January 8

Page Two

How Do You View Poverty? 3

Knowing what others experience can be beneficial

Your Lot in Life​—Can You Improve It? 5

Practical suggestions on how to cope

Really Solving the Problem of Poverty 8

Understanding this can change your entire outlook on life

How Do You View Poverty?

CARMEN is a mother of sixteen children. Her husband was an alcoholic. When he died, he left her with nine children still dependent and absolutely no income. What would you say were her chances of making her way in life and finding peace of mind?

As it turned out, Carmen was able to make a happy life for herself and her children in spite of being poor. How she did it, and what gave her the strength to do it, provide an encouraging example for those who have to endure poverty. But before discussing Carmen’s experience, let’s define our terms. What do you understand by the word “poverty”?

Can You Recognize It?

“Poverty” is defined as the “lack of money or material resources.” But it is not always easy to recognize. Elderly Simon Goldstein looked poor. He “was always dirty and lived like a beggar,” according to a newspaper report. Yet, when he died, the police found his junk-strewn apartment full of money. They gave up counting it when they reached 500,000 dollars!

Of course, this old man was not typical. But the truth is that many of the beggars who line the streets of the world have more money than those who give them alms. On the other hand, some who are genuinely poor hide their poverty because of pride or shame. Ancient King Solomon showed an understanding of human nature when he said: “There exists the one that is pretending to be rich and yet he has nothing at all; there is the one that is pretending to be of little means and yet he has many valuable things.”​—Proverbs 13:7.

They Learn that They Are Poor

Then again, poverty can be learned. How? Well, consider a rural village where most people live on small farms. Their farms give them enough to eat, but not much more. Still, their needs are few, and they are content with what they have.

Then some of the villagers move to the big city. They earn money and buy things that were unobtainable back home. After some time they return, wearing fashionable clothes, spending money and talking about good times in the city.

Now the villagers feel that they are missing something. Their situation has not changed, but their attitude has. They have lost their contentment and now feel that they are poor. This kind of thing has happened in many countries of the world.

Richer than They Think

Finally, poverty may be relative, so much so that a poor man in one country would be considered rich in another. Yet he is poor in comparison with others in his own country.

For example, in the poorest county in the poorest state of the United States, eight out of ten families are poverty-stricken. Yet many of them have television sets, washing machines and even automobiles. Doubtless, many of these families feel unhappy when they compare themselves with their wealthier fellow countrymen. They might feel better, however, if they knew about Tony.

Tony is a father of seven children who lives in southeast Asia. He lives in a two-story house with eight rooms. Seven other families share the house with him​—one family to each room. All of Tony’s possessions would fit into an automobile trunk. To make a living, Tony works 24-hour shifts as a taxi driver, snatching sleep when he can between fares. There is no welfare system where Tony lives. But his life is more comfortable than that of Mohan.

Who is Mohan? A six-year-old boy in southern Asia. His abdomen is swollen and he suffers from night blindness because of malnutrition. The water he drinks is polluted. He probably has never eaten his fill during his short life. He does not have a shred of clothing to cover his little body, and he has never seen a doctor, a toilet, a piece of soap or an electric light bulb.

How Does This Help?

This analysis of poverty highlights at least two valuable things that can help many poor people to live with their poverty. First is the matter of contentment. A person content with what he has is happier and more stable than one who is constantly striving for things that are at present unattainable.

Second, there is the encouragement to count our blessings. What blessings? If we compare ourselves with those who are worse off than we are, we will find that there are many things for which to be thankful.

And did you realize that many wealthy persons are worse off than many poor ones?

Which Would You Prefer?

What could be worse than poverty? Consider for a moment the parents of Anna. Her father is a wealthy businessman, and the family has a comfortable home in a beautiful area in Europe. However, when Anna was 15 years old she started taking drugs. Now, at 23, her mind is ruined. A dark cloud of sadness and uncertainty hangs over this wealthy family.

