Ibime:

I always despair at Christians' inability to read the signs of the times from an astute historical and socio-economic context, rather than looking through eschatological lenses. This foregoing of logical thought process is the reason why many non-Christians shy away from Christianity. What we are facing now is simply a recession. On average, we have a recession every 8 years. This one is worse than most, but nothing compared to 1929. Kini big deal?

naijacutee:

If anything, Biblical predictions of the signs of the end-times are completely probable, especially when examined in a socio-economic context. Each "incident" so to speak is the natural result of a fallen society where the fear of God is replaced by personal interests/ambition. Christians choosing to regard these signs as completely eschatological or through deterministic lenses is purely a matter of faith. 

Ibime:

From a historical context, what we are facing now is a mere blip and no reason for fanatics to play their 'end of days' trump card.

The beubonic plague which wiped out half of Europe and Asia is more fitting with Jesus' apocalyptic predictions in Matthew 24, not anything we are facing now. The fall of the Roman Empire (as depicted by the feet of steel and clay in Nebuchadnezzer's famous dream) and the subsequent descent into inter-tribal feudalism during the dark ages SHOULD have heralded the so-called 'end of days'. Infact many respected biblical scholars fell flat on their face by predicting impending doom during that period. Nothing has changed. They are still making the same predictions today even in comparatively good times.

Biblical predictions of famine, pestilence and destruction are often nuanced with predictions of "sheathing of swords". I wish bible scholars would be less cryptic and just give us the full koko instead of bamboozling us with loose-fitting parables which can be tailored to any situation the world finds itself in.

As I said before, the global recession is not due to some divine working. Simply, it is part of the economic cycle which is oft-experienced in civilised economies. Some would argue that the 1970's were worse, talkless of 1929.

MrCrackles:

I cant get my head round the reasons why fanatics are linking the recession to "signs of end of times"

I think it is an act of God! Expect all sorts of tests from the Almighty and the recession is definitely one, a wake up call to jolt everyone back to reality!

naijacutee:

Isn't it interesting to note that while we are still in the middle of this conversation, China has propsed (12 hours ago, to be precise) a global currency as a means of staving off the financial crisis. Please note that this is the first time a global super power has ever made such a proposition. The closest to this has been the introduction of the Euro, the currency adopted by 16 European countries.

Yes, it isn't clear whether this proposal is for a currency that is exclusively available to governments for national reserves, or to individuals as well for international trade - but it is a first.

Like I said before, I'm not suggesting either that the global crisis is an act of God. However, it does fit into the Biblical predictions of the signs of the end of age, whichever way you choose to look at it.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/7961106.stm
http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/03/24/china-proposes-a-new-world-currency/

MrCrackles:

I cant get my head round the reasons why fanatics are linking the recession to "signs of end of times"

I think it is an act of God!

Expect all sorts of tests from the Almighty and the recession is definitely one, a wake up call to jolt everyone back to reality!

MrCrackles:

I cant get my head round the reasons why fanatics are linking the recession to "signs of end of times"

I think it is an act of God!

Expect all sorts of tests from the Almighty and the recession is definitely one, a wake up call to jolt everyone back to reality!

naijacutee:

We have been at the end of age for a while now. Global recession is not an act of God per se, it is a direct result of greed and a lack of ethics. What you sow, you shall reap, the saying goes. . . Western bankers have sowed greedily for years now, and economies are reaping the bad harvest - what has God got to do with it?

naijacutee:

Isn't it interesting to note that while we are still in the middle of this conversation, China has propsed (12 hours ago, to be precise) a global currency as a means of staving off the financial crisis. Please note that this is the first time a global super power has ever made such a proposition. The closest to this has been the introduction of the Euro, the currency adopted by 16 European countries.

Yes, it isn't clear whether this proposal is for a currency that is exclusively available to governments for national reserves, or to individuals as well for international trade - but it is a first.

Like I said before, I'm not suggesting either that the global crisis is an act of God. However, it does fit into the Biblical predictions of the signs of the end of age, whichever way you choose to look at it.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/7961106.stm
http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/03/24/china-proposes-a-new-world-currency/

Pataki:

I am lost with your input here.  What exactly are you trying to say? ''Signs of end times'' is not an ''act of God''?

Ibime:

Guy, you dey smoke Igbo? Your first sentence and second paragraph are completely contradictory.

davidylan:

We are moving on to a global currency. The end is near.

Kobojunkie:

People are busy blaming George Bush, America etc but not a lot of people taking responsiblity for their own actions so far. You sure it is working?

TOYOSI20:

People really need to fall back on all these fake assumptions abeg!!!!

bawomolo:

unreachable goals are needed to keep religions alive. Theories like the "end of times" that won't come in their lifetime only strengthens their believe in jargon. people saw the end of times during the great depression, people saw the end of times during the bubonic plague. It's all a religious delusion.

davidylan:

We are moving on to a global currency. The end is near.

davidylan:

We are moving on to a global currency. The end is near.