Church of God News

The USA Debt Clock as of Apri 19, 2008
This Debt Clock is expected to show over 14,000,000,000,000 in 2010

COGwriter

The US and UK are headed for debt problems in 2013 according to some “experts”:

U.S. Debt Shock May Hit In 2018, Maybe As Soon As 2013

INVESTOR’S BUSINESS DAILY – May 5, 2010

…Moody’s Investors Service has brought new transparency to its sovereign ratings analysis — so much so that 2018 lights up as the year the U.S. could be in line for a downgrade if Congressional Budget Office projections hold.The key data point in Moody’s view is the size of federal interest payments on the public debt as a percentage of tax revenue. For the U.S., debt service of 18%-20% of federal revenue is the outer limit of AAA-territory, Moody’s managing director Pierre Cailleteau confirmed in an e-mail.

Under the Obama budget, interest would top 18% of revenue in 2018 and 20% in 2020, CBO projects.

But under more adverse scenarios than the CBO considered, including higher interest rates, Moody’s projects that debt service could hit 22.4% of revenue by 2013.

“While we see limited risk of a U.S. sovereign debt downgrade in the next 2-3 years, beyond that we cannot be so certain,” wrote Societe Generale’s economics team in a recent report….http://www.investors.com/NewsAndAnalysis/Article.aspx?id=532490

How safe is the UK AAA credit rating?

Guardian, UK – May 7, 2010   excerpt…

Where does Moody’s stand?

Moody’s was seen as the least likely to act on the UK…Economists note that Moody’s is interested in the ratio of the government interest burden to tax receipts, forecast to rise from 5% to 7% this year, reaching 9% by 2013.  Economists note that when this ratio moves above 10% an economy is at risk of downgrade to AA territory.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2010/may/07/how-safe-uk-aaa-credit-rating

But the situation is much worse than those news items portray.

If interest rates rise to only their 1981 levels, the US and UK will have to more than triple their interest payments, this in turn will lead to much higher debt.

And creditors will finally have no more of it.  Notice the following end time prophecy:

3 For the vision is yet for an appointed time; But at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it; Because it will surely come, It will not tarry…
6 “Will not all these take up a proverb against him, And a taunting riddle against him, and say, ‘Woe to him who increases
What is not his–how long? And to him who loads himself with many pledges’? 7 Will not your creditors rise up suddenly? Will they not awaken who oppress you? And you will become their booty. 8 Because you have plundered many nations, All the remnant of the people shall plunder you (Habakkuk 2:3,6-8).

Debt is a biblical curse and that destruction of the main debtor appears to be an end time prophecy.  The USA is in more total debt than any nation in history and it plans to greatly increase that debt.   The UK seems to have more debt per person that any other country.  Without national repentance, the USA, the UK, and their Anglo-allies are doomed.

I should also point out that the debt clock does not include items such as foreign investment in the USA outside of items like treasury bills. The Europeans have over 5,000,000,000,000 invested in the USA that could become nearly worthless if the USA defaults on its other debt or if its economy succumbs to the debt.  That will not please them, nor the Chinese.

Some articles of related interest may include:

Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, British, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first?
Prophecies of Barack Obama? Eight reasons why Barack Obama is apocalyptic and eight reasons why Barack Obama is not the Antichrist. This article includes many biblical and non-biblical prophecies, from around the world, that seem to discuss Barack Obama. Did Nostradamus predict Barack Obama dealing with the Antichrist?  Might Barack Obama set the stage for the kings of the North and South as at least one Shiite prophecy suggests?  This is the longest and most complete article on this page on Barack Obama prophecies. Read it and decide for yourself if President Obama seems to be fulfilling various prophecies.
Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States Some claim that Barack Obama is the prophesied “son of Kenya”, based up an early 20th century writing.
Europa, the Beast, and Revelation Where did Europe get its name? What might Europe have to do with the Book of Revelation? What about “the Beast”? Is an emerging European power “the daughter of Babylon”? What is ahead for Europe?
Asia in Prophecy What is Ahead for Asia? Who are the “Kings of the East”? What will happen to nearly all the Chinese, Russians, Indians, and others of Asia? China in prophecy, where? Who has the 200,000,000 man army related to Armageddon?

