Awake!, August 8, 1981

Awake! — August 8, 1981

Source: jw.org

Contents

Page Two

Why Are There So Many Religions?

You Can Cope With Life—Why Do Some Choose Suicide?

So Glad to Be Alive!

Nature or Nurture—What Makes Men and Women Different?

Do You Recognize the Meaning of What You See?

Nostradamus—How Credible Are His Writings?

‘Not One of the Predictions Was on the Mark’

Bible Principles Work—Give Them a Chance!

Crossword Puzzle

Arboga—A New Center for Jehovah’s Witnesses in Sweden

From Our Readers

Watching the World

First, World Destruction—Then World Peace

Why Does God Permit Wickedness?

Page Two

Many people are finding it increasingly difficult to cope with life today. As an evidence of this, the number of suicides steadily increases in country after country. What are the reasons for this? How can you not only cope with life but find real enjoyment in it, along with a solid hope for a better future?

5 YOU CAN COPE WITH LIFE

10 SO GLAD TO BE ALIVE!

Why Are There So Many Religions?

Have You Ever Wondered—

Why Are There So Many Religions?

ONE recent survey listed 1,200 religions in just the United States. Another report revealed over 6,000 in Africa. Needless to say, there are many religious ideas throughout the world. Such a variety of religious beliefs has led to controversy and even violence. But even though each religion may have its own name, are the differences really that great?

ARE THEY REALLY SO DIFFERENT?

Of course, all religions basically are the means by which people pay honor to a higher power, a deity. Yet, beyond this, there are some other striking similarities among many different religions. Colonel J. Garnier, who analyzed many different religions in his comprehensive work “The Worship of the Dead,” wrote: “Everywhere we find the most startling coincidences in rites, ceremonies, customs, traditions, and in the names and relations of their respective gods and goddesses.”

The similarities have led some to agree with writer G. B. Shaw who said, “There is only one religion, though there are a hundred versions of it.”

WHY THE MANY SIMILARITIES?

Many historians believe that the vast majority of religious practices originated from the same source. For instance, Colonel Garnier considered the research of a number of outstanding scholars of ancient history and concluded that these “have indisputably proved . . . that, not merely Egyptians, Chaldeans, Phoenicians, Greeks and Romans, but also the Hindus, the Buddhists of China and of Thibet, the Goths, Anglo-Saxons, Druids, Mexicans and Peruvians, the Aborigines of Australia, and even the savages of the South Sea Islands, must have all derived their religious ideas from a common source and a common centre.”

But where was this “common source”? Where was the origin of the religious beliefs that influenced that whole ancient world? “Babylon,” states Garnier, was “the centre from which the ancient Paganism originated.” Others agree, such as professor of ancient languages Morris Jastrow, who writes of “the profound impression made upon the ancient world” by “religious thought in Babylonia.”

However, this same conclusion was recorded thousands of years ago in the Bible. It details the building of a city, including a huge tower, which eventually was called Babylon. Ancient Babylon, located in the east, was renowned for its extensive religious culture. But the religion practiced there displeased the Almighty God. So he confused their languages and “scattered them from there over all the surface of the earth.”—Gen. 11:1-9.

As a result, Babylon’s religious practices and beliefs spread earth wide. Just as the new languages were passed on from generation to generation, so too was the religion of ancient Babylon. This accounts for the basic similarities of ancient religions and of many today. But the Bible also shows that the religion that pleased Jehovah God survived and 2,000 years ago was represented in the teachings of Jesus Christ.

WHY ARE CHRISTIAN RELIGIONS DIVIDED?

If Christianity was the pure form of worship—distinct from those originating at Babylon—why do we find so many forms of it? For instance, one American Indian chief asked a Christian missionary who came with some white settlers: “If there is but one religion, why do you white people differ so much about it? Why do not all agree, as you can all read the Book?”

The chief touched on one of the basic causes of differences—a lack of reading “the Book.” Many who profess to be Christians simply are ignorant of the teachings of Christ as recorded in the Bible. However, there are others who will twist what is in the Bible. They “speak twisted things to draw away the disciples after themselves.” This likewise produces a multitude of religious sects, all claiming to be Christian. Yet, in the midst of this confusion of differing religions, the pure worship still persists to this day.—Acts 20:29, 30; 2 Pet. 3:16.

HOW CAN YOU IDENTIFY THE TRUE RELIGION?

Jesus said: “By their fruits you will recognize them.” (Matt. 7:16) In other words, it would be by what they do. In the box on this page are listed some of the Scriptural identifying marks of the true religion. You know whether or not your religion is living up to these Bible standards. The apostle Paul advised: “Make sure of all things; hold fast to what is fine.”—1 Thess. 5:21.

While the confusion of religions in the world has been a harmful force, true worship brings blessings. It helps us to come to know God. It steers us through the pitfalls of life, gives us a solid hope and removes many of today’s tensions. Surely, it is worth the trouble of seeking for it. The publishers of this magazine will be delighted to help you to do so.

[Box on page 4]

IDENTIFYING MARKS OF TRUE RELIGION

GENUINE LOVE AMONG ITS MEMBERS. “By this all will know that you are my disciples,” said Jesus Christ. “if you have love among yourselves.”—John 13:35.

RESPECT FOR GOD’S WORD. “Your word is truth,” said Jesus in prayer to his heavenly Father.—John 17:17.

KEEPING GOD’S NAME SACRED. Jesus taught his genuine followers to pray: “Our Father in heaven, may your name be held holy.” (Matt. 6:9, “The Jerusalem Bible”) Jesus also said in prayer: “I have made your name known to them [the disciples] and will make it known.” (John 17:26) Certainly he made known the sacred name, Jehovah.—Ps. 83:18.

PROCLAIMING THE KINGDOM OF GOD. Jesus foretold that his disciples would fulfill this prophetic command: “And this good news of the kingdom will be preached in all the inhabited earth for a witness to all the nations; and then the end will come.”—Matt. 24:14.

KEEPING SEPARATE FROM THE WORLD AND BEING NEUTRAL IN ITS POLITICAL AFFAIRS. “The form of worship that is clean and undefiled from the standpoint of our God and Father is this: . . . to keep oneself without spot from the world.”—Jas. 1:27.

You Can Cope With Life—Why Do Some Choose Suicide?