Their experience is not uncommon. Countless young people, many of them from wealthy families, are ruined by drugs and alcohol. Perhaps even more sad are the teenage suicides. Imagine the feelings of the parents of a popular 17-year-old boy, a good student, who one day was found hanging from a tree in the garden, a suicide. In the United States suicide is the second most widespread cause of death among adolescents, and many of these come from wealthy families. Think of the mental torment suffered by these young people that drives them to such an act​—torment that their parents’ money can do nothing to relieve.

Add to this the horrifying picture that social researchers paint of violence in the family; add the tragically widespread incidence of incestuous abuse of girls and boys, which inflicts mental scars that are very hard to remove; and add the skyrocketing figures of divorce and abortions. You can see that there are many things causing suffering in today’s world besides poverty.

True, these problems exist in poor households too. But which would you rather be​—a rich man with heartbreaking family problems or a poor man whose wife loves him and whose children respect and obey him? The Bible proverb says: “Better is a dish of vegetables where there is love than a manger-fed bull and hatred along with it.” (Proverbs 15:17) While being rich or poor is often beyond our control, there is much we can do​—whether rich or poor—​to build up happiness and love within our own families. A poor man who succeeds in doing this possesses a rare and valuable kind of wealth.

Nevertheless, poverty is a difficult problem. Is there any way in which a poor man can reduce the hardships of the situation that confronts him?

[Blurb on page 4]

A person content with what he has is happier than one who constantly strives for what is not now attainable

[Blurb on page 4]

If we compare ourselves with people who are worse off than we are, we will find that there is much to be thankful for

Your Lot in Life​—Can You Improve It?

CARMEN, the mother of sixteen children referred to in the previous article, was very depressed at one stage in her life. Her husband was an alcoholic, she lived in poor surroundings and she felt completely hopeless. Then one day a visitor came to the house, and her life began to change dramatically. What took place provides an example not only for the poor but also for all whose standard of living is threatened in this inflation-wracked world. Even when left a widow with nine still-dependent children and no income, Carmen optimistically set about making the best of her life. What, exactly, did she do to improve her situation?

She dug up the ground around the house and planted vegetables, to assure a small supply of food. Then she started to take in washing, to provide an income. She cleaned up the home, making it presentable for visitors. How did she manage that with so many children? She trained the children to help. Each had chores to do, and all contributed to the cleanness of the surroundings. She learned that the life of a poor person does not have to be degraded.

But where did Carmen learn these things? Her visitor helped her to apply Bible principles to her life, and Carmen soon found that those principles really worked.

Would you like to know some of the Bible principles that people such as Carmen have found practical for improving their situation? Following is a partial list.

Work: “Whatever you are doing, work at it whole-souled as to Jehovah.” “We wish to conduct ourselves honestly in all things.” (Colossians 3:23; Hebrews 13:18) A diligent, honest worker is valued in any country. A man with such a reputation will rarely be out of work, especially if he is willing to accept any job and does not insist on doing only a special kind of work. Similarly, if he really wants work, he will go out to look for it, not stay at home waiting for it to find him.

Children: “Train up a boy according to the way for him.” “Let us cleanse ourselves of every defilement of flesh and spirit.” (Proverbs 22:6; 2 Corinthians 7:1) Give girls and boys chores around the house. Teach them to put their clothes away, to be neat and clean. Be sure they wash their hands and faces, especially before meals. Do not let them play around dirty water or drains. Keep the children’s relaxation simple and edifying. A romp in the park is more healthful than a visit to the movies, and often it is free.

Home: The above-mentioned scripture on cleanliness could also be applied here. A simple house does not have to be a dirty house. Clean surroundings give a feeling of well-being and confidence. Such cleanliness teaches good habits to children. Hence, take the time (and train the children) to polish floors, dust shelves, wash walls, and so forth.

Meals: “Better is a dish of vegetables where there is love.” (Proverbs 15:17) Buy simple foods. Look for bargains. Eat fruit and vegetables in season, as these will be cheaper and will help to keep your family healthy. Such concern about providing simple but nourishing meals will show your love for your family. And if you have visitors, do not feel that you have to provide more expensive food for them than you would ordinarily eat yourselves. (Luke 10:38-42) However, one good way to improve the food you serve​—whether to family or to guests—​is to plant food crops in any spare ground there may be around the house. Then you will be able to give your family fresh vegetables at a very low cost.

