Are Satan and the demons real? - APRIL 2023 - theTrumpet.com
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What music are your The meaning of Iran in Media hide
children listening to? the Turkey quake prophecy Pfizer corruption
APRIL 2023
Are
Satan
and the
demons
real?
COVER
Sam Smith, dressed as the devil, performs “Unholy” at the 2023 Grammy Awards.
(Getty Images)
APRIL 2023 | VOL. 34, NO. 4 | CIRC. 217,919
FEATURES
COVER STORY
The Dangerous Rise
of Demonism 3
What Music Are Your
Children Listening To? 7
The Impact of Turkey’s
Earthquake 11
How Iran Is Fulfilling
Bible Prophecy 14
INFOGRAPHIC
Off the Charts 18
World Economic Forum:
Fascism Revives 20
What Is Fascism? 21
Media Blackout Hides
Pfizer Corruption 23
‘If I Can Save Anyone
That Pain’ 26
Uniting Against the Dollar 28
DEPARTMENTS
FROM THE EDITOR 1
“And there appeared
Satan Is Real.
Do You Recognize Him? another wonder in heaven;
PRINCIPLES OF LIVING 31 and behold a great red dragon,
How to Prevent Sin
having seven heads and ten horns,
WORLDWATCH 32 and seven crowns upon his heads. ...
COMMENTARY 35 And the great dragon was cast out,
Reject the Gateway Sins
that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan,
THE KEY OF DAVID TELEVISION LOG 36
which deceiveth the whole world ….”
—Revelation 12:3, 9
GARY DORNING/TRUMPET
Trumpet editor in chief Gerald Flurry’s Trumpet executive editor Stephen Regular news updates and alerts News and analysis
weekly television program Flurry’s television program from our website to your inbox updated daily
theTrumpet.com/keyofdavid theTrumpet.com/trumpetdaily theTrumpet.com/go/brief theTrumpet.com
FROM THE EDITOR
GERALD FLURRY
Satan Is Real.
Do You Recognize Him?
Most people are totally ignorant of the most powerful spiritual force in the world today.
S
atan-worshipers are getting bolder. The Grammy all the empires that preceded it and occupied their territory.
Awards this year featured a presentation of a song titled Compare verse 2 of this chapter with Daniel 7, and you see the
“Unholy” by performers dressed as the devil and his components of those other empires: the head of the lion, rep-
demons. The number of public schools in America hosting resenting the Babylonian Empire; the legs of the bear, symbol-
“Satan clubs” has been increasing. The number of people izing the Persian Empire; the swiftness, cunning and cruelty of
openly identifying as Satanists is growing. the leopard, which symbolized Alexander’s Greco-Macedonian
These trends get headlines and have many people concerned. Empire. So God used familiar animals to represent the first
Such blatant evil signals the depth of moral and spiritual three dominant empires. But for the Roman Empire, He com-
sickness of our society. Please read our feature story in this bined all those animals into one monster. No single beast on
Trumpet issue, “The Dangerous Rise of Demonism” (page 3). We Earth adequately defined the Roman Empire.
also have an article about how Satan is using popular music to “And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and
reach many people today, especially youths (page 7, along with his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered
our infographic on page 18). after the beast” (Revelation 13:3). This wound was inflicted in
Yet the real threat that Satan and his demons pose in our a.d. 476, when the Roman Empire was defeated, and healed
world goes far beyond the obvious examples. in a.d. 554, with the Imperial Restoration—and it became
Very few people really understand the devil described in the the Holy Roman Empire, receiving the blessing of the Roman
Bible. This is a being with tremendous power. Isaiah 14 says Catholic Church and combining the religious element with the
he made the Earth to tremble and he shakes kingdoms and political-military empire. Other prophecies show there would
empires. Different translations of verse 12 call him “crusher be seven resurrections of this beast—and the seventh and final
of nations” (Emphasized Bible) and say that he “didst lay low of these resurrections is about to burst on the world scene.
the nations” (American Standard Version) and “enslaved the “And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto
nations” (The Jerusalem Bible). the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like
That is a much bigger problem than a single perverse perfor- unto the beast? who is able to make war with him?” (verse 4).
mance at an awards show. This powerful spirit being is, in fact, Every indication is that this rising European power will be
“the god of this world” (2 Corinthians 4:4). Revelation 12:9 more powerful than America, China and Russia. How is that
warns that he has deceived the whole world! So few people possible? It’s because they worship the devil! This gives them
today understand this! special power. Your Bible says they will become the super-
How can we be free from this powerful monster? How can power of superpowers!
we face and deal with him? The Bible answers. This is a prophecy about a European superpower that we
“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he must be aware of. It is going to come on the scene and wreak
will flee from you” (James 4:7). If you just submit to God, Satan havoc for 3½ years—after which God will smash it!
will flee. That’s quite a power God gives you and me—especially
considering what the Bible reveals about the devil’s immense Prince of Persia
power. We don’t have to fear him if we use God’s power. The book of Daniel was recorded 2,500 years ago, yet it is
prophecy for this end time—our time today. Daniel 10:14
Beast Powers records the archangel Gabriel saying, “Now I have come to
Revelation 13 discusses a political power that has dominated make you understand what will happen to your people in the
the world scene throughout history. It is described in symbol latter days, for the vision refers to many days yet to come” (New
as a beast with seven heads and 10 horns. This represents the King James Version). Daniel 12:4 and 9 also show that this pro-
world-ruling Roman Empire. It started in 31 b.c. It absorbed phetic book is only for today. Daniel himself didn’t understand
APRIL 2023 1
what his prophecy was about! But God has revealed this truth Do you see violence in this world? Oh, do we ever! That is the
in our day, and you can understand it. work of the god of this world.
We need to know what this book says about Satan the devil. “[T]hou shalt be a terror, and never shalt thou be any more”
The Bible speaks of three archangels: Michael, Gabriel and (verse 19). Satan truly is a terror to this world! He’s the world’s
Lucifer. Lucifer rebelled against God and became Satan the devil. number one terrorist! How many people really believe that?
As Gabriel was delivering this prophecy to Daniel, he said, Look at this world: It is getting more terrorized every day—to a
“But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me one and frightening degree!
twenty days …” (Daniel 10:13). No man could withstand the But, as that verse reveals, God is going to destroy this evil so
mighty Gabriel! This is talking about Satan, fighting Gabriel, he will never be a problem again.
trying to stop this prophecy from being delivered! The Prophet Isaiah recorded a companion passage in Isaiah 14.
