The relationship between Eschatology and politics is a controversial one. In this articles will look at how eschatology has shaped politics here in America. It is also interesting that other country’s such as Iran has use striking parallels of theology to shape their politics as well.
Read the article of course, but here is an interesting part:
THEOLOGY IN THE WHITE HOUSE
President Ronald Reagan, appear to be true believers in doomsday theology.
“In the 38th chapter of Ezekiel, it says that the land of Israel will come under attack by the armies of the ungodly nations. For the first time ever, everything is in place for the battle of Armageddon and the Second Coming of Christ isn’t far off. It can’t be too long now. Ezekiel says that fire and brimstone will be rained upon the enemies of God’s people. That must mean that they will be destroyed by nuclear weapons.” (Ronald Reagan, recounted by James Mills, president pro tem, California Senate in San Diego (Magazine, 8/85)
Pat Robertson and most of the politically inclined dispensationalists speak about the Soviet Union in this vein. It is indicated that President Reagan shares this view also. James Mills of the California State Senate reported on 1971 conversations with the then Governor Reagan (San Diego Magazine, August 1985). Mr. Reagan referred to the Ezekiel prophecy, noting that “Gog, the nation that will lead all the other powers of darkness against Israel, will come out of the north. Biblical scholars have been saying for generations that Gog must be Russia.” And since the only powerful nation on the north is “Russia,” the question is settled. Earlier it did not make sense, said Mr. Reagan. “Now it does, now that Russia has become communistic and atheistic, now that Russia has set itself against God.”
In 1983 Jerry Falwell attended National Security briefings and discussed plans for a nuclear war with the U.S.S.R. with top officials. Arrangements for the meeting came from then President Reagan. (See Grace Halsell, Prophecy and Politics, p. 47.)
Bush claims to be guided by Jesus when he makes political decisions, including, presumably, the decision to go to war in Iraq. Evangelicals have been crucial in both his election victories – some say, the decisive factor. We are not talking about a handful of fringe lawmakers who hold or are beholden to these beliefs.
I have to agree with his overall point – eschatological views have dictated foreign policy decisions, and even domestic policy decisions more so than we might like to think about.
New Jerusalem Community Blogger: How does Eschatology shape politics here in America.
November 3rd, 2009 9:37 pm
But there are also people who were in Reagan’s cabinet who said he talked about preventing Armageddon. That should be added to the Reagan history too.
November 3rd, 2009 11:39 pm
True James.
I think, whether people try to prevent it or bring it on, governing according to eschatology is a bit dangerous.
November 14th, 2009 4:30 am
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