The 21st Century Queen - A MAGAZINE RESTORING PLAIN UNDERSTANDING - Earth's Galactic Position - The Restored Church of God
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MARCH-APRIL 2022 THE RCG.ORG/REALTRUTH
TM
A MAGAZINE RESTORING PL AIN UNDERSTANDING
The 21st
Century
Queen
Earth’s Galactic Position The Problem with What Makes Us Human 7 Signs of a
Investigated! Protesting Is It ‘Overlooked’ DNA? Falling Nation
HOW THIS MAGAZINE IS PAID FOR:
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VOL. XX | NO. 2 | MARCH-APRIL 2022 the Work of God in preaching and
publishing the gospel to all nations
are gladly welcomed as co-workers.
A R T I C L E S RCG.ORG/REALTRUTH Contributions may be sent to the fol-
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PUBLISHER/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
DAVID C. PACK
PHOTO ILLUSTRATION: JODY E. LYDICK
MANAGING EDITOR
EDWARD L. WINKFIELD
SENIOR EDITOR
BRADFORD G. SCHLEIFER
ASSOCIATE EDITOR
SAMUEL C. BAXTER
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
DAVID C. PACK
SAMUEL C. BAXTER
JUSTIN M. FRAZIER
WULPHERT DE GRAAF
ANDREW J. HOLCOMBE
RICHARD O. LEE
DAVID J. LITAVSKY
FRANK LYDICK
What Makes Us Human Personal from the Editor-in-Chief KENNETH M. OREL
Your Marriage Can Be Happy! GARRICK R. OXLEY
Is It ‘Overlooked’ DNA? Page 1 TIMOTHY D. RANNEY
DOMINIC J. RIVARD
Scientists stumbled upon an BRADFORD G. SCHLEIFER
7 Signs of a Falling Nation NESTOR A. TORO
unlikely answer hidden in No government, kingdom or society of men lasts forever. F. JACO VILJOEN
the part of our DNA that has Here are seven factors that contributed to ancient
VIDAL N. WACHUKU
EDWARD L. WINKFIELD
previously been considered Rome’s demise—warning signs that exist today within EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS
the United States and Britain. MELISSA M. HOLCOMBE
useless. This discovery is Page 4 DAVID J. LITAVSKY
GARRICK R. OXLEY
just the start of what makes
France, Belgium and the Netherlands ART/GRAPHICS
our minds unique. Identities Foretold Millennia Ago
FRANK LYDICK
CHAUNTEL A. HOUK
Page 8 Their ancient origins are unknown to most—yet are DARNITRA D. JACKSON
JODY E. LYDICK
key to understanding what lies in their future! SARAH O. VIDAL
Page 11
WEBSITE SERVICES
BRADFORD G. SCHLEIFER
The 21st Century Queen ANGELA K. BAXTER
Queen Elizabeth II marked 70 years on the throne AMANDA B. DODD
this year. The British monarchy’s longevity reveals a INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
TIMOTHY C. WILLARD
prophetic reason for the throne in London.
Page 16
The Problem with Protesting
Demonstrators may mean well, but they often fail to see
a fatal flaw in their tactics that keeps them from bringing
The preparation and production of
lasting change. this magazine involved the work of
Page 19 editors, proofreaders, graphic artists,
illustrators, writers, researchers and
FRONT COVER: A portrait of Queen Eliza- those who support the Work of God.
beth II by Andrew Festing for the Royal Hos- Earth’s Galactic Position Investigated!
Copyright © 2022, The Restored
pital in Chelsea. Our planet’s location within our solar system and galaxy Church of God. Printed in the USA.
TIM GRAHAM PHOTO LIBRARY VIA GETTY IMAGES is more unique than you could imagine. All rights reserved.
Page 23 The Restored Church of God
is not responsible for the return of
CREDITS: All photos from Getty Images unsolicited articles and photos.
unless otherwise noted. Pages 16-17, 19-22, World News Desk Scriptures are quoted from the
31-33 contain information from Reuters and Page 31 King James (or Authorized) Version
The Associated Press. of the Bible, unless otherwise noted.
PERSONAL FROM
Your Marriage Can
Be Happy!
T
he world is exploding with problems. it, or where to turn for answers. Millions stumble along,
Much knowledge is available about most bouncing from one marital problem to another, never
of them, but little understanding. The knowing how to address them—let alone solve them!
How many really happy married couples do you
breakdown of marriage and the family is a clas-
know?—and are you even sure of these? Is your mar-
sic example. Seemingly everyone knows it is riage truly happy? Are you enjoying the life that you
happening, but no one knows what it means—or anticipated? Statistics suggest the answer is probably
what to do about it. “no.”
Ever greater numbers of people are question- Married life has been the brunt of endless jokes,
ing the institution of marriage. Many are concerned where traditional conduct and the roles of husbands and
about where current trends are heading. Some ques- wives are ridiculed—and depicted as a bondage only the
foolish enter. Great numbers have come to equate mar-
tion whether marriage can even survive. Many get
riage with surrendering “freedom” to a lesser, unhappy
married on their own terms or only on a trial basis.
state of existence.
Millions simply live together, unmarried—and Others choose to marry, sincerely believing they will
increasing numbers now enter “same-sex” partner- find perfect bliss—will “live on love”—only to discover
ships. Other millions have come to believe living that true happiness is far from automatic. Some even
single is the best state. conclude—often within days—that marriage was the
Why is all of this happening? worst decision of their lives.
Religion, education, science and society do not know Sadly, so many enter marriage with no understand-
the true purpose of marriage. They do not even know if ing, no preparation, no training, and no idea of how to
marriage has a purpose. And many couples do reflect achieve a lifetime of happiness with their chosen partner.
that they are together with no purpose. Most couples spend more time planning for a one-
Most married people are unhappy—with many a vir- day wedding than for the lifelong marriage that should
tual study in misery. They have no idea what to do about follow. As a result, half of all marriages fail, ending in
MARCH-APRIL 2022 1
divorce, often with former partners new, modern role models, discarding biblical account that God supernatu-
becoming mortal enemies! Other cou- traditional marriages and families as rally created two actual people—Adam
ples are just as unhappy, but perhaps obsolete relics that history has prop- and Eve—and then identified them as
cannot afford a divorce, or stay togeth- erly scrapped. history’s first married couple.
er only because of the children or other Recent generations have been con- Of course, those who believe the
social or business reasons. ditioned to believe marriage is better unproven, and in fact easily disprov-
How tragic! And how completely “the second time around.” By this en, fiction of evolution must also believe
unnecessary! logic, the third marriage would be that, at some point, men devised the
even better! marriage institution. Believing other-
Programmed to Fail Accompanying these trends has wise is incompatible with evolution.
