THE DEVIL MADE ME DO IT!
. . . not a diversion
Part IX – The Prophetic Sequence
By
Doug Krieger
WHAT DO THESE TWO HAVE IN COMMON?
This past week (September 17-23, 2006) two men stood before the world—both Roman Catholic, both utterly committed to world peace (so they say)—one embraced by the Islamic World (Hugo Chavez, President of Venezuela), and the other despised by the Islamic World! (Guess who?)
To understand the magnitude of Islamic response—and, for that matter, world response—to these two most unique individuals, it is essential that you understand the words of Pope Benedict XVI recorded at the academic exchange at the University of Regensburg, Germany this past week.
His Holiness, Pope Benedict XVI—the most visible figure in Christianity—recites a 14th Century Byzantine emperor, Manuel II Paleologus, holding a conversation with an educated Persian on the subject of Christianity and Islam in the midst of the siege of Constantinople by Islamic forces:
“It was probably the emperor himself who set down this dialogue, during the siege of Constantinople between 1394 and 1402; and this would explain why his arguments are given in greater detail than the responses of the learned Persian. The dialogue ranges widely over the structures of faith contained in the Bible and in the Qur'an, and deals especially with the image of God and of man, while necessarily returning repeatedly to the relationship of the three Laws: the Old Testament, the New Testament, and the Qur'an. In this lecture I would like to discuss only one point-- itself rather marginal to the dialogue itself-- which, in the context of the issue of faith and reason, I found interesting and which can serve as the starting-point for my reflections on this issue.
“In the seventh conversation edited by Professor Khoury, the emperor touches on the theme of the jihad (holy war). The emperor must have known that surah 2, 256 reads: There is no compulsion in religion. It is one of the suras of the early period, when Mohammed was still powerless and under threat. But naturally the emperor also knew the instructions, developed later and recorded in the Qur’an, concerning holy war. Without descending to details, such as the difference in treatment accorded to those who have the “Book” and the “infidels,” he turns to his interlocutor somewhat brusquely with the central question on the relationship between religion and violence in general, in these words:
“Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached.
“The emperor goes on to explain in detail the reasons why spreading the faith through violence is something unreasonable. Violence is incompatible with the nature of God and the nature of the soul.
“God is not pleased by blood, and not acting reasonably is contrary to God's nature. Faith is born of the soul, not the body. Whoever would lead someone to faith needs the ability to speak well and to reason properly, without violence and threats... To convince a reasonable soul, one does not need a strong arm, or weapons of any kind, or any other means of threatening a person with death....” (CWN News)
Suffice it to say, virtually the entire Moslem World went into apoplectic seizure . . . now, juxtaposed to the perception of these incendiary remarks, and with the sulfur still emitting from the throat of the otherwise Excellency, the impact of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez are analyzed. And, keep in mind President Chavez is an ardent professing Catholic who, when he made these remarks before the prestigious General Assembly of the United Nations in New York City on this day, September 20, 2006, did so while “making the sign of the cross” – accomplishing the sacred discharge in a most overt fashion with hands clasped and head bowed upon the completion of the insignia:
“The Devil is at home, the Devil himself is at home, the devil came here yesterday (Note: Directly referring to President George W. Bush’s speech the day before the General Assembly of the United Nations), the devil was here at this same place, here in the same place it still smells like sulfur, (sign of the cross given here at this part of the speech) this table where it is my turn to talk from, yesterday ladies and gentleman, from this same tribune the President of the US, who I call the Devil, came to talk as if he was the owner of the world, a psychiatrist would be necessary to analyze the speech of the President of the US, as spokesman of imperialism he came to give us his recipes to maintain the current scheme of domination, of exploitation and of looting the people of the world.” (Salon.com – “The Devil’s Excrement”)
Imagine – as we pause (or do we?) to reflect upon the prophetic sequence leading up to the schedule of future, though immediate, events foretold millennia ago in the Book of Books? My friends and colleagues, we sit at the precipice of cataclysm as the world’s leaders volley their tirades and pontifications toward one another—don’t think yourself as spectator . . . YOU ARE IN THIS THING WHETHER YOU WISH TO BE OR NOT!