Why did Gabriel call Satan “the prince of the kingdom of Per- This records Lucifer as saying, “I will ascend above the heights
sia”? The kingdom of Persia in this prophecy is the Medo-Per- of the clouds; I will be like the most High” (verse 14). This being
sian Empire. Satan is called the prince of Persia because he had the audacity to try to overthrow God Himself! And he did
had that much control over that world-ruling Empire! so again recently in this end time. So God cast him to Earth.
Verse 13 continues: “[B]ut, lo, Michael, one of the chief princes, Now, he and all those demons are confined here. No wonder our
came to help me; for I had been left alone there with the kings of world is so overwhelmed with crises! (Revelation 12:7-9, 12).
Persia.” Michael had to come and help Gabriel overthrow Satan Isaiah 14:16 asks: “… Is this the man [should read, the one]
the devil. Satan fights with a mighty army of millions of demons! that made the Earth to tremble, that did shake kingdoms …?”
Verse 20 speaks of “the prince of Grecia,” which the context Satan makes the Earth tremble. He shakes this world!
shows is referring to Alexander the Great, who ruled the Gre- Genesis 1:2 describes Earth’s condition after the first war in
co-Macedonian Empire. At the time of this prophecy, Satan heaven and Satan was cast down: “And the Earth was without
hadn’t yet gotten control of Alexander. But he did later, and Alex- form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep.”
ander eventually died at the age of 32 in drunken debauchery. Earth was destroyed!
God allows Satan to get control of men if they give them- Beyond that, much damage was done in the universe. When
selves over to him. The devil is going to gain control of this God created it, the universe was well structured and quite beau-
beast power now rising in Europe. Prophecy shows he will tiful. But when Satan rebelled, he not only destroyed the Earth,
directly control the leader of that empire. This is amazing he destroyed the face of the universe! What power the devil has.
prophecy we must understand! “For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth
in pain together until now” (Romans 8:22). Because of the devil’s
Lucifer to Satan rebellion, the universe is groaning in pain, waiting to be freed by
Ezekiel 28:12 begins a passage directed to “the king of Tyrus”: the sons of God, led by Jesus Christ and God the Father (verse 21).
“Son of man, take up a lamentation upon the king of Tyrus, and When God cast Satan out of the heavens, the heavens
say unto him, Thus saith the Lord God; Thou sealest up the rejoiced just to have him gone. The Earth is suffering, but very
sum, full of wisdom, and perfect in beauty.” This begins talking shortly, we too will be rejoicing in the same way; in a few years,
about a human king, but then speaks of a being “full of wisdom, our suffering will be over!
and perfect in beauty,” who was in “the garden of God” (verse Daniel 8 fills in more detail about how Satan will influence
13). That couldn’t be a man. This is describing Lucifer, who events in this end time. Verse 24 speaks of the physical leader
became Satan the devil. But it shows that the king it begins of that rising European power: “And his power shall be mighty,
talking about was possessed by the devil! And the devil can still but not by his own power: and he shall destroy wonderfully,
‘
possess people today. Imagine the power a man can have when and shall prosper, and practise, and shall destroy the mighty
Satan dominates him like that—particularly if he controls a lot and the holy people.” This verse shows that Satan will actually
of military armaments. possess this man. That leader’s power will come from the devil!
Verse 14 reads, “Thou art the anointed cherub that covereth; But God is going to end this evil rebellion. This man will
and I have set thee so: thou wast upon the holy mountain of attempt to go up against Jesus Christ, “but he shall be
God; thou hast walked up and down in the midst of the stones broken without hand” (verse 25). Thank God for that hope-
of fire.” Lucifer covered the throne of God. He was there filled conclusion!
watching and learning from God for eons. Then God gave him Something really special is happening on this Earth today.
governance over Earth, along with one third of the angels. At It’s exciting to be alive at this time because so much is happen-
first, they rejoiced in their duty. ing. Ninety percent of the prophecies of God are being fulfilled
“Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast today in this last end. And it shows that right now, Satan is in
created, till iniquity [or lawlessness] was found in thee” (verse a frothing rage because he knows his time is just about over
15). At some point, Lucifer rebelled and persuaded those angels (Revelation 12:12).
to follow him. He became Satan. He is lawless! And he influ- We are no match for the devil. But the devil is no match for
ences people on Earth into lawlessness. We must beware this God. Understand just how formidable the devil is and draw on
powerful being! God’s power to resist him—and you can conquer the devil in
“By the multitude of thy merchandise they have filled the your own life! n
midst of thee with violence, and thou hast sinned …” (verse 16). To learn more about how to conquer the devil, request our free
Satan is filled with violence, and he fills the Earth with violence! booklets Overcoming Satan and How to Be an Overcomer.
2 THE PHILADELPHIA TRUMPET
The Dangerous
Rise of Demonism Open celebration of evil spirits is growing in popular culture.
It’s not just harmless fun. BY RICHARD PALMER
‘‘S
ummoning demons has Two transgender men dominated What is going on?
n eve r b e e n s o f u n ! ” world headlines by dressing as Satan for
That blurb from A Chil- the Grammy Awards. One up-and-coming Are Demons Real?
dren’s Book of Demons singer, also transgender, has the name of Satan and demonism have become a
is an apt description his favorite demon tattooed on his fore- part of our news cycle. The rise of all
of the world we live in. head. One rapper released a music video these demonic themes has led many to
Outright demonism is that showed him descending to hell and ask, Are demons real?
cool, trendy, even glamorous. giving Satan a lap dance. It was previewed America’s Christians are split on
“After-school Satan clubs” are available in a Super Bowl commercial—and fol- whether or not Satan exists. Polls
at a handful of elementary schools. They lowed up by “Satan Shoes”—a collabora- generally put the split at around 50/50.
even have a theme song: “Satan’s not an tion with Nike that allowed people to buy That’s not too surprising; American
evil guy, he wants you to learn and ques- the trainers Satan was shown wearing, Christians are similarly split over
tion why.” Young witches post videos which contain actual human blood. whether or not God exists. One study
JULIA GODDARD/TRUMPET
on how to get into paganism on TikTok. Movies and video games involving reached the bizarre conclusion that
People with “multiple personalities” get demonic themes have been around for more American Christians believe in
likes for switching between different years but are getting worse and worse— Satan than in God.
minds in front of the camera. and more and more accepted. What does the Bible say?
