columnist or hear a presidential candidate make the assertion that it is. But how do you prove the truth of it? One trend that gives a good indication is military spending. In 2011, the world was spending nearly as much on its military as it was at the height of World War ii. We have remained around that historic peak in the years since. Even adjusted for inflation, the world is spending more than at any other time in history— during the Cold War, World War i or any other time. It would be simplistic to say that the more money we spend on weapons, the more dangerous our world is. It also matters who is spending it. And trumpet / when you look at those facts, the picture becomes zoellner

reese even more disturbing. NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2015 15 Middle East e see the same trend in the W Middle East. There the main driver of this growth is Iran. In this year’s budget, Iran raised its defense spending by 30 percent, and the recently concluded nuclear deal could open the door to even bigger increases. CHA-CHING Workers roll out another Eurofighter Typhoon at an EADS “The limits to Iran’s military expendi- facility near Manching, Germany. tures have been a matter of necessity more than intent, and this necessity has been as much a result of international pressure Europe and sanctions as the limits imposed by Iran’s gdp and its need to support a large ast year, Russia increased its German leaders were talking about native population,” the U.S.-based Cen- L defense budget by 8 percent; this increasing the defense budget. Just the ter for Strategic and International Stud- year, it has said it wants to raise it by fact that people were talking this way ies wrote in an April 28 report. “… Iran has 15 percent. This move by Russia has was news—for years, the goal had been been subject to slowly growing and now prompted some dramatic jumps in to cut the budget. crippling sanctions, leading to a deval- European military spending. At first, former Defense Minister Karl- ued currency, significant reductions in Latvia is boosting its spending by Theodor zu Guttenberg was one of the oil exports, trade disruptions, higher 15 percent; Lithuania, by 50 percent. only high-profile people calling for an inflation, and a shrinking economy ….” Ukraine, still warring with pro-Russian increase in military spending. “It is In other words, Iran wants to spend even separatists—and even Russian forces— appalling that Germany recently decided more on its military, and the main thing is expected to double its military spend- to cut military spending by about €800 holding it back has been the sanctions. ing this year. million (us$1.05 billion) in 2015,” he Once those are gone, that spending is sure Further west, the increases are also wrote in the Wall Street Journal in to rise even more. dramatic. Poland pledged to spend an September 2014. The American Action Forum crunched extra $38 billion between 2013 and 2022. Soon after, others started joining some numbers and concluded that extra This year, France promised a $7 billion him. The New York Times wrote that in income made available to Iran by the deal increase by 2019. Sweden says it will response to the German military stum- would mean that its defense budget would spend an extra billion. Norway and the bling in operations in Iraq and Africa, rise by $10 billion to $15 billion. The group Netherlands both announced increases German politicians were “pondering notes, “Nothing in the deal would prevent in the hundreds of millions. aloud the possible revision of what has Iran from spending more than that to The most important thing about these long been a political no-go: raising the fund their military or terrorist organiza- statistics is not the numbers themselves, budget for defense spending” (Sept. 29, tions and authoritarian regimes through- but the direction of the trend. For years, 2014). German defense expert Thomas out the Middle East” (August 5). Europe’s militaries have been shrinking. Wiegold said, “Now I am being asked This jump is having a big impact Not anymore. whether we should spend more money. across the region, most dramatically in “These decisions present fundamental That has never happened before” (ibid). Saudi Arabia. revisions of long-standing military spend- This year, the spending has begun. Saudi Arabia is the world’s ing practices in most of the countries that In March, Germany announced an €8 fourth-largest military spender. And saw their defense budgets in more or less billion (us$9.1 billion) boost in mili- its spending has exploded. Over just the constant decline since the end of the Cold tary spending. That’s an increase of 6.2 past 10 years, it has more than doubled War,” wrote the Royal United Services percent. Such an increase went from its military expenditure. In 2014, it rose Institute, a UK-based think tank. “The unthinkable, to unpopular, to becom- 17 percent, the largest increase in any of recent developments might therefore ing reality—in around a year. the world’s big spenders. be regarded as being indicative of a sub- Now some Germans are calling for The Saudis are set to boost their stantial change in the countries’ defense even more. The outgoing German Army defense budget by another 27 percent over discourse both at the political level and chief of staff, for example, has called for the next five years, according to ihs Jane’s ©

within the broader public debate” (May 1). an increase in spending of around $23 Aerospace, Defense and Security. The istock

The most significant example of this billion. The new parliamentary ombuds- United Arab Emirates and Qatar are also . com

is Germany. man for the armed forces, Hans-Peter planning to up their spending. Qatari / edstock Last year, several news outlets, Bartel, has called for billions more to officials announced $23 billion worth of including the Trumpet, noted that some be spent. potential deals last year, in what ihs Jane’s 16 THE PHILADELPHIA TRUMPET Estimates based on How nations plan on changing their most recent government military spending in the next five years announced spending plans Middle East Estimates based on forecast by IHS Jane’s called an “unprecedented increase in ×1.4 investment in the military” (June 1). The Financial Times noted that these ×1.3 countries are all “seeking more advanced ×1.2 China Poland weaponry from the U.S. to counter what ×1.1 Germany [they fear] could be an emboldened Iran” France (June 2). ×1 Russia Over the summer, the Pentagon dis- ×.9 USA closed that Saudi Arabia wants to spend 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 $5.5 billion on advanced Patriot missile launchers. If it follows through, it will wield enormous power in the skies ON PARADE Chinese Type 99A above the Persian Gulf. Saudi Arabia battle tanks participate in a military was recently forced to announce cuts to parade at Tienanmen Square. government spending because of low oil prices. But even though defense spending is one third of its budget, it is not cutting that. Economic realities may still curb some of the Saudis’ ambitions, but they are placing a higher priority than ever on the military. All these figures refer only to conventional military spending; they do not include nuclear weapons. As nations Asia throughout the region are well aware, the Iran deal will allow Iran to get a bomb. n Asia, military spending has under- military spender. In 2014, it is estimated Tehran can break the deal and rush for one I gone some major shifts in the past few to have spent $216 billion on its military, now, or stick to the deal and get one legally decades. Since 2005, it has risen 62 per- an increase of about 10 percent over pre- in just a few years. This raises the specter cent. From 2013 to 2014, it rose 5 percent. vious years. As the McKinsey report of a nuclear arms race in the Middle East. In February 2014, consulting firm notes, this trend began decades ago. But The Saudis’ desire for a bomb of their McKinsey & Company published a report, there is also the much more recent trend own has been well documented. In May, “Southeast Asia: The Next Growth Oppor- from China: its island grabbing and the Sunday Times quoted an Ameri- tunity in Defense.” It said, “[A] profound island building in the South China Sea. can intelligence official as saying, “We shift in economic power is reshaping the In May, cnbc published an article titled know this stuff is available to them off global landscape of defense spending. “Asia Defense Spending: New Arms Race the shelf.” As to whether the Saudis had For the first time in more than two cen- in South China Sea,” which said, “The Phil- decided to become a nuclear power, the turies—since the start of the Industrial ippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, official responded, “That has to be the Revolution—the majority of the world’s Thailand and Taiwan are beefing up their assumption.” The Times also quoted economic growth took place in the devel- military in the face of increasingly bold Prince Turki bin Faisal, the former Saudi oping world, driven in large part by China, incursions in the region by China. But intelligence chief and ambassador to Lon- India and other emerging economies. most of that spending is not going to weap- don and Washington, declaring, “What- “Emerging markets are now spending ons makers in the United States.” The sta- ever the Iranians have, we will have, too.” more on defense than ever before. Coun- tistics back up cnbc’s claims. This trend is much harder to get con- tries such as China, Brazil and India have Over the next year, Asia’s major crete, reliable information on. The Sau- doubled or even tripled their defense powers are planning bigger defense dis won’t be publishing regular updates on spending during the past two decades. increases. China plans to increase its their progress toward a bomb. But in June Southeast Asia—Brunei, Cambodia, spending by 10 percent. India is plan- they did sign an agreement with Russia for Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Philippines, ning an 11 percent jump. At the start of civilian nuclear power development. Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam—is this year, Japan approved its largest ever baker

Related to this region is Africa, with now among the top defense spenders defense budget, at around $42 billion— greg /

afp North Africa closely connected to events globally. These countries have collec- the third straight year of increase. ihs / in the Middle East. Here, in 2014, mil- tively doubled their military spending Jane’s forecasts that the Philippines will images itary spending was up 6 percent, with between 1992 and 2012.” double its spending by 2021.

getty Algeria and Angola leading that increase. China is the world’s second-largest ARMS RACE PAGE 32 u NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2015 17 ‘BEAT YOUR PLOWSHARES INTO SWORDS’

Nations around the globe are arming themselves for world war. For the last four years, global military spending has approached its all-time peak during World War II. And it is about to rise even further. The situation brings to mind the chilling end-time prophecy of Joel 3:9-10, where the battle cry is sounded: “Prepare war, wake up the mighty men, let all the men of war draw near; let them come up: Beat your plowshares into swords, and your pruninghooks into spears ….”