Why have so few been able to find been a corresponding decline in tra- One cannot have it both ways. Either
even a measure of the enjoyment ditional values and the importance God created marriage—or men did.
they originally believed marriage of character. This trend is world- But human beings did not create
would bring? Why have so many oth- wide. Under constant attack, stan- marriage! Therefore, apart from God
ers decided to simply live together, dards of right and wrong—good and they cannot know its true purpose—or
avoiding commitment, thus artificial- bad—old-fashioned “righteousness” the keys to decades of happiness with
ly reducing the already skyrocket- and “unrighteousness”—have been the same person.
ing number of divorces? Why do blurring and crumbling. How many It is not our purpose here to prove
so many openly admit that they do people any longer even speak of char- God exists or that the Bible is His
not trust their mates? Why do over acter, once called virtue? inspired Word. We have several book-
80 percent of marriages experience With the steep decline in the lets, brochures and articles that address
adultery? Why such confusion about most basic character has come an these subjects. We start with the fact
marriage and its purpose? unwillingness to remain committed that the Almighty God, who designed
What has brought the once sacred to vows exchanged on the wedding and made the heavens and the Earth,
institution of marriage to such day. With the near disappearance of also designed and created marriage.
a deplorable state? ethics, standards and basic knowl-
What happened is no accident. edge of right and wrong has come Divine Institution
Consider how marriage is routine- the assumption that when marriage Though marriage appears to be merely
ly portrayed in the media. Wholesome difficulties arise—as they inevitably a physical union, starting with a wed-
television programs from the 50s, do with imperfect human beings— ding ceremony performed by a man, it
60s and early 70s about the fami- couples should simply take the easy is actually a divine institution. As the
ly—such as Ozzie and Harriet, Leave way out—divorce! true Author of marriage, God under-
It to Beaver, and Little House on stands what makes it succeed, bringing
the Prairie—have been replaced The Author of Marriage supreme happiness and joy—or fail,
by The Simpsons, Modern Family Why do so few understand there are bringing divorce and broken lives. This
and Keeping Up with the Kardashians, great principles—transcendent spiritu- same God clearly reveals this knowl-
or worse. al laws!—governing what most think edge in His Word.
Books and movies have also accel- is merely a civil agreement? How For every effect, there is a cause.
erated this decline, and in every way. many recognize that men and women When a marriage experiences all the
Fornication, cohabitation, adultery, have separate, different, God-ordained right effects, it is because right causes
homosexuality and every other con- roles that must be understood for mar- have been understood and correct prin-
ceivable “alternative lifestyle,” now riage to succeed? How many couples ciples practiced. When a marriage is
including same-sex “marriage,” have have been actively taught the real pur- filled with problems of every sort,
been depicted uncounted thousands pose of marriage? Most no longer even right causes have been either unknown
of times in the media. Invariably, know the origin of marriage, let alone or ignored.
programs, movies and books have the vital answers to these and other The Creator God designed mar-
portrayed immorality as exciting, fas- important related questions! riage to be a source of great hap-
cinating, mysterious—and the vir- The answers involve revealed piness, something for which every-
tual “norm” for what is now the large knowledge—knowledge men cannot one yearns. You can have an exciting,
majority. themselves discern. God must reveal it. happy, successful marriage—but only
Their impact on marriage has In place of revealed truth, modern if you follow God’s prescribed formu-
been stunning. In fact, marriage has education has taught the great evo- la. This personal reveals the formula—
become a laughingstock. Wholesome lutionary lie—that life is continually the causes!—behind a happy marriage.
images of marriages, families and role evolving to a higher state. Scoffers, It introduces the truth of how to build a
models of the past have almost disap- preferring to believe that human beings
peared. Sadly, millions have copied are a product of dumb luck, dismiss the Please see PERSONAL, page 28
2 The REAL TRUTH
Lasting Happiness
Is Possible!
With divorce so common in today’s society, the idea of “growing old together”
with a spouse can seem like a fairy tale. Yet the Bible provides bedrock, time-
tested principles that—if applied—can ensure your marriage lasts, and is filled
with joy. Read the booklet You Can Build a Happy Marriage at rcg.org/ycbahm
to ensure you and your spouse keep your vows for life.
7 Signs of a
Falling Nation
4 The REAL TRUTH
No government, kingdom or society of men lasts the hoary head, and honor the face
of the old man” (Lev. 19:32), which
forever. Here are seven factors that contributed to is connected to fearing God—never
instructed to think of others before
ancient Rome’s demise—warning signs that exist themselves.
today within the United States and Britain. They live in a fantasy world in
which they “must” have smartphones,
I
n an interview with Fin- and British peoples—and serve as they “need” their privacy, they “have
ancial Times, U.S. Comptroller warning signs of a civilization des- rights.”
tined to fall. The British and American peoples
General David Walker stated
(like their forefathers, the ancient
that the nation’s government “is on The Family Unit Israelites) ignore God’s counsel:
a ‘burning platform’ of unsustain- Few understand that the family unit is “Stand you in the old ways, and see,
able policies and practices with the basic building block of every thriv- and ask for the old paths” (Jer. 6:16).
fiscal deficits, chronic healthcare ing society. Within the family, young The birthright nations of today
underfunding, immigration, and minds are first taught the importance respond the same way as did their
of building character, controlling one’s forefathers, ancient Israel: “We will not
overseas military commitments walk therein” (same verse).