ARE you finding it increasingly difficult to cope with the problems surrounding you? When you read the accompanying article “So Glad to Be Alive!” you will see how one woman learned to cope and found a reason to live. You, too, can cope. However, the facts show that a growing number of people feel unable to cope with life.

In the United States there are some 25,000 suicides recorded each year. It is estimated that several hundred thousand more fail in their attempts. There is also estimated to be an accumulated total of several million persons who have tried to take their lives.

Some countries have even higher suicide rates than the United States. Worldwide the suicide rate has reached alarming proportions. Both the wealthy and the poor are involved—and the numbers keep increasing.

Why are so many people deciding that they can’t cope with life?

Why?

“The three H’s: haplessness, helplessness, and hopelessness,” answers Dr. Calvin J. Frederick, chief of emergency mental health and disaster assistance at the National Institute of Mental Health. Thus to the suicidal person one thing after another seems to go wrong. He feels unable to cope with the present and sees nothing good happening in the future to change things. But what causes a person to sink to such depths of despair? The reasons are varied.

Extreme poverty drives some to the point of desperation. For many people poverty means a question of survival—a struggle to obtain enough food to feed them and their family. And some, feeling unable to cope with watching their family suffer from want, choose the alternative—suicide.

Many others find it difficult to cope with a chronic, painful illness. Faced with a future of living every day in pain, some plan to end their lives and thus end the misery. In fact, to help such persons, recently a book was published that is described as “the world’s first guide on how to commit suicide effectively.”

Pointing to another factor is the comment by a spokeswoman for the Samaritans, an organization in England that specializes in helping suicidal persons. She said: “It seems that depression is increasing and one factor in this may be unemployment.” (Italics added.) To illustrate: Young people leaving school and unable to get a job share with older persons, who have been made redundant, a common feeling of rejection. Frustration can soon lead to acute depression. Social welfare or unemployment payments do not solve that problem. And, what about the man who loses the job that for a number of years has enabled him to provide well for his family? Now he searches the want ads every day. He goes on one job interview after another, but he can’t get a job. Meanwhile, the family still needs to eat. The bills are piling up. Clearly, not an easy situation to cope with either, is it?

Loneliness is something with which many others feel unable to cope. Perhaps one loses a mate in death after many years of happy marriage. To some the thought of life without their mate is unbearable.

Some researchers feel that suicide among the elderly is a reaction to a series of losses: their mate dies; their children have moved away from home; they retire or are forced to retire; they must live on a fixed income while prices keep rising; their memory begins to fail; their health slowly deteriorates; self-respect is lost as they find themselves becoming more dependent on others. Thus suicide can be viewed as a way to avoid burdening others or as an alternative to spending the rest of their days in a nursing home.

Young Suicides—Why?

The most striking increase in suicides and suicide attempts is among youths. In the United States some sources estimate that 57 children and teenagers attempt suicide every hour. Canada has had a fourfold increase in young suicides since the 1950’s. Similar trends are reported from France, the Federal Republic of Germany, Japan and Sweden. Why do so many young people feel unable to cope with life?

Hopelessness about the future is pointed to as one of the leading reasons. Dr. Diane Syer, as director of the Crisis Intervention Unit at Toronto’s East General Hospital, said that young people who attempt suicide sense “that their world isn’t going to get any better and so what’s the use of going on.”

At schools and universities the seemingly never-ending pressure to “make the grade” drives many others to the breaking point. In the Federal Republic of Germany and Japan this fear of failure largely accounts for the high suicide rates among youths. In some cases it is the parents who apply the pressure, expecting their children not just to learn but to excel. Many push their children to pursue a particular career without giving any thought to their abilities and preferences. Dr. Richard Seiden, of the University of California, said: “Some parents need their children to achieve to make up for their feelings of inadequacy.”

Many researchers believe that insecurity in family life is another major cause. As more and more families are torn apart by divorce, many young people blame themselves for their parents’ breakup. Adding to the insecurity is permissiveness. Young people are left to make their own decisions about sex, drugs, alcohol—decisions they are not prepared to make. They see this permissiveness as a lack of parental concern. As a result, some decide that their parents would be better off without them.

“Another factor is the devaluation of life,” says Dr. Herbert Hendin, associate clinical professor of psychiatry at New York city’s Columbia University. (Italics added.) What contributes to this “devaluation of life”? “By the time a child is 15, he or she has witnessed 14,000 murders or violent deaths on television,” says Dr. Seiden. Added to this are the popular songs that feature suicide as their subject: “Think I’m Gonna Kill Myself”; “I’m Mortuary Bound”; “Suicide.”

So often family members and friends of the victim are heard to say: “If only I had known . . .” Is it possible to know if a loved one is feeling unable to cope with life? What help can be given?

Help—From Whom? From Where?

It is important to realize that how we treat those around us—our family and friends—can have a significant effect on whether they find life worth living. As one 16-year-old girl who had thought of suicide wrote: “Maybe if parents and kids were kinder to each other, if teachers were more understanding, if we didn’t feel so much competition with one another, if our minds weren’t so open to sex and closed to true relationships, we would all be better off.” But when a person feels that life is not worth living, where can he get help?

Help for young people should logically come from their parents. Older people who are feeling unable to cope also need to be able to turn to someone they know will care, someone who will offer sound, practical counsel. What should you look for so as to know if a loved one is thinking about giving up on life?

Authorities list a variety of warning signals: suicidal threats; isolation from others; abrupt changes in behavior, such as an outgoing person’s becoming withdrawn; giving away “prized possessions”; severe depression. Even loss of sleep, loss of appetite and decline in attention to schoolwork, where such changes are sudden, prolonged and uncharacteristic of the person, should not be ignored. But what can you do to help?

“Just being a friend, sitting down and letting the [person] talk it out” can help, says suicidologist Dr. Mark Solomon. Be sympathetic. Don’t say, “Oh, come on, your problems can’t be that serious.” Be willing to listen. Offer alternatives; help him to see that things can change. Don’t be afraid to speak frankly. This may help him to open up and talk about his problems.

Many, unable to find a hearing ear among loved ones, turn for help to suicide-prevention and crisis-intervention centers. A number of these are equipped with 24-hour telephone hot lines. At one such facility in the United States, the Los Angeles center, about 18,000 calls a year are answered. In England, the Samaritans (a nationwide organization) logged a peak of some 1,500,000 calls in 1979, a year when 4,192 committed suicide.