APRIL 2023 3
The Gospels record Jesus Christ regu- Look around: The evil proliferating in published by the American Psychiatric
larly being confronted by and casting out every direction has a source, and this Association in 2013 estimates that 1.5
demons (Matthew 4:24; 8:16; Mark 1:32, prophecy exposes it.” percent of Americans experience it
34, 39; Luke 4:41). He delegated similar This is the spiritual reality behind the each year. Other estimates say that
authority to His disciples (Matthew 10:8; shocking news and modern trends. between 0.01 and 1 percent of the pop-
Mark 3:15; 6:13; Mark 16:17; Luke 10:17). It’s important to know that some- ulation are affected.
Demon-influenced people are encoun- thing does not have to look obviously S o m e h ave go n e o n to c reate a
tered regularly in the book of Acts. evil to be evil. Satan can come as an following for themselves on TikTok or
Some demons are violent and angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14). YouTube. The most prominent has over
aggressive (Matthew 8:28; Mark 5:1-5; Something can appear wholesome,
Luke 8:27-29). Others are annoying even appear as though it is from God,
(Acts 16:16-18). Some people possessed yet be from the devil.
with demons suffer seizures and loss But as society is driven further from
of control (Matthew 17:14-16); some God, there is less reason to hide or
deliberately cut, mutilate or otherwise disguise the evil. This is why outright
hurt themselves (Mark 5:5; Luke 9:42). Satanism is now clearly on display.
They often make loud cries and screams
(Luke 4:33-35). Some cause physical dis- Multiple Personalities
abilities (Matthew 9:32-33; 12:22; Luke Perhaps the most naked display of
11:14). Multiple demons can possess the demonism comes from the “multiplicity”
same person (Luke 8:30; Mark 16:9). movement. Vice described the concept
If you believe the Bible is accurate in in a May 2015 article “Are Multiple Per-
its record of the life of Jesus Christ, you sonalities Always a Disorder?” with an
have to believe that demons are real. introduction through the lens of Falah
The Bible shows that these spirit Liang, who had sensed the presence of a
beings have a profound influence on birdlike man in her mind since she was
this world. Often that influence is 5. This presence was joined by others as
invisible. But as it grows stronger, it is she grew older.
becoming plainer. Vice writes: “A ‘multiplicity system’
Modern witchcraft, Wicca
2 Corinthians 4:4 says Satan is “the refers to the group within the body and neo-paganism are all
god of this world.” He subtly influences itself (i.e. ‘I’m part of a multiplicity forms of demon worship.
everyone in it (Ephesians 2:2). This has system’). The system might consist of And they are on the rise.
been the case throughout mankind’s two people, or it might consist of 200.
history—but the book of Revelation … The multiplicity community insists
says things get much worse at the end of on being seen as healthy—even normal. 1 million followers. The hashtag #DiD—
that history. Revelation 12:12 describes a This is our reality, they argue. Why are which will bring up videos of people
time when Satan “knoweth that he hath you imposing your reality onto us? Dis- openly influenced by demons—has 2.5
but a short time.” sociative Identity Disorder (did)—and billion views. One video of a “system”
Satan’s time as god of this world is its controversial precursor, Multiple switching between personalities, and
almost over. After a “war in heaven” Pe r s o n a l i ty D i s o rd e r — a re te r m s the follow-up discussion, got 100 million
(verse 7), which Satan lost, “the great roundly rejected by the community, and views. “I get so many comments from
dragon was cast out, that old serpent, most of them don’t feel that they belong people saying, ‘Why does everyone have
called the Devil, and Satan, which in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual did all of a sudden?’” said one “host” of
deceiveth the whole world: he was cast (dsm) at all.” “a did system of 12.”
out into the earth, and his angels were “With did, it’s more like a person’s Since did became a TikTok phenom-
cast out with him” (verse 9). body is a boardinghouse filled with enon, “all of a sudden, all of my adoles-
God warns, “… Woe to the inhabiters many guests, and you’re not quite sure cent patients think that they have this,”
of the earth and of the sea! for the devil who will come to the door when you psychologist Naomi Torres-Mackie told
is come down unto you, having great knock,” states a March 2019 Vice article. Teen Vogue last year.
wrath …” (verse 12). Some of these “multiplicity systems” The TikTok videos make these mul-
“This verse tells us that Satan and are so large they think of themselves tiple personalities seem cool and glam-
the fallen angels—millions of demons— as a city rather than a person. Others orous. The reality, as Teen Vogue admits,
were driven out of heaven and cast push for more “rights” for other “mul- is “truly scary”—ranging from amnesia
down to Earth and are now confined tiplicity systems” through groups like to fits and seizures. Over 70 percent of
MATT CARDY/GETTY IMAGES
here!” writes Trumpet editor in chief “Plural Activism.” outpatients being treated for did have
Gerald Flurry in his free book America Those who embrace did so strongly attempted suicide.
Under Attack. “Never before has this are rare, but the Diagnostic and Sta- Letting in a bunch of demons makes a
world been so infested with demons. tistical Manual of Mental Disorders person very miserable.
4 THE PHILADELPHIA TRUMPET
Witchcraft and Paganism church (1.4 million). Even this may as the devil’s angels (Matthew 25:41; Rev-
The Bible links witchcraft, wizardry and undercount. Wicca is quickly becoming elation 12:9). Like the righteous angels,
the occult with demonism. Some mod- yesterday’s movement; modern witches the demons are sexless and genderless
ern witches would make this connection are more likely to call themselves “eclec- (Matthew 22:30; Mark 12:25).
themselves; others consider themselves tic witches,” picking and choosing for As Herbert W. Armstrong explained
the worshipers of nature. themselves what crafts they practice. in his book The Missing Dimension in
When God commanded ancient Israel Pagan beliefs are even more common. Sex (request your free copy), God created
to avoid those who get into magic and the More than 60 percent of U.S. adults hold marriage and family for human beings
occult, He also warned against those who at least one of the following “new age” for a profound purpose—to teach us
spiritualist beliefs: wonderful truths about our potential to
• that spiritual energy can be located be born as sons of God. The demons have
in physical things neither this potential nor the ability to
• in psychics reproduce themselves, and so they hate it.