Next, the religious provocateur who incited the guttural rhetoric of President Chavez, President George W. Bush the day before this august body:
“Some have argued that the democratic changes we're seeing in the Middle East are destabilizing the region. This argument rests on a false assumption, that the Middle East was stable to begin with. The reality is that the stability we thought we saw in the Middle East was a mirage. For decades, millions of men and women in the region have been trapped in oppression and hopelessness. And these conditions left a generation disillusioned, and made this region a breeding ground for extremism.” (The White House, President George W. Bush – President Bush Addresses United Nations General Assembly – Tuesday, September 19, 2006 – and throughout)
The President goes on to address the extremity of the situation in the Middle East . . . calling out nations affected by the “disillusionment” . . .
“Today, I'd like to speak directly to the people across the broader Middle East: My country desires peace. Extremists in your midst spread propaganda claiming that the West is engaged in a war against Islam. This propaganda is false, and its purpose is to confuse you and justify acts of terror. We respect Islam, but we will protect our people from those who pervert Islam to sow death and destruction. Our goal is to help you build a more tolerant and hopeful society that honors people of all faiths and promote the peace.
“To the people of Iran: The United States respects you; we respect your country. We admire your rich history, your vibrant culture, and your many contributions to civilization. You deserve an opportunity to determine your own future, an economy that rewards your intelligence and your talents, and a society that allows you to fulfill your tremendous potential. The greatest obstacle to this future is that your rulers have chosen to deny you liberty and to use your nation's resources to fund terrorism, and fuel extremism, and pursue nuclear weapons. The United Nations has passed a clear resolution requiring that the regime in Tehran meet its international obligations. Iran must abandon its nuclear weapons ambitions. Despite what the regime tells you, we have no objection to Iran's pursuit of a truly peaceful nuclear power program. We're working toward a diplomatic solution to this crisis. And as we do, we look to the day when you can live in freedom -- and America and Iran can be good friends and close partners in the cause of peace.
“To the people of Syria: Your land is home to a great people with a proud tradition of learning and commerce. Today your rulers have allowed your country to become a crossroad for terrorism. In your midst, Hamas and Hezbollah are working to destabilize the region, and your government is turning your country into a tool of Iran. This is increasing your country's isolation from the world. Your government must choose a better way forward by ending its support for terror, and living in peace with your neighbors, and opening the way to a better life for you and your families.” (Ibid.)
Then on to Africa—but closely tied to the Middle East, as Sudanese Moslem Arabs oppress the southern Sudan’s majority Christian and animist populations:
“If the Sudanese government does not approve this peacekeeping force quickly (In Sudan’s Darfur Province), the United Nations must act. Your lives and the credibility of the United Nations is at stake. So today I'm announcing that I'm naming a Presidential Special Envoy -- former USAID Administrator Andrew Natsios -- to lead America's efforts to resolve the outstanding disputes and help bring peace to your land.” (Ibid.)
Of course all these remarks were said not knowing the shrill comments of one, Hugo Chavez, who blasted away at US foreign policy the next day, knowing full well he provides 15% of U.S. oil imports . . .
“At the Porto Alegre World Social Forum last January different personalities asked for the United Nations to move outside the United States if the repeated violations to (the) international rule of law continue. Today we know that there were never any weapons of mass destruction in Iraq . . . There were never any weapons of mass destruction; however, Iraq was bombed, occupied and it is still occupied. All this happened over the United Nations. That is why we propose (to) this Assembly that the United Nations should leave a country that does not respect the resolutions taken by this same Assembly. (Ibid. Clearing House)
“We the people now claim—this is the case of Venezuela—a new international economic order. But it is also urgent a new international political order. Let us not permit that a few countries try to reinterpret the principles of International Law in order to impose new doctrines such as “pre-emptive warfare.” Oh do they threaten us with that pre-emptive war! And what about the “Responsibility to Protect” doctrine? We need to ask ourselves. Who is going to protect us? How are they going to protect us?” (Ibid.)
The President of the USA continued his “peace barrage” by directing his closing remarks towards the Israeli-Arab-Iranian Conflict . . .
“This struggle is unfolding in the Palestinian territories. Earlier this year, the Palestinian people voted in a free election. The leaders of Hamas campaigned on a platform of ending corruption and improving the lives of the Palestinian people, and they prevailed. The world is waiting to see whether the Hamas government will follow through on its promises, or pursue an extremist agenda. And the world has sent a clear message to the leaders of Hamas: Serve the interests of the Palestinian people. Abandon terror, recognize Israel's right to exist, honor agreements, and work for peace.
“Freedom, by its nature, cannot be imposed -- it must be chosen. From Beirut to Baghdad, people are making the choice for freedom. And the nations gathered in this chamber must make a choice, as well: Will we support the moderates and reformers who are working for change across the Middle East -- or will we yield the future to the terrorists and extremists? America has made its choice: We will stand with the moderates and reformers.” (Ibid.)