Such facilities not only try to save the life at the other end of the telephone line but may also provide referral information to help the person to cope with ongoing problems. These referrals may include mental health and medical services, perhaps even assistance in obtaining child care and employment.

When considering suicide, some turn to yet another source for help, as shown by the following experience:

A few months back, a young man telephoned the Watch Tower Society in London, England. He explained that he and his wife had a friend who was on the verge of suicide and asked for somebody to call at his home as quickly as possible.

Upon arrival, a representative from the local congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses met a young woman who was in a deep depression following an abortion. With the aid of the Bible, the Witness was able to speak about God’s mercy and helped her to build an understanding of Christian principles as a way of life. She was grateful for the help and encouragement to start afresh, which she did.

But why did her friends decide to call Jehovah’s Witnesses? Simply because they believed that their friend would be visited by somebody who cared and who would use the Bible to speak consolingly.—1 Thess. 5:14.

You Can Cope!

Are you weighed down and depressed by one or more of the problems mentioned earlier? Have you ever felt unable to cope, that there’s no use in going on? True, you may have reason for a measure of sorrow. But do not despair—you can cope! How?

Try to think positively. Most problems have a solution. If you don’t know what it could be in your case, why not try to confide in someone you know and whose advice you respect? An older, sympathetic friend may well have faced, and overcome, a similar difficulty. A solution can be simple. Sometimes what is needed is a change in attitude.

For example, is unemployment the cause of your depression? Have you been trying, without success, to get another job? Well, what kind of job are you looking for? One that offers the same position and salary as the job you lost? Perhaps it would be wiser to ‘swallow your pride’ and settle for a job that pays a little less, or, if necessary, much less. After all, something is better than nothing!

Is loneliness your problem? Then don’t isolate yourself. Fight against self-pity. One of the best things to combat loneliness is doing a kindness for someone else. ‘But I need help,’ you say. ‘How can I give help?’ Jesus Christ said: “There is more happiness in giving than there is in receiving.” (Acts 20:35) Why not try it? You’ll find that giving to others will lift your spirits. True, it will not remove your problem but can help you to cope with it.

But perhaps you feel that your problem—chronic illness or death of a loved one—is unsolvable. Nevertheless, there is a source of help available that can aid you in coping with even seemingly unsolvable problems. In fact, this source of help assures us that in the near future all problems will be completely solved. What is that source? A person whose knowledge and ability to help is far greater than that of any human. Yes, God himself.

It’s true that a lot of people scoff at such an idea. But you have to admit that there are a lot of people with problems, too. And their failure to turn to God does not make them better equipped to cope with their problems, does it?

In the Bible, at 2 Timothy 3:16, 17, we read: “All Scripture is inspired of God and beneficial for teaching, for reproving, for setting things straight, for disciplining in righteousness, that the man of God may be fully competent.”

Yes, the Bible is God’s guide for man. Studying it and applying it in your life can help you to cope with all sorts of problems—unemployment, poverty, loneliness, even problems apparently having no solution such as persistent ill health and death of a loved one. It gives God’s servants the assurance that, in times of stress and anxiety, they will have his loving care. And those who in faith look to Jehovah God for help that is in harmony with his will do get loving aid that truly satisfies their need.—1 Pet. 5:7; 1 John 5:14.

But more than that, the Bible explains that present world problems are proof that we are living in the “last days.” (2 Tim. 3:1) Soon God will usher in a new order of things, one that will completely solve all the problems of those who love him. With reference to present world conditions, Jesus said: “But as these things start to occur, raise yourselves erect and lift your heads up, because your deliverance is getting near.”—Luke 21:28; 2 Pet. 3:13.

That knowledge inspires hope. And that hope gives us reason to live, no matter what our problems may be. Why not find out more about it? Jehovah’s Witnesses will gladly assist you.

Yes, with the help of God’s Word, the Bible, you can cope with life!

[Blurb on page 7]

In the United States some sources estimate that 57 children and teenagers attempt suicide every hour

[Box on page 9]

WHAT YOU CAN DO

□ Try to think positively

□ Confide in someone

□ Sometimes a change in attitude is needed

□ Don’t isolate yourself

□ Fight against self-pity

[Pictures on page 5]

POVERTY

ILLNESS

UNEMPLOYMENT

[Pictures on page 6]

LONELINESS

HOPELESSNESS

FEAR OF FAILURE

[Pictures on page 7]

“By the time a child is 15, he or she has witnessed 14,000 murders or violent deaths on television”

INSECURITY IN FAMILY LIFE

DEVALUATION OF LIFE

[Pictures on page 8]

PARENTS

A FRIEND

SUICIDE PREVENTION CENTER

THE BIBLE

So Glad to Be Alive!

YES, three times I tried to commit suicide. But—Oh! Now I am so glad to be alive!

I came from a broken home. My parents were never happy together, as far back as I can remember. When they finally were divorced, I was sent to a boarding school. Then during the holidays my sister and I were sent to different relatives, because my father, a merchant seaman, was unable to care for us. We both grew up feeling that we were not wanted.

In my teens I left the Roman Catholic Church, as I felt its teachings were contradictory. I could never believe in hellfire torment, nor that my destiny was to be in heaven. To me, death was just a period of peacefulness. And as for any meaning that life might have now, I seemed to exist for no purpose.

Marriage did not solve my problems. Things began to get on top of me. Occasionally I would go out to visit friends, but so often they would say, “Oh, I’m just on my way out!” or, “Can you do me a favour and do this for me?” I found myself running around after them and they were not giving me the attention I felt I needed.

I sat and read books most of the day. I stopped cooking and baking. I stopped talking to people or doing anything apart from the bare necessities. People around me just ignored me, or I thought they did. It was all so strange. I felt miserable, lonely, and desperately in need of somebody with whom I could talk. But there was nobody. I had shut everybody out of my life! All of this led to my first attempt to take my life.

Why Suicide?

When a person plans to commit suicide (and so many do plan it very carefully), the people around him fall into three categories. First, there are those he loves very much, but he feels that he has failed them somehow. He thinks that these loved ones will be much better off without him. In the second category are those whom he wants to strike out against. He feels that he has been so badly hurt by these that the best way to hurt them is by killing himself—then they will surely suffer pangs of conscience. In the third group there are the people who he believes do not care about him at all, and will not care even if something happens to him. Looking back, all three played a part in my thinking.