Vices: “A drunkard and a glutton will come to poverty.” (Proverbs 23:21) Drunkenness is a common vice in poor countries. So are gambling, smoking and the chewing of betel nut. However, a man should realize that money spent on such things cannot be used to feed his family.

Fads: “Let your reasonableness become known to all men.” (Philippians 4:5) Advertising often persuades poor people to be unreasonable. They spend money on things that they really cannot afford and do not need. For example, to some, soft drinks may taste good. But they are expensive and can even harm a person’s health. There are cheaper and better things to drink. Similarly, many mothers are being persuaded to feed their babies on baby formulas. Often, they can ill afford such an expense, while the food that Jehovah provided for babies​—mother’s milk—​is free. Hence, balance and reasonableness can be beneficial and can save money.

Such ideas as these are valuable to anyone trying to make his money go further in these difficult days. But for a poor person, they can make the difference between a tolerable life and a miserable existence.

Something Better

Let us face the facts, though. Some people feel so depressed and burdened by the struggle of day-to-day existence that it would be difficult for them to summon the enthusiasm to apply such suggestions. They need not just suggestions but something to change their view of life.

This was certainly true of Carmen. But the visitor whose call made so much difference was able to supply that. The purpose in calling was not merely to encourage her to clean up her house and cultivate some land. The visitor had a much more important message than that, and this message gave Carmen the heart to make changes. It was a message of hope.

Really Solving the Problem of Poverty

CARMEN’S visitor was one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, and this Witness helped her to see that she did not have to face her problems alone. None other than Jehovah God himself was concerned about her difficulties. He is described in the Bible as “raising up the lowly one from the very dust; he exalts the poor one from the ashpit itself.”​—Psalm 113:7.

This was comforting for Carmen, especially when she learned how God helped the poor in times past, how he helps them today, and how he will help them in the future. If you consider this information yourself, you will understand why Carmen’s whole attitude toward life changed.

In Times Past

In the year 1513 B.C.E., when Jehovah God founded the nation of Israel, he gave them a law that lovingly made provision for the poor. First, it is noteworthy that the law did not establish an “upper” or a “lower” class. Originally, every family had an equal opportunity. But, is it not true that many today feel that class distinctions are one of the main causes of poverty?

Of course, in this imperfect world people’s situations can change. And some may fall into poverty. Such things happened in Israel too. How did the Law help then?

It did not recommend handouts. But it did recommend a spirit of generosity on the part of others. Hence, at the seasonal festivals, Israelites were urged to include “the fatherless boy and the widow” in their celebrations.​—Deuteronomy 16:9-11.

If a poor man was in need of money, his fellow citizens were encouraged to lend to him whatever he needed, doing so generously and without interest. (Deuteronomy 15:7, 8; 23:19, 20) In this way, the wealthier citizen would not profit from the hardships of his brother Israelite. But, on the other hand, the poor man would feel the obligation to repay the loan.

At harvesttime, poor Israelites were allowed to glean in other people’s fields and vineyards after the harvesters had finished. They could thus work to get needed provisions for their families. If a man was deeply in debt, he could sell himself into slavery for a limited period of time. This was not so bad as it sounds. His interests were protected by law, and he could thus pay off his debts, getting security for his family while he was doing so.​—Leviticus 19:9, 10; Deuteronomy 15:12-15.

God told the Israelites: “Someone poor will never cease to be in the midst of the land.” Nevertheless, the way was open for the poor to be helped to work their way out of poverty. As long as the people showed faith in God, these provisions worked. (Deuteronomy 15:11; Psalm 37:25) Does Jehovah show the same interest in poor people today? Yes, he does.

God’s Interest Today

On one occasion, Jesus was addressing a large crowd that doubtless included many poor people. He gave encouragement by reminding them of the wonderful way in which Jehovah cares for the animals and the plants. Then he drew a lesson from this that has real meaning for poor people today who wish to serve God.

