The Prophet of Doom – Fool or Sage?

It is not difficult to be labeled to fanatic. What is required? Is that one make a few judgmental statements to which the larger group takes strong exception. The exception is taken because of the disconcerting nature of the judgments. As an example, take the following assertion “America is involved in obvious apostasy and stands in danger of the eminent judgment by God “ this kind of statement, it’s predictable responses in many people.

It is first seen is coming from one who is “religious“, but unhappily preoccupied with doom. This one is considered to be hyper aware of evil and committed to an archaic concept of a God who has power to judge and punish. It is quickly concluded that the claim concerning apostasy and judgment can be written off as in expression of the “fear complex” of the “religious fanatic.” (A fanatic is one who has uncritical devotion to a belief, cause or person”).

The second reason for quick casual rejection of this “inane” insistence on America’s moral decadence, and the possibility of judgment is that taking it seriously would require some long, hard introspection. To believe it might require some “fun things” to be put on the “no no” list. Those who react tend to double the distinction between “right” and “wrong.” They consider the charge of apostasy to be one arising from hyper-moralistic mind with “puritanical” tenancies. The charge of apostasy and possible consequences of judgment are set aside as fancies of fanaticism. It is not possible to deal here with all reactions to the charge of American apostasy and God‘s judgment. There is, however, a third response which deserves some consideration. It is a reaction which sees this description of the present and future scene is accurate to the point.

Whenever a serious assertion is made, which affects all mankind, it is not enough to discredit its author, and therefore, disregard it. A statement is either true or false (reflect reality or does not so do) or it has some measure of both. We must carefully consider a serious claim to determine it’s veracity or falsity. The cliché that America is going the road of the Roman Empire in hedonistic internal corruption is passed over by some. By others, it is considered a truism. They don’t let it bother them. The unbothered fail to see that moral decay comes on gradually, like age and we progressively adjust. There’s nothing sudden in the evolution of corruption. A society slowly grows accustomed to the ways of a land; the habits and values of its people. As these apostate habits and values are observed in others, it becomes increasingly easy for “self” to slip into the pattern. The startling fact is that what is deemed “trite“ by some can well be true. Americans of wisdom and substance who are more self-centered consumers in this abundant land with its Biblical heritage would look carefully at the charge of apostasy (failure to obey God) and the warning of impending judgment. If they determine the prophets claim to be false and foolish then let the judgment be made in the light of serious reflection upon history, and the Hebrew – Christian Bible; let it be made after one asks and honestly answers the question, “Is man responsible for his conduct and if so, to whom?“ It is far too simple to dismiss that which displeases us. It is desperately foolish to write off the prophetic voice because the alternative to decadence demands in obedience to God.

Assume, for a moment, that America’s traditional, Biblical, moral values are being progressively abandoned. (The accuracy of this assumption cannot be denied. ) Then consider the possibility of God‘s displeasure and judgment. It is clear from history that one of the preliminary steps in the process of judgment is for God to “let people go” — no longer constraining them. The moral situation then deteriorates beyond toleration. Often the heathen nations were used to mete out the expression of Gods anger.

We see ourselves losing or at best holding our ground in the international struggle against would-be conquerors. We in America seem to have the latent conviction that God is on the side of “good”. Indeed, he is. We then see America as “good”. We have the strong sense that God will preserve us in our struggle against other powers. Could it be that America is not “good” and God is not “on her side”? Could it be that our confidence in America strength is unfounded because strength is ultimately gods to give or withhold? Could it be that we are approaching the edge of the end? Could it be that the “fanatics” or “prophets of doom” have a point? It is this writer’s judgment that they not only have a point, but are prophetic in both senses of the word – “to foretell“ judgment .

Can this be averted? YES! How? As America presents a new image to God and the world – not a facade, but a God-rooted integrity characterizing its people.