U.S.A. Latin America Africa European Union Other Nations $433.25 billion $634.88 billion $53.21 billion $89.92 billion $21.35 billion $48.16 billion $312.86 billion $296.84 billion $90.84 billion

Building to a climax Year-by-year global military expenditures since the beginning of the 20th century show that Cold War spending dwarfed that of what was called “The Great War” at the time—World War I. Those decades of arms build-ups far exceeded even the historically unprecedented calamity of World War ii. Spending dipped after the Soviet Union $200 TRILLION fell in 1990, but now the world has entered a dangerous new era: Year after year, routine defense budgets and $150 TRILLION military expenditures roughly match the brief spike that constituted the most destructive war in human history. (U.S. dollars, adjusted for inflation) $100 TRILLION

$50 TRILLION 1939 1900 1914

1900s 1910s 1920s 1930s 1940s 1950s

Shifting power 1900 Note the breakdown of global spending at crucial points 1914 during the 20th century. The earlier years were dominated 1939 by Britain. Before each world war, Germany vaulted itself 1980 into position as the top spender. America never became a major arms spender until well into World War II. 1990 UK France U.S.A Germany China Russia Other nations 2000 18 THE PHILADELPHIA TRUMPET ‘BEAT YOUR PLOWSHARES INTO SWORDS’ A snapshot of military spending worldwide Comparing arms spending worldwide in 2000 to 2014 reveals a 17.3 percent of America’s defense budget; just 14 years later, it stark picture. The United States dramatically outspends every almost tripled to nearly half of U.S. spending. Also noteworthy other nation on Earth, making its declining global influence is Europe’s substantial yet singularly static defense spending. It even more stunning. Meanwhile, Russia and China are rapidly is facts like these that are causing European leaders to urgently closing the gap. Their combined spending in 2000 represented demand more weapons. (U.S. dollars, adjusted for inflation)

$10 billion of military expenditure in 2000 $10 billion of military expenditure in 2014

Other Nations Middle East Russia China East Asia Minus China $120.13 billion $120.13 billion $206.19 billion $34.24 billion $100.80 billion $40.67 billion $209.95 billion $162.24 billion $217.45 billion

2014 1980

1990 2000

http://cow.dss.ucdavis.edu/data-sets/national-material-capabilities 1950s 1960s 1970s 1980s 1990s 2000s

http://cow.dss.ucdavis.edu/data-sets/national-material-capabilities stockholm international peace research institute

NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2015 19 was anything the Assad regime could do to prevent an American attack. Seem- ingly off-hand, Kerry responded that if Assad “could turn over every single bit of his chemical weapons to the international community in the next week,” that could do it. With that comment, the Russian bear’s ears pricked up. In less than a week, Moscow approached the U.S. with a proposal to remove Assad’s chemical weapons. Not eager for military action, Washington embraced the idea and accepted the agreement—even while Russia stipulated that if Assad didn’t comply, there would still be no UN man- date for military action against him. Russia Outmaneuvers Secretary Kerry called the chemical weapons agreement with Russia “ground- the United States in Syria work for more cooperation” between the former Cold War enemies. The event was How President Obama’s redline debacle gave way to Putin’s sold as a great foreign-policy success for adventurism in the Middle East. by brent nagtegaal the Obama administration—a sign that the “reset” with Russia might actually or the first time since the Moscow has sought to subvert Washing- have worked. In reality, Russia was sim- breakup of the Soviet Union, Rus- ton’s efforts to remove Assad from Syria. ply acting to preserve its ally in the Middle F sian forces are involved in a com- East; removing the chemical weapons was bat mission in the Middle East. Moscow U.S. Played on Chemical Weapons just a distraction to keep Assad in power. says it is basically doing what the United Following its unsuccessful bid for inter- The redline that wasn’t a redline was States has sought to do there: destroy national sanctions on Syria in 2011, the a watershed moment for Russia’s geopo- the powerful extremist terrorist entity U.S. continued to call for Assad to step litical calculus in the Middle East. Rus- that calls itself the Islamic State. Yet the down. Months dragged on, and it was sia now understood that America would facts on the ground indicate Russia’s real clear that it would take more than Amer- rather face a major humiliation and loss ambition: to replace the United States as ican rhetoric to remove Assad. of credibility among its allies and its ene- the dominant power in the region. The existence of large stockpiles of mies in order to get out of deploying its chemical weapons in Syria was well military against Assad—especially since Protecting an Ally known to international agencies. U.S. that would jeopardize another key for- For over four years, a devastating civil officials believed Syria maintained about eign-policy objective of the Obama war has raged within Syria, causing the 1,000 tons of mustard gas, Sarin and VX administration: reconciliation with Iran. greatest migration of people from a war nerve agents in its arsenal. In August zone since World War ii. It started when 2012, President Barack Obama said Suleimani’s Surprise Syrian President Bashar Assad resisted Assad would cross a “redline” if he used With the redline in Syria largely for- the revolutionary fervor that swept other chemical weapons on his own people— gotten, the rise of the vicious Islamic dictators from power across the Middle an implicit threat of force. This threat State diverted the world’s attention East in early 2011, putting down dissent- relieved many of America’s Mideast from Assad’s atrocities. Realizing Syr- ers with overwhelming force. allies, especially the Gulf states; it indi- ia’s armed forces were stretched thin, At the time, Western nations—includ- cated that after so many debacles in the Iran instructed Assad to pull back from ing the U.S., the main power broker in region, the U.S. still had some backbone. Syria’s eastern border. This allowed the the Middle East since the late 1970s— In August 2013, Assad did use chem- Islamic State to gobble up more terri- called for Assad’s removal from office. A ical weapons on rebel-held areas on the tory. It also allowed Assad to devote more United Nations Security Council resolu- outskirts of Damascus, killing hundreds resources to battle the more immediate tion was drafted in October 2011 calling of his own people. Graphic images of threat to the north, the “Syrian rebels.” for sanctions on Assad if he continued dead corpses circulated through the Supported financially and militar- ©

to kill his own people. Two permanent media. The redline was crossed. The ily by Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Turkey, istock

members of the Security Council—Rus- U.S. would have to act. rebel factions were having limited suc- . com

sia and China—blocked the resolution. Before any military action took place, cess at taking territory from the Syrian / sergydv It was a sign of things to come. At U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry was regime. Realizing Assad’s dire situa- every turn in the four years since, asked by a reporter in London if there tion, Iran summoned Lebanon-based 20 THE PHILADELPHIA TRUMPET terrorist group Hezbollah to join the Fighting the Islamic State? America will avoid conflict at all costs. fight. This stemmed regime losses, but As was the case with other recent Rus- Four years ago, the U.S. said “Assad only for a time. sian military interventions such as in must go.” Ever since, Russia has outma- Moscow kept a close eye on the situ- Ukraine, in late August unconfirmed neuvered the U.S., to where Washington is ation. Its only warm-water naval base, reports started to appear that Russian now “flexible on the timetable” for Assad’s located on Syria’s Mediterranean coast, advisers had been spotted with Assad’s departure. How long before America com- would be in jeopardy of falling to the reb- troops. At first, Russia denied having pletely abandons its position and agrees els if Assad’s losses continued. troops on the ground in Syria. But in with Putin that it would be best for Syria In April this year, Assad looked to be early September, when satellite imag- if Assad remained in power? on his last legs. The regime controlled In the Syrian battle of wills, Russia little over 20 percent of Syrian terri- has beaten the U.S. Whether or not Putin tory. The Kurds controlled the north, the decides to stay in the Middle East does Islamic State controlled the east, and the not really matter: The damage to Ameri- rebel factions were pushing west toward can prestige is done. American power no the Mediterranean Sea while knocking longer dominates the Middle East. on Damascus’s back door. America’s traditional allies in the Fearing it was about to lose its ally, Gulf, as well as Israel, are taking notice Iran dispatched its Islamic Revolu- and will have to look elsewhere for the SUPPORT Syrian President tionary Guard Corps (irgc) Quds Force Assad (left) visits Russian protection once guaranteed by America. commander, Gen. Qassem Suleimani, President Putin in Moscow on October 20. to Syria in early June. In the months A Surprise for Putin before, Suleimani—who reports directly Through all the gamesmanship between to Iran’s ayatollah—was seen on the ery captured a forward operating base the U.S. and Russia, one more non-Mid- Iraqi battlefield leading Shiite militias in western Syria that was accommodat- east power stands to be affected by the in the fight against the Islamic State. ing Russian fighters, helicopters and situation in Syria: Europe. During his few days in Syria, Suleimani tanks—Russia had to come clean. Europe is trying to decide what to announced that “the world will be sur- On September 28, President Putin do with the hundreds of thousands of prised by what we and the Syrian mil- used his first address to the United Syrian migrants that have arrived at itary leadership are preparing for the Nations in 10 years to call on the inter- its borders. However, many realize that coming days” (Al-Quds al-Arabi, June 2). national community to stand behind solutions will fall short unless some- In late July, despite a United Nations Syria’s government for the sake of under- thing is done at the main source: Syria. travel ban imposed on the Iranian general mining the Islamic State. Earlier this year, Europe, like the for past terrorist activities, Suleimani However, a look at where Russian fight- U.S., was hoping that a change in the visited Moscow and met with Russian ers have attacked so far indicates that Syrian regime was near. Now, with Rus- President Vladimir Putin. While the U.S. Russia is going less after the Islamic State sia’s intervention, European hopes have State Department dithered on whether than it is the anti-Assad rebels. At the start been dashed. And undoubtedly, Russia or not Suleimani broke the law, Iran and of October, fewer than 10 percent of Rus- isn’t too disturbed by how the immigra- Russia were hatching a plan for Syria. sia’s missiles had struck the Islamic State tion crisis will weaken Europe. Just days before, President Obama or al Qaeda-affiliated targets, accord- As it stands now, Europe is not united said Putin had called him and they ing to the U.S. State Department. “It’s enough, strong enough, and does not have had an encouraging talk about solv- clear that Russia’s strategy in Syria is to enough political will to confront Russia ing the Syrian crisis. Mr. Obama sug- make the conflict binary by giving Syri- in Syria. Indeed, Europe is barely able to gested that Moscow “could be enlisted ans only two choices: Assad or isis,” said form a united front against Russia in the in a diplomatic settlement to the Syrian John Schinder, former U.S. intelligence European border nation of Ukraine. civil war along lines Washington and its analyst (Daily Beast, October 8). But while most commentators will Arab allies support” (Washington Post, What’s worse, many of those rebel scoff at the idea of European interven- September 8). But within a week, Sulei- groups are backed by the U.S. It’s a com- tion in Syria—especially now that Rus- mani was in Moscow unrolling a large mon sight on the Syrian battlefield today sia is there, and the U.S., its nato ally, is map of Syria, showing how a series of set- to see American-made antitank missiles weakened—Bible prophecy says that is backs could be turned into victory—with being fired by cia-approved rebel fac- exactly what will happen. Russian intervention, of course. tions against Russian-built Soviet tanks. Putin’s power play in Syria will not When Suleimani returned to Tehran, Then there are reports of Ameri- last but, in fact, will be short-lived. images

Iranian state media trumpeted that the can fighters being approached by Rus- According to a prophecy found in Psalm getty / meeting had concerned the sale of mili- sian jets over Syrian skies. On October 83, the Syrian people won’t look to Rus- afp / tary hardware to Iran. Now we know that 20, U.S. pilots were warned by their top sia as an ally, nor to Iran. Ultimately they Suleimani’s visit was to plan Russia’s commanders not to react to any Russian will look to a German-led Europe! druzhinin move into Syria to bolster its ailing ally. military planes. This is just another sign That is when you will really begin to

alexey Once again, the U.S. was hoodwinked. of Russia’s brazen confidence, knowing see power exerted over the Middle East.n NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2015 21 The Startling Truth About One of History’s Greatest Kings