• in reincarnation For centuries they have influenced
• in astrology religions to believe that sex is shameful,
The “psychic services industry,” which that being single is better than being
“includes astrology, aura reading, medi- married, and that priests should be
umship, tarot-card reading, palmistry, celibate—none of which is taught in
among other metaphysical services,” is the Bible. Now this hatred is manifested
estimated to be worth over $2 billion more clearly than ever, with people
annually. Celebrities like the singer mutilating their own bodies and taking
Adele have said they use healing crystals. on “gender neutral” pronouns—imitat-
Witchcraft accessories like Tarot cards ing the genderless demons.
or supposedly magical symbols can be One in four lgbt youth use gen-
bought in mainstream stores. der-neutral pronouns. This movement is
Even practices as obviously occult even inventing new pronouns. One of the
as using mediums are becoming main- most popular is “fae, faer, faeself.” Fae is
stream. Prince Harry said he contacted essentially a pagan word for a demon or
a medium to try to contact his dead spirit. These transgender people want
mother. He is not alone—1 in 5 Ameri- others to refer to them as demons. In fact,
Members of the Shakti Sings choir
sing as druids, pagans and revelers cans say they have contacted a psychic pagans are even complaining about the
gather in the center of Stonehenge
at a winter solstice ceremony. or medium. About the same proportion lgbt movement appropriating their word.
believe that mediums have the ability to Even more closely related to demons
contact the dead. is the “two spirit” movement. Billed as
“have familiar spirits” (Leviticus 19:31; But this movement is also receiving a a native American version of the lgbt
20:6)—who talk to demons. In the most glamorous online following. “WitchTok” movement, they believe that having
detailed example of witchcraft, the witch has become a major phenomenon on the two spirits in them is the cause of their
of Endor in 1 Samuel 28, King Saul went to TikTok video-sharing platform. Videos homosexual or transgender behavior.
a woman who had a “familiar spirit.” This with tags like #WitchTok have amassed 30 The two-spirit movement now has its
woman claimed to be putting Saul in con- billion views. That’s more than tags such as own flag and is taught in schools in
tact with the dead Prophet Samuel (verses #Biden (8.5 billion) and equal with #Kar- California and Canada.
11-15). The Bible establishes that the dead dashians. Other tags like #babywitch— More extreme still is the otherkin or
do not know anything (Ecclesiastes 9:5, 10). helping people get into witchcraft—have fictionkin movements, where people
He could not have been talking to Samuel: picked up hundreds of millions. identify as animals or fictitious crea-
Instead, a demon was impersonating him. tures, like dragons, vampires or elves.
In the New Testament, the Apostle The Transgender Movement The Bible shows that many angels—and
Paul stated that pagan religions directly Perhaps the most blatant evidence of therefore demons—look like animals
worship devils (1 Corinthians 10:20). demonism is seen in the rapidly rising (Ezekiel 1:10). Satan himself is described
M o d e r n w i tc h c ra f t , W i c c a a n d transgender movement. as a dragon. Some will even get extreme
neo-paganism are all forms of demon In 1 Timothy 4:1-3 Paul warns of many tattoos or piercings to look more like the
worship. And they are on the rise. departing from the faith, listening to animal they believe they are. Some will
Early surveys estimated that in 1990 “doctrines of devils [demons].” What are even call themselves “demonkin”—iden-
about 8,000 Americans identified them- these doctrines? Included in his list is tifying as demons.
selves as Wiccans—a form of witchcraft. “forbidding to marry.” lgbt individuals, especially trans-
The 2014 Pew Religious Landscape The Bible reveals that demons are gender ones, are heavily represented in
Study estimated that 1 to 1.5 million fallen angles. They left their first estate other open manifestations of demonism.
were Wiccan or pagan. That’s around the (Jude 6) and rebelled against God. In Those with multiple personalities are
same number as attend the Presbyterian some passages, demons are referred to often transgender. A scroll through
APRIL 2023 5
#WitchTok videos shows they are Uplifting music from David could cause Isaiah 57:5 gives God’s verdict on our
overwhelmingly from the “lgbt com- demons to leave (1 Samuel 16:14-18). On society today: “Inflaming yourselves
munity.” A 2015 Pew survey found that the other hand, the Bible says Lucifer with gods under every green tree, Slay-
lgbt people were twice as likely to have was created with musical pipes—innate ing the children in the valleys, Under
a non-Christian religion—including musical ability (Ezekiel 28:13). He is the the clefts of the rocks?” (New King
paganism and Wicca. real author of depraved music, and an James Version). Today, lust draws many
evil musical environment can open people into the worship of false gods and
Gateways to Demonism up one to demonic influence (article, demons.
There is a spiritual reality behind the rise page 7). “Anciently the Israelites sometimes
of demonism. But there are other, direct Pornography and perverted sex can physically sacrificed their own children,”
causes. Certain behaviors open up the be another gateway, with the demons’ writes Mr. Flurry in Isaiah’s End-Time
mind to demons, and these are on rise. hatred of godly principles of marriage Vision. “Today we sacrifice our youth
“Under normal circumstances …, and family (article, page 35). spiritually when we give them no uplift-
no one need fear a demon may take ing vision. We sacrifice them to sexual
possession” of their minds, wrote lust and fornication. The Internet alone
Mr. Armstrong. Generally it can only hap- does $10 billion to $13 billion worth of
pen if “you open your mind by letting it business in pornography every year
be blank, or under control of another, or just in America! It is the most profitable
you lose your mind in an emotional angry online business. We also sacrifice our
rage” (Worldwide News, December 1980). children to demoniacal music, drugs
Certain religious rituals are designed and greed. In the nations of Israel, this
to let the mind go blank and allow a is done even before our youth are taught
demon to take control. But far more to use their minds!” Sadly, these trends
common today are mind-altering drugs have reached such extremes that today,
that break down the mind’s defenses some children have become possessed.
and can allow in demons. In 2021, over
100,000 people died of drug overdoses
A homeless man, 24,
A God More Powerful Than Demons
in the United States. The 2017 National smokes fentanyl in While we should not go anywhere near
Seattle, Washington.
Survey on Drug Use and Health estimated demons or demonic influences, we have
that 20 million Americans age 12 and over no need to fear demons. Throughout
had a substance disorder. There have Certain behaviors the Bible, God reveals Himself as vastly
been some well-publicized examples of
addicts having their whole personality
open up the mind to more powerful than Satan and the fallen
angels. Demons had to obey God’s min-
change—and they have gone on to vio- demons, and these isters, and Christ “beheld Satan as light-
lently attack others. One such individual
videoed himself attacking and then eating
are on rise. ning fall from heaven” (Luke 10:17-18).