emotions, setting worthwhile goals,
threatening a crisis if action is not Modern parents believe they know
striving for excellence—or at least this
taken soon…” should be the case, as it was genera- better than their Creator, and thus
The article added, “Mr. Walker tions ago. ignore important biblical instruction
warned that there were ‘striking At the start of the Roman Empire, such as, “The rod and reproof give wis-
similarities’ between America’s cur- fathers took seriously their role in dom: but a child left to himself brings
rent situation and the factors that properly instructing, training and edu- his mother to shame” (Prov. 29:15)
and, “Correct your son, and he shall
brought down Rome, including cating their sons, and mothers taught
their daughters as well. The exam- give you rest; yes, he shall give delight
‘declining moral values and political unto your soul” (vs. 17).
civility at home, an over-confident ple of strong and active parents daily
The result? A generation of children
and over-extended military in for- ingrained into children the importance
who oppress and rule over their parents
eign lands and fiscal irresponsibility of obedience, deference to civic author-
and show no respect for their elders
ity and respect for the laws of the land.
by central government.’” (Isa. 3:4-5, 12).
But as new generations came of
He also said, “I’m trying to sound
an alarm and issue a wake-up call.” age, the family weakened and frac- Education
Realize that Mr. Walker’s interview tured. Husbands and wives gave in to
The Roman Empire began with an
happened 15 years ago. It could not the pulls of human nature to engage in educational system that emphasized
ring truer for the U.S. today. widespread adultery, inevitably lead- developing character, morality, patrio-
History reveals that all govern- ing to increasing rates of broken mar- tism and social values in young lives.
ments, empires and kingdoms of men, riages. Divorce for virtually any reason The goal was to develop the whole
no matter how grand, no matter how became legal. Instead of getting a person.
powerful, ultimately fall. It happened divorce, all one spouse had to do was But this was eventually replaced
to ancient Egypt, Assyria and Babylon. consider himself or herself divorced. by an emphasis almost exclusively on
Even Rome was not exempt. Though it The marriage was through. academics, with no moral or ethical
dominated much of Europe, Northern Likewise, the family unit in absolutes defining right and wrong.
Africa, the Middle East and parts of the America, Britain, Australia, Canada Similarly, character development,
Near East, and lasted for 500 years, the and other nations of the West is under patriotism and civic duty are seldom
Roman Empire ultimately fell. constant assault. Broken marriages taught in the public schools of the
There is an old and popular say- and fractured households are now the West, where God and the Bible are ban-
ing: “Rome was not built in a day.” norm. ished, and morally unchecked “creative
Likewise, the Roman Empire did not Few fathers exercise a strong hand expression” is encouraged.
fall in one night; its decline was gradu- in teaching, guiding and correcting Because the modern house of Israel
al. Not long after it rose to world domi- their young, often leaving mothers to rejects God’s Word, the foundation of
nance, several factors were already fill both parental roles. all true knowledge, God declares, “My
at work contributing to the empire’s Many children grow up pampered people are destroyed for lack of knowl-
demise. and catered to, never learning to edge” (Hos. 4:6). He describes them as
Similarly, these factors are at work accept and recover from setbacks— blind men groping around in spiritual
among the societies of the American never being taught to “rise up before darkness (Isa. 59:9-10).
MARCH-APRIL 2022 5
word and example influence shal- of conduct and thinking—a “pros-
Religion low minds to copy their irresponsible perity gospel” without expectations
The Romans were pagan idol wor- behavior? Politicians are forgiven for from believers—is ultimately empty.
shippers who took the gods of the reckless conduct as long as they dem- The result is a spiritual wasteland of
Greeks and gave them Roman names. onstrate they will never stand in the human ideas that may sound appeal-
Accompanying the assortment of way of pleasing the masses. ing, but are not of the Bible—and
false gods were lascivious religious Millions within America’s reli- have nothing to do with the true gos-
rituals and customs. Temple prosti- gious community are quick to pro- pel (literally “good news”) that Jesus
tution, drunkenness and other vices claim their religious fervor. But Christ preached: the Kingdom of God
that appealed to the flesh were com- among them are those leading hypo- (Mark 1:14-15).
mon across the empire. Similar to critical lives, speaking out against The religions of Rome, which
the Greeks, the Romans worshipped sexual immorality, yet secretly engag- encouraged and empowered the people
mythological figures who freely gave ing in it. Among priests, preachers to live a life of excess, contributed to
in to carnal desires—deceiving, steal- and other prominent religionists are the empire’s death. The religions of
ing, getting drunk and committing for- child molesters, sexual predators and the West, especially in the U.S., are
nication, adultery, even rape! serial adulterers. no better.
Today, millions of Americans, Pagan worshippers of ancient Rome
Britons and others claim to worship sought an endless plethora of gods— Pleasure-Seeking
only one deity, the God of the Bible— but their religious beliefs were shal- The Romans were masters of extreme
yet their actions scream something low, lifeless and without true meaning. pleasure-seeking. They entertained
quite different! Followers were left without direction, themselves with gladiators (rockstars
The word worship means to “regard seeking spiritual purpose but never find- of the day) and gambled on who would
with great or extravagant respect, ing it. live or die. They enjoyed the sight of
honor, or devotion.” Do the British It is the same in modern times. Christians, Jews and other enemies
and American peoples truly worship The hypocrisy of religious leaders has of the state being eaten alive by wild
the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob? jaded millions, and their message of animals shipped from exotic regions.
Or do their actions show they revere a God without laws—who does not Residents were proud of their lavish
manmade “gods”—celebrities who by hold followers to a higher standard villas, imported cuisine and fine attire.
“Pagan worshippers
of ancient Rome
sought an endless
plethora of gods—
but their religious
beliefs were
shallow, lifeless
and without true
meaning.”