Herman Van Rompuy

COGwriter

The EU’s first permanent president, Herman Van Rompuy, is telling people that the solution to peace and economic troubles is increased European Union integration:

“EU integration condition for peace”

9 May 2010

BELGRADE — European Council President Herman Van Rompuy said that only EU integration can secure peace and stability in the Western Balkans.

He said that the stance of the 27 EU member-states is that the Western Balkans must join the EU, a stance not only related to the practical possibilities for individuals, but for existential stability and peace for all citizens. http://www.b92.net/eng/news/region-article.php?yyyy=2010&mm=05&dd=09&nav_id=67017

A major power is prophesied to arise in Europe and the current European Union is setting the stage for its emergence.  And while ultimately, the political structure of Europe will be different than it now is according to Bible prophecy (cf. Revelation 17:12-13), the reality is that many steps need to be taken to get Europe to that stage.

And Herman Van Rompuy is one who is trying to get several of those steps to happen.  And this may also include helping setting up peace deals that will ultimately fail (cf. Daniel 9:27, 11:27).  Sadly, the USA is likely to believe that the EU will bring peace before it is destroyed (1 Thessalonians 5:3; Daniel 11:39).

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Who is the King of the North? Is there one? Do biblical and Roman Catholic prophecies point to the same leader? Should he be followed? Who will be the King of the North discussed in Daniel 11? Is a nuclear attack prophesied to happen to the English-speaking peoples of the United States, Great Britain, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand? When do the 1335 days, 1290 days, and 1260 days (the time, times, and half a time) of Daniel 12 begin? When does the Bible show that economic collapse will affect the United States?
Europa, the Beast, and Revelation Where did Europe get its name? What might Europe have to do with the Book of Revelation? What about “the Beast”? Is an emerging European power “the daughter of Babylon”? What is ahead for Europe?
Does God Have a 6,000 Year Plan? What Year Does the 6,000 Years End? Was a 6000 year time allowed for humans to rule followed by a literal thousand year reign of Christ on Earth taught by the early Christians? When does the six thousand years of human rule end?
Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, British, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first?
2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect This is a link related to a book by Bob Thiel (COGwriter). This also has YouTube videos related to 2012.  The book contains documented prophecies as well as an end time sequence of events that Christians should study and understand.  Including the role of Europe and how it is pivotal to end time biblical prophecy.

COGwriter

In a move consistent with his previous positions, USA President Barack Obama apparently wants an abortionist as his nominee for the US Supreme Court:

Obama May Name Supreme Court Pick Monday, Likely Pro-Abortion Elena Kagan
by Steven Ertelt http://www.lifenews.com/nat6310.html

Of course, the USA President could change his mind.  And if he actually nominates a pro-life judge, I will publicly congratulate him in a future post.  But I am not holding my breath.

Without national repentance the USA is doomed.  Stacking the US Supreme Court with more abortionists continues previous steps by many to be the wrong direction for the USA.  Sadly, this is consistent with my understanding of end time Bible prophecy for the USA.

The USA is likely to no longer be its own nation within the next four to twelve years.  It is that serious.

Some items of possibly related interest may include:

Abortion, the Bible, and a Woman’s Right to Choose Do you know what the Bible teaches on this? Has the Roman Catholic Church allowed abortions? What about the Living Church of God?
Prophecies of Barack Obama? Eight reasons why Barack Obama is apocalyptic and eight reasons why Barack Obama is not the Antichrist. This article includes many biblical and non-biblical prophecies, from around the world, that seem to discuss Barack Obama. Did Nostradamus predict Barack Obama dealing with the Antichrist?  Might Barack Obama set the stage for the kings of the North and South as at least one Shiite prophecy suggests?  This is the longest and most complete article on this page on Barack Obama prophecies. Read it and decide for yourself if President Obama seems to be fulfilling various prophecies.
Barack Obama, Prophecy, and the Destruction of the United States Some claim that Barack Obama is the prophesied “son of Kenya”, based up an early 20th century writing.
Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, British, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first?