He said: “If, now, God thus clothes the vegetation of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much rather clothe you, you with little faith? So never be anxious and say, ‘What are we to eat?’ or, ‘What are we to drink?’ or, ‘What are we to put on?’ For all these are the things the nations are eagerly pursuing. For your heavenly Father knows you need all these things.”​—Matthew 6:30-32.

How can a poor person be sure of God’s concern for him? By putting God first in his life, as Jesus went on to say: “Keep on, then, seeking first [God’s] kingdom and his righteousness, and all these other things will be added to you.”​—Matthew 6:33.

As Carmen did, so, too, other poor people who listen to the preaching of the “good news of the kingdom” by Jehovah’s Witnesses learn that God loves and protects all who serve him, including the poor. (Matthew 24:14) And he really does help. Apart from providing practical counsel in the Bible​—such as that mentioned in the previous article—​he watches over his worshipers and enables them to survive. Many have testified that he definitely responds in a literal way to the prayer: “Give us today our bread for this day.”​—Matthew 6:11.

But those who listen to the “good news of the kingdom” learn an even more important lesson. Jesus said: “Man must live, not on bread alone, but on every utterance coming forth through Jehovah’s mouth.” (Matthew 4:4) Thus they learn the value of spiritual things.

Through God’s Word, the Bible, they learn how to achieve happiness within the family circle. They learn to have a close relationship with God and how to do his will for them. And they attain “the peace of God that excels all thought.” (Philippians 4:7) Most wealthy people today do not possess that peace of mind. Yet it is far more valuable than material wealth can ever be.

The person who listens to the “good news” learns something else of value too. He learns that his poor state need not be permanent.

The Answer to the Problem

Poverty can result from an unequal economic system. It can also be the result of war, famine, disease, racial or social prejudices, “time and unforeseen occurrence,” or just human imperfection. (Ecclesiastes 9:11) No wonder men have been unable to abolish it!

However, Christians are preaching everywhere today the “good news of the kingdom.” This is the good news that the kingdom of God has been established in the heavens and shortly will take over all the rulership of this earth. Christians have prayed for this for centuries when they have said: “Our Father in the heavens, let your name be sanctified. Let your kingdom come. Let your will take place, as in heaven, also upon earth.”​—Matthew 6:9, 10.

This kingdom will be a world government. It will abolish unequal economic systems. Racial and social prejudices will have no place there, since the overriding law of that government will be the law of love, including the command: “You must love your neighbor as yourself.”​—Matthew 22:39.

Moreover, war will no longer bring poverty to mankind, since God will make “wars to cease to the extremity of the earth.” (Psalm 46:9) Even sickness and human imperfection will eventually be no more, because “[God] will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.” (Revelation 21:4) Then, poor people will have the opportunity to work their way permanently out of poverty, and this long-standing burden will finally be removed from mankind.

Content to Wait

Can you understand why someone like Carmen would have a completely different view of life after she heard such “good news”? Here is a message that not only sounds good but is true. The evidence is overwhelming that God’s kingdom will do all the things God says it will. No wonder that another woman with many children, who became a refugee because of terrorist activity, was moved to say: “We are content with our [poor] condition because of the richness of our spiritual life. Yes, godly devotion with contentment is great gain”!​—See 1 Timothy 6:6-8.

Many humble persons, having considered God’s solution to the problem of poverty, are happy to wait for his due time to remove this burden completely. In the meantime they associate with people of similar faith and take every opportunity to share their beliefs with others. Thus they enjoy spiritual riches in spite of material poverty.

Is world poverty a problem that troubles you? If so, why not look into the same information that has helped Carmen and millions of others. Then you, too, will have the opportunity to see the time when poverty will be with us no more.

“Happy is the one . . . whose hope is in Jehovah his God, the Maker of heaven and earth, of the sea, and of all that is in them, the One keeping trueness to time indefinite, the One executing judgment for the defrauded ones, the One giving bread to the hungry ones. . . . Jehovah is opening the eyes of the blind ones; Jehovah is raising up the ones bowed down.”​—Psalm 146:5-8.

[Picture on pages 8, 9]

God’s kingdom will forever remove the conditions that cause poverty

[Picture on page 10]

If God feeds the birds, will he not also provide food for humans who serve him?