6 The REAL TRUTH
They thrilled themselves with plays, stone unturned in seeking potential rev- Americans want to have their eco-
bathhouses, indoor pools and drunken enue sources. nomic “cake and eat it too”—to work
parties held in the honor of Bacchus, Today, Americans pay local, munici- less and play more—to obtain better
the false god of wine and sensual plea- pal, county, state and federal taxes health insurance, but force employers
sures. before even receiving their paychecks, to pay for it—to receive social security
Similarly, the modern descendants and contend with numerous consumer when they retire, but not increase how
of the “lost” tribes of Israel entertain taxes: sales, gasoline, vehicles, prop- much they pay into it now.
themselves, with television programs erty, licenses, pets, luxury items, airline Of course, how can the average con-
teeming with gratuitous sex and nudi- flights—the list seems endless. sumer be expected to show fiscal respon-
ty. With superstar athletes who pride sibility when government leaders fail to
themselves on their multi-million-dol- “Today, millions do so? The U.S. national debt, which
lar contracts—yet are void of prudence, surpassed $30 trillion (which amounts to
judgment and character. of Americans, more than $240,000 per taxpayer), tells
Advertising, news media and of the Fed’s financial incompetence.
Hollywood promotes materialism and Britons and others And just as the Roman army was
covetousness. A society that loves to
emulate wanton lifestyles portrayed in
claim to worship overstretched and overextended in for-
eign lands, so is the American military.
movies and pursue sports, gambling, only one deity, the Just think of our armed forces’ pull-
music and other distractions over seek- out from Afghanistan after a practically
ing true values is destined to collapse— God of the Bible— fruitless 20-year presence.
as did Rome.
yet their actions A Kingdom that Will Never Fall
Economy, Government and the Military
Originally, agriculture and land own-
scream something Family, education, religion, the econo-
my, government and the military. The
ership were Rome’s chief sources of quite different!” failure of these and other factors have
wealth—and became the most heav- contributed to the death of men’s gov-
ily taxed. Over time, landowners who Taxes combined with inflation ernments—and are at work in the birth-
operated large farms on the backs of and a desire to maintain an unrealis- right nations of America and Britain.
slaves eventually undersold smaller tic standard of living have driven a However, there is a future govern-
farmers, forcing them out of busi- growing majority to live on credit and ment that will be established by a per-
ness. In addition, importing foods practice the materialistic principle of fect leader, as foretold in Isaiah 9: “For
from both conquered lands and more “live for today, forget about tomor- unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son
easily accessible distant foreign ports row.” Consumers survive paycheck to is given: and the government shall be
also began to take its toll. Commercial paycheck, partly due to wrong finan- upon His shoulder: and His name shall
trade in Rome created a massive cial priorities and living beyond their be called Wonderful, Counselor, The
consumer economy that focused means. A new car or home suddenly mighty God, The everlasting Father, The
on services rather than production becomes a “necessity” based on the Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His
and growth—just as in modern-day maximum amount of a “pre-qualified” government and peace there shall be no
America and Britain. bank loan, rather than actual needs. end” (vs. 6-7).
As the Roman Empire expand- British, Canadian, Australian and An incorruptible King, Jesus Christ,
ed, so did the costs of operating it. American consumers are strapped with will direct His government—the
Rapidly growing government bureau- debt, resulting in a stag- Kingdom of God—to teach
cracy became expensive to maintain. gering number of default- true family values, place edu-
For instance, it took an army of officials ed home loans and per- cational institutions upon the
to man and work the increasingly com- sonal bankruptcies. right foundation, empower
plicated red-tape filing system, which As in ancient Rome, true religion to provide guid-
faced demands from both government strong belief in self-deter- ance and purpose to empty
services and the military. mination and self-reliance lives, maintain a global
To compensate for inflation, Roman has been replaced with economy that will never see
emperors in the second and third centu- an attitude of expecting a recession, ensure that gov-
ries produced more coins, but these were something for nothing. ernment on all levels will be
no longer made of silver and gold alloys, Government-run sys- free of bureaucracy, and con-
which had become scarce. Roman cur- tems originally intended vert all weapons to a greater
rency dwindled in value. to assist those in genuine purpose (Isa. 2:4).
The citizenry strained under heavy need are now considered Order a Free Copy! And this world-ruling
tax burdens, as the government left no an entitlement. rcg.org/tww Kingdom will never fall! c
MARCH-APRIL 2022 7
What Makes Us
HUMAN
Is It ‘Overlooked’ DNA?
Scientists stumbled upon an unlikely answer hidden in the part of our DNA
that has previously been considered useless. This discovery is just the
start of what makes our minds unique.
BY DAVID J . L I TAV S K Y
8 The REAL TRUTHG
enetically, chimpanzees examined the proteins themselves to also have a deep fear of losing his
do not look much different find examples of differences,” Dr. life. Nearly every culture performs a
Jakobsson said. funeral ritual. This does not happen in
from humans. Our DNA
This suggests the human brain’s the animal world.
sequence is nearly 99 percent development stemmed from “genet- Understanding time: Animals are
identical. ic mechanisms that are probably a only able to relate time to themselves;
Yet in terms of mental capacity, lot more complex than previously they have no ability of relating time
chimps and people are vastly differ- thought,” he said. to third parties. Humans can wonder,
ent. Trying to explain the reason for The study’s lead author believes speculate and search the annals of his-
these differences has long perplexed that in the future the new findings may tory for lessons, and apply those les-
researchers. also yield answers to questions about sons to goals far into the future.
“How did it come about that humans psychiatric disorders such as schizo- Connections between words: While
can use their brain in such a way that phrenia, a disorder that appears to be animals can understand simple words or
unique to humans. tones, they do not comprehend syntax
they can build societies, educate their
“But there is a long way to go or communicate in complex sentences.
children and develop advanced tech-
before we reach that point, as instead Human beings have developed hun-
nology?” Dr. Johan Jakobsson, profes-
of carrying out further research on dreds of languages (and thousands of
sor of neuroscience at Lund University
the two percent of coded DNA, we dialects), even though they are born
in Sweden, asked in the journal Cell
may now be forced to delve deeper without the ability to speak.