Two Women Wearing Burqas

COGwriter

Belgium has banned the burqa (sometimes spelled burka) and others seem to want to do the same though it causes civil rights concerns:

Australian lawmaker stirs burqa controversy

2010-05-08 16:30

SYDNEY, May 8 (AFP) – An Australian politican’s call to ban the burqa “for safety” following an armed robbery by a bandit wearing the Islamic veil has triggered heated public debate following similar moves in Europe.

http://www.mysinchew.com/node/38789

Belgium’s burqa ban opens a racial pandora’s box

Supporters say it bolsters public safety and champions women’s rights. Critics call it another crack in an anti-Muslim divide across Europe.

May 07 2010

…Belgium made history last month when it became the first European nation to ban in public spaces full-face coverings that makes identification impossible. It’s a decision that effectively makes it illegal to wear a burka, or other Islamic dress that covers the face.   http://www.thestar.com/news/world/article/806587–belgium-s-burqa-ban-opens-a-racial-pandora-s-box?bn=1

Muslim woman fined for wearing burqa in northern Italy

Tunisian given on-the-spot fine of €500 under terrorism laws in Novara, run by anti-immigration Northern League…

In what is reported to be the first such case amid proposals for sanctions against traditional Islamic dress in a series of European countries, the 26-year-old Tunisian woman was stopped by police in the city of Novara, a stronghold of the anti-immigration Northern League.  http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/may/05/woman-fined-burqa-italy

French anti-burqa law would target husbands of wearers

May 3, 2010

By IAN SPARKS

in Paris

FRANCE’S proposed anti-burqa laws would target the husbands of women wearing the Islamic garb more harshly than the women themselves.

http://news.scotsman.com/world/French-antiburqa-law-would-target.6267823.jp

Historically, when Europe takes steps against Islam, it also tends to take steps to be closer to the Church of Rome.  And yes, I feel this type of ban is more likely in more nations in Europe than in Australia (though politics is a tricky thing).

What many people do not realize is that in places like Turkey young women are PAID by Islamic groups based outside the country to actually wear the burqa.  And thus, many poorer young women wear burqa there as a source of income.  So while certain Muslims are trying to increase control and influence by doing that, many in Europe and elsewhere have realized that these signs of Muslim influence are not what their countries should put up with.

As I mentioned in an earlier article about this (see Belgium To Ban the Burka?), Europe is starting to get fed-up with Islam (see also Anti-Islamic PVV Gaining in the Netherlands and Switzerland Votes to Ban Minarets).

A divide between Islam and the nominally-Christian Europe is going to become more and more real.  The vote in Belgium, the fining in Italy, and the debate in France are simply more demonstrations of that.

Four articles of possibly related interest may include:

Is There A Future King of the South? Some no longer believe there needs to be. Might Egypt, Islam, Iran, Arabs, or Ethiopia be involved? What does the Bible say?
The Arab World In the Bible, History, and Prophecy The Bible discusses the origins of the Arab world and discusses the Middle East in prophecy. What is ahead for the Middle East and those who follow Islam?  What role might non-Arab Iran play?
Europa, the Beast, and Revelation Where did Europe get its name? What might Europe have to do with the Book of Revelation? What about “the Beast”? What is ahead for Europe?
Who is the King of the North? Is there one? Do biblical and Roman Catholic prophecies point to the same leader? Should he be followed? Who will be the King of the North discussed in Daniel 11? Is a nuclear attack prophesied to happen to the English-speaking peoples of the United States, Great Britain, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand? When do the 1335 days, 1290 days, and 1260 days (the time, times, and half a time) of Daniel 12 begin? When does the Bible show that economic collapse will affect the United States?

Palace of Westminster in London

COGwriter

Although the various news sources have made a variety of declarations about the UK election last night, BBC currently seems to have the most accurate information:

Friday, 7 May 2010 14:26 UK

What next for each party in event of a hung Parliament?

What could a hung Parliament mean for each of the parties?

There are 650 seats in the House of Commons. That means a party needs 326 MPs for a majority. Without it, parties have two options:

• Try to govern with a minority in ad hoc agreements with smaller parties
• Or parties can seek to form a coalition with another party…

The constitutional convention states that – in the event of no party winning a majority – the sitting prime minister remains in place until he decides he cannot form a government and chooses to resign.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/election_2010/8667193.stm

This seems to mean that the government situation in the United Kingdom will be a bit uncertain and not highly stable for the interim.