The time came when I could no longer cope with all the things going on around me. I loved my children dearly, but I became genuinely convinced that they would have a better life without me since I was so incapable. Then, when I had a quarrel with my husband, I reasoned that my death would surely be a blow against him. Finally, I had nobody around me who cared and to whom I could talk about my problems.

I planned my death carefully. I turned on the gas and lay down to die. Strangely, at that very moment my husband telephoned to apologize for our quarrel. Getting no answer, he came home from work in the nick of time. Alerted by the smell of gas, he smashed the door down and saved my life.

When I came round, I was very upset and very angry. My acute frustration soon led me to my second attempt. Again, I had had a dispute with my husband, but, rather than facing my problems, I was only capable of running away from them. If only I had known how to cope—but I did not.

I put on my heaviest coat and walked for miles, down to the river Thames. I reasoned that, as I was unable to swim, the heavy coat would soon drag me under the water. How right I was! But, quite by chance, a police boat was in the vicinity of the bridge from which I had jumped. Within five or six minutes I was dragged aboard. The police told me that if they had been any later, I would have been pulled under by the sheer weight of my wet clothing.

I injured myself in the jump and spent many months in a hospital. As a result, my children were put in protective care. The authorities tried to rehabilitate me with religion, psychology and psychiatry. But they never got very far.

After my discharge, I was taking pills to wake me up, others to relax me, more to put me to sleep—up to 20 different pills a day! My children, I could see, were greatly disturbed. Bringing them home just once every week, as I was permitted to do, was doing them much harm. So once again I decided to free them, by ending my life.

Late one night, I went to a very lonely spot, the most desolate place I could think of, and swallowed my supply of pills—all of them. I really should not be alive today to tell the tale. But in the early morning a man living nearby was awakened by his dog and decided to take it for a walk. He found me lying in the grass. I was rushed to a hospital and my stomach was pumped out.

When I woke up, I burst into tears. I was so upset, so miserable. I felt as if I were in a very dark room. My loneliness was so intense. There was no one to whom I could turn. My life had been saved, but for what? I so wanted to die.

My Lifeline—Prayer

My husband kindly set up a new home for me and the children, and I resigned myself to taking care of them until they were old enough to care for themselves. Then I would see what I would do with my life. I still had a defeatist attitude.

One day my husband had a conversation with one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. When, at my husband’s invitation, the Witness returned, I spoke to him. I had always had a respect for the Bible and was absolutely amazed at this man’s knowledge of it. For every question I asked him, he gave me answer—a beautiful Bible answer!

As you can imagine, I was in a very depressed state at that time. Although instinctively I knew that there was a Supreme Being, I had never known how to get in contact with him. Yet this man could pray—and he taught me how to pray! I remember asking: “Why pray in the name of Jesus? Why pray to God? Why not to Jesus Christ? or to Mary?” From the Scriptures came the satisfying answers. It was as if somebody had just opened a door to me, and how gratefully I entered through it!—Matt. 6:9; John 16:23, 24.

Within a matter of weeks, I started praying in a way I had never prayed before. I found that I did not have to attempt to stand on my own. I did not have to do everything by myself. (Phil. 4:6, 7) At that time I had been smoking 60 or 70 cigarettes a day. But within a matter of three or four weeks I quit the habit. I no longer needed that crutch.

I soon found great joy and contentment from sharing with my neighbours the comfort that the “good news” had brought me. Added strength came to me from my association at the meetings at the local Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Within six months, in May 1975, I dedicated my life to Jehovah God.

All this thought of suicide started more than 10 years ago. I still get depressed now and then, when things get on top of me, as I suppose everyone does. But now I have a ‘strength beyond what is normal.’ (2 Cor. 4:7, 8) I have Jehovah’s help. No matter how miserable I may get, He always comes knocking at my door—not literally, of course, but in one way or another He comes as if to say: ‘You are not on your own!’

My lifeline of prayer is always open. I am truly grateful. I have my life, a loving family and a purpose in living. For what more can anyone ask?—Contributed by an “Awake!” reader in England.

Nature or Nurture—What Makes Men and Women Different?

There is little doubt in anyone’s mind that boys and girls behave differently. “Boys will always be boys,” as some would say. The cause for the difference, however, has been the subject of an age-old debate—the so-called “nature-nurture” controversy.

Many people attribute the difference to upbringing and culture. Boys and girls are expected to fulfill different roles in life, they say, and this molds them into different patterns of behavior.

“But evidence from recent brain research indicates that some behavioural differences between men and women are based on differences in brain functioning that are biologically inherent and unlikely to be changed by cultural factors alone,” says neurologist Richard Restak of Georgetown University School of Medicine.

A study of three-month-old babies revealed that girls respond to music and voices with activity in the left side of the brain while boys do so with the right side of the brain. Other studies found that verbal and nonverbal abilities in boys are developed in opposite hemispheres of the brain. But in girls these skills are found in both sides of the brain.

For over seven years, two researchers at Johns Hopkins University worked with some 10,000 seventh- and eighth-grade boys and girls, whose educational background is thought to be alike since it is not until high school that they begin to take different courses. They were given advanced math and verbal aptitude tests. The researchers found that boys and girls did equally well on verbal tests, but that there was “a large sex difference in mathematical ability in favor of boys.”

Understandably, these findings have created quite a stir among educators and, particularly, feminists, who tend to be skeptical about the whole matter. So the debate is by no means over.

How do you view the matter? Even if the evidence is still incomplete, it is important to remember that differences do not mean one is superior or inferior to the other. A pen is not better than a pencil. Though similar, each is made for a different purpose. The Bible says of the Maker’s purpose regarding the woman: “I am going to make a helper for him [the man], as a complement of him.”—Gen. 2:18.

While the Johns Hopkins research finds boys better in math, other studies show that “girls exceed boys in language abilities, and this early linguistic bias often prevails throughout life.” Rather than being a drawback, the differences in behavior between men and women make them truly complementary, supplying one another’s lack. As one of the researchers put it: “Social equality for men and women really depends on recognizing these differences.”

Do You Recognize the Meaning of What You See?

NO NATURAL AFFECTION

DO YOU not consider it quite natural for people to have affection for persons close to them—for their brothers and sisters, their parents, their marriage mate and their children? In fact, small children find it quite natural to be affectionate toward everyone, relatives and nonrelatives alike.