How the incredible history of a Persian king can change your view of the Bible by brad macdonald

ven today, more than 2,500 years Persian Empire rapidly expanded to cre- stretched from the Indus and Jazartes to after his death, Cyrus the Great ate the largest empire humanity had ever the Aegean and the borders of Egypt and E of ancient Persia remains one of seen. Under his leadership, ancient Per- left behind him a reputation for justice humanity’s most brilliant and outstand- sia’s borders stretched to Central Asia and clemency …” (emphasis added). The ing monarchs. There is much to learn (Russia’s southern border today); as far Mainstream of Civilization says, “Cyrus and admire about King Cyrus, and no east as the Indus River (the Pakistan- created a new type of empire. Under the dearth of knowledge on this subject. India border); as far north as the Danube, close supervision of his government, But the most interesting feature including Turkey, Crete and the south- he permitted the conquered peoples to about this man and his towering accom- ern parts of Greece and Bulgaria; and as retain their own customs and religions plishments is also the most obscure. It is far south as Libya. and their own forms of government.” also profoundly inspiring. But Cyrus was much more than a For a world inured to cruel, forceful prodigious conqueror. He heralded a governance, King Cyrus’s disposition Who Was Cyrus? new breed of leadership and politics. was revolutionary and much welcomed. Cyrus ii ruled the Persian Empire from Unlike the Assyrians and others before His subjects tended not to revolt, hence 559 to 530 b.c. The history of his life and him, he did not rule exclusively by sword the staying power of the Persian Empire. accomplishments is well documented and spear. Subjects were not beaten, tor- by Greek and Roman historians and tured and killed into acquiescence and The World’s Greatest City gary by archaeological evidence. Among his cooperation. In fact, many consider this In the time of Cyrus, Babylon was

dorning many feats, Cyrus conquered the invin- king the world’s first true humanitarian. extraordinarily well fortified, teemed

cible Babylonian-Chaldean Empire and “Cyrus was an outstanding soldier and with top-notch Babylonian soldiers, and / trumpet established Persia as the world power. statesman,” the Encyclopedia Britan- had a well-earned aura of impenetrabil- Under Cyrus, the borders of the nica says. “He founded an empire that ity. It was the greatest city in the world. 22 THE PHILADELPHIA TRUMPET Originally constructed by Nimrod rain spears and arrows down on them. city of Jerusalem. This decision by Cyrus soon after the Flood, the city had expe- In fact, if they could block the Persians’ is well known and well documented by rienced a massive makeover by King retreat, the Babylonians could conceiv- Greek and Roman historians, as well as Nebuchadnezzar ii in the late seventh ably kill every last Persian soldier, to a Josephus, the most recognized Jewish and early sixth centuries b.c. Laden with man—like shooting fish in a barrel. historian. Many believe the text on the materials and manpower plundered But strangely, on the night of the Cyrus Cylinder alludes to the king’s deci- from neighbors, Nebuchadnezzar invasion, there were no soldiers, and sion to release the Jews. spared nothing in expanding, fortify- the internal gates were wide open. King King Cyrus issued his decree releasing and beautifying his city. Babylon’s Nabonidus, his son Belshazzar, the impe- ing the Jews in 538 b.c., about a year legendary hanging gardens, built for rial guard, the soldiers, and many of the after he conquered Babylon. Zerubba- the queen who missed her lush, moun- people of Babylon were partying! Con- bel, a leading Jewish figure in Babylon tainous homeland in Media, were an sumed with drinking and games, they at the time, became responsible for mus- engineering marvel, one of the Seven had failed to close the gates and to station tering the party and leading it back to Wonders of the Ancient World. guards. Having quenched the Euphrates Jerusalem. There, they set about rebuild- Herodotus records that Babylon and penetrated the outer gates, the Per- ing Solomon’s temple. One of the most covered 196 square miles and was pro- sian soldiers were able to stroll through astonishing features about this decree tected by an outer wall that was 311 feet the internal gates, taking the city— is that there was no cost or price to the high and 87 feet thick. The walls were including the shocked king—by surprise! Jews. In fact, the king of Persia actually so thick, even at the top, that chariots It was a magnificent victory, bordering financed the Jews’ return to their home- could be driven on them. Controlling on—and crossing into—the miraculous! land, their reconstruction of the temple, access through this barrier were more Greek historians Herodotus and and their reconstruction of Jerusalem! than 100 bronze gateways. Xenophon recorded the history-chang- Any historian will agree: Such mag- The Euphrates River meandered ing event. King Cyrus’s conquest of Baby- nanimity and benevolence from a man through Babylon, much like the Thames lon in 539 b.c. was one of his most notable with supreme power is extremely rare! through London. Inside the outer wall, accomplishments. By conquering this Cyrus the Great was truly an anomaly the riverbanks “were lined and walled mighty city, he toppled the world-ruling among world leaders. with brick. In the wall on either side Babylonian-Chaldean Empire. of the river were 25 gates. There was a Biblical History bridge 1,080 yards long and 30 feet broad Cyrus the Humanitarian All of this history is well documented across the river. At either end of this In 1879, British archaeologists digging in by secular historians and archaeologi- bridge was the royal palace. The more Iran discovered a barrel-shaped cylinder cal evidence. But there is another source magnificent of these palaces was sur- made out of clay. Inscribed on the cylin- that records these events in detail: the rounded by three walls. The middle wall der in ancient cuneiform was a decree Bible. In Ezra 1:1-4, for example, we read was 300 feet high, with towers 420 feet by King Cyrus of Persia. In the 40-line of Cyrus’s decree releasing the Jews to in height. The inner wall was yet higher. decree, the king recalled his defeat of return to Jerusalem. These scriptures in The two inner walls, Cterias tells us, Babylon and clearly outlined a number Ezra were recorded a few decades after were of colored brick. Upon them were of policies designed to defend the rights the event. More records about King portrayed hunting scenes—the chase of of the conquered. Cyrus can be found in Jeremiah 25 and the leopard and the lion” (A Handbook of You can find this incredible artifact, 2 Chronicles 36, both of which were writ- Ancient History in Bible Light). called the Cyrus Cylinder, in the British ten after Cyrus was on the scene. Cyrus sought to do the impossible: to Museum. This cylinder confirms the his- A passage in Isaiah 44 also discusses conquer this impenetrable fortress. torical records showing that King Cyrus Cyrus the Great—and this is where the His strategy was brilliantly simple. displayed a tremendous and heretofore history gets exciting. First, he dug trenches upstream and unprecedented respect and tolerance for Isaiah 44:24 reads: “Thus saith the diverted water from the Euphrates into the peoples he conquered. The United Lord, thy redeemer, and he that formed a large reservoir. Once the water level had Nations says the Cyrus Cylinder is the thee from the womb, I am the Lord that dropped, and under the cover of darkness, “world’s first charter of human rights” maketh all things; that stretcheth forth Persian soldiers slipped into the knee- and is proof that King Cyrus was one of the heavens alone; that spreadeth abroad deep water, marched up the riverbed, and mankind’s first great humanitarians. the earth by myself.” Here God is estab- snuck under Babylon’s giant gates. Cyrus’s governance really is remark- lishing His supremacy, even over the Although the soldiers had infiltrated able. For a man with so much power, he daily affairs of mankind. the outer gates, there were still brass and displayed incredible tolerance and even Isaiah continues: “[God] saith of iron internal gates controlling access out respect for the religion, customs and pol- Cyrus, He is my shepherd, and shall of the riverbed and into the city. If they itics of the people he conquered. perform all my pleasure: even saying couldn’t get through the gates, the soggy His greatest and most famous human- to Jerusalem, Thou shalt be built; and riverbed would turn the Persians’ tac- itarian act was releasing the captive Jews to the temple, Thy foundation shall be tical advantage into a massive kill box. in Babylon and allowing them to return laid” (verse 28). Isaiah is writing about All the Babylonian soldiers had to do was to Judea to rebuild the temple and the how King Cyrus would be an instrument NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2015 23 in God’s hands—“my shepherd”—and prophesied during the reign of King destroyed—and here was God proph- explaining how God would inspire Cyrus Hezekiah. esying that it would be rebuilt! to rebuild Jerusalem and the temple. Critics of the Bible despise Isaiah Verse 28 also explains the origins of The thought continues in Isaiah 45:1: 44 and 45. Over the last century or so, Cyrus’s humanitarianism. Cyrus treated “Thus saith the Lord to his anointed, to numerous theories have emerged to all his conquered peoples much the same Cyrus, whose right hand I have holden, explain how this passage of scripture way as he treated the Jews. Cyrus didn’t to subdue nations before him; and I will was written after King Cyrus. The most just allow the Jews to practice their reli- loose the loins of kings, to open before prominent theory says that the book of gion: He released them from captivity, him the two leaved gates; and the gates Isaiah has multiple authors, and that loaded them up with wealth and trea- shall not be shut.” Isaiah is saying that some parts of the book, mainly the lat- sures, gave them letters of endorsement, God would empower King Cyrus, even ter chapters, were written at a different and sent them home to rebuild the tem- helping him “subdue nations” and make time and much later than the first part ple and Jerusalem! massive territorial goals. of the book. According to this theory, the Surely this is one of the greatest The narrative becomes even more book of Isaiah was compiled into a single humanitarian acts in history. specific: “I will go before thee, and make book around 70 b.c. And to think, it was prophesied to the crooked places straight: I will break But this theory has been proven false. happen 150 years before it actually did! in pieces the gates of brass, and cut A copy of the entire book of Isaiah was Isaiah 45:1 says Cyrus would “sub- in sunder the bars of iron” (verse 2). discovered as part of the Dead Sea Scrolls. due nations before him.” Study the his- If you study this passage and Bible com- The scrolls on which the text of Isaiah tory books: Cyrus conquered more than mentaries, you will easily see that these was discovered were dated to around 15 different peoples—all the way from scriptures are specifically discussing 200 b.c., proving that the entire book of Egypt in the south to Turkey to Central King Cyrus’s conquest of Babylon. Notice, Isaiah was completed well before 70 b.c.! Asia to the Indus River. God says He will help Cyrus rupture the Consider too: Josephus recorded that Verse 1 also says God would “loose the “gates of brass” and “bars of iron.” King Cyrus actually read this prophecy loins of kings” before Cyrus. The Jamieson, Isaiah’s account is similar to the about himself in the book of Isaiah! If Fausset and Brown Commentary states: accounts in Ezra and 2 Chronicles. the prophecy in Isaiah 44-45 was written “The loose outer robe of the [kings], when Except for one critical factor. after Cyrus lived and by another author, girt fast around the loins, was the emblem The book of Isaiah was written how could King Cyrus have read about of strength and preparedness for action; about 150 years before Cyrus the it himself? ungirt was indication of feebleness [and Great was born! Perhaps this explains why Cyrus was weakness].” This is a perfect description It’s true. King Cyrus, his rise to power, so benevolent and so enthusiastic about of Belshazzar the night of Babylon’s fall! his defeat of Babylon, his humanitarian releasing the Jews. After reading Isaiah’s In addition, verse 1 says God would legacy, his name—even Babylon’s gates prophecy, he realized that he was predes- “open before him the two leaved gates; and of iron and brass—were all prophesied tined to make this wondrous decision! the gates shall not be shut.” The history of by God about one and a half centuries But how did Cyrus gain access to Isa- Babylon’s destruction shows that the king before Cyrus’s birth! iah’s prophecy? We don’t know the spe- of Babylon left some of the internal gates Slow down and think about this. This cifics, but we do know that King Cyrus of the city open that night! “In the revelry is awesome proof of God’s existence knew the Prophet Daniel well. Daniel in Babylon on the night of its capture, and the veracity of the Holy Bible. was well versed in Isaiah’s prophecies the inner gates, leading from the streets How do we know Isaiah was written and probably owned a copy of Isaiah’s to the river, were left open … which, had before Cyrus was born? It’s not hard to text. Daniel lived in Babylon. After Cyrus they been kept shut, would have hemmed prove. Isaiah 1:1 says: “The vision of Isa- took Babylon and toppled the Babylonian the invading hosts in the bed of the river, iah the son of Amoz, which he saw con- Empire, Daniel became a high-ranking where the Babylonians could have eas- cerning Judah and Jerusalem in the days official in Cyrus’s Medo-Persian Empire. ily destroyed them. Also, the gates of the of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, palace were left open, so that there was kings of Judah.” All Hail King Cyrus access to every part of the city” (ibid). This verse clearly says that Isaiah Take some time to really think on this, Look how specific God is—even proph- was alive and writing during the reigns and to study Isaiah 44 and 45. The evi- esying the exact gates that would be left of four kings of Judah: Uzziah, Jotham, dence is irrefutable. open in Babylon the night of its capture! Ahaz and Hezekiah. Biblical history, as First, it is obvious that Isaiah 44:28 In verse 2, God says, “I will go before well as Jewish history and established and 45:1-4 are talking about King Cyrus. thee, and make the crooked places historical record, clearly show that He is mentioned by name! straight: I will break in pieces the gates these all reigned in the eighth century Next, consider Cyrus’s relationship of brass, and cut in sunder the bars of b.c. This is nowhere disputed. with Jerusalem. Isaiah 44:28 records iron.” The strongest doors in Babylon Bible commentaries agree that Isa- Cyrus “even saying to Jerusalem, Thou were not able to withstand the army of iah was on the scene for about 50 years, shalt be built; and to the temple, Thy Cyrus that night. Again, God prophe- roughly between 760 and 710 b.c. For foundation shall be laid.” The tem- sied the exact material that the gates of example, Isaiah 38:3-8 show that he ple in Jerusalem hadn’t even been Babylon would be made of! Herodotus 24 THE PHILADELPHIA TRUMPET EYEWITNESS Belshazzar’s Feast as portrayed by the grandson of King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon and the son Rembrandt of Nabonidus, who was Babylon’s king at the time. Belshazzar was ruling as king, however, while his father was away cam- paigning. Belshazzar made this great feast in the banquet hall of the palace in Babylon. Archaeologists have uncovered this banquet hall, which was an impressive size of 60 feet by 172 feet. He invited 1,000 of his top rulers to this party. The top brass of the entire Babylonian kingdom was present that night. Daniel 5 continues: “Belshaz- zar, whiles he tasted the wine, commanded to bring the golden and silver vessels which his [grandfather] Nebuchadnezzar had taken out of the temple which was in Jerusalem; that the king, and his princes, his wives, and his concubines, might drink therein. Then they brought the golden vessels that were taken out of the temple of the house of God which was at Jerusalem; and the king, and his princes, his wives, and his concubines, drank in them” (verses 2-3). Belshazzar wanted the temple vessels brought out so he could use them in his party. A Firsthand Account “In the same hour came forth fingers of a man’s hand, and he Prophet Daniel recorded the history of Cyrus’s con- wrote over against the candlestick upon the plaister of the T quest of Babylon. Remember, King Nebuchadnezzar of Bab- wall of the king’s palace: and the king saw the part of the ylon had taken Daniel to Babylon as a slave at the start of the hand that wrote. Then the king’s countenance was changed, sixth century b.c. By the time Cyrus took Babylon, Daniel had and his thoughts troubled him, so that the joints of his loins been there for about 50 years. He was well known and well liked were loosed, and his knees smote one against another” (verses in the king’s court, thanks largely to his interactions with King 5-6). Belshazzar and his princes couldn’t believe what they Nebuchadnezzar. had witnessed. Daniel was actually inside the palace in Babylon when Cyrus’s Notice the phrasing. Belshazzar’s “countenance was army was digging the channel and preparing to penetrate the city! changed … so that the joints of his loins were loosed.” Remem- You can read the history in Daniel 5. Verse 1 says that ber Isaiah 45:1, where God said He would “loose the loins of “Belshazzar the king made a great feast to a thousand of his kings.” In this chilling moment, this prophecy was literally lords, and drank wine before the thousand.” Belshazzar was and powerfully fulfilled! by brad macdonald