The demons tremble with fear before
his homosexual partner. “There is such God’s power (James 2:19).
things as monsters, demons and ghosts,” 1 Timothy 4:3 also labels vegetarianism— So powerful is God that He can use
he wrote on his Facebook page. “They live forbidding to eat the meats that God has Satan for His own ends. In the book of
inside of us, and sometimes they win.” proclaimed fit for human consumption— Job, God allowed Satan to bring great
Dabbling in the occult is another way as a “doctrine of [demons].” Is it a coinci- suffering on Job. But it was to help
to invite in demons. God admonishes us dence that vegetarianism—or a reduced Job overcome and grow—and the book
to “have no fellowship with the unfruit- meat “flexitarian” diet—is being pushed ends with God blessing Job more than
ful works of darkness, but rather reprove by the elites of this world? Physical health ever before.
them” (Ephesians 5:11). Today, it’s mass can affect mental attitude. Pushing people God is allowing the demonic attack
entertainment. Harry Potter opened the into unhealthy diets and lifestyles can today. But though the demons are in
mainstream floodgates. Half of Ameri- make them more open to evil influences. total rebellion against Him, it is all to
cans ages 18 to 34 have read at least one We need to protect our minds, and the His glory. It will lead to mankind
of these books; 61 percent of Americans minds of our children, from these kinds learning the horrible con-
have watched one of the movies. Books of influences. Instead, they are given sequences of rebelling
and movies about zombies, werewolves, free rein. against God. n
vampires and witches are common.
Video games can also prove a potent
gateway—they are highly addictive
Did God create demons?
JOHN MOORE/GETTY IMAGES
and often coupled with violent or If demons exist, why would God make them? Or did God make demons?
demonic themes. Get the Bible-based answer by ordering your free copy of Mystery
The Bible reveals that music has a of the Ages, by Herbert W. Armstrong, and studying
powerful connection to the spirit world. Chapter 2, “Mystery of Angels and Evil Spirits.”
6 THE PHILADELPHIA TRUMPET
W
hen you press Play, what are you listen-
ing to? What about your children?
“I always enjoy sharing my end-of-year
music playlist with all of you—and this
year we heard a lot of great songs. Here are
some of my favorites. Are there any songs or
artists I should check out?” This was a tweet
from former United States President Barack
Obama at the end of 2022, accompanied by a list of 26 songs.
The song list provides an accurate snapshot of today’s pop-
ular music—many of them are chart toppers or celebrated
by critics and industry awards. Have you heard them? This
playlist revealed Obama’s preference for rap, hip-hop, dance
and pop songs whose lyrics, in almost every instance, contain
profanity, are heavy on slang and largely unintelligible if not
literal gibberish. The parts you can understand glorify pride,
lust, flamboyant materialism, perverse sexuality, drug use,
racial hatred, violence, blasphemy against God and demonism.
The music videos of these songs heavily feature partying, drugs,
firearm violence, brazen sexual imagery, and demon influence.
Here is a 61-year-old man, a former president no less, listen-
what music
ing to and promoting music largely performed and consumed
by teens and 20-somethings. Why? It’s quite strange. But it
is very calculated—aimed at appealing to young people and
are your
reinforcing the wretched direction of youth culture.
Are you truly awake to the reality that a war is raging
for influence over our minds—especially our children’s
children
minds?
THE SONG OF FOOLS
listening to?
“It is better to hear the rebuke of the wise, than for
a man to hear the song of fools” (Ecclesiastes 7:5).
“The song of fools” is “the extravagant, boisterous
and immoral songs that are heard in the riotous
carousals of foolish men,” Lange’s Commentary
FIND OUT, FAST. explains. This verse contrasts the way that leads to
life—hearing the rebuke of the wise—with the way
BY JOEL HILLIKER that leads to self-destruction of mind and body—the
song of fools. Which do you listen to?
That 26-song playlist is filled with “the song of
fools.” This song fills the airwaves—you can hear
it in your car, at the store, at the restaurant, at the
game and on your devices.
The song of fools provides fleeting plea-
jus
According to soundcharts.com, sure. Like junk food and other lusts
Canadian pop artist Justin Bieber has and sins, its appeal is instant and
658 million fans worldwide. His 2021 easy. You can readily give in to its
hit “Stay,” replete with explicit lyrics, “hook,” its sweet beat, its catchy
tin ie
is a melancholy ode to wasting life. It tune, its captivating vocal, its
has well over 3 billion listens between clever lyric. It is crafted to
b
Spotify and YouTube alone. Almost as catch your mind and stick
popular is his song “Peaches”; it too is there. But also like junk food,
smothered with explicit lyrics.
be it not only fails to nourish you,
r it spreads poisons and toxins.
The natural mind wants junk
food, junk entertainment, junk
APRIL 2023 7
information: the appealing, pleasurable, But it can also be extraordinarily daughter taps Play, which influence is
stimulating, easy choice. It does not want deceitful and subtle. Many people may he or she opening up to?
rebuke, correction, guidance. Especially recognize certain music or performers Opening up to whatever sounds good
when we are young, we want music that as corrupt yet overlook other powerful and feels right is opening up to a potent
numbs the mind and makes us feel good. evil influences streaming from their spiritual power whose influence domi-
Many of us underestimate how pow- own devices straight into their minds nates the world. Yes, it will be appealing.
erful the grip of music can be, particu- and the minds of their children. Yes, it will even mix in some good.
larly on a young mind. You must “have [your] senses exer- You must exercise your senses! Help
cised to discern both good and evil” your children exercise theirs. Young
THE POWER OF THE AIR (Hebrews 5:14). Can you tell the differ- people have less discernment than older
Ephesians 2:2 describes Satan the ence—according to God’s definition? people about right and wrong and just
devil as “the prince of the power of the The very first human beings were how dangerous some influences can be.
air, the spirit that now worketh in the presented with the same fundamental If you are a parent, you must intervene to
children of disobedience.” How much choice you and I must make (see Gene- help them develop discernment, to train
is he exercising his malign influence
within the trillions of plays of billions Sam Smith, the British pop artist who
th
of songs on millions of playlists, appears on the cover of this issue, is
incessantly streaming across famous for his voice. His vocal coach
Internet cables and crisscross- noted that his vocal range “can soar from
smi
ing airwaves straight into the baritone to tenor for dramatic effect.”
earbuds of millions of people, Fader magazine said he represents “a
young and old, for much of return of the virtuosic vocalist in popular
m
their waking lives? music.” However, the New York Daily
Not only is the devil pow- News said Smith is “utterly unafraid to
a
erful, he can also be extremely s sound feminine.” He also doesn’t seem to
appealing. He presents himself have any problem dressing as Satan, as
as “an angel of light” (2 Corinthi- he did at this year’s Grammys.
ans 11:14). Human beings trust in
themselves to decide good from evil, but sis 3:1-6). The first choice was to accept their judgment so they can make right
this “angel of light” easily deceives the God’s definition of good and evil rather decisions when Dad and Mom are absent.
whole world (Revelation 12:9). The only than their own. He pointed out to them And you must set the example your-
escape is to heed the “rebuke of the wise” two trees. One was the tree of life. Was self of not listening to whatever feels
and the guidance of One even more the other a twisted, rotten, ugly, repul- right but rather what you are guided
powerful than this being. sive tree with toxic fruit named the tree toward by your Creator and His Word.
