by Jonathan » Wed Apr 20, 2005 7:21 pm
"The same thing has been said at the turn of every century and during just about every significant war. Everything is open to interpretation, hence the multitude of Christian faiths arguing that they are omniscient and have the 'correct' answers."
Exactly, it was based more on speculation and strange phenomenon as opposed to biblical terms. Israel just became a nation again in the 60s. The temple is being rebuilt, the new Pope has already stated plans to construct more temples in Israel. They continue to build political ties with Israel and are one of their few allies. The Papacy has regained political power that was once lost, which again was mentioned in Revelation (dependant upon interpretation). Unlike previous speculation, prophecy is being fulfilled every day now unlike in the past. I do agree that there are and have been many speculations and you really can't say what is right, but out of every theory I've seen, and reading Revelation, the only one that sticks out and holds true on all accounts is the papacy. The only thing you can do is read the good book and form your own thoughts. Adding to the other post, I don't believe this Pope will be the false prophet, although after seeing his plans, I think he is setting up for events to come.
"Why did the elect a new pope that was 78 years old? Do they enjoy picking popes every few years, poor old man hasent got much left, have you seen him?"
That was one of the considerations, they wanted to choose an older pope because John Paul II was the Pope for so long.
"The same thing has been said at the turn of every century and during just about every significant war. Everything is open to interpretation, hence the multitude of Christian faiths arguing that they are omniscient and have the 'correct' answers."
Exactly, it was based more on speculation and strange phenomenon as opposed to biblical terms. Israel just became a nation again in the 60s. The temple is being rebuilt, the new Pope has already stated plans to construct more temples in Israel. They continue to build political ties with Israel and are one of their few allies. The Papacy has regained political power that was once lost, which again was mentioned in Revelation (dependant upon interpretation). Unlike previous speculation, prophecy is being fulfilled every day now unlike in the past. I do agree that there are and have been many speculations and you really can't say what is right, but out of every theory I've seen, and reading Revelation, the only one that sticks out and holds true on all accounts is the papacy. The only thing you can do is read the good book and form your own thoughts. Adding to the other post, I don't believe this Pope will be the false prophet, although after seeing his plans, I think he is setting up for events to come.
"Why did the elect a new pope that was 78 years old? Do they enjoy picking popes every few years, poor old man hasent got much left, have you seen him?"
That was one of the considerations, they wanted to choose an older pope because John Paul II was the Pope for so long.