Trump intends to abandon US command of NATO in Europe

[iarwain]

I was reading how Trump wants to abandon US command of the NATO forces in Europe for the first time in 75 years. I was thinking that this might play a part in apocalyptic prophecy. The US taking on a reduced role in NATO would force Europe to spend more and be more proactive about providing for their own defense. This could build the strength of what in prophecy is thought of as a revived Roman empire, or the 10 horns which are 10 kings. Some say the European Union will be the fulfillment of this prophecy.

MSN

 

[trophy33]

Europe is not the Roman empire. The Roman empire was one of many empires in Europe.

Europe becoming strong does not mean it is becoming the Roman empire.

This is the problem with such biased prophecy fulfillments - they are being bent in whatever way an expositor likes.

 

[FireDragon76]

This is the problem with such biased prophecy fulfillments - they are being bent in whatever way an expositor likes.

I tend to think anything but an idealist or preterist reading of the apocalyptic literature is just wishful paranoia from the get go. Every generation that has tried to read Daniel or Revelation in a futurist sense has been sorely disappointed, sometimes embarasingly so (like the Millerite movement in the US).

 

[iarwain]

Europe becoming strong does not mean it is becoming the Roman empire.

What about the ten horns? You don't think that could be the European Union in some form? In any case, I said "Some say" this could be the fulfillment of the prophecy. I don't pretend to know one way or the other.

I tend to think anything but an idealist or preterist reading of the apocalyptic literature is just wishful paranoia from the get go. Every generation that has tried to read Daniel or Revelation in a futurist sense has been sorely disappointed, sometimes embarasingly so (like the Millerite movement in the US).

Even in the apostles' generation, they were looking toward Christ's Second Coming. We are commanded to always be on watch, after all, so I don't think that's a bad thing.

 

[FireDragon76]

What about the ten horns? You don't think that could be the European Union in some form? In any case, I said "Some say" this could be the fulfillment of the prophecy. I don't pretend to know one way or the other.



Even in the apostles' generation, they were looking toward Christ's Second Coming. We are commanded to always be on watch, after all, so I don't think that's a bad thing.

I don't understand discerning the signs of the times as amounting to Adventism. God's kingdom is already present in our deed's of love and mercy, as the old American Congregationalist hymn goes. It is here we should direct our focus.

When and how Christ returns is largely irrelevant to actually being a Christian in the real world in a meaningful sense. Humans are sinful and would use such knowledge to wicked ends anyways, even if they could know such details. Unearned knowledge is worse than ignorance.

 

[trophy33]

What about the ten horns? You don't think that could be the European Union in some form?

Why should the ten horns be related to the EU?

 

[iarwain]

When and how Christ returns is largely irrelevant to actually being a Christian in the real world in a meaningful sense. Humans are sinful and would use such knowledge to wicked ends anyways, even if they could know such details. Unearned knowledge is worse than ignorance.

I disagree. The Second Coming is the great hope of Christians. We do not know the exact manner or hour, but God has told us some signs. If the prophecies are worthless, why tell them to us?

 

[FireDragon76]

I disagree. The Second Coming is the great hope of Christians. We do not know the exact manner or hour, but God has told us some signs. If the prophecies are worthless, why tell them to us?

I never suggested they were worthless, and I find that notion offensive. It comes down to a fundamental misunderstanding of what prophecy is, and what is for. Biblical prophecy primarily is about interpreting the present (relative to the authors). An unveiling of a present spiritual reality which is hidden from ordinary understanding. Daniel should be read in the context of early Second Temple Judaism under the opposseion of the Seleucids, and Revelation should be read in a late 1st century context likewise.

 

[iarwain]

Daniel should be read in the context of early Second Temple Judaism under the opposseion of the Seleucids, and Revelation should be read in a late 1st century context likewise.

That's fine, but not everyone agrees that is the only interpretation.

In any case, I just posted the article as a possibility that current events will strengthen the European Union, for those that think that might play an eventual part in end times prophecy. I'm not saying it does, but I'm not saying it doesn't.

 

[Laodicean60]

I wonder which country will be selected for NATO command?

 

[Bob Crowley]

I'm not very interested in "last days" speculation, although I have a suspicion the anti-Christ is alive and well (for my money he's an American political figure, and not Trump although I don't have much admiration for his gigantic ego).

As for NATO leadership I suppose Germany would have a large say as they are right in the centre of Europe and have a strong military tradition.

In regard to the "ten kings" of Revelation fame, I'd look further afield The prediction is that the anti-Christ will have a world-wide dominion, not a revamped version of a European bound Roman Empire.

I think they'd be ten administrative regions around the globe - for example - North America, South Africa, Russia, Central Asia, China, India, East and South East Asia, Australian and Oceania, Europe, Africa - just for argument's sake.

With satellites, starlink, silicon chip implants, biometric data, the internet and the compulsory use of electronic funds such a scenario is quite posssible these days. All it would take to set the scene would be a catastrophe big enough for most people to accept dictatorship in return for secular security.

As for the Vatican taking over the world with its Swiss Guard, they'd need to wield their halberds with ferocious efficiency - all 135 of them!

When Churchill mentioned the Vatican, Stalin asked: “How many divisions has the Pope got?”