Some friends have queried the budaks' decision to abandon our hall of worship after nearly a decade of fellowship and service. Though I now suffer from a general allergy to organised religion in general, it suffices to say that one facet of this not-unwelcome hiatus from much-too-early Sunday mornings and drawn-out afternoons stems from the growing congregational influence of characters such as the author of the thoughtful words below, extracted from his devotional website. I leave it to you, gentle reader, to judge the conclusions that the faithful should deduce from such teachings:
"Rise of the European Superstate.... Over the last few years we have watched closely as the European Union has emerged as a growing world power. The value of the Euro has surpassed that of the dollar, and in May the EU welcomed 10 new members increasing its influence in the UN and expanding its potential for economic growth... the EU has begun to challenge the US in an effort to increase its influence in international politics. The bitter debate over Iraq between the United States, Germany, and France has been seen by many as a foreshadow of what is to come. A battle in which the EU, lead by France and Germany, is positioning itself to surpass the United States as the dominant world power....
Global Government.... Often seen as the future embodiment of global government, the UN has been the subject of increased scrutiny. While the investigation into the Oil-for-Food scandal is at its height, the UN has been bombarded by accusations of corruption and mismanagement... it should come as no surprise that amidst the scandal the UN has announced plans for a massive overhaul. The huge reforms will be unlike any changes made since the organization was founded in 1945. Historically, government never downsizes voluntarily; it always increases its power and minimizes accountability to its citizens. Government reinvention is frequently an effort to avoid the consequences of failed policies in the past, or to justify a government's continued expansion by posing solutions to the problems it has created. Over the last decade, the United Nations has unabashedly pushed for what it calls "global governance." A recent thrust for support of the International Criminal Court is just one example of how the UN is positioning itself for global power. It has become very clear that they will use the scandal and the ensuing "reforms" to advance closer to that goal....
The Magog Invasion.... Since Putin took power in 1999 he has established unrivaled dominance of both houses of parliament, reasserted control over the country's huge energy industry, forced the closure of the last independent national television network, strengthened Russia’s ties to its former communist allies, and employed what he calls "managed democracy".... once thought to be a growing capitalist ally, Russia is returning to its Soviet roots. This change may eventually pave the way for the Magog Invasion to take place....
The Rise of the Far East.... China has quickly become a global power. In recent years, China has bought, borrowed, or stolen technology, which has catapulted its military capabilities into the modern high-tech arena... the Chinese military is preparing for a war with the United States, a war which its commanders believe is inevitable....
Global Religion.... It may seem difficult to imagine the world united under one ruler and one religion, especially with the bloody ethnic battles taking place in the world today. However, the violence caused by religious and cultural conflicts could in fact be the catalyst that brings about drastic change. The desire for world peace, the deterioration of moral values in the Western world, the restriction of religious freedom in America, and the continued persecution of Christians in other parts of the world could all pave the way for the emergence of a global religion...."
My dear Budak
Find a new loving Church. Some where out there there must be a Church untainted by nonfundamental pseudo'christian ideologies. If you can't find it then start your own. What is important is that you gather with others of like mind and spirit to praise God for his mercies.
Posted by: Tyrone | 30 December 2004 at 01:54 AM