recorded that the gates of the inner walls will give thee [Cyrus] the treasures of is in Judah” (Ezra 1:2). This great king were made of brass and some were rein- darkness, and hidden riches of secret knew God existed, and he knew that forced with iron! places, that thou mayest know that I, God reigns supreme in the world of man. This is some of the most moving and the Lord, which call thee by thy name, The history of Cyrus the Great is powerful history you can study. Why? am the God of Israel.” interesting and inspiring—but it is also Because it proves the existence of God God makes the purpose of this much more. This history proves the and the veracity of His Word! prophecy abundantly clear: The life authority of the Holy Bible! It shows that and work of King Cyrus prove the this Book of books is true and accurate. It God Reigns Supreme existence of God! shows that it is authored by an omnipo- Why would God prophesy the life and Cyrus himself understood this. “Thus tent God who can prophesy what He will accomplishments of a Persian king saith Cyrus king of Persia, The Lord God do and bring it to pass! 150 years before his birth? The answer of heaven hath given me all the kingdoms For anyone willing to study and prove to that question is the theme of Isaiah of the earth; and he hath charged me to it, this history shows that the Holy Bible 44-46. In Isaiah 45:3, God says, “And I build him an house at Jerusalem, which is the true Word of God! n

Cyrus isn’t the only king prophesied in the Bible. The Prophet Daniel wrote about 400 years of Middle East history before it happened, including precise details such as family betrayals and the rise and fall of kings.

Request our free booklet History and Prophecy of the Middle East domain for another fascinating case study into how history proves the Bible true. public NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2015 25 Worldwatch South China Sea ‘belongs to China’

hinese Vice Adm. Yuan REINFORCEMENTS German soldiers wait near a cargo plane in Kabul, CYubai, commander of Afghanistan. the People’s Liberation Army Navy’s North Sea Fleet, insisted on September 14 that the South China Sea belongs exclusively to China. “The South China Sea, as the name indicates, is a sea area that belongs to China, and the sea from the Han dynasty a long time ago where the Chi- nese people have been working and producing from the sea,” he said at the First Sea Lord/rusi International Sea Power Conference in London. Yuan’s statement came in Afghanistan, even while response to criticism about Germany to Afghanistan: American troops pull out. China’s land reclamation Washington is eager to get activities in the South China You’re not alone out—but Berlin has some- Sea. With this ongoing project, thing else in mind. … Ger- China is building artificial in anti-terror fight many has surrounded Iran islands in disputed territories and radical Islam, just as throughout the South China he Germans and the on Germany’s solidar- God prophesied it would. Sea and converting them into TAfghans are “old friends” ity,” Steinmeier later said, Soon that whirlwind is going small military bases. whose friendship “has no end “through our varied involve- to start rotating and whirl- China’s land reclamation date,” German Foreign Min- ment in civilian reconstruc- ing against the king of the project has fueled tensions in ister Frank-Walter Stein- tion and development, our south like a well-armed— Asia, which have contributed meier told Afghanistan on contribution to the training probably nuclear-armed— to a region-wide arms buildup. August 30 during a visit to and advice mission Reso- vortex!” Read the full article, Yuan’s emphatic comments the war-torn country. lute Support, and our finan- “The Whirlwind Prophecy,” at indicate that those tensions Arriving at the airport cial support for the Afghan theTrumpet.com/go/10678. n will not soon subside. n in Kabul, Steinmeier wore a security forces.” bulletproof vest and a helmet, Germany has 850 troops and traveled to Afghan Pres- in Afghanistan, the larg- EU to Britain: Get on board or get out ident Ashraf Ghani’s palace est contingent besides by helicopter, since driving the United States. It is the urope must integrate He called for Europe to in the capital city is consid- third-largest financial con- E much more closely, and form a common defense pol-

ered more dangerous. tributor after the United Britain must either join in icy and coast guard, a joint oliver Steinmeier used his visit States and Japan, provid- or leave, French President asylum system, and new

lang to celebrate 100 years of ing about $4.7 billion for François Hollande said on eurozone institutions. / German-Afghan friendship. civilian reconstruction and October 7. Speaking in a Reacting to crit- afp / getty The German representatives development since the U.S.- rare joint appearance icism of European

on the Niedermayer-Hen- led invasion of Afghanistan before the European integration from images

tig expedition traveled to in 2001. Parliament with Ger- United Kingdom Inde- , stephane Afghanistan in 1915 to con- Why is Germany inter- man Chancellor Angela pendence Party leader Hollande

vince the Afghans to support ested in Afghanistan? Merkel, Hollande laid out Nigel Farage, Hollande de

Germany in World War i. “Look on the far side of his vision of what amounts to said, “If we don’t want to sakutin The two nations signed a Iran,” Trumpet editor in a European superstate. “We strengthen Europe, then / afp

Treaty of Friendship early chief Gerald Flurry wrote need to keep our eyes on the there’s only one road … the / getty the following year. in 2013, “and you see 4,400 long term, for the federation only road for those who are

