1. Standard memberGrampy Bobby
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    18 Oct '13 03:22
    “If I Were the Devil Transcript”

    "In 1965, Paul Harvey broadcasted “If I Were The Devil.” I am posting the transcript of this on Fresh Manna Today. It is really amazing to realize over 47 years ago how accurately he “prophesied” the future spiritual condition of the United States. Many of his statements were considered ridiculously outlandish at that time in history. Yet, we find ourselves today…

    PAUL HARVEY’S ‘IF I WERE THE DEVIL’ TRANSCRIPT
    If I were the devil … If I were the Prince of Darkness, I’d want to engulf the whole world in darkness. And I’d have a third of it’s real estate, and four-fifths of its population, but I wouldn’t be happy until I had seized the ripest apple on the tree — Thee. So I’d set about however necessary to take over the United States. I’d subvert the churches first — I’d begin with a campaign of whispers. With the wisdom of a serpent, I would whisper to you as I whispered to Eve: ‘Do as you please.’

    “To the young, I would whisper that ‘The Bible is a myth.’ I would convince them that man created God instead of the other way around. I would confide that what’s bad is good, and what’s good is ‘square.’ And the old, I would teach to pray, after me, ‘Our Father, which art in Washington…’

    “And then I’d get organized. I’d educate authors in how to make lurid literature exciting, so that anything else would appear dull and uninteresting. I’d threaten TV with dirtier movies and vice versa. I’d pedal narcotics to whom I could. I’d sell alcohol to ladies and gentlemen of distinction. I’d tranquilize the rest with pills.

    “If I were the devil I’d soon have families that war with themselves, churches at war with themselves, and nations at war with themselves; until each in its turn was consumed. And with promises of higher ratings I’d have mesmerizing media fanning the flames. If I were the devil I would encourage schools to refine young intellects, but neglect to discipline emotions — just let those run wild, until before you knew it, you’d have to have drug sniffing dogs and metal detectors at every schoolhouse door.

    “Within a decade I’d have prisons overflowing, I’d have judges promoting pornography — soon I could evict God from the courthouse, then from the schoolhouse, and then from the houses of Congress. And in His own churches I would substitute psychology for religion, and deify science. I would lure priests and pastors into misusing boys and girls, and church money. If I were the devil I’d make the symbols of Easter an egg and the symbol of Christmas a bottle.

    “If I were the devil I’d take from those, and who have, and give to those wanted until I had killed the incentive of the ambitious. And what do you bet? I could get whole states to promote gambling as thee way to get rich? I would caution against extremes and hard work, in Patriotism, in moral conduct. I would convince the young that marriage is old-fashioned, that swinging is more fun, that what you see on the TV is the way to be. And thus I could undress you in public, and I could lure you into bed with diseases for which there is no cure. In other words, if I were the devil I’d just keep right on doing on what he’s doing. Paul Harvey, good day.” (Paul Harvey/from 1965/Posted on November 30, 2012)

    http://freshmannatoday.wordpress.com/2012/11/30/paul-harveys-if-i-were-the-devil-transcript-from-1965/

    "It is really amazing to realize over 47 years ago how accurately he “prophesied” the future spiritual condition of the United States. Many of his statements were considered ridiculously outlandish at that time in history..." Comments?
  2. Unknown Territories
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    18 Oct '13 12:56
    Comments...

    I disagree.

    I think Mr. Harvey's version of the former guardian of God's glory is woefully short of his subverted genius.

    De-nationalizing Christianity ought to have been the equivalent of removing the saddle, the bridle of a freedom-loving thunderous stallion. Think: early Church before Rome got her hooks in it. It was the nationalization of Christianity which led to its emasculation, vis à vis Roman Catholicism.