The Nazca Lines​—A UFO Spaceport?

By “Awake!” correspondent in Peru

FROM an airplane high over Peru can be seen enormous drawings, stylized pictures of animals and birds and geometric designs. These unusual markings appear on the Plains of Nazca, a desert drier than the Sahara. Who made them? And why?

For centuries these designs, known as the Nazca Lines, were ignored. They were practically hidden, due to their huge size and because of being drawn on a flat plain without any high vantage points for viewing.

Hidden art! Invisible! Too big to be seen from the ground! A real enigma! To be seen and appreciated completely, the lines had to wait for the invention of the airplane. In 1927, while flying a vintage biplane over this area about 450 km (280 miles) to the south of Lima, a pilot noticed these strange markings. But he took no special interest in them. However, in 1939 Dr. Paul Kosok, who came to Peru to make a study of ancient irrigation canals, recognized the drawings as something unique.

Their rather modern discovery has aroused much curiosity and speculation about their origin and purpose. Since the markings can be appreciated only from the air, are they in some way connected with “flying saucers” or unidentified flying objects?

The originators of the lines, members of the Nazca/​Paracas civilization, although advanced in many ways, did not leave a written record. Without such a record, many final answers about the Nazca Lines will have to wait for a future time. Yet much has been learned. One archaeologist, Maria Reiche, has spent the last 35 years trudging over the plains, measuring tape in hand, to try to find some of the answers to the enigma of the Nazca Lines. What have she and other archaeologists discovered?

The Drawings

The Plains of Nazca, subjected for centuries to the prevailing winds from the southwest, have become an ideal drawing board. The wind has removed any loose sand from the surface and left a covering of dark-brown, iron-oxide pebbles and rocks. However, when this outer layer of several inches is removed, it lays bare a lighter, yellowish-colored subsoil. Those ancients who made the lines just removed the surface covering to make their designs. Due to favorable climatic conditions​—practically no rain—​the lines have remained intact for over 1,000 years.

Engraved on the plains are huge spiders, birds, killer whales, triangles, trapezoids, straight lines several kilometers in length and other designs, all of which are observable from the air. A huge hummingbird has a total length of 300 m (980 feet) with a 60-m (197-foot) wingspan. Another, an enormous killer whale, with what looks like a human head hanging from its mouth, gives testimony to the head-hunting of the Nazcas. There is also a frigate bird with a wingspan of 150 m (490 feet), testimony to their close contact with the sea. One of the favorites among viewers is the spider, perhaps representing one of the many constellations of the southern hemisphere. Then, pointing to the fact that the Nazcas developed clothmaking to a fine art, there is what looks like a gigantic needle with its zigzagging thread. Many of the large designs on the plains are very similar to the designs found on their woven garments and ceramic pottery.

Another, the monkey, is a stylized drawing of just the outline of the figure; the head does not have any eyes, nose or mouth. The drawing is 80 m (262 feet) long. An outstanding feature is the huge curled tail, some 30 m (98 feet) across. The tail ends up in a large spiral, a design that is found repeatedly in the Nazca Lines. It is also very similar to a basic Oriental design, called the Mandala, said to represent the universe. If there is a connection with that idea, it may indicate that the drawings are actually a huge stellar map.

To confirm further the idea that the drawings represent a celestial map, the beak of the hummingbird ends in a series of noteworthy lines, the last of which points to the sunrise on the 21st of December. Another bird figure is connected with the rising sun, its beak pointing to where the sun rises on the 24th of June, the date of the religious celebration of the Incas to honor the sun.

Making the Designs

How did they make these drawings if they could not see the completed design? It certainly was not possible to do so haphazardly. It required abstract thought and some knowledge of geometric designs. Evidently they carefully planned their drawings, making them to scale and then transferring them to the plains with the aid of stakes and ropes.

Twenty-six m (85 feet) seems to be a constantly recurring length in the drawings. Evidently the unit of measurement was some subdivision of this length. A length that is consistently repeated, 1.3 m (4.3 feet), is considered to be that subdivision. This length could have been arrived at by a Peruvian of that time as the distance between the fingertips of the fully outstretched arms. This would be a natural length. All the units of length are either this basic unit, its multiples or a fraction of it. It has been suggested that the designs may have some numerical message encoded within them by the use of this basic unit of measurement. But to date no one has been able to decipher it.