“The people in Afghani- German soldiers staying of nation states, which must not convinced of Europe is to images stan can continue to count in its eastern neighbor, remain our horizon,” he said. leave Europe.” n 26 THE PHILADELPHIA TRUMPET China to forgive debts from several parliament of least-developed members and much of the nations Japanese public. Some critics of the law say it violates hinese President Xi Jin- Japan’s pacifist constitution, C ping said on September which renounces the use of 26 that Beijing would for- force as a means for Japan to give debts owed to China by settle international disputes. the world’s least-developed Other opponents fear that nations, and will give billions MAKING MOVES Japanese the new law will make Japan of dollars to poor nations to soldiers could soon see action America’s “deputy sheriff,” in international territories. hasten their development. allowing Washington to drag Addressing a United Tokyo into America’s numer- Nations summit on develop- Japan to let soldiers fight overseas ous “self-serving” conflicts. ment goals, Xi said China also The law is likely to be plans to assist in no fewer apan’s parliament in any actions not related to challenged in the courts, but than 600 overseas projects J passed a landmark law on the direct defense of Japanese authorities expect it to pass in the next five years. September 19 that allows the territory. The new law allows the hurdles. Japanese Prime “To solve various global Japanese military to fight in Tokyo to send troops to inter- Minister Shinzo Abe and his challenges, including the foreign conflicts for the first national conflicts where political allies want Japan to recent refugee crisis in time since World War ii. they can cooperate with the become a full-fledged mili- Europe, the fundamen- Before this law, Japan’s United States and other allies. tary power once again, and tal solutions lie in seeking military was constitution- The legislation passed the new law is a major stride peace and realizing devel- ally forbidden to take part despite heated objections in that direction. n opment,” Xi said. “Only the development can eliminate the causes of the conflicts.” Iran adds precision to missile program Analysts say the moves help China to deflect criti- ran fired its first preci- periphery of Israel and Europe. cism regarding its heavy and I sion-guided ballistic In an August 29 television often exploitative trade with missile on October 11, just address, Iranian President developing nations in Africa hours before its parliament Hassan Rouhani declared that READY TO STRIKE An Iranian Shahab-3 missile and elsewhere. It will also approved the generalities of his nation “is not committed help China to bolster its influ- the nuclear deal struck in to the restrictions on its mis- ence in resource-rich regions. July. (The legislators have sile program” that the United Hossein Dehghan reiterated The strategy is also designed been denied access to the Nations Security Council has his nation’s intent to ignore to portray the emerging Chi- specifics of the deal.) put in place to govern Iran’s the UN resolution: “We don’t nese superpower as a more The Emad missile is an ballistic missile program. ask permission from anyone generous alternative to the advanced form of Iran’s Sha- Following the Emad to strengthen our defense United States. n hab 3 and can strike the launch, Iran Defense Minister and missile capabilities.” n

Pro-Palestinian EU to brand Israeli goods

he European Parlia- Unemployment in the trade law. The Israeli Foreign In August 2001, the Trum- T ment is closer to fulfill- West Bank is 25 percent, and Ministry said, “The process pet wrote this about Europe’s images ing its long-standing threat about 25,000 Palestinians of labeling is discriminatory rising influence in the Israeli

getty to label goods produced in there work for Israeli compa- and reeks of boycott.” Israeli peace process: “What should / afp

/ the West Bank. On Septem- nies. An EU official referenced Prime Minister Benjamin Net- be obvious to objective ber 10, Parliament officials by Army Radio acknowledged anyahu said it harms peace observers, and what Trum-

shaiegan passed a non-binding resolu- the harm that the resolution rather than advancing it.“The pet readers must under- , tion “on EU-wide guidelines would have on the Palestin- roots of the conflict are not stand, is that Europe is no images on the labeling of Israeli set- ians if implemented, but said territories, and the roots of casual third party trying getty

/ tlement produce.” it would be balanced by the the conflict are not the settle- to find the best solution for afp / The resolution passed harm inflicted on the Jews. ments,” he said. “We already both sides of the conflict. with a sweeping major- Israel condemned the res- have a historical memory as to And where America has been yamanaka ity—525 voted for it, 70 voted olution and challenged its what happened when Europe mostly talk, Europe is sure to toru against, and 31 abstained. legality under international marked products of Jews.” be hands on.” n NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2015 27 Worldwatch Half of marine life has died since 1970

ew research from the Gilles Boeuf said harbor a NWorld Wildlife Fund third of ocean species. (wwf) released on Septem- The family of fish that ber 15 indicates that half of includes tuna and mackerel the world’s marine life has has declined 74 percent since been killed off since 1970. 1970. A quarter of shark and Some of the greatest declines ray species face extinction. were in fish types critical to human consump- t i o n a n d came from overfishing. “In the space of a RECORD-BREAKING Floodwaters single gener- engulf a store in Columbia, South ation, human LOW LEVELS French fishermen haul Carolina, on October 3. in a load of cod in the Barents Sea. activity has severely damaged the ocean by catch- Four shark species in the Still suffering from ing fish faster than they can Mediterranean have not been reproduce,” said Marco Lam- spotted in 30 years. thousand-year rainfall bertini, director general of Scientist Philippe Cury wwf International. said that 50 percent is a outh Carolina is facing events is highly concerning.” Pollution, overexploita- critical threshold for loss of S failing dams, contam- Our free booklet Why tion and recreation has led marine life. “When you go inated water, billions of ‘Natural’ Disasters? explains to dramatic declines in man- below 50 percent,” he said, dollars in damage, rebuild- the primary cause of cata- groves, sea grasses and coral “ecosystems begin to mal- ing—and more predicted strophic weather. n reefs, which French biologist function.” n flooding after more than 20 inches of rain fell on the state in early October, with some Sierra Nevada’s snowpack areas receiving as much as 40 at 500-year low inches. At one point, half the state was flooded. he Sierra Nevada snow- later in the The Weather Channel T pack, which accounts season. reported, “The official state- for more than one third of Snowmelt wide 24-hour rainfall record California’s water supply, g r a d u a l l y was exceeded in several loca- has receded to its lowest feeds rivers tions, and the unofficial state level since the Middle Ages, and streams, record for five-day total rain- according to a new study support- DRY The Sierra Nevada Mountains fall, which had stood for 107 released on September 14. ing fish and years, has been surpassed at Measured on April 1, when it other wild- getty more than a dozen reporting generally reaches its great- life, replenishing soil mois- a diminished snowpack, the images sites” (October 6). Meteorol- est depths, the snowpack ture, and filling reservoirs. region’s strained agricul- , ogists declared the disaster a was only 5 percent of the California has been suf- ture sector, drinking water marcel once-in-a-millennium storm. 1950-2000 average, making fering a severe drought for and hydroelectric power are mochet There have been at least it the smallest in 500 years. four years, leaving more than now under even more stress. / five other once-in-a-thou- The measurement was con- 120 of the state’s reservoirs The study’s lead author, afp / sand-year rainfalls in the firmed 10 times in a study of less than a fifth full. The Valeri Trouet, said, “We getty

United States since 2010. the growth patterns of 1,500 lack of moisture has allowed should be prepared for this images

Steve Bowen of Aon Benfield, ancient blue oak trees in the rampant wildfires to destroy type of snow drought to , getty a global reinsurance firm, Central Valley. more than 100,000 acres, occur much more frequently said that “any increasing Snow levels indicate how hundreds of homes, and because of rising tempera- images trend in these type of rainfall much water will be available numerous businesses. With tures.” n 28 THE PHILADELPHIA TRUMPET Societywatch replied that her death was One in six adolescents easily preventable. It boiled admits to stealing down to one thing: following within the past year the law. FOREIGNERS WELCOME A San Francisco rally shows support Local sanctuary cities study has found that for sanctuary city policy. are failing to consistently A one in six young Amer- enforce federal law. Some icans has stolen something sanctuary city sheriffs claim within the past year. The they should not receive the study, published in the Jour- label since they participate nal of Economic Behavior and in the administration’s new Priority Enforcement Pro- gram (pep). But the Center for Immigration Studies report explains: “pep explic- itly allows jurisdictions to obstruct immigration enforcement by ignoring detainers or barring ice access to jails. Under pep, Number of sanctuary immigration officers also issue ‘requests for notifica- cities rise as immigration tion’ asking local authorities to tell them when a criminal laws go unenforced alien in their custody will be released so ice can attempt he number of sanctuary to be notified of his release, to take custody for deporta- T cities across the United was never informed. tion. Local agencies are free States is growing. There are Rep. Luis Gutiérrez, to ignore these notifications.” Organization in November now 340 jurisdictions that during a congressional hear- When a nation’s own law was based on self-reported are obstructing immigration ing, accused the Republicans enforcement agencies pick theft by 12-to-16-year-olds enforcement, according to a of “exploiting” the death and choose which laws to from 1997 to 2011. report released by the Cen- of Kate Steinle for politi- enforce, the nation is in a The study found that ter for Immigration Studies cal purposes. Republicans dangerous situation. n thieves had lower earnings in October. later in life, after most had Another report prepared already stopped stealing. by the Immigration and What do gamblers and According to another study Customs Enforcement (ice) compulsive texters published in the American showed that each month the have in common? Journal of Psychiatry, a his- sanctuary cities are releasing tory of shoplifting increased approximately 1,000 alien ompulsive texters association with all antiso- offenders that ice seeks to C exhibit behavior simi- cial behaviors measured, deport. Of those released, lar to gamblers, a study pub- the strongest of which were 62 percent “had significant lished October 5 says. with increased antisocial prior criminal histories or The authors, who sur- While gamblers lose thou- personality disorders, sub- other public safety concerns veyed over 400 eighth and sands of dollars due to their stance abuse, pathological even before the arrest that 11th graders in a Midwestern addiction, compulsive female gambling, and bipolar disor- franckreporter / led to a detainer.” town, found that many teen- student texters lose academic ders. Further studies have com . The murder of Kate age texters lose sleep, have performance and friendships, linked stealing among ado- istock Steinle by an illegal immi- problems cutting back, and the study showed. lescents to poor grades, alco- , © grant in San Francisco on lie to cover up their habits, The researchers cau- hol and drug abuse, sadness July 1 brought sanctuary much like gamblers. tioned that this part of the and hopelessness. sestovic / cities back on to the politi- The research showed that study was based on self-re- The National Associa- com . cal scene. The man charged compulsive texting involves porting, but said it confirmed tion of Shoplifting Preven- istock with her murder had been more than just the frequency other studies that show the tion estimates around $13 , © deported five times and had of texting; it has more to do correlation between lower billion worth of goods are images seven prior felony convic- with the individual’s inability grades and texting while stolen in the United States

