Are things getting better or worse?

[Francine]

It depends on what side of the Reformation divide you fall.

Protestants* believe that man is inherently flawed and imperfect, and that the only way to perfection and salvation is through God. Thus, trying to make the material world a better place is a futile effort that detracts from the ultimate goal of reaching Heaven.

Catholics* believe that man is essentially good but falls short of the glory of God. Thus, with the help of God's grace through the redemptive work of Christ at Calvary, Catholics believe man has the potential to complete and make perfect God's creation, creating a paradise on Earth.
--
* All generalizations are false.

 

[Smoke]

It depends on what side of the Reformation divide you fall.

A great many of us fall on the outside.

 

[Mr. Hair]

A great many of us fall on the outside.

Heck, a great many Christians fall on the outside.

As for the question; 'better' and 'worse' aren't really things that I try to move around with these days.

 

[sandandfoam]

* All generalizations are false.

That's my view

 

[credance]

I tripped and fell on the way to the bus.

 

[Francine]

Q. But isn't Jerusalem becoming of interest to the entire world?

Jerusalem is a holy city for three Abrahamic religions. It has always been of interest.

Q. But isn't the US Currency falling?

This is more of a sign that Americans like to buy imported oil and finished goods. Since we pay for them in dollars, we are shipping a lot of dollars overseas. There is more supply for greenbacks than demand.

Q. But isn't the European Union gaining strength?

Sure. So what was the economic objection to "socialized medicine" again?

Q. But isn't Russia becoming defiant and returning to a Cold War stance?

Why must a sovereign nation be compliant to the United States?

Q. But isn't Apostate Christianity running rampant?

One person's apostacy is another person's orthodoxy.

What about the One World religious movements gaining momentum?

Christ said he would have one flock and one shepherd.

Q. What about the natural disasters increasing in record numbers?

Please provide evidence that the frequency of natural disasters are spiking.

Q. What about the apathy in the Church?

There is no apathy in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

Q. What about the gay rights movement worldwide?

Next thing you know, they'll want to ride in the front of the bus or drink from our water fountains.

Q. What about all the Celestial signs increasing?

Name one recent celestial sign.

Q. What about crime rising in record numbers?

If crime is a constant percentage by population, and if population rises, then crime rises too. A rising tide lifts all boats.

Q. What about China’s immense military power (200,000,000)?

China has 2,250,000 active troops.

Q. What about the fact that love for others is growing colder?

And meanwhile we try to pass amendments to the Constitution to make sure same-sex couples who do have warm love for each other can't get married.

 

[TrueBlue2]

Q. But isn't Jerusalem becoming of interest to the entire world?

Jerusalem is a holy city for three Abrahamic religions. It has always been of interest.

Q. But isn't the US Currency falling?

This is more of a sign that Americans like to buy imported oil and finished goods. Since we pay for them in dollars, we are shipping a lot of dollars overseas. There is more supply for greenbacks than demand.

Q. But isn't the European Union gaining strength?

Sure. So what was the economic objection to "socialized medicine" again?

Q. But isn't Russia becoming defiant and returning to a Cold War stance?

Why must a sovereign nation be compliant to the United States?

Q. But isn't Apostate Christianity running rampant?

One person's apostacy is another person's orthodoxy.

What about the One World religious movements gaining momentum?

Christ said he would have one flock and one shepherd.

Q. What about the natural disasters increasing in record numbers?

Please provide evidence that the frequency of natural disasters are spiking.

Q. What about the apathy in the Church?

There is no apathy in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

Q. What about the gay rights movement worldwide?

Next thing you know, they'll want to ride in the front of the bus or drink from our water fountains.

Q. What about all the Celestial signs increasing?

Name one recent celestial sign.

Q. What about crime rising in record numbers?

If crime is a constant percentage by population, and if population rises, then crime rises too. A rising tide lifts all boats.

Q. What about China’s immense military power (200,000,000)?

China has 2,250,000 active troops.

Q. What about the fact that love for others is growing colder?

And meanwhile we try to pass amendments to the Constitution to make sure same-sex couples who do have warm love for each other can't get married.

Great points all! I would say that we are teetering on a precipice, and that any one event could set actions in motion that could have some long term effects. For example, what if we went to war with Iran and that was followed by an oil embargo?

Disagree with you on the LDS church by the way. There is LOTS of apathy in the church.

Keep your eye on the Middle East.

 

[Francine]

Disagree with you on the LDS church by the way. There is LOTS of apathy in the church.

Not like there is in mainline Protestantism, or in Europe.

 

[sandandfoam]

What apathy do you see in Europe?

 

[Francine]

What apathy do you see in Europe?

In Britain 930,000 Muslims attend a place of worship at least once a week, whereas only 916,000 Anglicans do the same.

 

[sandandfoam]

England's not Europe. + You've mentioned nearly 2 million people just between Anglicans and muslims above that go once a week.
I intend going once a month and I don't regard myself as apathetic.

 

[BruceDLimber]

Hi!

Baha'is see things long-term as being far better, although with the usual ups-and-downs in the meantime.

Best,

Bruce