    It is my belief that Satan/Lucifer wants to see everyone live in peace, wants a general good will to loop endlessly between folks of every color/age/stripe. He wants to prove his case that you don't need God to be good.
  3. R
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    18 Oct '13 13:33
    Originally posted by Grampy Bobby
    [b]“If I Were the Devil Transcript”

    "In 1965, Paul Harvey broadcasted “If I Were The Devil.” I am posting the transcript of this on Fresh Manna Today. It is really amazing to realize over 47 years ago how accurately he “prophesied” the future spiritual condition of the United States. Many of his statements were considered ridiculously outland ...[text shortened]... of his statements were considered ridiculously outlandish at that time in history..." Comments?[/b]
    Nice, thanks GB.
  4. Standard memberGrampy Bobby
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    18 Oct '13 16:095 edits
    Originally posted by FreakyKBH
    Comments...

    I disagree.

    I think Mr. Harvey's version of the former guardian of God's glory is woefully short of his subverted genius.

    De-nationalizing Christianity ought to have been the equivalent of removing the saddle, the bridle of a freedom-loving thunderous stallion. Think: early Church before Rome got her hooks in it. It was the nationali ...[text shortened]... folks of every color/age/stripe. He wants to prove his case that you don't need God to be good.
    "De-nationalizing Christianity ought to have been the equivalent of removing the saddle, the bridle of a freedom-loving thunderous stallion." Interesting and colorful metaphor, though I'm struggling to grasp it's import in context.

    "It is my belief that Satan/Lucifer wants to see everyone live in peace, wants a general good will to loop endlessly between folks of every color/age/stripe. He wants to prove his case that you don't need God to be good."

    The Evil One does seek [has always sought] to thwart God's Perfect Plan; one on the primary strategies has been as you say, "... to prove his case that you don't need God to be good." However, the example of the first family taught that man alone is incapable of being 'good enough' (-R) to simulate God's Righteousness (+R). Ever since, the multiple tactics Harvey describes have been simultaneously employed to augment Satan/Lucifer's Plan as a parallel strategy: to corrupt human governments through ego/power lust in order to weaken and negate the volition/free will of mankind. I think we agree.

    Footnote: " Think: early Church before Rome got her hooks in it. It was the nationalization of Christianity which led to its emasculation, vis à vis Roman Catholicism." Yes, the equivalent of human governments dominating the will of its captives; and motivated by an identical ego/power lust need to control. Protestant Denominations per se, less catholic/universal.
  5. Unknown Territories
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    18 Oct '13 18:19
    Originally posted by Grampy Bobby
    "De-nationalizing Christianity ought to have been the equivalent of removing the saddle, the bridle of a freedom-loving thunderous stallion." Interesting and colorful metaphor, though I'm struggling to grasp it's import in context.

    "It is my belief that Satan/Lucifer wants to see everyone live in peace, wants a general good will to loop endlessly be ...[text shortened]... ntical ego/power lust need to control. Protestant Denominations per se, less catholic/universal.
    Interesting and colorful metaphor, though I'm struggling to grasp it's import in context.
    In my opinion, there has always been an uneasy, unspoken dichotomy with the idea of a Christian nation. On the one hand, we have a nation founded by a majority of Christian men. Yet on the other, they purposely sought to establish a more perfect union based on the principles of a secular state.

    How does one have a "Christian" nation wherein all of its citizens are of sundry philosophical persuasions? If the Christian's command is to grow in grace and in the knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ, are the laws of the land required to adjudicate the progress, results?

    I believe the founding fathers, in their finite wisdom, sought to establish the closest thing to 'perfect' a government could expect to be on this planet, short of theocracy: a bland, pillared structure based upon the vague notion of man elevated slightly above the rest of creation, with that elevated status the base line of expected rights. That man need not hope for a benevolent king/pope to provide him an identity; rather, being the pinnacle of creation among other pinnacles, his will is sacrosanct.