getty tions. ice, which had asked to pull away from their phone. doing homework. n each year. n NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2015 29 VENERATION Pope Francis’s learn of your personal failings and sins. popularity in America was no less than what he receives weekly at Let’s say you are a bakery owner who St. Peter’s Square declines to cater a ceremony for two grooms. Journalists will ambush you and shade their coverage to favor those howling for the courts to shut you down. Let’s say you are a conservative politician drawing inspiration from God and the Bible. They will ridicule you as primitive and unfit for office. If you’re a private person who opposes a movement openly based on aberrant sexual desires, the press, social media and even businesses will hush, ridicule or smear you. If you’re Muslim, you may get a pass. But if you’re a Christian, you better be ready for some persecution. Except if you are Pope Francis. Then they adore you. Pope Francis, President Obama Why Such Adulation? How unusual was the way the pope was and Their Adoring Press treated during his five-day tour. His every movement was broadcast in real-time on multiple, if not all, major networks. You could sit for half an hour watching cnn broadcasting a few cars on a roped-off by stephen flurry Philadelphia street in the dark and hear commentators go back and forth with ope Francis visited the United the streets to see him, reaching out to frequent speculation on whether the States for the first time in Septem- touch him, adoring him, hanging on pope had or had not in fact left his car to P ber. You may have noticed. his every word and rushing the stage to go into the building and go to bed. Everywhere he went, he attracted touch their lips to the same cup, it sure The press went to huge lengths to worshipful throngs. If you watched does seem like they are treating this man capture these minute details. During on television, you saw many of them as if he were Jesus Christ. his five-day American tour, everything stretching and straining to touch any part of his body, to grab hold of his gar- ment. Parents pleaded for the pontiff How unusual was the way the pope was to kiss their sick and disabled children. treated during his five-day tour. His every On Capitol Hill, House Speaker John Boehner was so overcome with emotion movement was broadcast in real-time on during the pope’s address, he was seen multiple, if not all, major networks. repeatedly wiping away tears. After that speech, one congressman And judging by the wall-to-wall, he did was so meaningful, so profound— rushed to the podium and grabbed the 24-hour, five-day coverage of the pope’s he was so sincere, had so much love for pope’s unfinished glass of water. He visit—served up by an openly adoring people, and such spiritual depth. wanted to drink—and have his wife and press—you could be forgiven for assum- Such adoration is unusual in public children drink—from the same cup. Per- ing they drank from the same cup of discourse in America. The papacy has haps he drew inspiration from the account pope worship. had a corrupt and bloody influence on in Matthew 20, where Jesus asked if His After all, how does the major media European history, and America’s English disciples were willing to drink from the normally treat religious people? ancestors largely broke free of papal con-

same cup from which He would drink. Let’s say you’re a county clerk (a life- trol. America was founded free of Vati- getty Devout Catholics see Pope Francis long Democrat, actually) who refuses to can interference, but with full toleration

images as the Vicar of Christ. The definition sign a marriage license for homosexuals and acceptance of Catholics, a religious / of vicar does not mean a mere represen- because of your religious beliefs. Jour- minority. America developed greatly franco tative of Christ—it means the pope is nalists will automatically attack, agree- free of the papacy, and it thrived, unhin-

in place of Christ. When you see people ing that you should immediately be jailed dered by much of the obeisance, intrigue, origlia weeping over this man, thronging into and that Americans in general should persecution, corruption and even war 30 THE PHILADELPHIA TRUMPET that the ancient church sparked among Francis is also aggressive in his flees war-torn lands, to the immigrant our country’s European ancestors. To stance toward the environment. “Cli- who leaves home in search of a better life.” have popes visit the United States has mate change is a problem we can no lon- The liberal press see a kindred spirit not been unheard of, but American his- ger leave to our future generation,” the between these two. That is a core reason tory is notable and unique for its inde- pope said at the White House during his why the coverage surrounding the pope’s pendence from Vatican influence. U.S. visit. His position goes far beyond visit was so positive. Through it all, the Add to this the simple fact that the advocating ways to reduce pollution. He press ignored the fact that this same pope is, obviously, religious. Like other wants much more drastic changes, and pope refused to visit with political dis- churches, his organization holds that he wants America to take dramatic steps sidents in Cuba, people who would really there is a God, that there is good and evil, that are risky to the U.S. economy and like to live under something besides a that human beings are sinful, that a God national security. No wonder the Obamas dictatorship. The news anchors said came to this planet as a human being to wanted to give him a personal greeting nothing about this pope propping up a die for those sins, and that among those on the tarmac at Joint Base Andrews tyrannical Castro regime. They ignored sins are the practices of homosexuality upon his arrival in America. the fact that the economic policies this and abortion. State those same beliefs to When it comes to immigration, the pope is advocating are the same ones the presidents of abc, cbs, nbc, cnn and president once again finds staunch sup- that bankrupted his home country of msnbc to their face, and they will laugh port coming from behind the five-story Argentina—a nation that used to be one you out of the room—or throw you out. walls of Vatican City. Pope Francis has of the leading economies in the world! Do it while wearing a cassock, and they called on America to keep its borders Never mind any of that! On the more won’t even let you in. open—to welcome the migrants and ref- important global issues of our day, Pope The networks would never give you ugees seeking a better life. When intro- Francis might help to advance President or even the country’s most prominent ducing Pope Francis at the White House Obama’s liberal left-wing agenda. Fran- Christian leaders the airtime they gave on September 23, President Obama said, cis, Obama and most of the media share to the pope, even though there are twice “You remind us that the Lord’s most pow- the same agenda. That is why you saw all as many American Protestants as there erful message is mercy. That means wel- the flashbulbs, the minute details and are Catholics. They won’t give that kind coming the stranger with empathy and a the fawning interviews. Much as you did of coverage to rock stars or athletes, or truly open heart. From the refugee who with the Obama campaign. n even other heads of state. So why did they so passionately embrace this religious leader? In part, it is because over the last 30 ‘I Wondered With Great Admiration’ months, he has outspokenly supported a ope Francis is not the only pope to spark a media frenzy. The funeral number of issues on President Obama’s P of Pope John Paul ii in 2005 and the subsequent election of Pope Benedict left-wing agenda. xvi also consumed hundreds of hours and millions of dollars of airtime. The world—and certainly the media in the United States—was absolutely fixated by Issue After Issue the spectacle of somber processionals, engraved accouterments and cassocked Last year, Pope Francis helped President clergy intoning Latin utterances. This fascination would be more or less expected Obama reestablish full diplomatic rela- in Catholic-dominated countries. But why in the United States? tions with the Castro regime in Cuba. He The Catholic Church has commanded admiration and fear for two millennia. offered strong support for the adminis- Its power has waxed and waned and waxed again depending on a combination tration’s nuclear deal with Iran in May. of its sway over Catholic adherents, its absorption of other religions, its wealth, He recognized the Palestinian “state” in its intelligence gathering and its interweaving with political leaders—and their June, a policy President Obama favors. armies. But it has endured. Francis has become known for his A few years after He died, the resurrected Jesus Christ showed the Apostle John radical economic ideas. Soon after a symbol of a great church that would be a political power, interrelate with the gov- becoming pope, he began a campaign ernments of many nations, adorn itself richly, ally with the beastly Roman Empire against excess and compulsive con- and actually persecute non-Catholic Christians as heretics. And even John him- sumption, the sins of “savage capital- self marveled at this church, and recorded this vision in the book of Revelation. ism.” He’s on a crusade for the poor, and Why? Because of its power. Because of its ability to exert its will. his main target is America’s free mar- Were the gushing journalists you saw covering the papacy moved by the doc- ket economy—specifically the idea that trines of the pope and/or the Vatican? Do they respect the belief that the Earth the person who should decide whether was created by God? Do they get misty-eyed thinking about how God came to you should buy or sell is you. Francis Earth and became a man? Do thrills run up their legs over the Catholic tenet that wants heavier government involvement only those who come to God through Jesus Christ can be saved—and all others in those transactions, and a redistri- are damned to eternal hellfire? bution of wealth from those who have Or are they paying lip service to the beliefs and words of this man because it to those who don’t. Much like Presi- of the thing that really matters to them: that he commands 1 billion people. Is it dent Obama. because of his power? by philip nice NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2015 31 u ARMS RACE FROM PAGE 17 aggressively for some time. In 2008, it needs to spend more to maintain its posi- Why Now? invaded Georgia. This invasion, however, tion as the world’s dominant military This is the reality of national defense in did not prompt an explosion in defense power. It does not. Even with the recent 2015: an arms race in Eastern Europe, spending from other nations. Eastern cuts, it spends more on its military than an arms race in the Middle East, and an Europeans were scared, but instead of the EU, China and Russia combined. arms race in Asia. Why? And why now? spending more, they turned to America It’s not about the money—it is about Why is Saudi Arabia buying up arms out for help. They asked America to station America’s attitude and outlook. Amer- of fear of Iran at exactly the same time missiles on their territory. These per- ica’s cuts in spending are worrying that Poland is buying up arms out of fear manent bases would help guarantee that because they are a symptom of a much of Russia? At first glance, these arms America would come to their aid if they deeper problem: In a dangerous new races are unconnected. were attacked. bout of isolationism, America is retreat- The answer to this question emerges America has since backed away from ing from the world. as we consider the major power we have those missile bases. It has consistently For the last two centuries, Britain and not looked at so far: the United States. refused to stand up to Russia. Moscow America have been a significant stabi- Here is the telling exception to the recognized this as an invitation to act lizing force in the world. The spikes on increased spending trend. In 2014, Amer- even more boldly. So now, it is spend- history’s graph of global arms spending ica cut its spending by 6.5 percent ($40 bil- ing more and becoming more aggres- demonstrate this: British might and lion). From 2010 to 2014, America’s defense sive. At the same time, Europe got the then American might were deployed spending fell 20 percent. By the end of this message that it cannot depend on Amer- to oppose the tyranny of Kaiser Wil- year, it is expected to drop even further. ica. After Russia invaded Ukraine, Euro- helm, Adolf Hitler, communism and The statistics clearly show the world pean nations looked to European planes, radical Islam. In the latter case, much is entering a new era. “The projected tanks and troops—not American ones. of the effort has been wasted. But his- shift in global spending figures high- The story is the same in the Middle tory shows that these two powers have lights the departure from the age where East. America has never done enough to resisted civilization’s deadliest enemies. one country—the United States—spent prevent Iran from getting a nuclear bomb; America, however, is once again turn- almost as much as the rest of the world however, by negotiating the nuclear deal ing inward, in the same way Britain did combined and enjoyed a historically this past year, it essentially made a pub- before World War i and before and after unique level of conventional military lic declaration that it will never stand World War ii. The Americans are done intervening. “The world is at its most peaceful America’s retreat has some nations when great powers are under no illu- thinking that now is their chance for a shot sions as to where they stand in the global pecking order,” wrote British historian at the top spot. Others see the instability Andrew Roberts in his book A History of on the horizon and are preparing for it. the English-Speaking Peoples Since 1900. America’s retreat has some nations But Britain and America do not care. thinking that now is their chance for a The world is no longer their concern. shot at the top spot. Others see the instability on the horizon and are preparing dominance,” explained ihs Jane’s. “Now, up to Iran. Unsurprisingly then, Iran for it. But Britain and America do not however, the international system is has become more aggressive, and Saudi care. The world is no longer their concern. shifting to equilibrium, under which one Arabia and other states have concluded The post-Cold War era, and even post- single state does not so massively tip the that they cannot trust America and had 9/11 era—characterized by what some scales in its own favor” (June 25, 2014). better prepare themselves for war. have called American hyperpower— “By 2019, for the first time in history, This storyline is also playing out in has come to an end. Not because the nato will not account for the majority Asia. The Chinese have watched how Americans aren’t spending hundreds of worldwide defense expenditure, hav- America dealt with Russia and with Iran of billions on their military, but because ing accounted for almost two thirds of and concluded that they can act aggres- their will to lead and their will to fight global spending as recently as 2010,” it sively without fear of America standing is broken. This global outbreak of mili- also wrote (Dec. 18, 2014). up to them. Other Asian nations are con- tary spending is part of the rise of a new This dramatic shift away from Amer- cluding that they cannot rely on America. multipolar world, where power is not so ica’s super-dominant military spending These three global arms races and concentrated with the United States. points to the common reason behind the the instability they are bringing are all Historically, the rise of Britain and jump in arms spending everywhere else. directly caused by America’s retreat America led to a lengthy era of relative America is retreating. Its allies don’t from policing the rest of the world. peace. That era is ending right now. To trust it. More aggressive nations around This points to the most worrying understand why, read our free book The the world are becoming emboldened. aspect of the decline in America’s mil- United States and Britain in Prophecy by Take Europe. Russia has been acting itary spending. It is not that America Herbert W. Armstrong. n 32 THE PHILADELPHIA TRUMPET Principles of Living