Stem Cell.
into all 100 percent—a considerably Malleability: Humanity is able to
Most studies point to the fact human
more complicated task for research,” adapt to its surroundings. We wear
brains are three times larger than those
he concludes. clothes, build shelters and modify our
of chimps. Also, the cerebral cor-
Every study attempting to answer environment to suit our needs.
tex—which allows for memory, atten-
the great question of why man’s brain Humor: No other creature is able to
tion and awareness—contains twice as
is unique ends similarly. More research appreciate, create and express humor.
many cells in a human than the animal. is needed before drawing conclusions… Not only does it require creativity,
Scientists have even found that the It will take years before these findings but humor also requires the ability to
outer layer of our brains are looser than result in treatments for…and on it goes. detach oneself from one’s surround-
in apes—allowing more adaptability in While these cliffhangers leave us ings to see the odd, surreal or ironic.
learning. yearning for more, it does underscore a Appreciation of beauty: Man puts
But the extra gray matter cannot be unique quality of the human mind that value in things that do not sustain him,
enough to give mankind vastly greater science is only beginning to see. so that he can enjoy observing a sunset,
capabilities than any monkey. This is a work of art, jewelry or the intricate
where Dr. Jakobsson and a team of Advanced Animals? design of a flower.
stem cell researchers decided to look Consider again the qualities man pos- For example, take a person to New
deeper—into the part of DNA that has sesses that are unique among all living York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art,
previously been overlooked, so-called creatures. Ask yourself: Why does man and he will be moved by the seem-
“junk DNA.” This non-coded protein have so many distinctive characteris- ingly limitless number of paintings
constitutes 98 percent of our DNA, yet tics? and sculptures on display, dating hun-
was thought to carry no function. Meaning of life: The simple act dreds of years. Take a dog to the same
Now, Dr. Jakobsson and researchers of asking about life’s meaning and museum, and it will be more excited to
believe it can explain why our brains purpose makes man unique. Only sniff around for food and fire hydrants.
work differently from animals. humans have sought through science Lack of harmony with nat-
Using stem cells, the researchers and religion to try to understand their ure: When left to its own, nature will
grew brain cells from humans and chim- origin. No animal contemplates its reach balance and harmony. Only man
panzees and compared the two cell reason for living—nor would it be disrupts that natural balance through
types. The researchers then found that willing to live or die for specific val- deforestation, changing the course of
humans and chimpanzees use a part ues and ideals. rivers, polluting the air, water and soil,
of their DNA in different ways, which Self-consciousness: Beyond a sim- mining for resources, and so forth.
appears to play a considerable role in ple recognition of self (as seen in a A sense of morality: Animals
the development of our brains. few animals), man can step back and always take the path of least resistance.
“Previously, researchers have looked become a spectator, critic or admirer of They do not have a conscience or sense
for answers in the part of the DNA the world around him. of right and wrong. On the other hand,
where the protein-producing genes Awareness of death: While ani- people will go so far as to control their
are—which only makes up about mals have a survival instinct, man thoughts based on what they consider
two percent of our entire DNA—and is aware he will one day die. He can right or wrong.
MARCH-APRIL 2022 9Desire to worship: No matter what man could never solve his problems. He An animal cannot amass a wealth
part of the world or his culture, man never has even remotely come close in of physical knowledge because it does
exhibits a desire to seek, follow and the past, and, after many thousands of not have the spirit of man. Likewise,
worship a higher power. Animals do years of trying, why should he believe man cannot accrue spiritual knowl-
not. he suddenly will? If this is the answer, edge without an additional element—
Psychiatric disorders: It appears then these problems are merely dis- God’s Spirit.
humans are most susceptible to com- tinctly human traits, and humanity will This verse introduces two types
plex mental and behavioral issues such have to continue to work around them of knowledge, physical and spiritual.
as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, as long as he can sustain his existence. And mankind cannot know spiritual
depression and anxiety. There is no The opposing party purports that knowledge unless it is given him
proven evolutionary reason for this. each human has an immortal soul, set- through the Spirit of God. He is able
Love: While some animals form ting him apart from the animal. Can to know “the things of man,” and can
lifelong relationships for the purpose this side be proven? accrue physical knowledge—what
of reproduction, none exhibit the same As this theory is generally brought can be learned through the five sens-
human characteristics of love, in which forward by Christian denominations, es. But he cannot obtain spiritual
a couple shares experiences, goals, the most logical place to look for the knowledge.
dreams, hopes and aspirations. answer is the Bible. This second element introduced
Some of these qualities can be Even though many have a copy of reveals another conundrum man can-
explained by the unique traits of the God’s Word in their homes, however, not solve. Though mankind is capable
human brain itself. However, this does the answer is not what most think! of great technological progress and
not tell us why human beings would Start reading in the book of Job: scientific understanding, it cannot rid
have developed an evolutionary need “There is a spirit in man: and the itself of its greatest woes—famine,
for all of them (as is supposed humans inspiration of the Almighty gives them disease, poverty, illiteracy, war…
and chimpanzees began separate evolu- understanding” (Job 32:8). World peace is elusive because it
tion paths five to six million years ago). Many jump on this scripture as a cannot be found by man’s spirit alone.
Ultimately, the mystery of the human proof text for belief in an immortal Notice: “The way of peace they know
mind transcends what scientists have soul. Yet this is simply not the case. not; and there is no judgment in their
found so far. Man is a “soul,” which means living, goings: they have made them crooked
breathing flesh (Gen. 2:7). The idea paths: whosoever goes therein shall not
Beyond the Brain that each human has an immortal com- know peace” (Isa. 59:8).