Alas, America’s quest for world “Hegemony Or Survival” (a book trumpeted by President Hugo Chavez during his speech, and written by Noam Chomsky, intellect of America’s Left) was lambasted by Chavez—notwithstanding all the Presidential pleadings for moderation, tranquility, and reasoned deliberations—telling the world body that the thirst for “peace and justice” will NOT tolerate EMPIRE—whatever manifested Western form it takes (i.e., Spanish or American) . . .
“We will fight for Venezuela, for Latin American integration and the world. We reaffirm our infinite faith in humankind. We are thirsty for peace and justice in order to survive as species. Simón Bolívar, founding father of our country and guide of our revolution swore to never allow his hands to be idle or his soul to rest until he had broken the shackles which bound us to the empire. Now is the time to not allow our hands to be idle or our souls to rest until we save humanity.” (Ibid. Clearing House)
And, that’s not all that Chavez wants . . .
“Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, on a world tour during which he signed a $3 billion arms deal with Russia, has begun talking about combining several of South America’s largest armies to counter U.S. influence.
“‘We must form a defensive military pact between the armies of the region with a common doctrine and organization,’ Mr. Chavez said July 5 (2006) in Caracas during a military parade, which Argentine President Nestor Kirchner and Bolivian President Evo Morales attended. In another speech before he left for Moscow last week, Mr. Chavez said: ‘We must form the armed forces of Mercosur, merging warfare capabilities of the continent.’
“Mercosur is a South American trading group to which Venezuela was admitted last month. The group's other members are Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay and Paraguay. Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru are associate members.
“The need is for a Latin American alliance ‘equivalent to NATO, with our own doctrine, not one that's handed down by the gringos,’ he said in a TV broadcast at the Inca shrine of Lake Titicaca.
“Mr. Chavez called the United States the ‘greatest threat’ to the world when he announced the purchase of 24 Su-30 Sukhoi fighter jets and 53 Mi-17, Mi-26 and Mi-35 combat helicopters from Russia last week. The long-term deal provides for a total of $3 billion worth of arms for Venezuela.” (Chavez Seeks Anti-US Military Alliance, The Washington Times, Martin Arostegui, THE WASHINGTON TIMES, August 2, 2006)
WHEN WORLDS COLLIDE
When Worlds Collide is a 1932 science fiction novel co-written by Philip Gordon Wylie and Edwin Balmer, who also authored the sequel After Worlds Collide. It was first published as a six-part monthly serial from September 1932 to February 1933 in Blue Book magazine. (Wikipedia)
The plot involves two planets on a collision course with planet earth—the trick is to get everyone off earth to one of the two planets (Bronson Beta), while escaping the direct hit of planet Alpha. The plot and theme revolutionized science fiction . . . leading to the escape from a doomed planet to a habitable one also can be seen in Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster's 1938 comic Superman.
Turns out that Planet Bronson Beta had been previously inhabited—a small crew of worldlings makes it to start anew as earth disintegrates into oblivion.
To say the least—this austere exchange before the world—has only been acerbated by the lips of the Iranian President . . . but in a most peculiar fashion . . .
“Today's world, more than ever before, longs for just and righteous people with love for all humanity, and above all, longs for the perfect righteous human being and the real savior who has been promised to all peoples and who will establish justice, peace, and brotherhood on the planet. Oh, Almighty God, all men and women are your creatures, and you have ordained their guidance and salvation. Bestow upon humanity that thirst for justice, the perfect human being promised to all by you, and make us among his followers and among those who strive for his return and his cause.” (President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, September 19, 2006, the United Nations General Assembly)
Wait a minute – is this a speech or prayer for the return of the messiah given at the UN? Both! Keep in mind, President Ahmadinejad’s perceptions of the Moslem messiah is foremost in his immediate considerations of the geopolitical circumstance—and more and more Americans are beginning to voice the implications of what that may mean . . .
