The presidential inauguration address on January 21, 2013 contained a phrase that should send a shudder of dismay to everyone who has any understanding of the Bible. Before a rapt audience, reported to be at least a million people on the Mall in Washington DC, and with millions more watching worldwide, President Obama declared: “Our journey is not complete until our gay brothers and sisters are treated like everyone else under the law—for if we are to be truly created equal, then surely the love we commit to one another must be equal as well.”

A German news magazine recently reported, “Global politics have come to a standstill in recent years, with the United States unwilling to show leadership and Europe and other major powers unable to fill the vacuum [emphasis ours]” (Der Spiegel, February 1, 2013).

It reads like something straight out of a disaster movie. A volcanic eruption lasting nine hours and ejecting 15–30 million tons of sulphur dioxide. The second largest volcanic eruption of the 20th century happened to coincide with the arrival of Tropical Storm Yunya a mere 75 kilometers away, covering the majority of the island of Luzon in a mixture of ash and water. There was great damage, but it could have been worse. What made the difference?

According to recent research, “Latin American and Caribbean citizens cite crime and violence as their top concern, above unemployment, healthcare and other issues” (Reuters, January 24, 2013).

Muslims are establishing “microstates” in portions of European cities where non-Muslims are warned not to enter and Sharia law prevails.  In Muslim-controlled neighborhoods of cities in England, France, Belgium, Holland, Germany and Sweden, non-Muslim residents and businesses are harassed, police and firefighters are pelted with stones and streets are barricaded to prevent non-Muslims from entering.  European host-countries have effectively lost control in these areas and are often unable to provide basic public services.