Where scientists fail to fully explain ponent is not supported by the Bible. This verse explains the paradox
the reason for mankind’s unique quali- If neither of the most popular ideas of the mind of man. While there can
ties, philosophers and religionists step can be proven, what is the answer? be stunning achievements—awesome
in. Those in these two studies also Something is setting apart man and advancement—mankind’s problems
look into why the human mind works beast—but what? And why do problems only grow worse.
as it does. remain unsolved, despite the best minds As long as humanity looks to gov-
There are two main camps on why being solely focused on solving them? ernment ideals, think-tanks, philoso-
the human mind possesses such aston- The beginnings of an answer come phers and the religions of men, it can-
ishing capabilities. Philosophers, sci- from the same passage in Job: the not break free from its problems.
entists and religionists typically sup- “spirit in man.” The reason man cannot solve his
port these two theories above the rest. most pressing problems is because
One argument is that man’s mind is The Missing Element they are spiritual problems, meaning
entirely physical—merely more com- The New Testament also reveals more they need spiritual solutions.
plex than other mammals; the other is about this spirit in man, “For what This spiritual knowledge is found
that man has an immortal soul. man knows the things of a man save solely through the Bible. The knowl-
One side relies entirely on the phys- the spirit of man which is in him?” (I edge is unlocked only when a person
ical realm of science, what can be Cor. 2:11). has the Spirit of God—which gives
learned from the five main senses of The human brain is capable of understanding—working alongside or
sight, taste, hearing, smell and touch. higher thought because of the “spirit in the mind of someone whose mind
The other side opens the door to a spir- of man which is in him.” It could also God has opened (John 6:44).
itual realm, where man is more intel- be said that this spirit of man, working Each article produced by The Real
ligent because of an immortal soul, with the human brain, enables man to Truth brings the answers to the spiri-
which, according to the argument, ani- function on the plain of higher thought. tual problems of man. If you wish
mals do not have. The same passage in I Corinthians to continue to learn more about the
If you take the completely physical concludes, “Even so the things of God only lasting solutions to man’s prob-
side, one would have to conclude that knows no man, but the Spirit of God.” lems, read more at rcg.org/realtruth. c
10 The REAL TRUTHFrance, Belgium
and the Netherlands
Identities Foretold Millennia Ago
Their ancient origins are unknown to most—yet are key to
understanding what lies in their future!
T
his magazine often writes in advance!—today’s conditions, reveals with great detail from the Bible
of the sons of the biblical trends and problems plaguing the and history the modern identity of these
patriarch Joseph—Ephraim British and American peoples. two peoples. Genesis 48:19 foretold
and Manasseh—and the nations Scripture also explains what they the United States “shall be great” and
that descended from them. The will soon experience: a time of Britain with its commonwealth would
great trouble, immediately fol- Left, detail on the ceiling of the Opera
Bible also says a great deal about
lowed by an awesome future. Garnier’s grand foyer in Paris. Middle, the
the modern “house of Joseph,” The book America and Britain in
town hall in Brussels, Belgium. Right, a wind-
mill in Holland.
foretelling—thousands of years Prophecy, written by David C. Pack, RAWPIXEL.COM/CCO 1.0
MARCH-APRIL 2022 11be “a multitude of nations.” The facts Did the God of the Bible prom- After the death of King Solomon,
reveal that these two nations received ise something that did not come to Israel split into two kingdoms: the
the birthright promises and unprece- pass? Did the tribes of Israel, which house of Judah (which included
dented material blessings. Recent his- descended from Abraham, just fall into Judah, Benjamin and Levi) and the
tory, however, also shows that these obscurity and are now lost to antiquity, house of Israel.
blessings are slowly being removed. as most believe? Would the God that Judah was never considered lost,
These are the Bible identities of more than a billion people profess to and is understood to be the Jewish
America and Britain. But what about follow be incapable of keeping His peoples of today. The Jews never
the modern nations of France, Belgium word? lost sight of their biblical identity—
and the Netherlands? Most are ignorant of the identity of because they generally continued to
The answer lies in astonishing prom- the peoples descended from Abraham, observe the seventh-day Sabbath,
ises God made thousands of years ago who received the promises quoted a sign that identifies God’s people.
to His servant and friend, Abraham (at above. Notice: “Verily My Sabbaths you
the time called Abram): But you do not have to be in the shall keep: for it is a sign between Me
g “I will make of you a great nation, dark! and you throughout your generations;
and I will bless you, and make your that you may know that I am the Lord
name great; and you shall be a blessing: The Birthright Nations that does sanctify [set apart] you”
And I will bless them that bless you, God’s expansive promise of national, (Ex. 31:13). Observing God’s week-
and curse him that curse you: and in you material blessings was passed down ly Sabbath and annual Holy Days
shall all families of the earth be blessed” through generations. Abraham had a automatically sets apart God’s people
(Gen. 12:2-3). son named Isaac, who had a son named from all others, and identifies the true
g “And I will make your seed Jacob. God later changed Jacob’s God of the Bible and those who faith-
[descendants] as the dust of the earth: name to Israel, and Israel had 12 fully obey Him—“a sign between Me
so that if a man can number the dust of sons: Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, and you.”
the earth, then shall your seed also be Issachar, Zebulun, Joseph, Benjamin, Again, Judah (for the most part)
numbered” (13:16). Dan, Naphtali, Gad and Asher. Their never lost sight of this. Yet the first
g “I will multiply you exceedingly,” descendants became the 12 tribes of thing the house of Israel did when it
and “you shall be a father of many Israel. split from Judah was set up its own
nations” (17:2, 4). Of these 12 sons, one would receive holy days, laws and other religious
g “And I will make you exceeding the birthright, and the blessings along observances. In effect, Israel reject-
fruitful, and I will make nations of you, with it. As was custom, this would ed the identifying sign that would
and kings shall come out of you” (vs. 6). have been given to the eldest son, have, over the centuries, reminded
God’s promise was part of a cov- Reuben. But since he sinned against them of their ancient origin. Today,
enant—an agreement or contract— his father in an appalling and shame- those descended from Israel—the
between two parties. The dividends for ful manner, the birthright was given to tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh
Abraham were obvious: His descen- Joseph (I Chron. 5:1). (Joseph), Reuben, Simeon, Gad,
dants would receive much. To remove At the end of his life, Israel had Asher, Zebulun, Dan, Naphtali and
all doubt that this promise of national Joseph bring his two sons, Manasseh Issachar—believe they are gentiles!
prosperity was intended for thousands and Ephraim, before him. Israel The overwhelming majority have no
of years to come, the exchange also explained to Joseph that he was given idea that the vast material blessings
included, “And I will establish My a promise by God and that he was their nations have enjoyed are the
covenant between Me and you and now going to pass along the birthright result of God fulfilling His promise
your seed [descendants] after you in promise and blessings to Joseph’s sons. to Abraham.
their generations for an everlasting cov- Referring to the elder son, Israel Let’s now examine the identity
enant…” (vs. 7). explained that Manasseh “shall become and condition of three of these tribes,
The Being who promised Abraham a people, and he also shall be great: but represented by the following coun-
these things was the Creator of all truly his younger brother [Ephraim] tries: Reuben (France), Zebulun (the
things—God! Go read the full accounts shall be greater than he, and his seed Netherlands) and Asher (a significant
of these exchanges in Genesis 12, 13 shall become a multitude of nations” part of Belgium).
and 17 to learn more. (Gen. 48:19).