“There's an interesting background piece in the Daily Mail in the UK today. Headline: Why this man should give us all nightmares. It's a great piece with background on Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. ‘So who is this Hidden Imam? He was a direct descendant of the Prophet Mohammed who, at the age of five, disappeared down a well around A.D. 940. That's who the 12th Imam is, five years old. The Ahmadinejad administration basically is going to blow up the world to get the 12th Imam out of the well. This is also kind of crazy. ‘When I was in Tehran’ – this is the article written by Ann Leslie – ‘When I was in Tehran, Ahmadinejad was its mayor, and an Iranian friend with links to the city council told me: ‘He's instructed the council to build a grand avenue to prepare for the Mahdi's return. Fell down a well at age five, A.D. 940. In their religion he's the 12th Imam,’ shows up for the apocalypse essentially and Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is firmly convinced it will happen in his lifetime, and that's why the ongoing concern about his desire to develop nuclear weapons, which he, of course, denied at the United Nations yesterday.” (Ahmadinejad Prays for End of World in UN Speech September 20, 2006, The Rush Limbaugh Show, September 20, 2006)
But, here we have no uncertain leader . . . Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is capable of diplomatic intrigue and verbosity akin to that of Mr. Chavez; again, his UN speech given several hours after President Bush’s address . . .
“What afflicts humanity today is certainly not compatible with human dignity; the Almighty has not created human beings so that they could transgress against others and oppress them.
“By causing war and conflict, some are fast expanding their domination, accumulating greater wealth and usurping all the resources, while others endure the resulting poverty, suffering and misery.
“Some seek to rule the world relying on weapons and threats, while others live in perpetual insecurity and danger.
“Some occupy the homeland of others, thousands of kilometers away from their borders, interfere in their affairs and control their oil and other resources and strategic routes, while others are bombarded daily in their own homes; their children murdered in the streets and alleys of their own country and their homes reduced to rubble.”
“The question needs to be asked: if the Governments of the United States or the United Kingdom who are permanent members of the Security Council, commit aggression, occupation and violation of international law, which of the organs of the UN can take them to account?”
Thus, worlds collide—but who will escape? . . . and don’t think that the Pope’s alleged apologies are a capitulation—THEY ARE NOT!
ISLAM HAS NO REASON – THENCE, NO BASIS TO REFORM
Please, do NOT think that Pope Benedict XVI has proffered an apology acceptable to Islam; nor think his bumbling an embarrassment to the West—no, no, no! These “worlds” are on an inexorable collision course and the Pope knows it. His apologies—twice given—twice refused (both sides know better) simply confirm that the rigidity of an intellectual pontiff (not a diplomatic one like John Paul II) will not allow a compromise with the inability of Islam to, as Christianity has, reform itself and shed the sword—though, the “sword” has been within Christendom’s West, cleverly concealed to hide its two-edged lethality.
The Pope’s conversation and explanatory relief offers no solace to Islam. Why? Because embedded within his projections are demands for “religious tolerance” – a mandatory quid pro quo wherein for Christianity to allow the construction of the largest Mosque in Europe within the shadow of the Vatican, without Mecca’s reciprocation—there can be NO reciprocity, no reconciliation. Quite frankly, there is no capability, as far as Christendom’s most pronounced expression, for Islam to undergo reformation within the modern world.
Can’t imagine why the Pope would be so insensitive . . . and, thus it was, that the imam of Rome’s Grand Mosque, Sheikh Abdul Hadi Palazzi, uttered these words several years ago in the shadow of the Vatican:
“O Allah, cause the Muslim fighters to win in Palestine, in Chechnya and in every other part of the world. O Allah, help us to annihilate the enemies of Islam. O Allah, grant victory everywhere to the Nation of Islam.” (Stella Prudente, June 8, 2003, THE IMAM OF ROME MUST EITHER BE FIRED OR EXPELLED)
Of course, these were only “cultural” expressions of Islam’s nature. Now, notice that the Pope has expressed regret for the offense he may have given Muslims, but not for his remarks, which does nothing to mediate the upheaval. Some claim a “regret but no apology” . . . let the Pope’s own official “clarifications” confirm Islam’s suspicions:
“He simply used it as a means to undertake - in an academic context, and as is evident from a complete and attentive reading of the text - certain reflections on the theme of the relationship between religion and violence in general, and to conclude with a clear and radical rejection of the religious motivation for violence, from whatever side it may come.”
“The Holy Father thus sincerely regrets that certain passages of his address could have sounded offensive to the sensitivities of the Muslim faithful, and should have been interpreted in a manner that in no way corresponds to his intentions.
The remarks of India’s Cardinal Telesphore Toppo are, I believe, a much deeper understanding of the Holy See’s immediate perplexities:
“The Christian community in that country must face Muslim protests over the pope's speech ‘with Christian courage and prayer because truth needs no other defense,’” (Regret but No Apology from the Pope - CBS News/AsiaNews, a Vatican-affiliated news agency – Vatican City, Sept. 16, 2006)
In sum . . .