How’s Your Spiritual Diet?

You are what you eat!

angs of hunger. Most of us get them first thing in about the failure of churches to face the problems plaguing our the morning. And within hours of eating a hearty break- youth. He said churches used to be a balancing, restraining influ- P fast, we get hungry all over again. Skip a couple meals and ence on young people. But in 1927, Mr. Armstrong wrote that the your energy drops off right away. Go without physical suste- average sermon was lifeless and boring—lacking in spiritual nance long enough and your body begins to break down. firepower. As a result, young people were giving up on religion! There is a reason our bodies need to be regularly strength- Of course, other factors have contributed to youths’ waning ened and revitalized with physical food. There is a reason hun- interest in the Bible—like lack of discipline, the negative influ- ger pangs are the strongest and most ence of modern education, and the pulls of worldliness. But when frequent desires we have in life. preachers cave in to these societal pressures and water down the God uses this physical reality to teach truth of God, Mr. Armstrong wrote, it makes matters much worse! us that spiritual strength and health The Apostle Paul told his evangelist Titus that to convince require a balanced diet of nutritious the gainsayers, he needed to use “sound doctrine” (Titus 1:9). spiritual food. He wanted Titus to give them something healthy and nutritious In their wilderness wanderings, the that they could sink their teeth into. That’s what the word sound Israelites were totally dependent on means in that verse—to be healthy and in good working order. stephen flurry God, even for physical food. In Exodus This is what families and congregations desperately need to be 16:4, God told them He would rain manna healthy and fit: good, strong doctrine (see also Hebrews 5:12-14). from heaven every day at a certain rate in order to “prove In 1 Timothy 4:8, Paul also wrote that while physical exercise them”—to see if they would obey His laws. profits for a short time, “godliness is profitable unto all things.” The Israelites’ physical sustenance was a miraculous gift Just as it takes a healthy diet and regular exercise to maintain from God! God provided it, but they had to go out and gather it physical fitness, so it takes a steady diet of nutritious doctrine daily, then work to prepare it for consumption. Numbers 11:8 and spiritual workouts to maintain vibrant health spiritually. says they ground it up and made cakes out of it. This was a “If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, laborious, time-consuming process—and absolutely vital thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in for their physical well-being and health! the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast Jesus told us why God made them do it this way. It was for attained” (verse 6). God says we are nourished, strengthened and our learning! Jesus said, “Labour not for the meat which per- made healthy by words of faith and good doctrine. isheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, “Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and which the Son of man shall give unto you …” (John 6:27). He be in health, even as thy soul prospereth” (3 John 2). To be in health explained that while ancient Israel ate “bread from heaven,” comes from the same Greek word translated “sound” in Titus 1:9. today we must consume spiritual manna from heaven—Jesus Again, God uses physical fitness to symbolize our spiritual health. Christ, the bread of life (verses 31, 35). When we break physical laws, we always pay a price in sick- Elsewhere in Scripture, Jesus is called the Word—also the ness, injury or death. The penalty for spiritual sin is eternal death Word of life (see John 1:1 and 1 John 1:1). The Bible is that same (Romans 6:23), along with its related sickness and disease. Jesus Word of God—in print. “[T]he words that I speak unto you, they taught that if you’re healthy, you don’t need a physician. It’s the are spirit, and they are life” (John 6:63). This is the manna we sick and infirmed who need to be healed, He said (Matthew 9:12-13). need daily. It does take laborious work to gather and prepare Compare that with Jeremiah 17, where it says the human heart these precious, life-giving words for our spiritual consump- is wicked and deceitful. The prophet describes the heart of man bluesotcking

/ tion. But it’s well worth the effort. This is, after all, food that as being lifeless and sick! This is what we are, apart from God. “endures unto everlasting life”! This is why we need to be healed by the blood of Jesus Christ— photobee Are you filling up on this life-saving food? Jesus said, “Blessed and then sustained by His life-giving words (Ephesians 5:26). _

bee are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for Hunger for the nourishing words of God every day. Fill up on /

com they shall be filled” (Matthew 5:6). The Greek word for filled means it first thing in the morning. And keep coming back for more. . to satisfy—to gorge! If we fill up on this, we’ll never go hungry. As Jesus said in John 6:58, “[H]e that eateth of this bread shall istock

I love reading all your articles a sick, sick world with what and news of what’s happening man is doing with the lives of in our world day by day—and babies for the sake of money. we are getting all this from Thank God that Christ is the best source, and very few about to return and kick Satan are receiving this amazing off of his throne very soon! information. We are getting Mary Raston the truth. And we know how AUSTRALIA it’s going to end, which to me is very comforting. I love the Evil is in way you always end the arti- Your subhead “America cle with a wonderful positive Divorced From Reality” was ending that leaves me filled correct (“The Europe of the with excitement that we are Bible Takes Shape,” theTrum- really close to that glorious pet.com/go/13082). America is day when Jesus comes. no longer reliable. It has lost Josie Mazzone its will to lead. Debt will bring NORTH CAROLINA America to its knees. People are more interested in sports Your article reminded me of and vile entertainment. That the words of Mrs. Thatcher filth Hollywood puts out is not Our October cover story, “Currency War: Dragging the World when she said, “You have not even fit for a dog’s breakfast. Toward World War III” (theTrumpet.com/go/13073), discussed anchored Germany to Europe, What is good is now illegal. dangerous moves in the global financial system that parallel those you have anchored Europe What is filth is deemed cor- that led to the Second World War. “How the Global Financial Crisis to a newly dominant, uni- rect. Thousands of years ago, Will Produce Europe’s 10 Kings” (theTrumpet.com/go/13072) tied fied Germany. In the end, my there was child sacrifice. We this development into a crucial end-time biblical prophecy. Other friends, you’ll find it will not still have it in 2015! But now, it articles examined developments in clean energy, the Planned work.” America’s war on Iraq is called abortion. Do you have Parenthood scandal, and a lesson from the dodo bird. and Afghanistan resulted in a another planet I can go to? stronger Iran. Now America’s Stuart Sjalund “History is repeating itself, but our leaders are banking and debt crisis will CANADA choosing to ignore it. Many of our leaders do not result in a stronger, unified know history, and the great majority of them do Europe anchored to Germany. Straight life not know Bible prophecy. This lack of concern Brian Sherwood This is precious encourage- and knowledge will lead us to World War III. AUSTRALIA ment and a way of thinking Thank you for your great article with its great so needed in this selfish gen- historic value.” Angelo Murder for money eration (“The Straight Life,” This was so disturbing to read, theTrumpet.com/go/13078). but it had to come out into the Of course it’s not easy, but it is open (“Trafficking Aborted well worth it—to save a mar- Baby Body Parts,” theTrumpet. riage, to save a family. The easy Get your com/go/13084). America, what selfish way leads nowhere. Oh, daily dose of a shame! You pay to have your the bliss of God’s way of love. children murdered—another Vicki Baker understanding sign that the end of the age is ARKANSAS near. Thank you for bringing Supplement your news intake with the Trumpet this article to us. Maybe some Goliath’s gate Daily Radio Show. Trumpet executive editor Stephen of the blind will realize that Thank you for this exciting Flurry covers the world’s most significant events that all it takes for evil to prosper article (“Massive Gate Found mainstream media often ignore. Connecting their is for the good to do nothing. in Goliath’s Hometown,” relevance to Bible prophecy, this program will help you Miriam Manning theTrumpet.com/go/13087) understand your world. Visit www.kpcg.fm to listen in. FLORIDA that makes these people and Programs are posted Monday through Friday. places so vivid. This certainly is an eye-open- Wendy Miletich ing article! We really do live in AUSTRALIA 34 THE PHILADELPHIA TRUMPET Commentary “[I]f you are not informed, then the most patriotic thing you can do on Election Day is stay home,” Thomas Sowell wrote. “Otherwise your vote, based on whims or emotions, is playing Russian roulette with the fate of this nation” (September 15). Are You Confident in Do Americans really know how to elect a leader? Are the qualities that cause someone to stand out on a debate stage America’s Political really the same qualities that qualify someone to lead? Are arrogance and narcissism good qualities in a leader? I Process? would argue that we have tremendous evidence to the contrary in America’s Is American greatness just one government today. Yet the polls election away? by joel hilliker suggest that many Americans still believe they are tremendous olls show 71 percent of political virtues. Americans are unhappy with Do Americans really know any- P the country’s direction; many thing important about their candi- are openly frustrated. dates? Two presidential elections A year ago, Republicans gained con- ago, voters bought into an idea of trol of the Senate and their largest major- hope and change; seven in 10 Ameri- ity in the House since 1928. Republicans enthused that they cans thought the new president would improve race relations would reverse President Barack Obama’s unpopular policies. in the U.S. Meanwhile, they ignored several disturbing facts. They promised to defund or repeal Obamacare, shrink illegal Tom Brokaw admitted that the media didn’t vet this man. Will immigration, stand up to unlawful executive orders, and check another election solve our problems? Another cycle of unin- America’s runaway debt. formed citizens voting based on a political process distorted They have done none of these things. Congressional Repub- by money, by biased media coverage, and by lies peddled by the licans have shown a stunning lack of will—even when it came candidates about themselves and about each other? to opposing a nuclear deal with the world’s biggest sponsor of And in the end, even if you do get the victories you think will terrorism. All the optimism surrounding last year’s election benefit the country, you may still end up with a feckless Con- has proved completely ill-founded. gress like the one America has now. Now here we are in the midst of another presidential elec- In The Wonderful World Tomorrow—What It Will Be Like, tion cycle. In many ways, this wild campaign reflects Ameri- Herbert W. Armstrong wrote that government is often selfish, cans’ frustration. greedy, vain, ambitious men lusting for rule and operating via The top Republican contender would not be considered a secret deals, graft, immorality, deception and dishonesty. They serious candidate under normal circumstances. But people promise peace and declare war. They promise prosperity and appreciate him because he appears to be everything the Repub- deliver debt, taxation and poverty. “We fail to find in human lican establishment is not: a pugnacious, unbribable, politically government any knowledge of life’s purpose, or dissemination incorrect, tough negotiator who puts the liberal media in their of the true values.” place. He says he’s a winner who will strengthen the military, America’s form of government is perhaps the best on Earth for build a border wall, and make America respected again. This constraining tyranny and corruption and maximizing freedom. man is also arrogant, narcissistic and at times nasty, but peo- However, abuses of power are undermining the benefits of Amer- ple are so disenchanted with politics that they are willing to ica’s government and turning its political process into a farce. overlook his flaws. The next top Republican candidate is also a In Leviticus 26:19, God said to the ancient Israelites and their political outsider. After two elections lost by middle-of-the-road, descendants who sinned: “I will break the pride of your power.” mainstream Republican candidates, voters are clearly fed up. America is among those descendants—it has sinned, and its On the Democratic side, the top two candidates are a woman power is broken. But God doesn’t blame the leaders. He says whom a large majority of Americans don’t trust—thanks to the real problem is with the people. Our sins have brought years of scandals and an open fbi investigation—and an avowed these curses! Americans want to blame our problems on poli- socialist whose gigantic government spending plans would cost ticians—but the fact is, we put them in office. $18 trillion according to the Wall Street Journal. The boilerplate campaign refrain is, If we can just get these Can any of these candidates actually solve America’s problems? bums out, we’ll solve everything! When will we acknowledge The debates are crowded with candidates trying to make a that our problems are bigger than that? And when will we witty comment, giving the sound bite that will boost their poll accept responsibility for our part in the problems? numbers, jabbing at and accusing each other, boasting about America is suffering a broken will, lawless leaders, social themselves, contradicting each other over supposed facts—a breakdown, racial strife and economic disaster. These are curses