    As such, every man gets to choose, without threat of violence or censure. That is incredibly fertile ground for the Gospel to sprout, grow, flourish.
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    18 Oct '13 18:271 edit
    He's no prophet, he's a time traveler!! 😠

    Not even Daniel was as specific.
  7. Standard memberGrampy Bobby
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    18 Oct '13 19:03
    Originally posted by FreakyKBH
    [b]Interesting and colorful metaphor, though I'm struggling to grasp it's import in context.
    In my opinion, there has always been an uneasy, unspoken dichotomy with the idea of a Christian nation. On the one hand, we have a nation founded by a majority of Christian men. Yet on the other, they purposely sought to establish a more perfect union based ...[text shortened]... iolence or censure. That is incredibly fertile ground for the Gospel to sprout, grow, flourish.[/b]
    "How does one have a "Christian" nation wherein all of its citizens are of sundry philosophical persuasions?"

    A "Christian nation" by coercion or mandate is the last thing we would want or need. If that option was available today, a year from today An Islamic nation could be voted in or enforced. Separation of Church and State prohibits the imposition of any particular dogma or system of belief an any of a republic/nation's citizens. The Founders of These United States of America were focused on principles which Christianity (accurately understood) originates and promotes. These include the primacy of the individual; the limited role of a federal government; with maximum deferral of authority and rights to state and local level. Today, we see the prescribed pyramid inverted: /\------> \/ Result: a bloated hierarchy intent on changing a once proud republic to a socialist nanny state, beyond Orwell and Huxley's fictional scope. Freedom is being swapped for insecure security; human volitional choice has become nearly defunct. We've all but abandoned The Four Divine Institutions.
  8. Subscribersonhouse
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    18 Oct '13 19:13
    Interesting he said 'diseases with no cure', when HIV was 20 years in his future. I don't see the judges who are peddling porno though.

    His statement about overflowing prisons, however, is 100% laid down to drug enforcement policies that led to kids getting 40 years in jail for having a single joint. That was Texas, of course. When they legalize these drugs, as horrible as it may sound, it will undercut all those drug cartels and they will have to go back to making money the old fashioned way, prostitution and robbing banks. It is WAY over due for a drug law overhaul. Of course you limit it to people over 18 or 21, whatever, and tax the hell out of it. No more cartels, and the government gets a bunch of new tax revenue.

    Problem is, government does not want to do that because they are too vested in the anti drug programs where thousands of police are in those special units and they fight to STAY in those units.

    They would have to get REAL jobs.
  9. Standard memberRJHinds
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    18 Oct '13 20:15
    Originally posted by sonhouse
    Interesting he said 'diseases with no cure', when HIV was 20 years in his future. I don't see the judges who are peddling porno though.

    His statement about overflowing prisons, however, is 100% laid down to drug enforcement policies that led to kids getting 40 years in jail for having a single joint. That was Texas, of course. When they legalize these d ...[text shortened]... those special units and they fight to STAY in those units.

    They would have to get REAL jobs.
    What type of educational degree do you have?

    The Instructor
  10. Unknown Territories
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    18 Oct '13 21:28
    Originally posted by Grampy Bobby
    "How does one have a "Christian" nation wherein all of its citizens are of sundry philosophical persuasions?"

    A "Christian nation" by coercion or mandate is the last thing we would want or need. If that option was available today, a year from today An Islamic nation could be voted in or enforced. Separation of Church and State prohibits the impositio ...[text shortened]... litional choice has become nearly defunct. We've all but abandoned The Four Divine Institutions.
    If that option was available today, a year from today An Islamic nation could be voted in or enforced.
    Agreed.

    The Founders of These United States of America were focused on principles which Christianity (accurately understood) originates and promotes.
    Sorry. I see the principles of individual freedoms/rights brought into the equation prior to the rise of Christianity, although I do agree such ideas are in concert with Christian thought.
  11. Standard memberGrampy Bobby
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    18 Oct '13 22:15
    Originally posted by FreakyKBH
    [b]If that option was available today, a year from today An Islamic nation could be voted in or enforced.
    Agreed.

