From its inception, World News and Prophecy has continually covered the European scene—both with broad brushes and, as required, in detail. This is not due to any innate bias or prejudice against this historic part of the globe, but because of Europe's central importance in fulfilling biblical prophecy.

When we consider the broad, global context of the entire Olivet Prophecy, certainly in principle the instruction of Jesus Christ includes the solemn duty of watching major news events and world trends that would signal the end of this present age (see Luke 21:34-36; Mark 13:34-37). In Mark 13, three times in the space of four verses Jesus emphasizes the importance of keeping a watchful eye, which would include unfolding world events as well as our own spiritual condition.

Note His concluding emphasis in verse 37: "What I say to you, I say to everyone: Watch!" (New International Version.) No one is exempted. We dare not neglect the plainly declared instruction of our Savior.

Notice how the European scenario has been developing. Let's begin with the current controversy over defense.

NATO or a European Union army?

Britons were shocked by a recent headline in The Sunday Times: "Germans Want British Army to Be Run by EU." The companion headline in The Daily Mail was even more arresting: "Germans Seek Control of Our [Britain's] Nuclear Weapons."

The Sunday Times article continues: "German military chiefs want Britain to hand control of its nuclear weapons to Europe, it emerged last night. The idea comes in a disturbing document from the German defence ministry, setting out the aspirations for a future Euro Army. It talks of Germany's 'visionary goal' for a comprehensive land, sea and air force financed by the European Parliament and built on the proposed EU constitution" (Oct. 24, 2003).

These proposals come on the heels of gravely expressed American concern about this fledgling European army and why it is needed in addition to NATO. Washington has already reacted to Franco-German defense planning for an independent EU army by requesting crisis talks with its NATO comembers—fearing that it would undermine the military organization dominating the defense of Western Europe almost since the conclusion of World War II (remember that France is not a member of NATO).

Although the leading European nations (including Britain) have moved to calm U.S. fears, Washington remains somewhat suspicious of the motives for a Euro army independent of the NATO command structure. The most recent attempt to allay American concerns came from Peter Struck, the German defense minister. He went so far as to say that the EU planning unit should be attached to NATO.

Previously, British Prime Minister Tony Blair stated, "I will never put NATO at risk," with the accompanying declaration of simultaneously remaining loyal to both NATO and the EU army (The Daily Telegraph, Oct. 18, 2003). It calls to mind the words of Jesus Christ, "No man can serve two masters."

An American official responded by saying that "a spearhead defense group of limited membership could deflect Britain's engagement in NATO and take on a divisive life of its own" (International Herald Tribune, Oct. 27, 2003).

The new European Constitution

Normally Buckingham Palace says very little about politics, remaining generally aloof, as Britain is a constitutional monarchy. However, Queen Elizabeth II apparently signaled concern to 10 Downing Street over where the contents of the proposed European constitution will leave the British royal family.

According to The Sunday Times, "The Daily Telegraph has learnt that Buckingham Palace has asked for documents highlighting the constitutional implications of the EU's plans to be sent to her [the queen's] advisers. Her worries came to light as Tony Blair prepared for an EU summit today in Brussels, where European leaders will begin final negotiations on the text for the new EU treaty" (Oct. 16, 2003).

The British Labour MP for Birkenhead, Frank Field, recently articulated a worst-case scenario for the palace. "It is wonderful that at last the palace has got wise to this," he said. He further indicated that in most respects the EU constitution would relegate the queen to the role of a "glorified head of a county council" (The Daily Telegraph, Oct. 16, 2003).

Negotiations and bargaining have now begun in earnest over just where the real power will constitutionally reside in the new Europe. Although current EU membership numbers 15 states, another 10 are slated to be added in due time. A Daily Mail feature article sums up the fight over the final power structure. "The disputes pit a majority of small member states fearful of losing influence against the big powers—Germany, France, Italy and Britain—who are determined that their population size and political weight are effected in decision-making" (Oct. 17, 2003).

The Labour government is very proactive in resisting any and all attempts to persuade it to submit the new European constitution to a referendum of the British people. Opponents insist that giving up so much sovereignty in so many crucial areas of national life requires the permission of the country's citizens.