If the Conservatives get enough control, they may try to distance the UK from the European Union (something that prophetically seems likely).  But at this stage, they do not seem to have enough members in parliament for that.  And even with a coalition, they would likely not be particularly strong unless they get more members in another election.

We will all have to wait and see.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, British, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first?
Europa, the Beast, and Revelation Where did Europe get its name? What might Europe have to do with the Book of Revelation? What about “the Beast”?
Who is the King of the North? Is there one? Do biblical and Roman Catholic prophecies point to the same leader? Should he be followed? Who will be the King of the North discussed in Daniel 11? Is a nuclear attack prophesied to happen to the English-speaking peoples of the United States, Great Britain, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand? When do the 1335 days, 1290 days, and 1260 days (the time, times, and half a time) of Daniel 12 begin? What MUST happen BEFORE the Great Tribulation?
Is Tony Blair Apocalyptic? The former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom converted to Catholicism shortly after leaving his office and has been active in European affairs. What role might he play?

Ancient Laodicea

COGwriter

UCG reported the following:

Rhodes: Next COE Chairman

May 6, 2010

CINCINNATI, OHIO — The Council of Elders elected Melvin Rhodes to be their next chairman with his term to begin July 1. After several rounds of discussion and balloting Mr. Rhodes was chosen. Melvin and his wife, Diane, are from Lansing, Michigan.

Outgoing chairman and interim president, Roy Holladay, was presented with a gift of thanks by the Council for his service. Mr. Holladay’s term as chairman, interim president and councilor ends June 30.

In addition, outgoing councilor Victor Kubik was presented with a gift thanking him for his service on the Council, which also ends June 30. Mr. Kubik has served continuously on the Council of Elders since the formation of the United Church of God in 1995.  No other council member remains with that length of continuous service.

Things at UCG keep getting curiouser and curiouser.

Roy Holladay was apparently somewhat behind the resignation of UCG’s president (Clyde Kilough) and two other high level administrators (Larry Salyer and Jim Franks) a month ago (see Another UCG Shakeup, UCG’s Roy Holladay, Lawyers first, then an Update, and UCG’s Roy Holladay Makes a Video).

But now, Jim Franks keeps his spot on the Council (see UCG’s Jim Franks Confirmed to Remain on Council), and Roy Holladay resigns his.

This is in unusual development.  But again, governance issues have always plagued UCG as it intentionally went away from the form of governance that its eldership pretty much all publicly embraced prior to 1995 (those ministers and members who accepted what the late Herbert W. Armstrong said the Bible taught about it mainly went with the Living Church of God).

The fact that it took several rounds of balloting to choose Melvin Rhodes shows that the Council of Elders is still not really united.  Thus, it may have additional problems.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Polycarp, Herbert W. Armstrong, and Roderick C. Meredith on Church Government What form of governance did the early church have? Was it hierarchical? Which form of governance would one expect to have in the Philadelphia remnant? The people decide and/or committee forms, odd dictatorships, or the same type that the Philadelphia era itself had?
Differences between the Living Church of God and United Church of God This article provides quotes information from the two largest groups which had their origins in WCG as well as commentary.
There are Many COGs: Why Support the Living Church of God? This is an article for those who wish to more easily sort out the different COGs. It really should be a MUST READ for current and former WCG/GCI members or any interested in supporting the faithful church. It also explains a lot of what the COGs are all about.
Should the Church Still Try to Place its Top Priority on Proclaiming the Gospel or Did Herbert W. Armstrong Change that Priority for the Work? Some say the Church should mainly feed the flock now as that is what Herbert W. Armstrong reportedly said. Is that what he said? Is that what the Bible says? What did Paul and Herbert W. Armstrong expect from evangelists?
The Laodicean Church Era has been predominant circa 1986 A.D. to present. These are non-Philadelphians who mainly descended from the old WCG.

