POTUS

The Antichrist? Maybe not, but POTUS is pedal-to-the-metal on the road to Armageddon

Tom Ratkovich, , , , , , , , , , , , 1 Comment

Two years ago, I authored a post originally titled “Avenues to Armageddon.” A slightly edited version was reposted a year later as “Armageddon: Humanity’s Fragile Existence and Faith in the Last Days.”

I noted in that post that the Doomsday Clock was, at that time, sitting at a mere 90 seconds before midnight. It has subsequently moved a tick closer.

My intent was to bring awareness that the last days may indeed be upon us – yet those of us in Christ can take comfort in the knowledge that we have salvation in Him. Scripture is clear that such days, if not already here, are forthcoming.

I also speculated on the potential origins of the global apocalypse that would precipitate Armageddon. Among them:

  • Nuclear annihilation;
  • Cataclysmic climate change rendering our planet uninhabitable;
  • A global pestilence;
  • A technology meltdown or incursion rendering defense, financial, governmental and other systems inoperable leading to universal chaos;
  • A technology takeover of global systems driven by irresponsible management of artificial intelligence enterprises;

Let’s consider each of these, briefly examining the policies and actions of the Trump administration that make each scenario more probable.

Nuclear Proliferation: The Trump administration has pulled out of or scaled back involvement in several multilateral treaties or agreements critics considered essential to help restrain or provide transparency in nuclear arms. This includes the 2019 withdrawal from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF) allowing both the U.S. and Russia more freedom in the deployment of intermediate‑range missiles increasing tensions in Europe and Asia – and the 2018 withdrawal from the JCPOA (better known as the Iran Nuclear Deal) prompting Iran to step back from compliance and step up nuclear efforts. Trump’s rhetoric has also increased tensions based on his stated belief that the U.S. must “greatly strengthen and expand its nuclear capability.”

Cataclysmic Climate Change: The administration has rolled back several regulations related to emissions and pollution including The Clean Power Plan, vehicle efficiency and emission standards, and protocols limiting methane leaks from oil and gas infrastructure – all of which led to a dramatic increase in greenhouse gases. Executive Order 14162 formally withdrew the U.S. from the Paris Climate Accord while the administration also pulled back from funding and commitments related to international climate cooperation. Moreover, fossil fuel development is being fast-tracked while clean energy initiatives are being blocked. Perhaps most dangerously, Trump seeks to repeal the government’s endangerment finding that carbon dioxide emissions harm public health. Should that occur, the EPA could no longer regulate auto or power plant emissions.

Pestilence: Several Trump actions have increased global vulnerability to future pandemics and undermined preparedness. Withdrawing the U.S. from the World Health Organization in 2020 has weakened the potential for global coordination during a public health crisis while sowing international distrust of this country as a partner in global health. The NSC’s Pandemic Office – tasked with pandemic preparedness and response – was dismantled by Trump in 2018. Trump’s appointment of Robert Kennedy, Jr. to the post of Health & Human Services Secretary has fomented vaccine apprehension, cast unwarranted skepticism on medical science, completely upended such agencies as the FDA and CDC, and eroded public trust. His “big, beautiful bill” has dramatically damaged the U.S. health system by reducing access to vulnerable populations, increasing costs for insured and undermining the financial viability of healthcare providers – further crippling this nation’s pandemic response.

Technology Melt-Down Resulting in Global Chaos: I don’t know that I can pin this one on POTUS, but there is clearly a scenario in which the technological systems we rely on are compromised. With seemingly every global actor seeking to infiltrate the computer systems of its enemies – and often its allies – there is interminable vulnerability to universal chaos. There is one system, in particular, that fits within the apocalyptic prophecies of many Christians – the global financial system. Specifically, some see Revelation 13 as intimating a one-world government and single world currency as precursors to the apocalypse. Logically this currency would be digital, making Trump’s recent 180-degree flip on cryptocurrencies thought-provoking. His pre-2021 criticism contrasts with his 2024 acceptance of crypto donations, pro-crypto rhetoric and, significantly, the Trump family’s aggressive participation in crypto projects that have produced personal gains estimated to be $500 million to $2 billion. Interestingly, his rhetoric towards Canada, Greenland and other sovereign nations may hint at aspirations to lead a one-world government.

Irresponsible Management of Artificial Intelligence Enterprises: Hollywood has essentially prophesied of the threat posed by AI for more than 40 years. Way back in 1983, the movie WarGames dramatized the potential peril associated with AI and military computer systems. A year later, Terminator projected similar warnings that AI, given unwarranted autonomy and control – particularly in military scenarios – can act against humanity. The Trump administration remains unmoved by such prognostications. Instead, POTUS has revoked the Biden-era Executive Order (14110) that required safety tests, comprehensive reporting on high-risk AI systems and ensured transparency in AI development. One of Trump’s first EO’s upon returning to office was 14179, shifting focus from risk mitigation to the promotion of unencumbered AI development for commercial and military purposes.

Trump has often intimated that he believes he is fulfilling a divine role or mission, particularly when it aligns with political goals or audience expectations. Perhaps he genuinely believes he is doing “God’s work” in a spiritual sense. I am of the belief, however, that such rhetoric is more likely a strategic narrative to con and connect with religious supporters.

I actually do believe he is doing God’s work, albeit unwittingly. Throughout scripture, God uses people of questionable character to accomplish His will.

No, I do not believe it is God’s will to promote hate, bigotry, the pursuit of money and power, the further subjugation of the poor, and the destruction of His creation. Rather, I believe God is using Donald Trump to show beyond all doubt that the last days are upon us.

But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power. 2 Timothy 3:1-5

Indeed, this seems not only an apt description of the human race in these last days, but of the man who today is ostensibly the leader of the free world.

To be clear, that is my assessment of his behavior – not his heart. I cannot and will not judge his heart – only the conduct that stems from it. I pray each day that he will open that heart to God and, like King Manasseh of Judah, seek repentance and enjoy the Lord’s divine mercy in his own last days.

Related: The Deception of Trump-Love

Lessons from Proverbs 28: Leadership and Its Consequences

Tom Ratkovich, , , , , , , , , , , , , , 2 Comments

My current Bible study finds me in Proverbs. The book is traditionally attributed to King Solomon and contains vast wisdom and instruction on moral behavior. Unfortunately, Solomon’s inability to adhere to his own teaching led to the rupture of his realm into two kingdoms – and initiated a downward spiral of failed kingships across Israel and Judah resulting in ceaseless wars and, ultimately, exile.

Solomon’s is a story of failed leadership. We may be nearing a time when history will repeat itself – a time in which failed leadership precipitates the division of our own country into two (or more) “kingdoms” – and triggers the fragmentation of the global order.

Much of the wisdom related to leadership – and the ignorance of failed leadership – can be found in the 28th chapter of Proverbs. This chapter contrasts the deeds of the righteous and those of the wicked, teaching that true wisdom is more than just the discerning of moral behavior; it is living it.

Let’s get specific.

“When a country is rebellious, it has many rulers,
but a ruler with discernment and knowledge maintains order.” (v. 2, NIV)

Stability is the result of wise leadership, creating peace and order. Conversely, poor leadership leads to division and chaos.

Where are we today? I lean to division and chaos. Peace and order seem but a pipedream.

“Evildoers do not understand what is right,
but those who seek the Lord understand it fully.” (v. 5)

Justice is rooted in righteousness. Just leaders are guided by the Lord’s commandments for compassion and, above all, love for others – ALL others, not just those that look like them. Evil leaders are led instead by personal interest.

I see very little compassion within this country’s current leadership. Actually, that is generous. I see NO compassion. I observe only disdain for those that do not look like, think like, or bend the knee to POTUS. The only love I see is self-love.

Better the poor whose walk is blameless
than the rich whose ways are perverse. (v. 6)

Integrity is essential to wise and effective leadership. Integrity is reflected not by wealth, but by truth and selflessness. Those preoccupied by riches will abuse their leadership to increase them.

Consider the current administration. POTUS frequently visits and promotes his own properties, receiving exorbitant  payments from political groups, foreign dignitaries, and government officials. Campaign funds have been frequently spent at those same properties. Foreign governments have booked rooms and events at Trump properties – evoking ethics complaints and violating the Emoluments clauses in the U.S. Constitution. And rather than divesting in the Trump Organization, POTUS empowers family members to leverage his brand to enrich his businesses through media, mobile services, cryptocurrencies and more. His greed obstructs his ability to care for his constituents.

“Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper,
but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.” (v. 13)

I’ll admit, I don’t know if POTUS conceals sins. But those that remain unconcealed are quite prolific. Of course, we all sin…me more than most. But while I seek the Lord’s mercy, Trump remains utterly unapologetic and unrepentant in his iniquity. This reflects his immense arrogance and enormous pride. He is effectively putting his morality above God’s.

Confession and humility strengthen a leader’s character – and his ability to serve rather than be served. Ultimately, this is most disqualifying of our current POTUS as a leader of men: he believes that he – and those that share his idols and prejudices – are to be served rather than to serve.

In Proverbs 28, Solomon warns against greed, dishonesty, corruption and pride in leadership. He praises honesty, compassion, justice, generosity and accountability.

Unless one is lost in the bubble of Fox “News,” it is evident that POTUS remains ignorant of Solomon’s wisdom. It is also likely that were he acquainted with it, his pride, like that of Solomon, renders him incapable of abiding by it. Let us pray that history does not repeat itself.

As water reflects the face,
so one’s life reflects the heart. (Proverbs 27:19)

See also The Tragic Fall of King Solomon; The Righteous v. the Wicked

I Was a Republican…Until I Found Christ

Tom Ratkovich, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

Anti-tax. Anti-welfare. Anti-immigration. Anti-affirmative action. For too much of my life, I was pretty much anti-anything that would hinder my accumulation of wealth and prestige…and give it instead to those who were too lazy to get a job and make their own way.

I was the poster boy for the GOP. Trickle-down economics? Gimme some of that. I surmised that the extra money I had in my pocket as an affluent, well-educated citizen would eventually find its way into the hands of those who couldn’t figure it out on their own. They were, after all, lucky to be living in this country rather than a foreign land where the freedoms they enjoyed as Americans were suppressed.

That is, if they indeed were Americans. More likely, many came here unlawfully to sponge off of our overly-generous welfare system.

Global warming? Who cares? Wasn’t my problem. Future generations would figure out the climate thing…if it really was a thing.

After all, it’s all about TODAY. Why worry about the mushrooming national debt incurred to fund my tax cuts? That was just another burden that could be pushed down the road to my kids and grandkids. Of course, they would be insulated by familial wealth accumulated thanks to GOP dogma.

Born Again

I’m not proud of it, but that’s a pretty good description of my disturbing perspective. I wince as I read and re-read what I have admitted. But I become physically ill in the knowledge that the horrible things I confessed to comprise the societal blueprint for our POTUS and his GOP acolytes.

I am forever thankful that the Lord, in His boundless love, led me to Him. I became a new creation – one passionate to understand His will for those of faith. He opened my eyes and my heart to that of which I was being truly “anti-:“ Anti-love. Anti-grace. Anti-mercy. I was, in essence, anti-Christ.

My awakening led me to change many things in my life, including my political affiliation. I was compelled to leave the GOP – not for the Democrats who have challenges of their own – but to re-classify as unaffiliated. Still, I could no longer be part of a political constituency whose leadership demands followers subvert the character of Jesus Christ.

Consider:

  • Jesus was compassionate and loving. He demonstrated deep care for the suffering, the marginalized, the poor, the sick and those considered outcasts (e.g., lepers, tax collectors, Samaritans). He healed the sick, fed the hungry, forgave the sinful and welcomed the sojourner.
  • Jesus was humble and obedient. In His time on earth, Jesus lived simply, serving others rather than being served. His humility was demonstrated by washing the feet of His disciples…and His obedience to God the Father by going submissively to the cross.
  • The Lord preached mercy and forgiveness, teaching that “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.” He also embodied it, forgiving those who betrayed, denied and crucified Him.
  • Jesus was courageous and just in the face of religious hypocrisy, injustice and oppression, even when it put His life at risk.
  • He spoke the truth, and did so with conviction and profound wisdom.

The Greatest Commandment

In summary, Jesus’ character was defined by love, compassion, humility, integrity, mercy, justice, faithfulness and truth.

All of this is reflected in the Lord’s teaching of the greatest commandment:

“The first of all the commandments is: Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ This is the first commandment. And the second, like it, is this: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” (Mark 12: 29-31).

I do not know the heart of Donald Trump, nor those of his groupies. I only know what I see from him…and what I do not. For instance, I do not see love. I do not see compassion. I do not see humility, mercy or truth. What I see instead are political and social pursuits that do not simply subvert – but invert – the teaching of Christ.

I see hate rather than love; cruelty rather than compassion; narcissism rather than humility; disdain rather than mercy; lies rather than truth.

One more thing I do not see: those in Trump’s orbit speaking truth to power. And with the exception of American heroes like Liz Cheney and Adam Kinzinger, much of the GOP is in lock-step with their demigod.

For many years, I was among those cloaking myself in the American flag – justifying the pursuit of self-serving political and societal ambitions as patriotic and just. But just as Trump is who he is, the sycophants among the GOP are what they are. And as I came to understand, God sees the hearts, minds and souls of those that enable, empower and encourage the inversion of God’s will.

I, for one, refuse to be one of them. I pray you will as well.