BUSH, BLAIR AND THE POPE

Current events indicate that a growing number of political leaders from around the world are considering the Roman Catholic Church as a means of bringing peace and prosperity to planet earth. Does the Bible provide any insight into what is taking place?

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While we are not accustomed to commenting on news items that contain rumors, an article titled “English paper announces President Bush may be considering Catholicism,” [1] contains interesting facts worthy of comment.  Especially in light of current trends that can be understood from a Biblical perspective. 

Here is how one newspaper reported the possible Bush conversion to Rome:

Today as President Bush and Pope Benedict XVI met at the Vatican, the English newspaper, The Telegraph reported that Bush may be considering converting to Catholicism at the end of his presidential term. The Telegraph indicated that various Italian newspapers have been commenting on the news, especially Il Foglio. [2]

Or consider this second statement:

A friend of President Bush, Fr. George William Rutler, who converted to Catholicism in 1979, stated that Bush respects how Catholicism was founded by Christ who appointed Peter as the first Pope.  "I think what fascinates him about Catholicism is its historical plausibility," said the priest. [3]

So if Bush believes that Peter was the first pope, what else does he believe? While many have claimed George Bush is a “born-again” Christian, his "evangelical" background is based on a "replacement" view supporting the idea that the church has replaced Israel and will establish the Kingdom of God on earth sometime in the future. This of course has always been the Roman Catholic perspective – with the pope in charge, headquarters in Rome.

It is also a fact that Tony Blair and Bush are quite like-minded. Blair has already become an ambassador for the pope in Europe since he stepped down as Prime Minister of England. Recently, Blair established his own foundation intended to promote peace among all religions. By the way, Pastor Rick Warren has agreed to be a consultant to Blair.

If Bush were to convert to Catholicism, it would not be out of the question for him to partner with Blair, Warren and the pope – in a faith-based ministry for peace and hope.

Bush has publicly stated all religions pray to the same God. This of course, contradicts the Word of God.

The Bible foretells a coming one-world religion that will unfold for the cause of peace. Further, we know that Bible prophecy is always one hundred percent accurate. We also know this peace plan by man will not succeed. God will allow the plan to unfold but in the end, the false peace plan will be wiped out by “sudden destruction.” For a preview of what is coming, read the book of Revelation.

By the way, when it comes to the book of Revelation, the Roman Catholic Church believes that the events that relate to destruction have already occurred in the past. This position known as preterism is necessary if one is planning to build the kingdom.

Since the purpose driven emerging church has been spreading world wide, this kingdom now building view is becoming more and more prevalent. What if Bush, Blair and the pope were to become the world’s best-known promoters?

Time will tell if this will happen, of course.

I am Roger Oakland. This has been a biblical perspective to help Understand The Times.

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