World Watch

One key to understanding our world today is to read a variety of sources (not just those from our own country, or those that conform to our worldview), and to try to understand the point of view of that source. Another key is to understand the nature of the media and modern governments, described in "Understanding World Events" below. Yet another key is to recognize the principle of moral universality: we apply the same standard of justice to ourselves as we do to others (the golden rule). Anything less is hypocrisy. We need to put ourselves in the shoes of those in other countries, and try to see things from their point of view.

Our prayer is that soon, events will unfold signaling the Lord's return, allowing us to "lift up our heads", knowing our "deliverance is near." Having an objective view of world events will help us to recognize this. We hope these links will help you.

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News Analysis

Understanding World Events

He will swallow up the covering which is over all peoples, Even the veil which is stretched over all nations. - Isaiah 25:7

As for both kings, their hearts will be intent on evil, and they will speak lies to each other at the same table; but it will not succeed, for the end is still to come at the appointed time. - Dan 11:27

And I saw coming out of the mouth of the dragon and out of the mouth of the beast and out of the mouth of the false prophet, three unclean spirits like frogs; for they are spirits of demons, performing signs, which go out to the kings of the whole world, to gather them together for the war of the great day of God, the Almighty. - Rev 16:13-14

Speaking of his second coming, Jesus said that, "When you see these things [signs of his coming] starting to occur, raise your heads, for your deliverance is near" (Lk 21:28). In order for us to clearly discern these signs then, we must have an objective and historical view of what is happening among nations today. We must try to determine the truth regarding current events (Jn 4:23-24, 8:32). Otherwise, we will not know when to, "raise our heads" in expectation!

We usually get our information by watching the news on television or reading a popular newspaper or magazine. Unfortunately, most large media companies are owned by a relatively small group of powerful corporations. The individuals that control these corporations often have ties to government, and various 'think tanks' or lobbying groups. They are very much aware of the power of the media to influence public opinion. They see the media as a tool to shape public perception in their favor. As a consequence, there is significant pressure upon media companies to produce news from a certain perspective, beneficial to these elite powerbrokers.

An example may help. Polls have shown that roughly 50% of Americans believe Sadaam Hussein was responsible for the horrible 9/11 attacks. Yet the U.S. Congress concluded he was not--documenting this in the 9/11 Commission Report (see pgs 334-336). It was Osama Bin Laden, an enemy of Saddam Hussein, who masterminded 9/11.

So where did this false perception come from? From misleading media reports orginating from the Bush Administration and related Neo-Conservative groups. Why were these false stories circulated? To support the invasion of Iraq, and to create a climate of fear whereby the Neo-Conservative agenda (lower corporate taxes, cutting of social programs, reduction of civil liberties, etc.) could be pushed through Congress without much resistance. Why invade Iraq? To gain control of the second largest oil reserves in the world (after Saudi Arabia) and to build military bases from which to launch additional attacks against other Middle Eastern countries (Syria and Iran, for example) in the U.S.'s quest to remake the Middle East in a pro-U.S. direction. This may seem shocking to some people, who have been fed a steady feel-good diet of pro-U.S. Fox News, or CNN most of their lives, but it would not be shocking to the prophet Daniel. He understood clearly that major world powers are beasts fighting each other for domination. They have "two horns like a lamb, but speak as a dragon.." (Rev 13:11-13). This is the sad reality of global power politics.

Now in case you are thinking this is a "liberal" view of events--it's not. The 9/11 commission was bipartisan. The report was initiated by a Republican controlled congress and signed by President Bush in 2002. And by the way, Democrats aren't any better. The Clinton Administration supported the massacre of East Timor by the Indonesian army and the immoral bombing of Serbia. Jimmy Carter sent the CIA to support the Contras in their terrorizing of the democratically elected governent of Nicaragua. The point here is not to condemn particular political parties or governments (although in God's eyes, these acts surely are deplorable), but to demonstrate the real nature of governmental power: powerful beasts, as it were, fighting for dominance.

There is nothing new in this or specific to the U.S. government. All governments engage in manipulating their populations through the media. Russia engages in "the War on Terror" against Chechnyen "rebels" while Chechnyen "freedom fighters" engage in "resistance". Israel attempts to liquidate Hezzbollah "terrorists" in Lebanon while the Hezzbollah "social movement" engages in "heroic resistance". Each side must appear to have the moral high ground, in order to obtain the support of its population and to garner international sympathy. After all, it is the lowly citizens that must fight and die, not the powerful elite, and wars must always have a moral pretext, even if it is (and it usually is) a lie. For a more detailed discussion of the nature of the media, and the nature of governments and power, see Noam Chomsky's short essay What Makes Mainstream Media Mainstream, or read his book Manufacturing Consent. Failed States is also an excellent read.

We need to be clear on something. True Christians do not engage in violent political struggles, supporting one party over another, or one country over another. We deplore war (Mt 5:39-44). We recognize that God's Kingdom is "no part of this world" (Jn 18:36). We understand that governments are under Satan's control (2 Cor 4:4), and according to the prophet Daniel, are 'beasts' engaged in violent competition with each other (Dan 7:2-8, 8:2-7). We follow the example of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who willingly went to his death rather than compromise his principles--even though he was offered all the kingdoms of the world by the Devil (Mt 4:8-11). We know that when Jesus returns, the Kingdom will be established over the entire earth (Mt 6:10, Re 21:3), and will put an end to current world governments (Dan 2:44, Re 11:15). For more information on the Christian's view of war, see the article Christians and War.

At the same time true Christians do not want to be indoctrinated by media spin. This could lead us to taking a political position against our Christian brothers on the other side of the conflict. This has led to Christendom's deplorable and shameful record of supporting war and violence throughout history--even killing fellow Christians in the name of nationalism. True Christians do not want to be part of this sad and deplorable record and therefore need to work hard to cut through media indoctrination.

We therefore must maintain our loyalty first to Christ and God's Kingdom, and remain neutral in the political affairs of this world, being peacemakers (Mt. 5:9) wherever possible. We want to "keep on the watch" by maintaining our obedience to Christ, and by understanding world events as they relate to bible prophecy. At the same time, we must work hard at having an intimate and meaningful relationship with our God and Father, through Christ Jesus, and continue to pray, "Your Kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven."