Simple poll: Do you believe we are in the end times?

[Dr. Meh]

Discuss below

[Solar]

Nope! Every generation points to evidence of moral decay and corruption as proof the end is nigh.
At any given time in history, society can reference evil, and today is no different, it's all about perspective from where one stands.

Where I stand, things look pretty damned good. We just defeated an enemy that has had it's presence quite prevalent in politics for many a decade hiding in plain sight within the GOP, which took an even bigger enemy within the Dim party to expose through blatant hypocrisy.
Yes, the establishment within the GOP, a group of people that lied their way into power to make/keep rich and powerful, an unseen entity that cares nothing for the country.

Yes, it took the evil of one party to expose the evil in it's opponent, and it happened during our generation, a generation that had it's fill of corruption and was willing to do something about it.
From where I stand, this looks like the beginning of a bright future ahead. Thank you God.

And what say you?

[supsalemgr]

Nope! Every generation points to evidence of moral decay and corruption as proof the end is nigh.
At any given time in history, society can reference evil, and today is no different, it's all about perspective from where one stands.

Where I stand, things look pretty damned good. We just defeated an enemy that has had it's presence quite prevalent in politics for many a decade hiding in plain sight within the GOP, which took an even bigger enemy within the Dim party to expose through blatant hypocrisy.
Yes, the establishment within the GOP, a group of people that lied their way into power to make/keep rich and powerful, an unseen entity that cares nothing for the country.

Yes, it took the evil of one party to expose the evil in it's opponent, and it happened during our generation, a generation that had it's fill of corruption and was willing to do something about it.
From where I stand, this looks like the beginning of a bright future ahead. Thank you God.

And what say you?

I believe we are constantly being tested by God and that is good because it makes most of us better. We have much to be grateful as Solar mentioned. Our domestic political situation is a temporary situation that the American people have realized. A bigger challenge (test) is how we deal with Islamic terrorists. They have been in existence for a 1000 years, but they have been isolated in other parts of world until now. It is about good vs. evil and God wants us to choose to come out behind "good" and not ignore the threat.

[walkstall]

Hmm... I don't believe in the "end of time."  Only time as we know it.   Time is something we need as a measuring device.   When people or the earth is no long around there will be no time as we know it. 

I have out lived the majority of the people of earth to date.  I ask myself why, as I am not the brightest crayon in the box.   

[taxed]

Nope.

[Dr. Meh]

Nope! Every generation points to evidence of moral decay and corruption as proof the end is nigh.
At any given time in history, society can reference evil, and today is no different, it's all about perspective from where one stands.

Where I stand, things look pretty damned good. We just defeated an enemy that has had it's presence quite prevalent in politics for many a decade hiding in plain sight within the GOP, which took an even bigger enemy within the Dim party to expose through blatant hypocrisy.
Yes, the establishment within the GOP, a group of people that lied their way into power to make/keep rich and powerful, an unseen entity that cares nothing for the country.

Yes, it took the evil of one party to expose the evil in it's opponent, and it happened during our generation, a generation that had it's fill of corruption and was willing to do something about it.
From where I stand, this looks like the beginning of a bright future ahead. Thank you God.

And what say you?

While I agree that every generation can and has claimed to be in end times, I think we live in the only time where it is plausible from a logistics point of view. I believe microchip implants will fulfill the mark of the beast prophecies and it wasn't until now that this was a possibility. Not to mention the fact that recent generations are flocking to atheism in droves, Christian persecution is on the rise, Islam is on the rise, and issues that go against God's law (homosexuality) are being viewed as good while opposition is viewed as evil.

But perhaps the biggest thing that sways my perspective (other than a strong hunch) is that at no time in history has a country had the ability to call up a 200,000,000 man army as the Bible mentions until now. China has that capability. I believe China, Russia, and Iran will become strong allies. Our allies are already being weakened by a rise in Islam within their borders because I believe they are planning a global domination conquest soon to establish a one world government and currency.

One thing is certain, things will continue to get worse. The second a leader emerges who is able to profess peace and have the masses worship him, like Obama but not stupid or woefully incompetent, I'll be on guard. As soon as that leader survives a mortal head wound, I'll be on the run and praying until I can't pray anymore.

[Solar]

While I agree that every generation can and has claimed to be in end times, I think we live in the only time where it is plausible from a logistics point of view. I believe microchip implants will fulfill the mark of the beast prophecies and it wasn't until now that this was a possibility. Not to mention the fact that recent generations are flocking to atheism in droves, Christian persecution is on the rise, Islam is on the rise, and issues that go against God's law (homosexuality) are being viewed as good while opposition is viewed as evil.

But perhaps the biggest thing that sways my perspective (other than a strong hunch) is that at no time in history has a country had the ability to call up a 200,000,000 man army as the Bible mentions until now. China has that capability. I believe China, Russia, and Iran will become strong allies. Our allies are already being weakened by a rise in Islam within their borders because I believe they are planning a global domination conquest soon to establish a one world government and currency.

One thing is certain, things will continue to get worse. The second a leader emerges who is able to profess peace and have the masses worship him, like Obama but not stupid or woefully incompetent, I'll be on guard. As soon as that leader survives a mortal head wound, I'll be on the run and praying until I can't pray anymore.

I have no doubt that man is on the fast track to doing himself in, but not quite yet.
We've only seen one generation completely reliant on technology, and that will only worsen, but I think it'll take a few generations before they reach the point of being unable to function on their own.
As you pointed out, implants, as in memory expansion as scientists are now testing.

Imagine a populace completely dependent on tech for their very thought and survival, now imagine that generation hit with a massive EMP blast, whether nuke or sun, it would bring said civilization to it's knees.
I'm thinking maybe another 200 years.

[walkstall]

I have no doubt that man is on the fast track to doing himself in, but not quite yet.
We've only seen one generation completely reliant on technology, and that will only worsen, but I think it'll take a few generations before they reach the point of being unable to function on their own.
As you pointed out, implants, as in memory expansion as scientists are now testing.

Imagine a populace completely dependent on tech for their very thought and survival, now imagine that generation hit with a massive EMP blast, whether nuke or sun, it would bring said civilization to it's knees.
I'm thinking maybe another 200 years.

I love watching people walk into walls and falling when walking off curbs using there smart phones.  I know I am sick bastard.   

[Darth Fife]

The great thing about continually predicting the end of the world is, eventually, you're going to be right!

Darth

[zewazir]

I believe that Jesus Christ told us specifically that "No one knows but the Father."; and "for all these things must come to pass, (ie: all the signs people use to proclaim us to be in the end times) but the end is not yet."

IMO, any attempt by men to interpret biblical passages to predict the end times is an act of extreme arrogance. Christ is warning us of two basic principles. One: do not allow ourselves to be deceived by false prophecy. (ie: those items the Bible describes as sinful for 4000 years is suddenly "misinterpreted")  Two: keep our own houses in order at all times, because our INDIVIDUAL end can, and often does, come without warning.

[Darth Fife]

I believe that Jesus Christ told us specifically that "No one knows but the Father."; and "for all these things must come to pass, (ie: all the signs people use to proclaim us to be in the end times) but the end is not yet."

IMO, any attempt by men to interpret biblical passages to predict the end times is an act of extreme arrogance. Christ is warning us of two basic principles. One: do not allow ourselves to be deceived by false prophecy. (ie: those items the Bible describes as sinful for 4000 years is suddenly "misinterpreted")  Two: keep our own houses in order at all times, because our INDIVIDUAL end can, and often does, come without warning.

Forgive me for playing the Devils Advocate, but Jesus Christ said nothing of the sort.

Or, maybe he did. We just don't know!

You see, The New Testament (at best) is a chronicle of things other people said Jesus said. The earliest know written record of the life of Christ only dates from about 50 years after his death. The codification of what would come to be known as the New Testament didn't occur until nearly 3 centuries after his death!