Praise for John Paul II and the impending change

Recently several British newspapers have almost "deified" Pope John Paul II in their praise of his reign. The following statement published in The Financial Times is a case in point: "For his leadership and authority in these challenging times, how fitting it would be for Karol Wojtyla, the humble Polish priest, to be remembered as John Paul the great" (Oct. 16, 2003, emphasis added).

His reign as pope will be a hard act to follow. But it is his creation of so many cardinals (mostly men who reflect his worldview) that might ensure that the pontiff's conservative policies will survive his death. Nonetheless, there is a widening gap between belief and actual practice among the Roman Catholic membership, especially in Europe and the United States. Pressures for liberalization of the official policies have been relentless. It may prove doubly hard for the pope's successor to hold the line. And world events themselves may well shape the political policies of the next pontiff.

Some observers think it may be easier for a pope from Africa or Latin America to resist the cries for change on such issues as birth control, celibacy, divorce and annulment. The faithful in the developing world are thought to be generally less liberal in outlook and perhaps more easily influenced by their religious leaders.

There is a clarion call among some cardinals to "look to the third world for a pope—not tired old Europe" (The Times, Oct. 22, 2003). Even so, the demographics of the newly expanded College of Cardinals is nearly 49 percent European.

Remember that Bible prophecy clearly indicates that the last person to occupy the papal throne will play a major part in the revitalized new Europe to come—currently unimagined and undreamed of by the vast majority of mankind. (For further understanding of this vital point, please request our free brochure, The Book of Revelation Unveiled.)

The foundation of the new Europe?

The public deceptions about Europe are many. But perhaps none is so potentially damaging as the misconception that "reason, not emotion will be the foundation of a new Europe" (The Financial Times, Oct. 11, 2003). This concept flies in the face of contemporary history on the European continent, especially in the 20th century.

The writer adds: "Europeans should be grateful that the EU will not for decades be able to mount an appeal to its peoples based on gut emotion. We all know to what horrors such appeals have historically led." We have a different view. To use the vernacular, don't bet on the timing!

The Bible shows that in the future the European populace and much of the rest of the world will be swayed by raw emotion induced by supernatural miracles. Indeed the book of Revelation tells us that the whole world (misled by raw emotion) will worship a future charismatic European political leader termed "the beast" along with his religious counterpart, "the false prophet."

That is, all except those relative few who have allowed the Bible to alert and enlighten them to the true significance of future events. God's Word terms these called-out ones, "the firstfruits." (If you are seeking such biblical understanding, you can have a unique opportunity to truly comprehend God's truth and avoid being misled by the deceptions of the devil that cloud the minds of most human beings today.)

Even now Daily Telegraph reporters in Berlin tell us about the supposed need for a "Teutonic Margaret Thatcher to reverse Germany's increasingly sclerotic economic performance" (Oct. 14, 2003). This notion is gaining ground among influential thinkers in Germany.

The Fatherland is now struggling with many complex financial problems like the aging population, high unemployment and a struggling economy. Even though Mrs. Thatcher formerly labeled the euro as "a German racket designed to take over the whole of Europe," her past leadership in Britain is still much admired in Germany.

Clearly the notion of rescue from severe economic problems by a strong leader has not left the German psyche. This approach to deliverance has a ringing emotional element.

Summing up

Europe certainly appears to be at a crossroads in at least three major areas: defense, the new EU constitution and the papacy. Watching the news on a day-by-day basis can sometimes prove confusing, because the world's news media lacks the filter that Bible prophecy gives us. Realistically, it is virtually impossible to correctly comprehend and assess world events without obtaining a much-needed biblical background.

For starters we offer the following free brochures: You Can Understand Bible Prophecy, The Book of Revelation Unveiled and Are We Living in the Time of the End? Although there is some overlap in content, each will emphasize a distinct but complementary approach to understanding biblical prophecy. You need to request and carefully read these three brochures in order to fully understand the significance of today's world news, especially on the European scene. WNP