“Mohammed Bishr, a senior Muslim Brotherhood member in Egypt, contended that the Vatican's statement ‘was not an apology’ but a ‘pretext that the pope was quoting somebody else as saying so and so.’
“‘We need the pope to admit the big mistake he has committed and then agree on apologizing, because we will not accept others to apologize on his behalf.’” (Ibid.)
And, from Rt. Rev. Hugo Chavez . . .
“I think the Vatican should clarify the position much better because I believe many doubts still linger among our Muslim brothers of the world . . . We see the pope’s words with worry. Those who have so much weight with the word (shouldn't be) saying something that could be misinterpreted and throw more fuel on the fire.” (Venezuela's Chavez urges pope to be more careful with his words, The Associated Press, Published: September 20, 2006)
A JOINT US-ZIONIST PLOT –
And, from Iran, these “conciliatory” remarks:
“Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei accused the Pope of beginning a ‘Crusader War’ against Islam, despite the pontiff’s public apology on Sunday over his recent remarks on the Islamic faith which sparked outrage in Muslim countries.
“‘The first aspect to these remarks was to level accusations against Islam and the second more important aspect was the support these remarks give to the hegemonic policies of the world to sow religious discord among Muslims and Christians”, Khamenei told a gathering of Iranian clerics.’
“He defended the reaction of Muslims to the pontiff’s remarks.
“He added that the United States was attempting created (sic. to create) an ugly image of Muslims in the West in order to ‘crack down on Islamic society under the guise of combating terrorism.’
“‘The world’s bullies believe the continuation of their existence to be in stirring religious crises in the international community. With his remarks, the Pope has effectively helped this policy,’ Khamenei said, adding that there was a possibility that the pontiff had been deceived into making the comments. (My comment: Don’t be so naïve!)
“He said that following the September 11 attacks on America, U.S. President George W. Bush spoke of a ‘Crusader War’ and soon after launched an attack on Iraq. He added that Pope Benedict XVI’s comments were the latest link in this ‘joint U.S.-Zionist plot.’
“Earlier in the day, Iran’s government spokesman rejected the apology offered by the Pope over his remarks as ‘insufficient.’” (Iran Accuses Pope of Brewing Crusader War, IRAN FOCUS, September 21, 2006)
So, once again, the “Jews are behind this!” Alas! The Pope is linked to President George W. Bush and the hated Zionists! Meanwhile, Cooper Anderson on his Anderson 360 interviews President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad during his UN visit and after repeated questioning of Ahmadinejad’s denial of the Holocaust, all he could get from Iran’s President was: “Well, if this did happen we should have more discussion, more discoveries.”
CAN’T YOU SEE WHAT’S HAPPENING HERE?
Some years back I used to be in construction home improvement sales—when a customer would not buy my product/improvement for their home or business (and all signs were that there was no reasonable reason not to “go ahead with the deal”), I would in jest (and out of some frustration) announce: It’s me, isn’t it—that’s why you can’t say YES!
What I mean by this is simple. The polarization between the urbane-secularized “freedom-loving” hegemonic West with its religious traditions vs. the World of Islam is not only alive and well, it is utterly flourishing—and, if you can’t see that, you are in denial, which ain’t no river flowin’ through Sudan (a nation not altogether in league with the USA these days).
Never – so it would appear – has a nation (sorry to disabuse you otherwise) been so hated as the USA. Yes, and not only for its pre-emptive war policy but for the very ideals affirmed by the West relative to its lighter side: Religious tolerance, freedom of speech and expression, etc., etc. There is, quite frankly, no end to the inflammatory rhetoric coming out of Islamic capitals—and don’t think that the West is not seething with disgust over Islam’s intolerance (both its secularists and religionists)!
This little set-to with His Holiness is, no pun intended, the straw that breaks the camel’s back!
Yes sireeee – you pile enough straw on that beast of burden and that may be the last straw!
The prophetic sequence—whether you concur or are outraged over our observations which you conjecture only add fuel to the flame—is perfectly in line with both (a) The Oracle of Damascus—Isaiah 17; Zechariah 9; and (b) The Gog-Magog War found in Ezekiel 38-39 and in Daniel 11:40-45 . . . with the Treaty (or COMPREHENSIVE PEACE PACT) interspersed between the two!