Satan excels at packaging that allures. of death? No: The Bible records that
Ezekiel 28 reveals that when God created the tree of the knowledge of good and STALKING YOU—
the angel Lucifer, He endowed him evil appeared “good for food … pleasant AND YOUR CHILDREN
with superior musical skills. He was an to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to Another prominent leader shared his
angelic musician who served God with make one wise.” The only distinction favorite songs of the year: former Ger-
his skill. But then he chose to exalt his between the two was that God said one man Defense Minister Karl-Theodor zu
will, his idea of right and wrong above would lead to health, growth and life Guttenberg. Like Barack Obama, he is a
God. His mind became perverted. He and the other would lead to destruction, man that Trumpet editor in chief Gerald
exerted his selfish, self-willed attitude sadness and death. Would they trust Flurry has told us to watch. Prophecy
on other angels, influencing and chang- God? warns that human choices under Satan’s
ing their minds as well. He led them in No. Adam and Eve relied on their own influence are prophesied to lead to
rebellion and war against their own Cre- senses and their own minds to make the massive human self-destruction, and it
ator! He became the adversary, and God choice to put their will above God’s and tells us to watch for certain men whom
changed his name from Lucifer to Satan. define good and evil for themselves. Satan is influencing and will influence
Satan remains skilled at music. His From the first humans to today, we to wreak spiritual, mental and physical
skill is not in creating uplifting, beauti- have built a society and a world on the destruction on an enormous scale.
ful music but music that, appealing and foundation of deciding good and evil How do these men think? What music
powerful though it may be, is self-willed, for ourselves. Our first parents chose do they promote?
rebellious in spirit, and evil. to think the same way Satan thought. Guttenberg praised 12 albums as his
Everything has flowed from them—and top choices for 2022. Most of his favor-
DISCERNING GOOD AND EVIL us—making that choice. This is clearly ites were pop music; many were the
Satan’s influence is increasingly pre- true of our music. same as those on Obama’s list.
senting itself in society today as bra- When you tap Play, which choice Again a theme of demonism and of
zenly dark and demonic (article, page 3). are you making? When your son or hatred for America emerged. One of
8 THE PHILADELPHIA TRUMPETGuttenberg’s favorite albums is named They are promoting drug use, racism
Lucifer on the Sofa. The lead singer, gui-
hel cai and other sins. These performers are
t
tarist and chief songwriter for the band the ones people are listening to every-
said about this title song: “The Lucifer where right now. Some of it sounds rank,
n
e
on the sofa is me. It’s the worst of me but some of it sounds good if you are just
that can come out in times of distress or relying on your own discernment.
stress, or anxiety. Everybody can kind of Yes, discern the horrid-sounding
become the person they don’t want to songs, but also discern those peppy
be. And I was dealing with that person pop songs, those hip-hop songs, those
in the song. It’s really two sides of the country songs, that are promoting the
same person.” message of the devil. And help your
Another of his favorites is by a 24-year- child to do the same. Use your authority
old, born Hayden Silas Anhedönia to and love for your child to help him exer-
a Southern Baptist family. Hayden cise his senses and build his character.
declared himself to be homosexual at
age 12, left the church at age 16, became HOW TO DISCERN
transgender at age 20, and now goes How can you know which music you
by the name Ethel Cain. The acclaimed should listen to? We have an article
album Preacher’s Daughter mixes at theTrumpet.com by Ryan Malone,
themes of shattered faith, family dys- Don’t let the sultry sounds of his director of musical activities at Herbert
function, demons and death. One article two most popular anthems fool W. Armstrong College, titled “Are You
stated, “If you’re someone who is critical you. Ethel Cain appears female, Listening to the Right Music?” (theTrum-
of America, religion, your identity and but is a transgender who was pet.com/4252). It discusses three types of
the people that seem to shape you into born Hayden Silas Anhedönia. music: fine art, folk and popular. Quality
the person you are today, I highly recom- Themes of shattered faith, family music can be found in all three. Wrong
mend Preacher’s Daughter.” Tattooed on dysfunction, demons and death music can also be found in all three;
this artist’s forehead are Hebrew charac- permeate his lyrics. though much fine art music is wonderful,
ters spelling the names of the archangel some is corrupted by intellectual vanity
Gabriel and of Ashmedai, king of demons. prestigious awards in the music indus- or a wrong spirit. You must exercise your
Barack Obama and Karl-Theodor zu try worldwide. The award ceremony in senses and discern the good from the evil.
Guttenberg recommend that you listen! February included a performance by As this article brings out, Satan tends
This album is a good example of why two men, one who calls himself “gender to exploit popular music the most: It is
you must exercise discernment. Some of fluid” and dressed like Satan, the other designed to entertain and appeal to a
this music sounds innocuous; if I heard transgender, who acted like a female wide audience. The prince of the power
my kids listening, I may not think twice. stripper, with people resembling of the air excels at broadcasting, upload-
But this is a male who thinks he is a demons dancing provocatively as huge ing and streaming his message far and
female with a demon’s name tattooed on red lights flickered and flashed. This wide, and he has more tools than ever
his face singing, “God loves you, but not was a blatant, disgusting display of pure to get his message into human minds.
enough to save you—so baby girl, good evil. Many people were upset, but one Young people are among the most vul-
luck taking care of yourself.” “Jesus can person protested that this performance nerable of his targets.
always reject his father, / But he cannot was balanced out by the show closing To accomplish his purposes, the
escape his mother’s blood. / He’ll scream out “with an 8-minute rap song about devil doesn’t need you to become a
and try to wash it off of his fingers, / But God.” In truth, that was not a song about die-hard fan of the most twisted band.
he’ll never escape what he’s made up God. That song repeatedly breaks God’s All he needs is for you to treat this
of.” This album tells a horrific storyline commandment not to take His name in lightly. That’s all. Go back to thinking
ending in the preacher’s daughter being vain, it exults in vanity and self-worship, that your and your children’s playlists
killed by her boyfriend and stored in a and is loaded with profanity. don’t matter much. Just let the songs on
freezer to be eaten. The tour is named People are eating from the tree of the your speakers and in your earphones be
“Freezer Bride.” knowledge of good and evil, thinking it’s whatever you feel like listening to at the
Discern evil when you hear it! good for food—but God says it is the tree moment. Just treat it lightly. Then he
An awful lot of music is evil, but Satan of death! can come after you easily.
usually does not present himself in an Just look at the rest of the Grammy God warns us that it is dangerous to be
obviously evil light. Awards. Performers are tripping over “ignorant of Satan’s devices” (2 Corinthi-
The Grammys are considered the most each other to promote lgbtq+ causes. ans 2:11). You must exercise your senses
with God’s help to discern good and evil.