Today’s world, however, is not one overly blessed with love and affection. Neighbors are viewed with indifference, strangers are treated with an “I couldn’t care less” attitude, and the natural affection we should expect to find within the realm of the family is all too often missing. Why?

Natural Affection for Children

In centuries past most little girls enjoyed playing with dolls and looked forward to growing up to have “real live ones” of their own. Motherhood was natural. Women were viewed as having a certain “maternal instinct.” A book recently published in France, however, attacks this view, claiming it is simply a myth invented by men to ensure female subjugation.

Apparently many women today agree. Other interests easily override any affection they might have for children—both before and after birth. And although these women may get quite upset when they see people mistreating children, yet they find it not at all upsetting that in many countries abortions are permitted almost on demand. But is abortion not child abuse at its very worst?

Our 20th century has seen such a decrease in natural affection for children that a Swiss newspaper, Weltwoche-Report, recently stated: “What 79 years ago Ellen Keya proclaimed would be the century of the child may well end up being the century of the abused child. An appalling increase in physical abuse of children is to be observed worldwide . . . Besides physical there is also mental abuse, which can be no less cruel.”

The harm such child abuse causes, be it physical or mental, may later come back to haunt the parents who inflict it. Imagine how a father, little inclined to show his children any natural affection, must have felt when his college-bound son told him “that if he had to live his life over again, he would like to try it as a Teddy bear—so he could be hugged.”

What has happened to natural affection?

Natural Affection Between Marriage Mates

When young people fail to receive at home the natural affection they crave—and deserve—they may try to find it elsewhere. This may explain in part why in some countries teenage marriages, or those living together without marriage, are on the increase.

But after coming together, do these young people find the natural affection they missed at home? Some do. The fact that hundreds of thousands of them later divorce or separate, however, is an obvious proof that affection between them is not always as natural as expected.

Think, too, of the many examples of husband or wife abuse. A newsmagazine recently said: “To the 19th century composer John Howard Payne, it was Home Sweet Home. In today’s America it is all too often an arena for shoving, pushing, punching, kicking, screaming, torture and death . . . as many as 8 million Americans are assaulted each year by members of their own families.”

Statistics from England reveal that every eighth murder committed involves husbands or wives killing their own mate.

So again the question: What has happened to natural affection?

Natural Affection for Aged Parents

As small children grow older, the natural affection most of them had for their parents and grandparents may cool off. Suddenly, oldsters are “out of touch” and “hopelessly old-fashioned”; yes, they even tend “to get in the way.” Too frequently they are banished to old-age homes or institutions, not always out of necessity, but for reasons of convenience.

About this practice, a Swiss newspaper stated: “Old people’s homes are not chiefly social institutions, but an expression of our social thinking and behavior. The way we esteem our aged—or perhaps fail to esteem them—reveals to what extent we exercise practical humanitarianism. In the so-called ‘underdeveloped’ nations old people enjoy the highest respect. In these countries we find no old people’s homes, at least not in those not yet overwhelmed by our civilization. In this respect we still have something to learn. Quite a bit in fact.”

Once again, how appropriate the question: What has happened to natural affection?

Why the Decline in Natural Affection?

God’s original purpose was for all men to belong to a single, united human family, in which affection for him and for one’s fellowman would have been nothing but natural. God’s adversary, Satan the Devil, however, broke up this unity back in the garden of Eden and is presently making use of every means to thwart God’s purpose to restore it through his kingdom.

Particularly since World War I, society has been disrupted by political and social unrest. In many countries material possessions are rated above human relationships in importance. Often, moral and religious standards have declined almost to the point of nonexistence. “ME” is increasingly being written in capital letters; “you” in lowercase. All these factors have had a profound influence on today’s families.

A decline in natural affection, particularly within the family, is, as the Bible explains at 2 Timothy 3:1-5, one of the clear evidences that we are living in the “last days” of this system of things. A new world society of God’s making will soon replace today’s society of people that is marked by its “having no natural affection.”

Learn what God requires of those desiring to be a part of that new world society. Heed his admonition at Proverbs 4:4: “Keep my commandments and continue living.” Then you will continue living and will be able to enjoy life at a time when showing affection for persons close to you will be the most natural thing in the world.

“You, though, keep you senses in all things.”—2 Tim. 4:5.

[Footnotes]

a Ellen Key was a Swedish essayist and educationalist whose book The Century of the Child (published in 1900 and translated into English in 1909) made her world famous.

Nostradamus—How Credible Are His Writings?

“HE CHIEFLY predicts the evil to come; what is good only figures in his pages incidentally, and at long intervals.” This comment comes from Charles A. Ward,a not a critic but a defender of Nostradamus.

If the writings of this 16th-century French astrologer predict so much calamity, why have they attracted so much interest down to our day? Was he inspired of God? Or was it a case, as suggested by some, of ‘shooting so many arrows in every direction that he could not miss in everything’? Too, what accounts for the great popularity of those who predict the future as did Nostradamus?

Why So Popular?

History reveals a long line of fortune-tellers, astrologers, soothsayers and prophets who have catered to the desire of many people for some supernatural vision of the future. But the popularity of these clairvoyants is not due to the overwhelming accuracy and fulfillment of their predictions. Rather, it is due largely to their clients’ addiction to the magical arts.

For example, P. Whitmore, in A Seventeenth Century Exposure of Superstition, says concerning astrology that “it was and still is the most deeply rooted of superstitions.” It is conservatively estimated that at least 50 million persons in the United States alone are now involved with some form of astrology, or about one out of every four persons! Many, like Nostradamus, gain fame, fortune and personal favors from the devotees of the occult practices by playing on their hopes and attitudes regarding the future.

The infatuation many have with horoscopy, as with gambling, can blind followers to its failures. In this regard, Eric Russell, in Astrology and Prediction, discusses an “appalling flood” that had been predicted by most European astrologers and contemporaries of Nostradamus. They agreed that all the planets “would be in conjunction in the watery sign of Pisces—an infallible indication that the known world must be destroyed by water. . . . Some few fundamentalists argued that this could not possibly be true for had not God set the rainbow in the sky as promise that never again would the floodgates of heaven be opened? . . . Ship builders made immense profits as those who could afford it chartered every available craft in the ports.” The world waited, but nothing happened.

