At the end of the First World War Germany was defeated along with the subsequent fall of its ally Turkey. Turkey was the center of authority for the centuries-old Ottoman Empire, thus, it's authority and polity was Muslim with it's culture, likewise, being Muslim. The former polity was terminated by military defeat; the latter cultural makeup remained, and does so to this day.
In 1923, five years after the termination of the Ottoman Empire, Turkey formerly became a secular state under the presidency of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk. It has remained so for almost a century. In that time, Turkey has wavered between its affection for an alliance (both culturally, and politically) with Europe, and its desire to remain independent. Turkey is, to this day, a member of NATO, that organization that was generated during the days of the cold-war when Russian expansionism was intimidating Europe, America, and Western civilization in general. This writer remembers the days when he would observe Turkish Colonels and Generals participating with American troops during Seventh-Army military exercises in Germany. They were faithful allies. They participated with zeal with American troops during the Korean war. Their culture, to this day, detests the Russian entity. In short they were, at least, a non-threat to the Western community, and, at best, willing to "jump into the fox-hole" with us when needed.
All of that has changed - and why does it even matter?
Turkey will play a critical geopolitical role in the events of the Middle East. After the attempted coup of July 2016, the spotlight is on Recep Tayyip Erdogan - the powerful leader of the country whose increasingly authoritarian regime has heightened tensions both within and outside the country. Erdogan's crackdown on dissent has been brutal and consistent - hundreds of journalists arrested, academics officially banned from leaving the country, university deans fired and nearly half of the highest-ranking army officers in custody. As opponents accuse his Justice and Development Party (AKP) of heavy-handedness, Erdogan promises to bring order and stability under a 'strongman'(inside flap).
In short, Erdogan has declared Turkey to be an Islamic state. The polity of the State has rejoined the culture of the State. The days of Ataturk are over. The Ottoman Empire is being given new life and Recep Tayyip Erdogan is its Sultan. I find it to be interesting that Erdogan has gained a similar hegemony that accrued to Hitler in the early 1930's, namely, that academia, the court system, the military, the religion, and the information-flow came under his (their) dominance.
So why does it matter and why should the Christian man or woman even care in this modern world culture where political leaders are ever more exercising lust for power, doing so in a duplicitous manner, and seemingly always able to get away with such behavior? "They're all doing it." One is surprised whenever world conditions are otherwise. Well, here is my take on the matter:
There are those in our community who believe that modern-day Turkey will be a participant with Russia and Persia (Iran) in the invasion of Israel as is described in Ezekiel chapters 38-9. Erdogan has turned his back not only on Israel, but he has likewise done so to Western Europe (spurning EU membership) and also to the United States. He is currently courting Putin of Russia, yet is at odds with Iran. He has also been an adversary to Syria in their civil war. Russia and Iran have been very supportive of Assad and thus to Syria. Will he, or won't he join in?
In short, Erdogan has declared Turkey to be an Islamic state. The polity of the State has rejoined the culture of the State. The days of Ataturk are over. The Ottoman Empire is being given new life and Recep Tayyip Erdogan is its Sultan. I find it to be interesting that Erdogan has gained a similar hegemony that accrued to Hitler in the early 1930's, namely, that academia, the court system, the military, the religion, and the information-flow came under his (their) dominance.
So why does it matter and why should the Christian man or woman even care in this modern world culture where political leaders are ever more exercising lust for power, doing so in a duplicitous manner, and seemingly always able to get away with such behavior? "They're all doing it." One is surprised whenever world conditions are otherwise. Well, here is my take on the matter:
There are those in our community who believe that modern-day Turkey will be a participant with Russia and Persia (Iran) in the invasion of Israel as is described in Ezekiel chapters 38-9. Erdogan has turned his back not only on Israel, but he has likewise done so to Western Europe (spurning EU membership) and also to the United States. He is currently courting Putin of Russia, yet is at odds with Iran. He has also been an adversary to Syria in their civil war. Russia and Iran have been very supportive of Assad and thus to Syria. Will he, or won't he join in?
-- so --
Let's consider two ways to approach this subject matter and all other matters concerning the close of the age (and if one believes the Ezekiel passage is yet to be, then one understands that such an event will indeed close the age):
First of all, let's determine to read the Word with honesty and integrity of heart and do so without an agenda. Let's exegete and not eisegete. We don't have to know every detail of the close of the age. Godless Man will do what godless men do. They don't always behave logically. Let's read the Word while observing World events. In respect of Ezekiel's passage "all the planets seem to be lining up."
Secondly, let's understand that we may face a severe testing of our faith when world-events approach the finality of all things. The worst thing that can happen to a man or woman of faith is to be tested under fire and deny the faith. Now is the time to strengthen ourselves, and those who surround us, in the faith.
If you are interested in such matters then read the book. It will serve you well.
