January 17th, 2007

Doomsday Clock

The Sky is Falling

In some of the comments on a previous post we began discussing the polarity we are seeing between good and evil in our day. As war escalates worldwide, the gospel continues to be preached to the four corners of the earth.

As one example (of legions) of increased destruction and doom, I’ve just learned that the Doomsday Clock was moved forward this morning.

The email circulating with the announcement gives some context to the issue:

The Bulletin of Atomic Scientists (BAS) will move the minute hand of the “Doomsday Clock” on January 17, 2007, the first such change to the Clock since February 2002. The major new step reflects growing concerns about a “Second Nuclear Age” marked by grave threats, including: nuclear ambitions in Iran and North Korea, unsecured nuclear materials in Russia and elsewhere, the continuing “launch-ready” status of 2,000 of the 25,000 nuclear weapons held by the U.S. and Russia, escalating terrorism, and new pressure from climate change for expanded civilian nuclear power that could increase proliferation risks.

The Bulletin’s website states that the clock has been moved from seven to five minutes to midnight:

This deteriorating state of global affairs leads the Board of Directors of the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists–in consultation with a Board of Sponsors that includes 18 Nobel laureates–to move the minute hand of the “Doomsday Clock” from seven to five minutes to midnight.

Oh joy. Doesn’t that make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside? It makes this current season of 24 (which deals with nuclear bombs) all the more palpable.

Life is good. I am happy and feel at peace. There are so many things to be thankful for.

However, world affairs are not what they should be. All is not well in Zion. Wicked men lusting for power threaten innocent people everywhere with bondage and destruction. Some of it is visible through the mainstream media; much of it is not.

Time to pray…

As The Bulletin’s webpage concluded: “The Clock is ticking.”

Read quotes about “war” on Quoty

20 Responses to “Doomsday Clock”

  1. Curtis
    January 17, 2007 at 11:46 am #

    Hawking, one of the members of the doomsday clock club, was quoted as saying that more important than the terrorist or nuclear threat, is the threat of global warming.

  2. Connor
    January 17, 2007 at 12:00 pm #

    It was -6 degrees when I left this morning. I sure could use some global warming right about now…

  3. Curtis
    January 17, 2007 at 1:56 pm #

    Oh yeah,
    It’s even cold here in San Diego. I thought I got away from this stuff when I moved from Milwaukee!

  4. cew-smoke
    January 17, 2007 at 2:19 pm #

    Perhaps I should be embarassed by this, but everytime I hear about them moving the minute hand closer to midnight on the Doomsday clock, I think about the song ‘2 Minutes to Midnight’.

    I wonder if anyone else has that problem. LOL! Meh, its probably just me.

  5. Connor
    January 17, 2007 at 2:31 pm #

    cew-smoke,

    You’re not the only one. This section of the wikipedia page describes its references in music; the first one is the song you mentioned.

  6. RoAnn
    January 18, 2007 at 1:08 am #

    Ah, yes, the California orange groves could have used a bit more global warming lately.

    These “Doomsday” concerns are very interesting; but the only prophets I take seriously are the prophets of God.

    The world situation can change in an instant, but I think that if we are trying out best to follow the counsel of the Lord’s spokesmen, we can be sure that we’ll be able to deal with whatever comes.

  7. Eric Nielson
    January 18, 2007 at 7:33 am #

    Here in Michigan we have not had much of any winter weather yet. I went golfing outside after Thanksgiving. Mid January, no snow, temperatures in the 40s, in Michigan.

  8. Curtis
    January 18, 2007 at 7:50 am #

    This author here writes of the nuclear policy of the US and how we are mixing conventional and nuclear weapons and making the nuclear bunker busters part of our normal tools for use against targets such as Iran.

    I’d say that the US continuing it’s nuclear weapons testing in defiance of the Non-Proliferation Treaty, and our policy of first use is the best reason for the doomsday clock to be moved forward.