Goodluck Jonathan

COGwriter

One Nigerian president was buried today as his replacement took office:

Nigeria’s shaky balance of power takes a hit as new president is sworn in

Umaru Yar’Adua’s death may spark a political battle between the Muslim north and the Christian south. Goodluck Jonathan, a southerner, succeeds Yar’Adua, who is from the north.

http://www.latimes.com/news/custom/topofthetimes/topstories/la-fg-nigeria-20100507,0,2091467.story

At this stage, it appears that Nigeria will probably avoid the coming conflict between the final Greco-Roman King of the North and Arab-Islamic King of the South.  Its “zoning policy”, though may be stretched passed the limit, so this is not for sure.

Nigeria is an oil-rich country often known internationally for its corruption (though there are some real Christians there).  Hopefully, the new president will help that nation set a higher standard so that the people there can have better lives.

Ultimately, those in Africa will.

Some links of possibly related interest may include:

Africa: Its Biblical Past and Prophesied Future What does the Bible teach about Africa and its future? Did the early Church reach Africa? Will God call all the Africans?
The Gospel of the Kingdom of God was the Emphasis of Jesus and the Early Church Did you know that? Do you even know what the gospel of the kingdom is all about? True religion should be based upon the true gospel.
Did The Early Church Teach Millenarianism? Was the millennium (sometimes called chiliasm) taught by early Christians? Who condemned it. Will Jesus literally reign for 1000 years on the earth? Is this time near?
Universal Offer of Salvation: There Are Hundreds of Verses in the Bible Supporting the Doctrine of True Apocatastasis Do you believe what the Bible actually teaches on this? Will all good things be restored? Will God call everyone? Will everyone have an opportunity for salvation? Does God’s plan of salvation take rebellion and spiritual blindness into account?

Ancient Laodicea

COGwriter

In its latest election, UCG reported the following:

Finally, the ballot results were announced by GCE Secretary David Johnson as follows:

1. Counselors elected to three-year terms: BOB BERENDT, MIKE BLACKWELL, MARIO SEIGLIE, DAVID TREYBIG
2. Confirmation of Jim Franks for remainder of Council term ending in 2012: YES
3. Confirmation of David Baker for remainder of Council term ending in 2011: YES
4. Ratify 2010-2011 Strategic Plan: YES
5. Ratify 2010-2011 Operation Plan: YES
6. Ratify 2010-2011 Budget: YES
7. Amend Bylaw 7.5.3: NO
8. Amend Bylaw 8.6.2: NO
9. Amend Bylaw 12.2.2: YES

The 2010 annual meeting of the General Conference of Elders was adjourned by the Secretary at 4:10 p.m.

Jim Franks was one of three officers who had resigned last last month.  Jim Franks was Ministerial Services operation manager.  But despite what Roy Holladay seemed to imply about the three that resigned (see Letter from UCG’s Roy Holladay and UCG’s Roy Holladay Makes a Video), Jim Franks was re-confirmed to stay on the Council.

Specifically, Roy Holladay claimed the following about that group of three:

During these past months, certain administrators severely disagreed with the oversight and direction that the Council was providing, even though they are bound by the bylaws of the Church to support it.

So, someone that Roy Holladay claimed did not fulfill his required obligations still was re-confirmed to stay on the Council in UCG.

UCG will apparently not be particulary “unified” with both Roy Holladay and Jim Franks on the Council.

Of course, I have always had concerns about UCG’s priorities and form of governance (see also UCG’s Roy Holladay on Priorities), and it appears that it will still have conflicts based upon its latest major voting.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Polycarp, Herbert W. Armstrong, and Roderick C. Meredith on Church Government What form of governance did the early church have? Was it hierarchical? Which form of governance would one expect to have in the Philadelphia remnant? The people decide and/or committee forms, odd dictatorships, or the same type that the Philadelphia era itself had?
Differences between the Living Church of God and United Church of God This article provides quotes information from the two largest groups which had their origins in WCG as well as commentary.
There are Many COGs: Why Support the Living Church of God? This is an article for those who wish to more easily sort out the different COGs. It really should be a MUST READ for current and former WCG/GCI members or any interested in supporting the faithful church. It also explains a lot of what the COGs are all about.
Should the Church Still Try to Place its Top Priority on Proclaiming the Gospel or Did Herbert W. Armstrong Change that Priority for the Work? Some say the Church should mainly feed the flock now as that is what Herbert W. Armstrong reportedly said. Is that what he said? Is that what the Bible says? What did Paul and Herbert W. Armstrong expect from evangelists?
The Laodicean Church Era has been predominant circa 1986 A.D. to present. These are non-Philadelphians who mainly descended from the old WCG.