Russell continues: “The quicker-thinking astrologers congratulated Christianity for the strength of its prayers in turning aside the calamity while others perhaps looked for another profession. But while there were a few weeks of embarrassment for the astrologers of Europe, the whole incident had been forgotten within a month or so and astrologers were again accepting invitations to cast the horoscope of this infant prince or that republic.”

Incidentally, astrologers are predicting earthquakes, floods and droughts around April 1982, due to the alignment of the planets. Astronomers point out, however, that no direct alignment of planets will occur. Rather, there will be a grouping of the earth and the other eight planets in a 95-degree sector with the sun. If there is a bad earthquake, flood or drought in 1982 (which happens continually, anyway), many persons will accept that year’s occurrences as being accurately predicted by astrologers.

How Accurate?

Of the alleged 946 predictions attributed to Nostradamus, only about 70 are considered to have had some kind of fulfillment. That works out to about a 7-percent success rate. However, regarding the ‘successes,’ M’Clintock and Strong’s Cyclopædia comments that many are considered to be the “bold forgeries” of his interpreters, including the prediction of his own death. Others were “composed after the events to which they seem designed to refer.” Some are “strained” in their application and some are shown to have ‘fulfillments’ in a number of different events.

When astrologers predict future events, it is not always possible to determine their accuracy since it may require waiting centuries for the fulfillment, if there ever is a fulfillment. But when such seers touch on subjects or events related to the Bible, one can more easily determine the source of the prophet’s inspiration. If it is from God, his teaching should always harmonize with the Bible, God’s Word.—2 Tim. 3:16; 2 Pet. 1:20, 21.

Nostradamus did touch on some Bible matters. Concerning the future, he predicted “that before the universal conflagration shall happen so many great inundations, that there shall scarce be any land that shall not be covered with water, and this shall last so long, that except for Ethnographies and Topographies all shall perish.” However, Genesis 9:11 says: “Never again shall all living creatures be destroyed by the waters of the flood, never again shall there be a flood to lay waste the earth.” (The New English Bible) Nostradamus said: “I fully confess that all proceeds from God.” He sounds impressive, but if his predictions were “from God,” why would they so conflict with God’s Word?

It is similar with his chronological calculations. While claiming they were obtained by “taking simply the Sacred Scriptures for the guide,” Nostradamus also admits his dating was “adjusted by astronomical calculation.” Sounds convincing, but do the two harmonize?

It becomes obvious that Nostradamus cared little for the Bible, but he used it to suit his own purposes. Although Nostradamus gave token allegiance to the Catholic Church, the following description of him, given by Charles Ward, sums up not only the man himself but the source of influence behind his predictions:

“What is Nostradamus? . . . a riddler, riddling of the fate of men; a man at once bold and timid; simple, yet who can plumb his depth? A superficial Christian, a Pagan perhaps at heart.”

Clear or Obscure?

Nostradamus, like other prognosticators, was adept at using ambiguity or double meaning as his stock-in-trade. In Astrology and the Popular Press, Bernard Capp says: “Nostradamus was a master of dramatic ambiguity, which has kept his prophecies alive down to the present age.”

This aspect of his quatrains is also described by James Laver, who states in Nostradamus or the Future Foretold: “These four-line stanzas of crabbed [ill-formed] French verse, obeying neither prosody nor syntax, arranged in no intelligible order and bristling not only with words in half a dozen foreign languages but with initials, anagrams and made-up names—how can there be a hope of finding any meaning in such a publication at all? And if there were, would it be worth the trouble?”

In the preface of his writings, Nostradamus admits to using “dark and abstruse sentences” so that he “would not offend the hearers.” He then makes a gloss of Jesus’ words at Matthew 11:25, “I publicly praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and intellectual ones and have revealed them to babes.” However, Jesus’ disciples in any age and in any language have understood his sayings. Nostradamus’ sayings conveniently remain obscure.

Nostradamus and the Occult

Nostradamus (Dec. 14, 1503–July 2, 1566) was born to French-Jewish parents assuming the name de Notredame in southern France. He was called Michel de Notredame. His parents had been converted to Catholicism. There have been many legends regarding his early life, but the credibility of these legends, recorded by two of his relatives, is also questioned.

James Laver comments: “Recent researches . . . have shown that the noble and picturesque background which has been hitherto accepted by every writer on Nostradamus has no basis in fact.” After recounting one such legend of Nostradamus’ predicting that he and a certain nobleman would eat a black pig instead of a white one for their evening meal, Laver says: “There is, of course, no proof of the veracity of this story, . . . Fascinating as these stories are, it is as well to confess that most of them rest upon the faith of the later biographers. Some of the stories . . . appear for the first time in the seventeenth century, some of them even later.”

In his efforts to predict the future, Nostradamus was deeply involved in horoscopy, magic, astrology and the pagan ritual of incantation. In The Complete Prophecies of Nostradamus, H. C. Roberts, himself “a student of the occult,” says: “Beyond a shadow of doubt, the methods employed and results obtained by Nostradamus in looking into the future were outside of the physical framework. . . . forces we group today under the general title of ‘Extra Sensory Perception.”’

However, many opposed such astrological divination. Whitmore says: “The writings of the early Fathers of the Church . . . contain the reiterated condemnation of those who continued to practise ancient, heathen rites and systems of divination under the guise of Christianity. Likewise the early Councils of the Church pronounced anathemata against astrologers, sorcerers and adherents to occult sciences. . . . The Council of Trent [during Nostradamus’ lifetime] laid down in unequivocal terms that bishops should suppress astrological prediction in their dioceses and ensure the destruction of all books which fostered the art.” But did the Catholic Church follow through with actions that were consistent with such proclamations?

The New Catholic Encyclopedia reveals that “astrology was used by Pope Julius II [1503-1513] to set the day of his coronation and by Paul III [1534-1549] to determine the proper hour for every Consistory. [Both popes were contemporaneous with Nostradamus] . . . Astrology pervaded European culture just as it had the culture of the Roman Empire, and, though official Church doctrine opposed it, no one attacked the whole manner of thinking that lay behind it.”

What was the “thinking that lay behind” the occult art of horoscopy? The French Grand Larousse Encyclopedique confirms that “Christianity considered that astrology drew its inspiration from demonism.”

Predictions That Come True

Can someone who apostatizes from Bible truth and becomes a servile prophet of demons accurately predict some future events? Yes, that is possible. In Deuteronomy 13:1-5, Moses warned: “If a prophet or a dreamer of dreams arises among you and offers to do a sign or a wonder for you, and the sign or wonder comes about; . . . you are not to listen to the words of that prophet or to the dreams of that dreamer. . . . Yahweh your God you shall follow, him you shall fear, his commandments you shall keep . . . That prophet or that dreamer of dreams must be put to death.”—The Jerusalem Bible.

So it is not just by coincidence that some predictions of such false prophets come true. They can occur by the manipulation of wicked spirit forces.

From the beginning of human history until now, demonic forces have manipulated the minds of submissive humans. These deceived human prophets are inspired to make utterances that harmonize with demonic schemes, called the “strategies and tricks of Satan” at Ephesians 6:11.—The Living Bible.

Satan the Devil and his demons can maneuver whole political systems. This fact was made clear when the Devil “revealed to [Jesus] all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time; and the devil told him, ‘I will give you all these splendid kingdoms and their glory—for they are mine to give to anyone I wish.”’ (Luke 4:5, 6, The Living Bible) In this same encounter with Jesus, the Devil even quoted portions of the Scriptures in an effort to tempt and mislead Jesus.—Matt. 4:6.

Differentiating True from False Prophets

True prophets of God had to meet three basic qualifications. They had to (1) speak in the name of God—which a false prophet who knew the Hebrew name of God would improperly presume to do; (2) the things they foretold would have to come true—which in the case of false prophets might happen either by coincidence or demonic manipulation; and (3) their prophesying had to be in harmony with God’s revealed Word and commandments put in writing up to their time.—Deut. 13:1-4; 18:20-22.

The third vital factor is especially where Nostradamus and others fail. The fact that they dabble in magic, the occult and astrology exposes them, for not one Bible prophet supports the use of astrology in communicating with God!

The prophet Moses spoke out in clear, unambiguous terms against prophets like Nostradamus. Under divine inspiration, he said: “There should not be found in you . . . anyone who employs divination, a practicer of magic or anyone who looks for omens or a sorcerer, . . . or a professional foreteller of events . . . For everybody doing these things is something detestable to Jehovah.”—Deut. 18:10-12.

The service that true Bible prophets performed was not primarily to foretell future events, as Nostradamus tried to do. Their main function, as Eric Russell says, was “acting as a communication channel between the Creator and his creatures.” Knowledge of the future was included in their communications, he says, “only as a by-product.”

Bible prophets commissioned by God also never foretold things simply to satisfy human curiosity. Every prediction related to God’s will, purpose, standards or judgment. (1 Ki. 11:29-39; Isa. 7:3-9) And because the primary purpose of God’s true prophets was to advocate his moral standards and laws, it was not necessary to wait for years before one could determine whether the prophet was true or false.

Of what value, then, are the prophecies of Nostradamus? Charles Ward describes him as “a man rewarded of kings; and yet, so far as we can see, furnishing no one profitable hint to them that could make their life run smoother, or remove a single peril from their path.” “He is clearly no prophet in the old and Hebrew sense of the word—like Isaiah, Daniel, David, John.”

[Footnotes]

a Oracles of Nostradamus, page 36.

[Chart on page 17]

Nostradamus Says The Bible Says

Years from Adam to Noah 1,240 1,656

Years from the Flood to Abraham 1,080 352

Years from Abraham to Moses 515-516 425

Years between Moses and David 570 486

Years from David to Jesus 1,350 1,105

‘Not One of the Predictions Was on the Mark’

At the beginning of 1980, a newspaper published the 62 predictions of a number of prominent “seers” regarding events that they predicted would happen during the year to come. After 1980 ended, Jack Mabley, writing for the Chicago “Tribune,” reported: “Not one of those 62 predictions was on the mark.” As to their predictions on personal matters, he advised: “My suggestion is to do the opposite of what they say. The seers are consistently wrong.”

Bible Principles Work—Give Them a Chance!

DOES the Bible strike you as being an old-fashioned, impractical book? Do you feel that its counsel is not to be taken seriously?

That is how some persons feel. But there are many who changed their viewpoint when someone helped them to understand its message. Once they clearly understood it, they could begin to apply it to their life. The fact is that there are now some two million persons throughout the world who know from personal experience that the Bible is most practical and that taking it seriously is an evidence of wisdom.

For example, the Tulsa, Oklahoma, World of January 24, 1980, carried the headline “Bible Pulled Races Together Amid Rioting, Death.” The article went on to say:

“During the height of the race riot [in Idabel], four whites, three Mexicans and one black huddled on the floor of a large home and read passages from the Bible. It happened in the house of John and Joan Langan. They are Jehovah’s Witnesses who chose two and a half years ago to make their home just off Oklahoma 37, which slices through the middle of this town’s poor, black section.”

While the multiracial group were there to study the Bible, fighting broke out in the front yard and bullets were flying everywhere. It appears that the riot resulted when it seemed that the authorities had failed to act in the case of the death of a 15-year-old black youth. As a result of the riot, one policeman was killed, a number of persons were injured and, on the following morning, the Langans saw the body of a black man lying in the vacant lot next to their home. Their own home was unharmed; not a window was broken. But the dairy store across the street was riddled with bullets; all its windows were broken. The filling station next door was leveled. Three convenience stores close by were damaged and looted, and a liquor store was demolished.

The World observed: “For the Langans . . . there were no enemies outside. ‘We weren’t afraid of the people, just that some stray bullet might harm us,’ Mrs. Langan said.” The paper also noted that the local meetings of Jehovah’s Witnesses were held in “the only such meeting house in town where the congregation is comprised equally by blacks and whites.” It is a congregation of about 60, and as many as 100 attend the Sunday public Bible talks.

The World further quoted Mrs. Langan as saying: “I know there is trouble, I’m not blind. But on the basis on which we have dealings with people—blacks and whites—there is a good relationship. If they have a love for God, that is all we need to enjoy being together. The difference in color only adds flavor. We enjoy the differences.” The paper also said that “when the Langans came to Idabel, they were impressed by the friendliness of folks who let them come into their homes. ‘The first thing we noticed was that the people were hospitable,’ Mrs. Langan said. ‘Very few were rude. We found, [by and] large, that the people were very, very kind. They still are.”’