  9. Kelly Winterton
    January 18, 2007 at 1:24 pm #

    I’d like to chime in on the global warming issue. I used to think global warming might be just bunk. My logic told me that global warming would become a fact for me IF the ocean temps and the cave temps went up. Well, over the past couple decades this has indeed happened. As far as our extremely cold temps go right now, it has also been shown that global warming makes the extremes in weather greater – the warms warmer, the colds colder. It is the averages of these temperatures that matters. Now, even the most Republican-red conservative experts admit that the earth has indeed warmed. But these Republican-red conservative experts are of course saying the warming is just a natural trend, but not human caused. So it seems the prevailing school of thought is that the globe has indeed warmed, but who or what to blame it on is what people are arguing about.

    Precautionary principle tells us that we should recognize the trend and try to do something about it, regardless if it is man-caused or not. Ignoring the issue will be to our deteriment.

  10. Michael L. Mc Kee
    January 18, 2007 at 3:03 pm #

    To Whom it May Concern

    Which country on this earth do you believe should be the last one to disarm?

    The so-called “Non-Proliferation Treaty” is as effective at slowing the worldwide determination toward self destruction as the United Nations is at redefining irrelevance.

    I recently asked the Creator about His take on so-called “Global Warming,” and I was informed that He is preparing His “Footstool” to be as “The Garden of Eden.” I believe He intends to eliminate death, and dying. Fear of any kind is the antithesis of His absolute faith. It really doesn’t matter what changes take place as all things will be restored to their Paradisiacal Glory. He has always held, and will always hold this magnificent creation in the palm of His hand because it always was, and always will be His.

  11. Curtis
    January 18, 2007 at 3:35 pm #

    So Michael, can we trash the earth because all things will be restored in the end? Aren’t we supposed to take care of what the Lord has given us?

    The NPT is a treaty we signed and are bound to obey as all treaties we have entered into are.

  12. Kelly Winterton
    January 18, 2007 at 4:44 pm #

    there is value to both Michael’s and Curtis’ comments on the issue of global warming or other related issues. The earth was created specifically for OUR purposes, but as the D&C says, these resources are ours but are not to be used to excess nor extortion. We should use the resources the Lord has given us wisely and responsibly and sustainably, and at a point in time known to God, the earth will have completed the mission of its creation and be celestialized.

  13. Connor
    January 18, 2007 at 4:47 pm #

    A similar discussion to this one took place a few months ago on this thread.

    To summarize my point of view, I believe we have an obligation to be wise stewards over what we’ve been given.

  14. Michelle
    January 18, 2007 at 6:13 pm #

    and at a point in time known to God, the earth will have completed the mission of its creation and be celestialized.

    Actually, the earth will pass away first. šŸ™‚ I think we need to do what we can to take care of the earth, just like we should do all we can to take care of our bodies. But, ultimately, both will die, so we shouldn’t get too bent out of shape about what processes might be natural. Environmentalism is good up to a point, but if it becomes a religion in and of itself (not saying anyone here is at that point, but just sayin’ in general), then it’s perhaps a bit overwrought. I guess I’ve seen different definitions of what people think means “wise stewardship” and I don’t buy into all of them. šŸ™‚

  15. Michael L. Mc Kee
    January 18, 2007 at 7:32 pm #

    Stewardship is many things to many people, and it is therefore a matter of personal understanding.

    The Lord is telling me as an individual to be wise over that which I possess, but I have not the power to command you in your stewardship. While I may be able through gentle persuasion to encourage you, and others, I am unable to adopt the plan which was rejected by considering force. Therefore, when you phrase your questions in the plural, I cannot speak for anyone other than myself, and I say we should not “trash” (What kind of trash are we considering; waste, or implements of destruction?) anything which is ours or that which belongs to another because it all belongs to the Lord.

    If we are referring to countries be they large or small, who determines what is considered “trashing?” Which country should be the first to set a better example? Only the country whose citizens are conditioned to be wise stewards will set the example for others, but even then who can force them to do likewise? We were once much wiser stewards as individuals, and as a nation than we are are today, but we became more wealthy as individuals, and a nation, and we lost our sense of direction. We began to forget why we had become so blessed, and from Whom our blessings came.