Imagine if you were promised the But what about the other tribes— “Dignity” and “Power”— But
same things. Could you comprehend what happened to them? Are they sim- “Unstable”
them? What promise, given early in ply lost to history? Some professing As well as passing down blessings to
man’s history, would have a greater Christians, and the world at large, refer Ephraim and Manasseh, Israel also
impact on our world today if it were to the “ten lost tribes of Israel.” But passed along some things to his sons
fulfilled? why ten? and their modern descendants: “And
12 The REAL TRUTHLeft, the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, France,
located in the Place du Carrousel. Right top,
the courtyards of the Palace of Versailles.
Right bottom, the Hall of Mirrors in the Palace
of Versailles.
GETTY IMAGES (LEFT); RAWPIXEL.COM/CCO 1.0 (RIGHT
TOP); BETTMANN/GETTY IMAGES (RIGHT BOTTOM)
Jacob called unto his sons, and said,
Gather yourselves together, that I may
tell you that which shall befall you in
the last days”—our time now (Gen.
49:1).
Note: Jacob was telling his sons
what would happen far in the future.
What the patriarch said reveals exact-
ly what would befall all the mod-
ern nations descended from ancient Each building, each palace and street, are the expansive gardens, with statue
Israel. He detailed prophetic trends revealed an excellency of dignity and after statue, fountain after fountain,
and events that would “befall” them! power found nowhere else. including a manmade lake for boating
Anyone who has traveled to Take the Palace of Versailles, parties, tree-lined walkways, beautiful
Europe knows each nation has a dis- for example. Considered one of the terracing, and much more.
tinct character. Think of these great grandest palaces in the world, it truly But Versailles is just one example.
cities of the world: Paris, Brussels shows the power and dignity that Throughout Paris, one cannot doubt
and Amsterdam. Each has a unique Reuben would be known for “in the that France, once called the “queen of
atmosphere. last days.” Walking through the hall of culture,” represents a national dignity
In Genesis 49:3, here is what Israel mirrors, with its beautifully detailed and class that remains unsurpassed.
outlined about France: “Reuben, you painted ceilings, marble-lined walls, Whether it is the Palais Garnier opera
are my firstborn, my might, and the and gold-leafed ornate trim, causes house, the Arc de Triomphe or the
beginning of my strength, the excel- visitors to stop and think of the power Louvre, these all tell the same story.
lency of dignity, and the excellency and global influence this nation once However, Israel also explained that
of power.” possessed. Each room of Louis the Reuben would be “unstable as water,”
This “excellency of dignity and XIV’s living and working area is just and therefore, “you shall not excel”
power” is clearly evident in Paris. as impressive as the next. Then there (vs. 4). The Encyclopedia Americana
MARCH-APRIL 2022 13Top left, a container terminal in the port of Rotterdam in the Netherlands with ships
being loaded and unloaded by cranes. Top right, an antique photograph of Rotterdam,
Holland (1893). Middle left, two Belgian women look at chocolates at the Galleries de la
Reine shopping district in Brussels, Belgium. Middle right, wind turbines in an offshore
wind farm in Urk, Netherlands. Bottom left, a woman looks in a show window of a dia-
mond shop in Antwerp, Belgium. Bottom right, workers produce chocolate at factory in
Awans, Belgium (Dec. 11, 2015).
SJO/ (TOP LEFT); BAUHAUS1000/ (TOP RIGHT); IN PICTURES LTD./CORBIS/ (MIDDLE LEFT); GEORGE
PACHANTOURIS/ (MIDDLE RIGHT); YURIKO NAKAO/ (BOTTOM LEFT); EMMANUEL DUNAND/AFP/ (BOTTOM
RIGHT); GETTY IMAGES
14 The REAL TRUTHnotes that “during the 70 years of entire world. Because of the giant Examining France, Belgium and
the third republic [1875-1945]…more rivers that flow through it, the nation the Netherlands, it is clear each has
than a hundred cabinets succeeded serves as an important artery into the received tremendous material bless-
one another, in France, with an aver- heart of Western Europe. (The lat- ings. Their wealth, prosperity and
age tenure in office of less than eight est statistics reveal that Rotterdam advanced infrastructure make this clear.
months. The main cause of this minis- remains 10th in total volume, behind But something else—something
terial instability was the lack of disci- ports in Asia.) far less glamorous—is also evident.
plined parties…” Now think again about Amsterdam, a
How “unstable”? The French polit- “Royal Dainties” city infamous for its drugs and prosti-
ical system has produced 11 constitu- Finally, there is Belgium. A group of tution. It is painfully obvious that the
tions since 1791. peoples within this nation can be iden- peoples of these prosperous nations
tified as descended from Asher, of are not obeying God. While only one
“Haven of the Sea” which Israel stated, “Out of Asher his city, it is still representative of all
Another nation, the Netherlands, has bread shall be fat, and he shall yield nations of the West, many of them
also fulfilled descriptions foretold royal dainties” (Gen. 49:20). Israelite.
thousands of years ago. Israel stated, Belgium is world-renowned for In America and Britain in Prophecy,
“Zebulun shall dwell at the haven of its chocolate (as well as its waffles). Mr. Pack writes: “But understand this.
the sea; and he shall be for a haven of Along the streets of Brussels, scores God does not and has never owed
ships” (Gen. 49:13). of shops offer these high quality blessings to anyone. He may choose
The Dutch people are famous for chocolate “royal dainties”—visited by to bless individuals or nations, for
reclaiming land from the sea. In fact, countless patrons from nearly all parts His own purposes, but no one auto-
27 percent of the Netherlands is under of the Earth. matically deserves prosperity, wealth,
sea level! For centuries, the Dutch have But these dainties are more than just abundance and a generous portion of
been building dikes and draining the ter- edibles. The Belgian city of Antwerp is God’s bounty.