The morning after the riot the Langans found the whole town in a turmoil. At the shopping mall they saw white businessmen and deliverymen all armed with guns. The Ku Klux Klan arrived, and tension was high. In spite of this feeling, the Langans went from house to house telling the good news of God’s kingdom.

At the very first house a young black commanded, “Come in.” They did and found between 20 and 30 blacks in that little house. Tension was high here also. “What do you want?” they asked Mr. Langan. He told them where he and his family lived and that they were Jehovah’s Witnesses sharing some Bible thoughts with people. He then went on to observe that men cannot bring justice, that only God can do that. This rather upset them. Mrs. Langan asked if there were any family men among them with wife and children and if it was not true that they had problems keeping everyone in their family happy all the time. If a man had trouble accomplishing this with his own family, how could we expect that human governments would be able to make everyone happy. Only the Creator can do that. Upon hearing this, feelings calmed and a more relaxed atmosphere could be felt.

It turned out that this was the very family whose 15-year-old son had been killed, starting all the trouble. The Witness couple expressed sympathy and said that they had no idea upon whom they were calling when they knocked at their door. They proceeded to comfort the bereaved family with such Bible texts as Revelation 21:4, which tells of the time when God will wipe out all tears from people’s eyes and neither pain nor death will be anymore. They also pointed the mourning family to the Bible hope of a resurrection from the dead and were able to leave some Bible literature with them.

Upon departing, the Langans noticed a young black man following them with his hands behind his back. Mr. Langan turned around and said, “My name is John. What’s your name?” The youth gave his name and then asked, “What are you doing here?” Upon their telling him their mission, he relaxed. He had a knife in his hand.

What moved the Langans to hold their balanced, broad-minded view on racial matters? The Bible tells that God “made out of one man every nation of men, to dwell upon the entire surface of the earth.” (Acts 17:26) God’s Word also tells us to ‘love our neighbors as ourselves’ and that “just as you want men to do to you, do the same way to them.”—Mark 12:31; Luke 6:31.

The Langans live by these principles, even as do other Witnesses, and they have found that doing so is not only practical but makes for the greatest happiness. Yes, Bible principles do work. If you would like to receive help to understand Bible principles and how to apply them in your life, by all means get in touch with Jehovah’s Witnesses in your community. If unable to do so, write to the publishers of this magazine and they will tell you where the Witness congregation nearest to your home meets.

Crossword Puzzle

Clues Across

1. His sons James and John were apostles of Jesus (Matthew 10:2-4)

4. Shortest book in the Hebrew Scriptures

8. God of Moabites (Numbers 21:29)

10. Full brother of Naphtali (Genesis 30:5-8)

11. Mentioned among the forces of Gog of Magog (Ezekiel 38:3-6)

12. In Ephesus Paul gave talks in one daily (Acts 19:8-10)

14. This province included Corinth (2 Corinthians 1:1)

16. Measure of land (1 Samuel 14:14)

17. His sons fought the Amalekites (1 Chronicles 4:42, 43)

18. There were ‐‐‐ cities of refuge in ancient Israel (Numbers 35:6-34)

19. Jether gave his son this palindromic name (1 Chronicles 7:38)

20. Ruth was a ‐‐‐bitess (Ruth 2:19-22)

22. This righteous man had bad neighbors (Genesis 13:5-13; 2 Peter 2:6-8)

23. Judean king Manasseh and his son Amon were buried in the garden of ‐‐‐‐ (2 Kings 21:18-26)

24. One leper was thankful, but how many were not? (Luke 17:11-19)

27. A ringleader of rebellion against Moses (Numbers 16:1-35)

29. Resurrected by Peter (Acts 9:36-41)

31. Small Hebrew unit of measure (2 Kings 6:25)

32. With Jehovah’s help, he defeated an army of a million men (2 Chronicles 14:9-15)

33. High priest who found “the very book of the law” in Josiah’s day (2 Kings 22:8-13)

34. The archangel (Jude 9)

35. A race of tall people whose name is an anagram of Ephraim (2 Samuel 21:20)

Clues Down

1. Moses’ Midianite wife (Exodus 2:15-22)

2. Helped secure doors in Jerusalem’s rebuilt walls (Nehemiah 3:3, 6)

3. Philip preached to a court official from here (Acts 8:26-40)

5. Land associated with 35-across (Deuteronomy 3:11)

6. King Ahasuerus ruled from here to 3-down (Esther 1:1)

7. Kept her promise to give her firstborn son to Jehovah (1 Samuel 1:9-28)

9. King-priest who received tithes from Abraham (Genesis 14:18-20; Hebrews 7:9, 10)

13. Jehovah is ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ of heavens and earth (Isaiah 42:5)

15. “Save, we pray” (Matthew 21:9, “Authorized Version”)

20. God will judge those who dishonor it (Hebrews 13:4)

21. Instituted calf worship in 10-tribe kingdom of Israel (1 Kings 12:25-33)

25. His she-ass spoke (Numbers 22:22-31)

26. Rome was one in Jesus’ day

28. Born when his father was 100 years old (Genesis 21:5)

30. His seven sons were wounded by a demonized man (Acts 19:13-17)

CROSSWORD SOLUTIONS PAGE 27

Answers Across

1. ZEBEDEE

4. OBADIAH

8. CHEMOSH

10. DAN

11. PUT

12. SCHOOL

14. ACHAIA

16. ACRE

17. ISHI

18. SIX

19. ARA

20. MOA

22. LOT

23. UZZA

24. NINE

27. ABIRAM

29. DORCAS

31. CAB

32. ASA

33. HILKIAH

34. MICHAEL

35. REPHAIM

Answers Down

1. ZIPPORAH

2. BOLTS

3. ETHIOPIA

5. BASHAN

6. INDIA

7. HANNAH

9. MELCHIZEDEK

13. CREATOR

15. HOSANNA

20. MARRIAGE

21. JEROBOAM

25. BALAAM

26. EMPIRE

28. ISAAC

30. SCEVA

Arboga—A New Center for Jehovah’s Witnesses in Sweden

By “Awake!” correspondent in Sweden

ON BUSY European Highway 3 between Sweden’s two largest cities, Stockholm and Gothenburg, you will find the idyllic little town of Arboga. One of Sweden’s oldest towns, it has a history reaching back over 1,000 years.

…

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Awake!, August 8, 1981