Why Were They Drawn?

Although the lines are not completely understood, enough has been learned to discard any connection with UFO’s.

The idea that the Nazca/​Paracas civilization needed help from outer space to make these designs belittles their intelligence (any high school student with basic knowledge of geometry could duplicate the drawings with stakes and cords) and is not in accord with their other accomplishments.

For example, they developed excellent irrigation systems due to an underground flow of water in a riverbed that is dry for most of the year. They discovered beneath the riverbed a layer of clay that prevented the water from filtering down into the ground. Even though the surface waters apparently dried up, there was water underneath flowing along the top of this layer of clay. Taking advantage of this, they built underground tunnels or galleries to collect the water and distribute it to their fields. Some of these water collectors have a flow of 30 L (8 gallons) of water per second. So even though they lived in a very dry, inhospitable climate, they were able to provide themselves with a year-round supply of water originating high up in the Andes mountain range.

Also, the Nazca/​Paracas civilization is famous for its excellent woven cloth, much of which has been found in ancient burial grounds. Using handlooms, they perfected the art of weaving, making some of the finest pieces of cloth found in any ancient civilization. Additionally, their pottery is world famous for its artistic design.

Other archaeological discoveries reveal that they were astronomers, observing the stars in connection with their religion. They, like the Incas, worshiped the sun, the moon and the stars. Dr. Guillermo Illescas, a Peruvian archaeologist, is sure that certain figures such as the monkey and the spider, and perhaps all of them, represent constellations of stars. Just as other civilizations invented figures to describe and picture certain constellations (for example, the Babylonians used animals such as Leo the lion, the Crab and others), he says the Nazcas used the hummingbird, the monkey, the spider and other designs to picture constellations in the southern hemisphere.

Besides, it has been definitely proved that many of the straight lines pinpoint certain positions of the sun during the year, such as the southern winter solstice, the 21st of June. Other lines possibly mark the position of the sun in relation to the planting of crops and harvesting.

Since all the activities of the Nazca culture were bound up in their religious activities, it is believed that the lines have a religious significance. The designs were undoubtedly made by the priestly class and executed as a part of their religious activities. Were they made to be seen by their gods? Perhaps, but they had nothing to do with visitors from other planets.

Could it be that there was some humor involved​—the very idea of making something so big that no one could see all of it, not even they themselves? There was also the challenge of enlarging smaller designs and transferring these to the desert floor.

Other civilizations, too, had monuments that were too large to be fully viewed from the ground, thus being hidden from the ordinary observer. For example, drawn on the desert at Blythe, California, is a human figure over 50 m (164 feet) in length. Another monument, representing a snake eating an egg, is found in the state of Ohio. It is one m (3.3 feet) high and 400 m (1,310 feet) in length and cannot be observed in its entirety from the ground. Still another, found in southern England, is called the White Horse of Uffington, some 100 m (330 feet) in length. And in Japan is found the Tomb of Yamatotohimomosohime; it is in the shape of a giant keyhole. None of these could be seen as a whole by observers on the ground.

Why were these monuments made? No one can say for sure. But the existence of the Nazca Lines surely testifies to the mental ability of the Nazcas, whose civilization flourished along the Peruvian coast from 300 B.C.E. to 900 C.E. Since Jehovah God has promised a resurrection of the “righteous” and the “unrighteous” (Acts 24:15), surely many of the ancient Nazcas will be among those raised to life on earth in God’s new order. So questions that perplex us now will be answered then. Who could better explain the meanings of the Nazca Lines than those who made them?

A Closer Look at Famous Works of Art

By “Awake!” correspondent in Italy

MILLIONS of tourists flock to Italian churches every year. Some are devout believers; others are just interested visitors. Whatever their point of view, they may be quite surprised if they listen and look carefully when viewing some of the most famous works of art.