rain dry to create fertile farmland, called considered the diamond capital of the “The Bible says that all have
polders. (Many of the picturesque wind- world. For hundreds of years, it was sinned (Rom. 3:23), which means all
mills found in certain areas of Holland the center of gem-making for European have qualified themselves for death
were built to pump water out of low royals. Today it processes about 84 per- (Rom. 6:23)—and nothing more!”
areas.) A large bay in Holland, called the cent of the world’s rough diamonds, and All the beauty, splendor and pros-
South Sea, was reclaimed last century, half of the world’s cut diamonds pass perity on display throughout the mod-
and within it a relatively large province, through the city for cutting and pol- ern nations of Israel cannot continue
Flevoland, was created. Driving through ishing. (Notably, the famous diamond- without end. Having forgotten their
this area today—which was entirely making company Royal Asscher, based ancient identity—as well as the laws,
underwater just a hundred years ago— in Amsterdam, Netherlands, could have statutes and judgments that would have
and seeing developed forests, cities and roots in Asher. It has cut some of the ensured lasting success (Deut. 4:5-
roads, causes one to consider that these most famous diamonds presented to 9)—the future of modern-day Reuben,
peoples truly had settled in a “haven of British royalty and others, including two Zebulun and Asher grows ever dim.
the sea.” of the three largest ever found.) These nations have prospered mate-
Deuteronomy 33:19 explains that While this description of Asher is rially—yet they now are besieged by
Zebulun shall “suck of the abundance brief, it should be no coinci- spiritual problems,
of the seas and of treasures hid in the dence to those who believe the result of straying
sand.” the Bible that even such a away from being the
The Netherlands has done this in small description specifi- model nation God
several ways such as through interna- cally matches this modern expected His people
tional commerce through the nation’s nation—millennia after to become. Difficult
shipping fleet and through reclaiming the description was given. times are in the
land from the sea. The rich, green Consider: What other nation future.
fertile ground that seemingly goes is so internationally celebrat- The Bible reveals
forever is a clear example of the ed for such “royal dainties”? what lies ahead for
“abundance of the seas and of trea- France, the Nether-
sures hid in the sand.” Only the Dutch Much More to Know lands, Belgium, and
have been able to reclaim on such a This article contains just the their brother nations.
large scale. briefest descriptions of con- Learn the whole story
The Netherlands has also been a temporary Reuben, Zebulun Order a Free Copy! by reading America
“haven of ships.” In fact, for decades and Asher. Much more could and Britain in Pro-
Rotterdam was the busiest port in the be said. rcg.org/aabibp phecy. c
MARCH-APRIL 2022 15The 21st Century
QUEEN
Queen Elizabeth II marked 70 years on the throne this year, celebrating an
unprecedented reign that helped the United Kingdom navigate
through an age of uncertainty. The British monarchy’s longevity reveals
a prophetic reason for the throne in London.
E
lizabeth Alexandra Mary a country house, a suitable match— “She’s not beholden to the elector-
Windsor was not born a comfortable but uneventful life— ate. She’s not dependent on her latest hit
seemed her future. or her latest movie,” said Emily Nash,
to wear the crown. But
But everything changed a decade royal editor of HELLO! magazine.
the woman who became Queen later when her uncle, King Edward “She’s just there. She does what she
Elizabeth II marked 70 years on VIII, abdicated so he could marry the does. She carries out her duties without
the throne this year, an unprec- American divorcee Wallis Simpson. ever complaining or making any
edented reign that has made her a Elizabeth’s father became King George personal drama. And people respect
VI, making the young princess heir her for that.”
symbol of stability as the United
apparent. Not that there haven’t been con-
Kingdom navigated an age of George VI died in 1952, and troversies.
uncertainty. Elizabeth began her life as queen. She In the early 1990s, criticism of the
From her early days as a glamor- has reigned ever since, with crown monarchy increased amid reports of
ous young royal in glittering tiaras and scepter on big occasions, but more the queen’s private wealth and con-
to her more recent incarnation as commonly wearing a broad-brimmed cerns about the expense of the mon-
the nation’s grandmother, the queen hat and carrying a simple handbag. archy. In 1992, the queen agreed to
In the intervening seven decades, pay the expenses of most of her family
has witnessed the end of the British
the queen has shared confidences with and become the first monarch to pay
Empire, the advent of multicultural- 14 prime ministers and met 13 U.S. income taxes since the 1930s.
ism, the rise of international terror- presidents. Tensions flared again in 1997 when
ism, and the challenges posed by Britain’s longest-serving monarch, the royal family’s silence after the
Brexit and the COVID-19 pandem- the only sovereign most Britons have death of Princess Diana, the ex-wife of
ic. In a world of relentless change, ever known, has been a constant pres- Prince Charles, fueled the resentment
she has been a constant—repre- ence from the Suez Crisis of 1956, of Diana’s many fans.
senting the UK’s interests abroad, when Egypt’s seizure of the Suez Even now, the monarchy is strug-
Canal underscored Britain’s declining gling to distance itself from the scandal
applauding the nation’s successes
might, through the labor strife of the caused by a sex abuse lawsuit filed
and commiserating in its failures, 1980s and the 2005 terror attacks in against Prince Andrew, the queen’s
and always remaining above the London. second son, and the fallout after two
fray of politics. When Prince Philip died during of the royal family’s most popular
As the elder daughter of King the pandemic, she donned a black face members, Prince Harry and his wife
George V’s second son, Elizabeth, mask and sat alone during his socially Meghan, ditched their royal duties and
now 95, was expected to live the life distanced funeral, silently demonstrat- departed for California.
of a minor royal when she was born ing that the rules applied to every- But the queen has transcended scan-
on April 21, 1926. Dogs and horses, one—particularly her. dal and remained popular throughout it
16 The REAL TRUTHYou can also read