wickedink bizarre mix of arrogance and distractions that do nothing to that God is bringing upon us—not because we’ve voted for the /

com reveal leadership credentials. Yet cnn’s recent Republican wrong candidates, but because we have turned our backs on Him. . debate snagged the biggest ratings in its history. And that is How well do you suppose a politician today would fare who istock

© what cnn cares about. brought a message like that? n NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2015 35 u COLLEGE FROM PAGE 11 prescription drugs with alcohol, showing that such behavior often leads to overdose, which can also lead to death. Then, regarding the most dangerous illegal drugs in use on college campuses, the manual says, “If you choose to take Ecstasy, ghb, Special K, lsd, Meth or another drug, you may not know what’s mixed into it. … [I]t can do a number on your body and brain.” College administrators take it for granted that students are regularly using harmful illegal drugs. Honest administrators know they can do little to stop illegal drug use. The decision to use or not use a harmful illegal drug lies squarely on the shoulders of your child— Philadelphia Trumpet editor in well, almost. The drug Ecstasy is tasteless and is often chief Gerald Flurry appears each slipped into a person’s drink unknowingly. If you send week on The Key of David explaining your son or daughter to college, educate them about date- the meaning behind world events rape drugs. Recognize that both female and male college and teaching the inspiring truths students are victims of sexual assault and rape. of the Bible. The program is also available at keyofdavid.com. Consider This It is estimated that there are more than 1,000 suicides on ALL TIMES ARE A.M. LOCAL TIME UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED American college campuses per year. Experts attribute student stress over the need to achieve to be the leading UNITED STATES Montrose KJCT-DT 8:30, Sun Nationwide Satellite Connecticut, Hartford WHPX 6:00, Fri factor of suicide. Galaxy 3 Trans. 17 11:30 ET, Tue/Thu Florida, Gainesville WCJB-DT 9:30, Sun Educators and parents put a lot of pressure on students Galaxy 3 Trans. 21 11:30 ET, Tue/Thu Jacksonville WPXC/WPXJ-LP 6:00, Fri Direct TV Miami WPXM 6:00, Fri to be the best and the brightest. In some colleges and uni- CW Plus, Chan. 34, 9:30 ET/PT, Sun Orlando WOPX 6:00, Fri versities, the competition to be the best is vicious. At most Discovery, Chan. 278, 6:30 ET/PT, Sun Panama City WJHG-DT 8:30, Sun ION, Chan. 305, 6:00 ET, Fri Pensacola WFGX 7:30, Sun colleges and universities, academic achievement is all that WGN, Chan. 307, 8:00 ET, Sun Tallahassee WTXL 7:30, Sun; WTLF/ matters—although “liberating” yourself sexually, narcot- Dish Network WTLH-DT 9:30, Sun Discovery, Chan. 182, 6:30 ET/PT, Sun Tampa WXPX 6:00, Fri ically and intellectually would be a close second. ION, Chan. 216, 6:00 ET, Fri West Palm Beach WPXP 6:00, Fri So, what is the real source of all the life-threatening, WGN, Chan. 239, 8:00 ET, Sun Georgia, Albany WSWG-DT 9:30, Sun Nationwide Cable Atlanta WPXA 6:00, Fri personally injurious problems taking place on our college CW Plus, 9:30 ET/PT, Sun Augusta-Aiken WAGT-DT 9:30, Sun campuses? Few would suspect that it could be our educa- Discovery, 6:30 ET/PT, Sun Brunswick WPXC 6:00, Fri ION, 6:00 ET/PT, Fri Columbus WLTZ-DT 9:30, Sun tion system. But modern education has done little to solve WGN, 8:00 ET, Sun Macon WMAZ-DT 9:30, Sun the world’s problems that are ever growing worse. And we Alabama, Birmingham WPXH 5:00, Fri; Savannah WGSA-DT 9:30, Sun WVUA 1:00 p.m., Sun Thomasville WTLF/WTLH-DT 9:30, Sun are seeing some very ugly sides to what are supposed to be Dothan WTVY-DT 8:30, Sun Hawaii, Hawaii Na Leo Chan. 54 6:30, Sun; enlightened centers of learning. Mobile WFGX 7:30, Sun 8:30, Wed Montgomery WBMM-DT/WVCF-DT 8:30, Sun Kaui Ho’ Ike Chan. 52 9:30, Tue Something is missing in our education system. You can Alaska, Anchorage KYUR-DT 8:30, Sun Maui/Lanaii/Molokai/Niihau/Akaku see it in the materialistic emphasis. You can see it in the Fairbanks KATN-DT 8:30, Sun Chan. 52 6:30 pm, Sun; 3:30, Mon Juneau KJUD-DT 8:30, Sun Oahu Focus Chan. 49 7:00 am, Sat prevalence of drug use and the epidemic of rape. The miss- Arizona, Phoenix KPPX 5:00, Fri; Chan. 27 5:00 am, Fri KPXO ing dimension is instruction in character—how to live the KAZT 8:00, Sun Idaho, Boise KYUU-LP/KBOI-DT 8:30, Sun Yuma KECY-DT 8:30, Sun Idaho Falls KIFI-DT 8:30, Sun right way: morally, cleanly, at peace with others. This is Arkansas, El Dorado KNOE-DT 8:30, Sun Pocatello KIFI-DT 8:30, Sun the greatest danger on college and university campuses. Fayetteville KHBS-DT/KHOG-DT 8:30, Sun Twin Falls KMVT-DT 8:30, Sun Fort Smith KHBS-DT/KHOG-DT 8:30, Sun Illinois, Bloomington WHOI-DT 8:30, Sun Our lofty educational institutions fail to teach our young Jonesboro KJOS 8:30, Sun Chicago WCUU 7:00, Mon-Fri; WCIU 9:30, people about God and the productive, successful life that Rogers KHBS-DT/KHOG-DT 8:30, Sun Sun; WCPX 5:00, Fri Springdale KHBS-DT/KHOG-DT 8:30, Sun Peoria WHOI-DT 8:30, Sun can only be gained by living by His Ten California, Bakersfield KGET-DT 9:30, Sun Rockford WREX-DT 8:30, Sun Commandments. These eternal Chico KHSL-DT 9:30, Sun; KRCR 9:00, Sun Quincy WGEM-DT 8:30, Sun El Centro KECY-DT 8:30, Sun Indiana, Fort Wayne WPTA-DT 21.2 9:30, Sun laws teach young people how to Eureka KUVU-LP/KVIQ-DT 9:30, Sun Indianapolis WIPX 6:00, Fri make right choices in life (Deuter- Los Angeles KPXN 6:00, Fri; Terre Haute WBI 9:30, Sun TVCLT-Bilingual, 7:30 Sun Iowa, Cedar Rapids KPXR 5:00, Fri onomy 30:19). Monterey KION 9:30, Sun Des Moines KFPX 5:00, Fri There is a way you can protect Palm Springs KCWQ/KESQ-DT 9:30, Sun Keokuk WGEM-DT 8:30, Sun Redding KHSL-DT 9:30, Sun; Mason City KTTC-DT 8:30, Sun your college-age student from the KRCR 9:00, Sun Ottumwa KWOT 8:30, Sun dangers of campus life. Provide Sacramento KSPX 6:00, Fri; Sioux City KTIV-DT 8:30, Sun TVCLT-Bilingual, 7:30 Sun Kansas, Topeka KTKA-DT 8:30, Sun him with right education. Please Salinas KION 9:30, Sun Pittsburg KSXF 8:30, Sun request a free to you copy of our San Diego TVCLT-Bilingual, 7:30 Sun Kentucky, Bowling Green WBKO-DT 8:30, Sun San Francisco KKPX 6:00, Fri Lexington WUPX 6:00, Fri booklet Education With Vision. 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