Opening up to whatever sounds good and feels What follows are three aspects of the
music your family listens to that you
right is opening up to a potent spiritual power. should evaluate:
APRIL 2023 91. THE VOCALS: Be careful with streaming services.
What are the lyrics saying? If the performer is uttering foul Apple Music, Pandora, Spotify and other services have
language, delete that song. If he’s blurting gibberish, delete. enormous music libraries. Once you start listening, they
Reject songs about risky behavior, dysfunctional relationships, automatically begin recommending or choosing songs for
drug use, depressed emotions, defying authority and other you based not only on what you have been listening to but
forms of rebellion. If you think, That means most of the popular also on overall category, what is popular, and whatever other
songs out there, you’re right. Evaluate songs by God’s definition criteria music executives decide on. If you are not actively
of right and wrong, and you see dynamic proof that yes, Satan discerning each song, you will inevitably find yourself
is the god of this world and the prince of the power of the air. listening to evil lyrics, beats and attitudes from performers
Many people have said, I like the song: I don’t listen to the lyr- promoting wrong lifestyles and ideas.
ics. But these words are powerful and lodge in your mind more
easily than you think. Do not make the mistake of thinking that Pull out the earbuds.
the evil parts don’t affect you. That is just what Satan wants Young people especially love to listen through earbuds or
you to think! Pay attention. Evaluate. Discern. You are about to headphones. This lets them turn up the volume, immerses
allow this message into your mind or your child’s mind. Take them in the sound, tunes them out of everything and
the step of finding the lyrics and reading them. everyone around them, and prevents others from knowing
what’s on the playlist. Earbuds or headphones aren’t
2. THE ATTITUDE: inherently wrong, but understand that especially children
What is the spirit of the song? Much of today’s music is bitter using them involves more dangers than using speakers.
and angry, or suggestive and sensual. Our emotions and state of
mind are affected by the mood and atmosphere music creates Monitor your children’s playlists.
I
through its tempo, rhythm and style. Studies show that music You must do this. You need to know what your children are
even has actual physical effects on the nervous, circulatory and listening to. They may begrudge showing you their music.
immune systems. It can have the same habit-forming qualities as Some even have secret playlists that they actively hide.
food, drugs, gambling and sex. Many young people are addicted: Your ignorance of the influences on your child’s mind gives
They need music on at all times. And at the ready are the devices Satan an opening into their thinking. And remember, with
and services to stream unlimited music into their minds. How streaming services, there is much more available to them
much is this contributing to the mental problems so many of our than what is on their playlists. This is another reason to
youths have? You have to be honest about what music does to you. disallow earbuds and one of several compelling reasons
God wants to lift you up, help you, build you, strengthen you. to disallow smartphones. If you want your child to have
He wants you to fill your mind with things that are true, honest, a phone and music, there are several non-smartphone
just, pure, lovely, of good report. “[I]f there be any virtue, and if options that play only the music you upload to them.
there be any praise, think on these things” (Philippians 4:8). He
wants you to have an improving, maturing attitude, spirit and life. Build a taste for quality music.
Does the music you listen to help you do that? It does not always You will be surprised what opens up to you if you begin
have to be happy: David played sad music sometimes (e.g. Psalm to train your musical taste and your family’s. “Are You
49:4), and you might too. But it was in the right spirit and attitude. Listening to the Right Music?” recommends listening to
classical music and states, “When you notice things you
3. THE CONTEXT: like, ask why you like them. When you don’t like something,
“The discerning process goes beyond the sound of the music,” reserve your judgment for a while and determine, Do I
Mr. Malone wrote. “What is this sound packaged in? What are dislike this because it’s inappropriate or because it’s simply
the artist’s or band’s ideals? What are they promoting? What foreign to my tastes at this point? … Buy film soundtracks
dress standards are they transmitting? What do the graphics that emphasize the symphony orchestra. This music is
on the album depict? … Is the personal lifestyle of the artist on usually more accessible to the untrained ear than certain
display? The persona of popular musicians in our society is far classical pieces. This genre of music helps to condition the
more noticeable and persuasive—and it’s designed to be! This ear to a more symphonic sound and therefore make the
is especially true in the case of young minds trying to identify transition to ‘classical’ music much smoother.”
with a certain look, style or peer group.” Music is one of Satan’s main talents and one of his main
Take the performer Beyoncé as an example—the most tools! He is using it powerfully. But used properly, music is
awarded person in Grammy history, and whose songs are some of also a force for great good. Use good music to invite God’s
the most popular out there. At the 2016 Super Bowl, she used her presence into your life. n
halftime show to glorify the Marxist Black Panther Party. This
year she dedicated her newest album to “black lbgtq+ legends
who influenced her work.” Aren’t these things relevant when TUNE INTO GOD’S
BURAK KARA/GETTY IMAGES
you’re trying to decide whether to listen to her music? Read “Are
You Listening to the Right Music?” for more aspects to consider.
FREQUENCY.
Here are a few additional steps to take to win the war for Get the history and importance of music
your mind and your children’s minds: from the biblical perspective. Order your
10 THE PHILADELPHIA TRUMPET free copy of How God Values Music.Rescuers help remove a body these earthquakes were
from the rubble in Adana,
Turkey, on February 6. not just an “average”
disaster. “No words can
describe the sight of
families—most of whom
[have been] displaced
more than once—who
had to leave their homes
in the freezing cold to
take refuge in unsafe
streets in the middle of
the night,” said Red Cross
Near and Middle East
regional director Fab-
rizio Carboni. Turkish
President Recep Tayyip
Erdoğan called it “the
disaster of the century.”
THE
T h e ea rth qu a ke s
themselves were trau-
matizing. But now that
IM PACT
the dust has settled,
que s t io n s ab ou n d .
Where was God? Why
did He allow this to hap-
pen? And how will this
alter the future for Tur-
key, Syria and beyond?