    As for the NPT, I would recommend going to the Framers of the Constitution of the United States of America for your answer concerning treaties. Were we still operating under the Framer’s Constitution we would have signed none so they have never had Constitutional validity. Believe it or not, the ACLU, and many America hating professorial spin wizards would have no following at all if more Americans would stand up, and tell them to shut-up, and get out of the way.

    I can only say that I am thankful to know that the Lord will to some degree keep a watchful eye over this land. I am also thankful to know that the “United Order” is not the “New World Order,” and that “Utopia” will never be brought about by one man or the entire world without Jesus Christ, and even then they will have had little to do with it.

  16. Curtis
    January 18, 2007 at 11:24 pm #

    Mike,
    Why can’t we force people to be good stewards? Isn’t this why we have laws against pollution, littering, spitting on the sidewalk etc.? Are these laws unconstitutional?

    While you don’t have the power to tell what to do with my belongings, we as a people have decided that we need to tell people where to put their trash and to limit emissions from their vehicles and to maintain standards on water and air quality etc.

    Since you don’t accept plans reinforced by force… does that mean you reject every single law that is reinforced by force?

    We have plenty of opportunity to involve ourselves in an international effort at reducing pollution or carbon emissions. If we don’t try, we may very well be bringing upon us the calamities foretold since the beginning. Perhaps global warming is not as meaningful as many are scaring us into thinking, but I don’t want my grandkids to be the ones to find the answer to that question.

    So the constitution doesn’t allow for international treaties? Could you please point that one out for me?

  17. Michelle
    January 19, 2007 at 2:32 am #

    We have plenty of opportunity to involve ourselves in an international effort at reducing pollution or carbon emissions. If we don’t try, we may very well be bringing upon us the calamities foretold since the beginning.

    I believe strongly in our responsibility to care for the earth, but I can’t recall our leaders connecting them with how we handle the pollution issue, or recycling, or etc…. We need to keep this in perspective based on what our leaders say. I worry about this issue because it causes some people to criticize our leaders for not talking more about these things. We can’t get ahead of the Brethren on these issues and make declarations that aren’t backed up by their prophetic pleas. What I have heard will bring upon us calamities is, according to the Proclamation, related to the disintegration of the family, not whether or not we get air pollution and global warming under control. NOT saying these things don’t matter, but let’s not pulpit pound too much when our leaders aren’t doing the same. This is clearly not on the top of their list of things to counsel us about. šŸ˜‰

  18. Michael L. Mc Kee
    January 19, 2007 at 6:16 am #

    Which country on this earth do you believe should be the last one to disarm? Which country should be the first to disarm. Why do we have weaponry, and implements of destruction? Who tells us when it is appropriate to use them? Who is charged with protecting us from others who choose to harm us? Why do they choose to harm others? Which individual should first choose to do the right thing?

    What is pollution anyway? Who should decide what is pollution, and what is not? Is pornography pollution? Is teaching false doctrine polluting the minds of impressionable young spirits? Is teaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ polluting the minds of those who choose not to accept it?

    Are there people who decide they should be the ones to do all of the choosing for everyone else? Who tells them to choose what they do? Are they permitted to change their mind? Will they be punished if they do not change? What should the punishment be and who should administer it?

    Why do we choose to involve ourselves with other countries when we have the best one already? Do we really have the best country in the world? Who told us we had the best country? Do the other countries believe we have the best country? Why does the United States help other countries become better. Why don’t we just mind our own business. Which of the founders said we should mind our own business? When should we mind our own business? Are we minding our own business now? Who decides what business is not our business?

    Have you ever spit on the sidewalk? Have you ever passed by trash on the sidewalk? Have you ever considered another person was “trash” compared to you? Are there those who do consider others as being inferior? Why do they feel this way. Should they be punished for feeling the way they do. Who determines what their punishment should be? Have you ever been punished for disobeying a law? Which political party has the best understanding of “Higher Law?” Are politicians honest, and do they obey all of the laws? Why don’t they? Should they be punished, and by whom? Are you willing to cast the first stone? Is “Capital Punishment” a “Higher” or “Lower” form of punishment?