Palace of Westminster in London

COGwriter

Greece is apparently about to be passed by the United Kingdom as Europe’s biggest percentile debtor:

UK budget deficit ‘to surpass Greece’s as worst in EU’

European commission’s spring forecasts put UK budget deficit this year at 12% of GDP – the highest in the European Union and worse than Treasury estimates

Guardian – May 5, 2010

http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2010/may/05/uk-budget-deficit-worse-than-greece

Debt impacts many things.  And more than just Thursday’s elections in Britain.

Furthermore, the USA government is apparently planning on more military cuts partially due to its revised world view as well as its debt levels:

U.S. Must Rethink Expensive Warships, Carriers

Defense News – May 3, 2010

Pentagon and naval officials must decide whether to keep buying multibillion-dollar warships, since the Navy’s shipbuilding budget is unlikely to grow amid economic uncertainty and two wars, U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates said May 3.

http://www.defensenews.com/story.php?i=4609074&c=SEA&s=TOP

The USA, UK, and their Anglo-allies are setting themselves up for a massive fall.

It will be worse than almost any one in those nations has ever imagined.

Some articles of possibly related interest may include:

Anglo – America in Prophecy & the Lost Tribes of Israel Are the Americans, Canadians, British, Scottish, Welsh, Australians, Anglo-Southern Africans, and New Zealanders descendants of Joseph? Where are the lost ten-tribes of Israel? Who are the lost tribes of Israel? Will God punish the U.S.A., Canada, United Kingdom, and other Anglo nations? Why might God allow them to be punished first?
Prophecies of Barack Obama? Are there biblical and non-biblical prophecies about Barack Obama. Did Nostradamus predict Barack Obama dealing with the Antichrist?  This is a lengthy article with many prophecies that Barack Obama may end up fulfilling.
Does God Have a 6,000 Year Plan? What Year Does the 6,000 Years End? Was a 6000 year time allowed for humans to rule followed by a literal thousand year reign of Christ on Earth taught by the early Christians? When does the six thousand years of human rule end?
Is Tony Blair Apocalyptic? The former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom converted to Catholicism shortly after leaving his office and has been active in European affairs. What role might he play?

Vatican-Based Cardinal Walter Kasper

COGwriter

The following news item from Zenit was of interest:

Cardinal Kasper Honored by Jewish Committee

Called a “Champion” Against Anti-Semitism
WASHINGTON, D.C., MAY 4, 2010 (Zenit.org).- Cardinal Walter Kasper was honored last week by the American Jewish Committee for his “extraordinary” achievements in interreligious affairs.

http://www.zenit.org/article-29135?l=english

Both biblical and Catholic prophecies tell of a time where an ecumenical religion will rise up and essentially take over the world.  And the Cardinal’s work seems to be helping set the stage for that.

Catholic prophecies both look forward and dread this occurrence.  Those that dread it fear that the Beast/Antichrist power may compromise the Catholic faith and that two-thirds of Catholics may be misled to follow it.

Additionally, various Catholic prophecies tell of a time when the Jews will become converted.  While that may not be the Cardinal’s personal goal, that has long been a goal of his church.

Now, if the prophecy by Catholic Bishop and Saint Malachy of the 12th century predicting all the popes is correct (and it has been mostly correct, and has included several “antipopes”), there is only one pope left.  And if certain other Catholic prophecies are correct, this will be an “antipope” who will ultimately hold an ecumencial council which will bring various groups back into fellowship with the Vatican.