Let’s look into the
Bible for answers.
Where Was God?
of Turkey’s Earthquake
Whenever tragedy on
such an incompre-
hensible scale occurs,
many people ask why?
Why the aftermath of the disaster is truly seismic. Why should millions of
BY JOEL HILLIKER AND MIHAILO ZEKIC people be shaken and
terrified, their homes,
schools and businesses
W
destroyed, their neigh-
hen world events official number of lives lost in Turkey and borhoods turned to rubble? Why should
occur that alter the Syria is over 41,000. By the time you read thousands upon thousands upon thou-
lives of millions of this, it could be closer to 50,000. Tens sands of fathers, mothers, daughters,
people, reporters of thousands more are injured. Millions sons, brothers, sisters, grandparents
often use the term from both nations have been displaced. and grandchildren be crushed to death?
“geopolitical earthquake” to describe In Turkey alone, an estimated 3,000 Why is our world so full of senseless
them. Such an earthquake began in the buildings collapsed. Syria’s affected Idlib tragedy? Is there a God? If so, why does
early hours of February 6. In this case, it province is the last non-Kurdish rebel He allow such suffering?
was also literal. stronghold in Syria. Several million peo- Many people believe in God. They are
Within 24 hours, three quakes of mag- ple there were already in need of humani- taught that He is all-knowing, all-loving
nitude 7.8, 7.7 and 6.0 shook the Turkish tarian aid before the tremors struck. The and all-powerful. But if that is true, He
city of Gaziantep, which has a metropol- city of Aleppo, which previously suffered knows about the suffering. And if He
CAN EROK/AFP VIA GETTY IMAGES
itan area of over 2 million people. People heavy shelling in the Syrian civil war, was loves those people and He has the power
as far away as Cyprus and Lebanon felt particularly hard-hit. to stop that suffering, why doesn’t He?
the tremors. From heat waves to volcanic erup- People have theories about why God
With every passing day, the death tions, the Mediterranean region has allows suffering. But at times like these,
count rose. At the time of this writing, the had its share of natural disasters. But whether they are Christian, Muslim,
APRIL 2023 11Buildings close to the epicenter Residents rescue Structures throughout
in Turkey collapsed after a an injured girl in Jindayris were
7.8-magnitude earthquake. Jindayris, Syria. decimated.
Jewish or otherwise, they struggle to down Satan and confine him to Earth, People were already getting fed up
find an explanation that rings true. He has the power to protect people with Erdoğan’s regime before the earth-
There is a God. And He gives us the from disasters, even disasters wrought quakes hit. He has pulled every possible
clear, true answer in His Word. That by the power of the devil. So why is God string to hold on to power for two
answer precisely contradicts what allowing these disasters? The sadness, decades, from cracking down on opposi-
many religious people teach, assume the misery, the tragedy that surrounds tion figures in politics and the media to
and believe! us must not be ignored. We must face up altering Turkey’s electoral system. The
God is not the god of this world. to it—and learn from it. earthquakes appear to have crumbled
Have you been taught that? The Bible There may well be several ways in his popularity even further. Many
states that the devil is real (“Satan Is which what has happened here can people, decrying rickety infrastructure
Real. Do You Recognize Him?”, page 1). advance God’s ultimate purposes. and a perceived slow and inadequate
Not only that, he has also deceived the government response to the quakes, are
whole world. And not only that, he is Political Tremors now blaming Erdoğan for exacerbating
the god of this world (Revelation 12:9; First let’s examine some potential politi- the crisis, much as he did in 1999.
2 Corinthians 4:4). cal and prophetic implications. Presidential elections loom in May.
Does the world around you begin to These earthquakes were the most These may produce such a landslide
make a little more sense when you real- recent disasters to hit Turkey, but they against Erdoğan that he would have little
ize that the god of this world is actually add to a host of tragedies to ingrain choice but to concede.
the devil? themselves in the Turkish psyche. An The earthquakes are also changing
The Bible describes the age we live in earthquake struck the area around Syrian politics. When news broke of
as “this present evil world” (Galatians Istanbul in 1999 and killed about 17,100 the disaster, international rescue teams
1:4). That is exactly what it is, and this people. It also catapulted the political rushed to Turkey’s aid. But what about
evil world has an evil god. career of the young mayor of Istanbul Syria? It is ruled by iron-fisted dictator
Ezekiel 28 describes a magnificent at the time—a certain Recep Tayyip Bashar Assad, who gained notoriety
archangel who was “full of wisdom, and Erdoğan. The Turkish government’s years ago for killing his own people with
perfect in beauty” (verse 12). Isaiah 14 slow response disillusioned many chemical weapons, and the civil war con-
tells us God gave this angel authority to people. Erdoğan campaigned against tinues to this day. Some governments,
rule the Earth. But then this angel turned the unpopular status quo and became like the United States, don’t even have
to evil and tried to seize God’s throne. Turkey’s leader in 2003. diplomatic relations with Syria. Most of
This angel’s name was Lucifer. After he Twenty years later, the antiestablish- the West, including Europe and moder-
ADEM ALTAN/AFP VIA GETTY IMAGES, RAMI AL SAYED/AFP VIA GETTY IMAGES (2)
rebelled, God changed his name to Satan. ment Erdoğan is now Turkey’s “new ate Arab states, have shunned working
And notice: God cast him back down to old regime.” He has used a variety of with Assad for years.
Earth (Ezekiel 28:16; Revelation 12:9, 12). anti-democratic methods to cement his But when the earthquakes hit, nearly
Satan hates human beings. And the power, but Turkey is still technically all this animosity was immediately
Bible shows that the devil as the current a democracy. Its three largest cities— forgotten.
(though temporary) unseen ruler of this Istanbul, Ankara and Izmir—are all Within two days, Assad made an offi-
world has the power to stir catastrophes governed by opposition mayors. Erdoğan cial plea for help to the European Union,
such as whirlwinds (see Job 1). It is pos- originally campaigned on a platform of and the EU quickly pledged millions of
sible that the devil has a hand in calami- anti-corruption and wise economic stew- dollars’ worth of aid and began orga-
tous events like the Turkish earthquake. ardship. Yet today, inflation is sky-high nizing a donor’s conference for March.
But this leaves our question unan- while many in Erdoğan’s inner circle “[W]e are already sending now a mes-
swered. If God has the power to cast have mysteriously become millionaires. sage to the people of [Turkey] and Syria:
12 THE PHILADELPHIA TRUMPETYou can also read
