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In some church somewhere, a preacher warning this is the end of world.
And .... here it is: christianpost.com/news/pastor-cl…
He very creatively ties this to Trump:
"Begley noted that the blood moon will pass over D.C. on the 2nd anniversary of President Trump’s inauguration. Additionally, he said, Trump was born on a blood moon on June 14, 1946, exactly 700 days before Israel was declared a nation."
"Begley noted that the blood moon will pass over D.C. on the 2nd anniversary of President Trump’s inauguration. Additionally, he said, Trump was born on a blood moon on June 14, 1946, exactly 700 days before Israel was declared a nation."
Because, of course, Trump is part of God's plan for the end times: “'Is this a sign? Is this a harbinger for America?' Begley asked. 'It seems like the prophetic scriptures of the Bible are starting to play out right on the world stage, right before our very eyes.'"
The apocalyptic strain is very deep in Trump support among some fundamentalists and evangelicals. You can't reason with people about policy -- or even compassion -- when they are certain the end of the world is at hand.
They want the destruction, the judgement, the end. Because it means they will be vindicated. Jesus is coming for them. And the rest of us deserve to burn up in a conflagration of divine anger.
Pictures of government employees? They work for the great Satan. Let them starve.
Pictures of fires in California? That's Babylon the "city" of immorality. Let it burn.
Pictures of children in cages? Their parents are sinners. They deserve whatever they get.
Pictures of fires in California? That's Babylon the "city" of immorality. Let it burn.
Pictures of children in cages? Their parents are sinners. They deserve whatever they get.
No normal argument about love, compassion, or the future works for an apocalyptic Christian.
The more destruction and judgement the better.
The more destruction and judgement the better.
Anyway, a blood moon is Book of Revelation stuff: "I looked when He opened the sixth seal, and behold, there was a great earthquake, and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became like blood."
The "6th seal" has typically been interpreted to mean environmental crisis that leads to some sort of political upheaval that impacts the whole earth: "For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?"
Since the end of WWII, apocalyptic Xians have typically said that the 6th seal is nuclear war.
So, blood moon, Trump, 6th seal, "great day of wrath."
So, blood moon, Trump, 6th seal, "great day of wrath."
Do know that historic Christian theology thinks this is all bunk. But millions of Americans embrace these views passionately and this ideas are foundational to their worldview. And their politics (as is often noted).
*these ideas
For them, each post-war president has had some prophetic role. But I don't think any president has garnered quite the apocalyptic zeal as Trump.
Maybe Reagan -- who himself wondered if the Book of Revelation was coming to pass while he was president.
Maybe Reagan -- who himself wondered if the Book of Revelation was coming to pass while he was president.
Lots of folks worry about Trump (and Pence) and theocracy. (Rightly so.) But sometimes this apocalyptic thread gets lost. Probably because it is seems so far fetched, so sensationalistic.
But millions of evangelicals who couldn't really care less about the Supreme Court can explain to you God's "timeline" for the end of the world.
Trump isn't just president. He is a cosmic agent. He can't do anything wrong. Because God. Because the Last Days. Because the Righteous Will Be Vindicated.
Tonight, I'll bundle up, go outside and enjoy the wonders of the sky, of creation. Like many of you.
"The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of God's hands." (Ps 19:1)
Awe. No apocalypse involved.
"The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of God's hands." (Ps 19:1)
Awe. No apocalypse involved.
Awe.
That sense we are fully alive. That we are all connected. That we are part of the sacred beauty of the universe. That we are small creatures in this vast cosmos.
Awe.
That sense we are fully alive. That we are all connected. That we are part of the sacred beauty of the universe. That we are small creatures in this vast cosmos.
Awe.
Did you know that people who experience awe are more generous, compassionate, and have a high sense of justice? (Here's the science: psycnet.apa.org/record/2015-21…)
That blood moon?
Awe. Not apocalypse.
Awe. Not apocalypse.
So, view that moon tonight.
Don't be afraid.
Instead, be overwhelmed. Joy, beauty, love. The moon is speaking to us, a language of creation. Those deep inner words that call us to a awe-shaped life. Toward oneness. Toward caring. Toward compassion.
Don't be afraid.
Instead, be overwhelmed. Joy, beauty, love. The moon is speaking to us, a language of creation. Those deep inner words that call us to a awe-shaped life. Toward oneness. Toward caring. Toward compassion.
What if, instead of a politics of apocalypse, we practiced a politics of awe?
A politics of awe. I wonder. I dream. We could, you know.
A blessed #SundayMorning to you.