Notice what some books by Catholic supporter teach:

Desmond Birch: The Pope calls an Ecumenical Council which will be viewed as the greatest in the history of the Church. The world is spiritually and materially prosperous as never before and many Jews, Mohammedans, heathens and heretics will enter the Church. (Birch, DA. Trial, Tribulation & Triumph: Before During and After Antichrist. Queenship Publishing Company, Goleta (CA), 1996, p. 555)

Saint Nelios the Myrrh-Gusher (died 1592): During that time the Eighth and last Ecumenical Synod will take place, which will satisfy the contentions of the heretics (Tzima Otto, H.  The Great Monarch and WWIII in Orthodox, Roman Catholic, and Scriptural Prophecies. Verenika Press, Rock City (SC), 2000, p. 111)

Venerable Bartholomew Holzhauser (Born in the 17th century, in Germany) …God will bind Satan for a number of years until the days of the Son of Perdition…there will be an ecumenical council which will be the greatest of all councils.  By the grace of God, by the power of the Great Monarch, and by the authority of the Holy Pontiff, and by the union of the most devout princes, atheism and every heresy will be banished from the earth.  The Council will define the true sense of Holy Scripture , and this will be believed and accepted by everyone (Dupont, Yves. Catholic Prophecy: The Coming Chastisement. TAN Books, Rockford (IL), 1973, p. 40).

Blessed Anna Maria Taigi (died 1837): Rome would be battered by revolutions…Millions of men would die by the sword in war and civil strife, other millions would perish in unforeseen death. Then entire nations would return to the unity of the Church, and many Turks, Pagans and Jews would be converted and their fervour cover with confusion the original Christians.(Bessieres A. Wife, Mother and Mystic (Blessed Anna Maria Taigi). Nihil Obstat: Carlos Davis, S.T.L. Imprimatur: E Morrough Bernard, Westmonasteri, die Februari, 1952. Reprint TAN Books, Rockford (IL), 1982, p. 166).

Because of this, it is very likely that the next pope will be an ecumenically-oriented individual like Cardinal Walter Kasper.  And while it may not be him personally, his past actions and preferences may influence the next papal conclave.

Ultimately, the Vatican’s goal is to get the Jews to accept the end time faith of a church that will be based in Rome and call itself Catholic.  A faith that certain of its leaders throughout the centuries have warned could be the “faith” (in outward appearance) of the final Antichrist (covered in chapter 10 of  2012 and the Rise of the Secret Sect).

Lest there is any misunderstanding the Vatican’s immediate ecumenical goal is to bring others into unity with it.  This is also clearly the position of one of its top leaders, Cardinal Levada (for details see Canada’s Cardinal Levada: Catholic Union is Goal of Ecumenicalism) who holds the position of Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, the same position that Pope Benedict XVI held prior to becoming pontiff.

While peaceful unity is a preference, it should also be noted that their are other Catholic writings that teach that Jews and others that do not convert in the end times will face the sword.  Here is one such teaching of a Catholic saint in a book that had official church approval:

St. Bridget of Sweden (died 1373): The Eagle will also invade the Mohometan countries and will carry the admirable sign in the land of promise (Palestine). Peace and abundance shall return to the world. This most unhappy war shall end when an emperor of Spanish origin will be elected, who will, in a wonderful manner, be victorious through the sign of the Cross. He shall destroy the Jewish and Mahometan sects: he shall restore the Santa Sophia (in Constantinople), and all the earth shall enjoy peace and prosperity; new cities will be erected in many places (Culleton, R. Gerald.  The Prophets and Our Times. Nihil Obstat: L. Arvin.  Imprimatur: Philip G. Scher, Bishop of Monterey-Fresno, November 15, 1941.  Reprint 1974, TAN Books, Rockford (IL), p. 154).

Groups such as the American Jewish Community may wish to keep that in mind.  This is not to say that Cardinal Kasper is not necessarily deserving of any recognition for any of his efforts, it is just that the Vatican has had historical issues in how it has dealt with Jews and some Catholic prophetic writings do not seem to end well for Jews.

Those who wish to learn more about Catholic views of the future may wish to carefully study the following articles:

Catholic Prophecies: Do They Mirror, Highlight, or Contradict Biblical Prophecies? People of all faiths may be surprised to see what various Roman and Orthodox Catholic prophets have been predicting as many of their predictions will be looked to in the 21st century.
Do Certain Catholic Prophecies About Antichrist Warn Against Jesus? Will the final “Anti-Christ” be Jewish, insist on Saturday, be opposed to the trinity, and bring in the millennium? Certain Catholic writings indicate this, though others come to different conclusions, but what does the Bible show?