NewsWatch

New Techniques in Archaeology Support the Bible

According to critics, the Bible is full of far-fetched stories. Yet, over time, evidence continues to emerge that substantiates biblical narratives. One such account is recorded in 2 Kings 19, which recounts that Jerusalem was surrounded by the massive army of Assyrian king Sennacherib. The king’s commander sent a letter to Hezekiah, the king of Judah, demanding that he surrender peacefully. Instead of surrendering, Hezekiah prayed and laid the threatening letter before God. According to this biblical account, that night an angel of the Lord went through the camp of the Assyrians and killed 185,000 soldiers. The next day, Sennacherib departed, along with whatever was left of his army.

Those who have considered this a far-fetched story may now find it more believable, thanks to fresh archaeological evidence. Archaeology News reports that an independent Near East archaeologist, Stephen Compton by name, using “modern mapping techniques,” believes he has located remnants of “the Assyrian military base described in these biblical stories” (June 19, 2024). This base was located about 40 miles south of Jerusalem. Mr. Compton also located other ancient Assyrian fortifications closer to the city. As the article notes, “While the archaeological evidence discovered by Compton does not confirm the supernatural aspects of the biblical narrative, it does provide compelling support for the historical presence of Assyrian military forces near Jerusalem during Sennacherib’s reign.”

It is interesting how easily critics dismiss historical records in the Bible if there is no current evidence to support them. However, as time passes, more and more seemingly implausible Bible stories gain support from new discoveries in history and archaeology.

“Gender-Affirming” Therapies Ineffective and Unnecessary

The transgender movement is heavily backed by aggressive activists, media outlets, and politicians. Promoters claim that so-called “gender-affirming therapy” saves lives and makes people happier. However, a growing body of research suggests just the opposite. While European nations are moving away from such therapies, America pushes ahead, ignoring research that does not agree with the current political and ideological trends.

The Washington Times reported, “A landmark Dutch study found that most adolescents ultimately outgrow their gender confusion” (April 8, 2024). The study followed more than 2,700 adolescents for 15 years. The findings revealed that while discomfort with one’s gender is not particularly uncommon among teens, most grow out of this condition as they age, and it “appears to be associated with a poorer self-concept and mental health throughout development.”

Researchers warn doctors to avoid being quick to treat adolescent gender dysphoria medically and to be sure to assess the developmental issues involved. One ethicist has noted, “Indeed, we can infer from the DSM 5 [2013] and other sources that as many as 88 percent of gender-dysphoric girls and as many as 98 percent of gender-dysphoric boys in previous generations desisted if allowed to go through natural puberty” (Daily Mail, April 5, 2024). In England, another landmark report was just published by the National Health Service (NHS). The Cass Review made 32 recommendations after an in-depth review of the research. Among the review’s findings, no strong scientific rationale was found to support the use of puberty blockers, and evidence of their benefits concerning gender dysphoria, mental health, or psychosocial health was weak.

The team noted the utter lack of long-term follow-up data regarding the impact of gender hormones on young patients, as well as the inability of doctors to determine which youth will simply grow out of their gender dysphoria and which will not. “For most young people,” the report concludes, “a medical pathway will not be the best way to manage their gender-related distress.” UK gender clinics stopped routinely prescribing puberty blockers in March 2024 due to a lack of evidence of their effectiveness (BBC, March 12, 2024).

While evidence supporting the success of “gender-affirming” treatments is lacking, evidence of their danger is mounting. Yet criticism of this current medical fad is often viewed as bigoted and misinformed, especially in the U.S. We live in a time when the “whole head is sick” (Isaiah 1:5) and this warning from God is very salient: “Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil” (Isaiah 5:20). May God quickly bring the day when Jesus Christ will restore all things that are good, right, and true (Acts 3:19–21).

DNA for Sale?

As the end of the age draws closer, real life seems to meld with science fiction—today’s realities are becoming like scenes out of a dystopian movie or political espionage novel. Over the last two decades, the field of genetics has experienced monumental advances. Scientists are learning how to turn genes on and off and how to program organisms in the language of genetics. In their work, some scientists buy and sell the genetic sequences of various bacteria and viruses.

At first glance, this may seem both interesting and exciting, because it might lead to incredible scientific advances. Many presume that, given the high potential for danger, such research is strictly and safely regulated. However, health and medicine news source STAT reports that a research team from the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology, in cooperation with the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation, tested the effectiveness of current controls by attempting to purchase “gene-length DNA fragments that could be used to generate the 1918 influenza virus, which killed more than 50 million people” (May 8, 2024). The team took minimal steps to mask their identity. They even requested to have genetic material sent to non-laboratory locations. Of 38 providers contacted, 36 shipped the genetic material for the 1918 flu virus. STAT notes, “Only one company detected a hazard and requested proof of biosafety approval.” This experiment demonstrated just how easy it would be for a rogue nation or terrorist group to obtain the genetic material needed to create a devastating bioweapon.

One of the signs of the end of the age is God’s punishment of the nations of Western civilization for their rejection of Him. God promises to “appoint terror over you,” including terrifying diseases (Leviticus 26:16). As technology increases, the tools for creating terror become more advanced and more accessible. Will genetics be among these new tools?

Is Democracy Dying in Europe?

Democracy has been hailed as the savior of civilization by many. History indicates that democracies have been wealthier and, generally, more politically stable than many other forms of government. Across Europe, democracy is seen as a fundamental value of European culture in the modern era. But the winds of change are blowing, and many do not view democracy with the respect it once held—especially European youth.

Headlines tell part of the story, as autocratic leaders are on the rise. Politico has reported on a poll that highlights just how far the views of Europe’s youth diverge from those of older generations (May 21, 2024). Poll participants were asked how supportive they were of democracy versus other forms of government, such as dictatorships and military rule. The survey findings were sobering in light of the history and future of Europe. In Germany, only 38 percent of those “aged 18 and up are consistent supporters of democracy. In France, the number stands at a paltry 27 percent, while Italy and Poland clock in at less than 45 percent.” Survey results are particularly sobering when comparing young people to their parents and grandparents. “For example,” Politico reports, “in Germany, just 21 percent of Generation Z and millennials said they consistently support democracy compared to 66 percent of those aged 70 and up. In Poland, meanwhile, only around one quarter of 18 to 29-year-olds showed consistent support for democracy.”

What does this mean for Europe’s future? As older members of society age and die, they are being replaced by young people with more extreme perspectives. This could drastically affect future elections in Europe. Europe is changing, and so is European democracy.

Germany Prepares for War by 2029

Germany’s Defense Minister Boris Pistorius again forcefully highlighted Germany’s need to strengthen its defense capabilities (Deutsche Welle, June 5, 2024). During a question period in Germany’s lower house of parliament, Pistorius stated, “We must be ready for war by 2029.” He pointed out the need for the government to back such efforts financially with materials and personnel and reiterated the possibility of reinstating compulsory military service for young Germans, saying, “In an emergency, we need strong young women and men who can defend this country.”

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has promised to support the defense industry and has pushed for more cooperation between European defense manufacturers. Scholz announced the purchase of an additional 20 Eurofighters, and the German Defense Ministry announced the purchase of two additional frigates. Germany has also signed a defense agreement with France and Japan to jointly develop railgun technology (Aviation Week, May 31, 2024). This weapon is intended to be a defense against hypersonic missiles.

Currently, nations across Europe are increasing their military capabilities, updating military hardware, and developing advanced military technologies—due in part to Russia’s actions in Ukraine. Russia’s military industrial complex is in high gear, and Europe is beginning to conclude that it must not be left behind.