    The Founders of These United States of America were focused on principles which Christianity (accurately understood) originates and promotes.
    Sorry. I see the principles of individual freedoms/rights brought into the equation p ...[text shortened]... the rise of Christianity, although I do agree such ideas are in concert with Christian thought.[/b]
    "Sorry. I see the principles of individual freedoms/rights brought into the equation prior to the rise of Christianity, although I do agree such ideas are in concert with Christian thought."

    Two Questions: a) When were "the principles of individual freedoms/rights brought into the equation prior to the rise of Christianity"? b) In "concert with Christian thought", of course. Isn't it a seamless fact that the protection of individual privacy; the sanctity of marriage and family; property ownership; volition functioning lawfully; and national freedom through military freedom principles were also imbedded in and taught from The OT as a precursor to the First Advent of Christ?
  12. Unknown Territories
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    18 Oct '13 22:59
    Originally posted by Grampy Bobby
    "Sorry. I see the principles of individual freedoms/rights brought into the equation prior to the rise of Christianity, although I do agree such ideas are in concert with Christian thought."

    Two Questions: a) When were "the principles of individual freedoms/rights brought into the equation prior to the rise of Christianity"? b) In "concert with Chris ...[text shortened]... iples were also imbedded in and taught from The OT as a precursor to the First Advent of Christ?
    Athens.

    While I don't discount the articulation and importance of the four pillars you highlight, the democratic process is very mindful of the rights and will of the individual over and against the subjectivity of a king/overlord.
  13. Standard memberGrampy Bobby
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    18 Oct '13 23:19
    Originally posted by FreakyKBH
    Athens.

    While I don't discount the articulation and importance of the four pillars you highlight, the democratic process is very mindful of the rights and will of the individual over and against the subjectivity of a king/overlord.
    Had he not died in 2009 and was an active Red Hot Pawn Member, partial to its Spirituality Forum and read this conclusion, how would Paul Harvey respond? Seriously, would you concur that a democracy is a significant downgrade from a republic of invested landowners because of an indiscriminate and often uninformed voter franchise? If so, would you also concur that the 'four pillars' have been fundamentally eroded since War II? Finally, would you agree that within a democracy voters eventually cast their votes for ballot candidates who will give them the most, without regard for budgetary consequences?
  14. Standard membergalveston75
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    19 Oct '13 00:31
    "Writing about the Christians’ fight for the faith, the apostle Paul clearly identified their worst enemies. “We have a wrestling,” he candidly said, “not against blood and flesh, but against the governments, against the authorities, against the world rulers of this darkness, against the wicked spirit forces in the heavenly places.” (Ephesians 6:12) Thus, this fight goes beyond the human sphere, since it is carried out, “not against blood and flesh,” but against “wicked spirit forces.”

    An interesting comment the scriptures make about the devil and his influance on this planet.
    Notice it says our "worst enemies" are not humans but it says the governments and authorities and rulers of this world that are influanced by the wicked spirit forces.
    Jesus confirmed this when he rebuked satan when satan offered him all the kingdoms of the world. Jesus knew satan did in fact control these kingdoms or governments just as he does today. This is why Jesus commanded his followers to be NO part of this world. A Christian must remain neutral in the worlds affairs.
  15. Standard memberRJHinds
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    19 Oct '13 01:19
    Originally posted by galveston75
    "Writing about the Christians’ fight for the faith, the apostle Paul clearly identified their worst enemies. “We have a wrestling,” he candidly said, “not against blood and flesh, but against the governments, against the authorities, against the world rulers of this darkness, against the wicked spirit forces in the heavenly places.” (Ephesians 6:12) Thus ...[text shortened]... is followers to be NO part of this world. A Christian must remain neutral in the worlds affairs.
    Jesus never commanded his followers to be NO part of this world. A Christian should participate in world affairs. Christians are to act as a restraining force in government.

    The Instructor
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