    Which country on this earth has set the best example for keeping their respective part of this world clean? Why have they done so? Did they do so willingly, or were they forced into submission? Who decided they should be forced to comply? Should they be punished if they do not comply? Who should clean-up your neighbors yard if he accepts the punishment rather than clean it up? Does it now become your yard? Do you have a yard? Can the Supreme Court take it from you, and give it to your neighbor? Who gave you your first right? Does so-called “International Law” override the Constitution of the United States of America, and her laws? Who gave the United States permission to create laws?

    If you were hungry, and poor would you accept welfare if it were offered to you? Who should give you the welfare, and why? Is it lawful to give charity to others? Is it okay to “Take from the rich, and give to the poor?” Who should decide who is poor, and who is not? Are you poor, and, if so, why? Do you exercise your power to vote? Do you vote for party, or principle? Who told you what is right, and what is not right? Is the ACLU helping this country to be a better, more acceptable country? Can a member of the Supreme Court be punished, and removed from office? If so, what law prescribes their punishment, and who administers the punishment? Are we in the United States a “Democracy?” Have the people in the United States largely been guilty of not remembering whose land this is we are living on. Does He care how we live upon His land? Should everyone upon the earth have an equal share of material possessions? Is Government welfare the same as “The Pure Love of Christ?”

    What makes it necessary to force people to comply with laws? Who made these laws, and who is required to obey them? Why do some pick, and choose which laws to obey? Are laws ever made to protect others from those who do not obey the laws others prescribe?

    What are calamities? Who foretold of them? Was it important to tell us about them? Have we listened? Does the adversary have a plan, and should we listen? Should we adopt his plan if we like it? Does anyone like his plans? Do you like his plans, and have you ever accepted his plans. Is it any of his business what you like, and don’t like? Will his plan fail, and why? Was the Framer’s Constitution inspired, and blessed by the Creator? Has the Supreme Court ever changed the Constitution? Do they have the power to change it? Who elected them to their posts? Who is the electorate? Should a citizen have the power to vote if they do not know what the Constitution says? Should they know what it says? Who should teach them, and why?

    I hope I have answered all of your questions?

    Treaties are based upon what other countries perceive, and their constitutions, if they have any, are not relevant to ours, nor ours theirs. While we may agree rightly or wrongly to certain trade parameters, we are not in any way bound to obey anything another country attempts to impose upon us, nor us them.

    I would prefer you point out to me in the Constitution where it does say we are duty bound to obey all so-called International Treaties?

    By the way, I accept all Higher laws, and I accept all Constitutional laws as originally set forth. I also accept, and sustain the 12th. Article of Faith of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

  19. Curtis
    January 19, 2007 at 8:31 am #

    Michelle,
    My point was that the things scientists are telling us that may occur as a result of global warming (being fairly calamitous in nature) may happen to us if we don’t take this issue seriously. Maybe those things won’t happen, I don’t know.
    There are many serious issues that threaten the very existence of the human species right now that the prophets are not talking about, including the nuclear arms race. There are many other serious issues that the prophets do comment on which the Church largely chooses to ignore. Comment or not, the LDS seem to pick and choose what they will take seriously as it suits them.
    I do tend to pound the pulpit on things that the prophets aren’t currently talking about such as the war etc. I don’t feel the need to stick to the topics the prophets are talking about in my daily conversation.

  20. Michelle
    January 19, 2007 at 2:02 pm #

    I know that my comment looked like it was directed only at you, but it really is a comment at a more general level, not just in response to what you said, Curtis. When you talk of calamaties foretold, that felt like you were tying all of this to prophetic warnings, and I think that is too big of a leap. But it looks like maybe I misunderstood, so sorry.

    There is certainly more going on in the world than what the prophets may speak of, and of course you can talk about more than what they talk about in daily conversation. I just get on edge when these kinds of conversations take place because I see too often people wanting to make them an issue of religion or salvation in ways that I think are inappropriate. Make sense?

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