Now, think of all of the acts and words attributed to someone famous who died in, say, the 1950s! How accurate are those quotes, etc?

Now, think about the stories of our Founders, like George Washington (nope - he didn't chop down a cherry tree - sorry) and realize how much that has been written about them, while exceedingly popular, just never happened!

I'm not saying the Bible isn't worthy of study, I'm just saying we shouldn't take it as Gospel...

Darth

[Dr. Meh]

I believe that Jesus Christ told us specifically that "No one knows but the Father."; and "for all these things must come to pass, (ie: all the signs people use to proclaim us to be in the end times) but the end is not yet."

IMO, any attempt by men to interpret biblical passages to predict the end times is an act of extreme arrogance. Christ is warning us of two basic principles. One: do not allow ourselves to be deceived by false prophecy. (ie: those items the Bible describes as sinful for 4000 years is suddenly "misinterpreted")  Two: keep our own houses in order at all times, because our INDIVIDUAL end can, and often does, come without warning.

No one is predicting anything in this thread. But the Bible also says to keep watch for the signs because He will return like a thief in the night so you want to be ready. Furthermore, it says we won't know the day or time. It doesn't say we won't know the generation or year. In addition, if yohr interpretation of "the end is not yet" (I don't know where the Bible says that but if you can give the scripture, I'd like to read it in context) but if your interpretation is that it won't EVER happen because it allegedly says not yet, you need to rethink how you read scripture. It will happen someday and we needt keep an eye open and be spiritually ready if it is in our time.

[Dr. Meh]

Forgive me for playing the Devils Advocate, but Jesus Christ said nothing of the sort.

Or, maybe he did. We just don't know!

You see, The New Testament (at best) is a chronicle of things other people said Jesus said. The earliest know written record of the life of Christ only dates from about 50 years after his death. The codification of what would come to be known as the New Testament didn't occur until nearly 3 centuries after his death!

Now, think of all of the acts and words attributed to someone famous who died in, say, the 1950s! How accurate are those quotes, etc?

Now, think about the stories of our Founders, like George Washington (nope - he didn't chop down a cherry tree - sorry) and realize how much that has been written about them, while exceedingly popular, just never happened!

I'm not saying the Bible isn't worthy of study, I'm just saying we shouldn't take it as Gospel...

Darth

Historically speaking and if we take what you say as truth, 50 years is pretty close. Since members of his generation would still be alive to contradict any glaring errors, lies, or distortions and no such person came forward, your point is moot. Again, that's assuming that the neo-atheist assertion of who wrote the Bible when is accurate. And that is a big if.

[Darth Fife]

Historically speaking and if we take what you say as truth, 50 years is pretty close. Since members of his generation would still be alive to contradict any glaring errors, lies, or distortions and no such person came forward, your point is moot. Again, that's assuming that the neo-atheist assertion of who wrote the Bible when is accurate. And that is a big if.

Assuming the apostles were no older than 20 years old during Christ's ministry, add 50 years to that and you get 70. If they were older, say, in their early thirties, that would make 80 plus.

The average life span in the Middle East during the time of Christ was 40 years.

Even assuming that the written accounts of Christ were "fact" checked by an aged Apostle around 70 AD, those memories are sure to be less than accurate.

Plus, I find it a bit humorous when I am accused of being a "neo-atheist". I'm not. I believe in God, I just don't think I should have to check my brain at the door to do so!

Darth

[supsalemgr]

Assuming the apostles were no older than 20 years old during Christ's ministry, add 50 years to that and you get 70. If they were older, say, in their early thirties, that would make 80 plus.

The average life span in the Middle East during the time of Christ was 40 years.

Even assuming that the written accounts of Christ were "fact" checked by an aged Apostle around 70 AD, those memories are sure to be less than accurate.

Plus, I find it a bit humorous when I am accused of being a "neo-atheist". I'm not. I believe in God, I just don't think I should have to check my brain at the door to do so!

Darth

How do you separate what you deem to be truth from fallacy?