Hugo Chavez has done remarkable economic miracles for his people—I’m not here to debate otherwise (notwithstanding Pat Roberson’s desire to have him extinguished) . . . and, on the other hand, I do not doubt for one moment the spiritual sincerity of Iran’s leadership (though it be, these days, centered in the 12th iman) . . . and for that matter, the Pope’s intelligence and sincerity as well, both for peace and understanding/tolerance, as well as for justice for all.
Likewise, Noam Chomsky’s accusations and discoveries are mind-numbing—and, guess what—America has absolutely, utterly, unequivocally no ambition nor desire to give up her quest for total world hegemony: Economically, militarily, and culturally—and that’s my final answer . . . no matter how true Chomsky’s denunciations of the Great City are!
What’s happening here is the radical and unalterable fulfillment of the Book’s prophetic sequence—and, again, if you can’t see it, then perhaps you simply refuse to see it!
ATTACK ON AMERICA BY AL-QAEDA IMMINENT!
Let me be perfectly clear here—there are forces afoot—let alone the latest Al-Qaeda threat wherein . . .
“Urgent news from Abu Dawood, one of the newly appointed commanders of the al Qaeda forces in Afghanistan:
“Final preparations have been made for the American Hiroshima, a major attack on the U. S.
“Muslims living in the United States should leave the country without further warning.
“The attack will be commandeered by Adnan el Shukrijumah (‘Jaffer Tayyer’ or ‘Jafer the Pilot’), a naturalized American citizen, who was raised in Brooklyn and educated in southern Florida.
“The al Qaeda operatives who will launch this attack are awaiting final orders. They remain in place in cities throughout the country. Many are masquerading as Christians and have adopted Christian names.
“Al Qaeda and the Taliban will also launch a major strike (known as the ‘Badar Operation’ against the coalition forces in Afghanistan during the holy month of Ramadan.
“The American people probably will be treated to a final audio message from Osama bin Laden which will be aired some time later.
“The announcements from Abu Dawood were obtained by Hamid Mir, the only journalist to interview Osama bin Laden, Ayman al-Zawahiri, and Taliban leader Mullah Omar in the wake of 9/11. Mir’s earlier reports regarding the resurgence of the Taliban with support from Iran and Russia and an unofficial truce (reported by some Western sources) between President Pervez Musharraf and al Qaeda have been panned out by the press in recent months.
“Mr. Mir interviewed Dawood (no specific date indicated) at the tomb of Sultan Mehmud Ghaznawi, on the outskirts of Kabul. Dawood and the al Qaeda leaders who accompanied him sported short beards and were dressed casually, for disguise. The al Qaeda commander had contacted Mir by cell-phone to arrange the meeting.” (Next Attack Imminent: Muslims ordered to leave the United States, Paul L. Williams & David Dastych, Saturday, September 16, 2006, Exclusive to Canada Free Press and Northeast Intelligence)
WHERE ARE WE?
So, where does all this leave us? Not very far from the Oracle of Damascus, the “Treaty of Death and Hell” and the Gog-Magog War. In other words, if this gets any more vivid—any more obvious—I cannot warn you more sternly . . . and for all the “positive Christianity out there” – for all the alleged “love and oneness” and the purpose driven whatever, along with the ever-sacrosanct EMERGING CHURCH with all its glitz and suavity, lest we offend the sensitivities of saint and sinner alike . . .
“But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction. And MANY will follow their destructive ways, because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed. By covetousness they will exploit you with deceptive words; for a long time their judgment has not been idle, and their destruction does not slumber . . . but these, like natural brute beasts made to be caught and destroyed, speak evil of the things they do not understand, and will utterly perish in their own corruption, and will receive the wages of unrighteousness, as those who count it pleasure to carouse in the daytime. They are spots and blemishes, carousing (i.e., reveling) in their own deceptions while they feast with you . . . they have forsaken the right way and gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Beor, who loved the WAGES of unrighteousness; but he was rebuked for his iniquity; a dumb donkey speaking with a man’s voice restrained the madness of the prophet. These are wells without water, clouds carried by a tempest, for whom is reserved the blackness of darkness forever.
“For when they speak great swelling words of emptiness, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through lewdness, the ones who have actually escaped from those who live in error. While they promise them liberty, they themselves are slaves of corruption; for by whom a person is overcome by him also he is brought into bondage . . . but has happened to them according to the true proverb: ‘A dog returns to his own vomit,’ and, ‘a sow, having washed, to her wallowing in the mire.’” (II Peter 2:1-3, 12-19, 22).
With these upbeat admonitions, I leave you to work out your own salvation with “fear and trembling” – for “if God spared not the angels that sinned . . . how shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation?"