My wife, Barbara, and I took part in an organized tour of three of the most well-known Italian cities, Rome, Florence and Venice, and we took our four-year-old son, John, along with us.

Rome

Our first stop was at Rome, a city that is truly fascinating for anyone interested in art and what it reveals about the history of religion.

Although we had already visited several large European cities, none of them could rival Rome for its wealth of ancient monuments, including forums, triumphal arches, its famous Colosseum, the aqueducts and Roman baths. During the whole tour we were looked after by the same guide, a man about 50 years of age named Carlo. Though small in stature, he soon commanded our attention.

On the morning of the first day, Carlo gave us a summary of Roman history, and at a certain point he asked: “Did you know that Rome is often called the City of Obelisks?” Nobody did. In fact, some of those present were not sure what an obelisk was.

After having explained that they are Egyptian monuments in the form of tapered four-sided stone pillars topped by a pointed pyramid shape, our guide observed: “No other city in the world has as many obelisks as Rome.” Sure enough, soon afterward the first one came into sight and Carlo continued his commentary: “We are now in the square of St. John Lateran. This is one of the 13 Roman obelisks still standing, but once there were many more. This one was erected on its present site by Pope Sixtus V in 1588.”

“What did obelisks represent in Egypt?” Barbara asked.

“They were fetishes of the sun-god. Pliny the Elder, an ancient Roman writer, claimed they represented rays of sunlight. They were erected in temples and alongside altars, and the priests made offerings to the gods in front of them because they were even believed to personify various divinities.”

“How high is this one and how much does it weigh?” some of our companions wanted to know.

“It is the highest in the world, measuring exactly 105 feet 6 inches [32 m] and weighing 455 tons,” our guide replied without batting an eyelid.

“But what about that cross on the top?” I could not resist asking.

Carlo responded: “Oh, that’s nothing to be surprised about. The popes saw to it that the cross and other symbols were put on pagan monuments because they thought this was a way of making Christianity triumph over paganism. Sixtus V was particularly keen on this sort of thing.”

I asked: “It was rather a strange alliance, don’t you think?”

“It certainly was. Soon you will be seeing an even more evident example of what you call a ‘strange alliance,’” he replied. He was beginning to take a liking to Barbara and me because our questions gave him a chance to demonstrate his wide knowledge.

The next day, on our visit to the historic city center, we saw what he meant. “That is Trajan’s Column over there,” Carlo said, pointing to a white marble column 125 feet [38 m] high. “It was erected to commemorate Trajan’s military campaigns, but Pope Sixtus V had the emperor’s statue removed and put one of St. Peter in its place.” Soon afterward we visited another square containing a very similar column. “This one was erected in honor of Marcus Aurelius, but if you look at the statue on the top you will see that it portrays the apostle Paul. The statue of the emperor was replaced by order of the same pope in his efforts to ‘Christianize’ pagan Rome.”

“In a moment we will be visiting one of the best preserved of our ancient monuments,” Carlo said later on. When we pulled up in a nearby square, he showed us a typical pagan temple construction. “This is the Pantheon. It was built between 27 and 25 B.C. As you can see, it is laid out in a circular plan behind the facade. The dome is visible from here, but you will get a better view from the inside. It has a diameter of 142 feet [43 m] and is the largest masonry dome in the world. It was not until this century that larger ones were built, thanks to the introduction of reinforced concrete. The temple was originally dedicated to the worship of the pantheon of pagan gods. Then, during the Renaissance, Pope Urban VIII ordered the porch to be stripped of its bronze covering. Part of the metal was melted down to make the canopy over the papal altar in St. Peter’s and the rest was used for the cannons at Castel Sant’Angelo.”

As we walked inside, Barbara and I expected to find ourselves in a museum or something similar, but not . . .

“Ah! I forgot to tell you . . . ,” Carlo hastened to add when he saw the surprised expressions on our faces, “after the Byzantine emperor Phocas gave the building to Pope Boniface IV in 609 A.D., the Pantheon was transformed into a church dedicated to the cult of the Madonna and the Martyrs. As you can see, it is still in use as a place of worship. It is the burial place of the famous painter Raphael and contains the tombs of a number of Italian kings who fought for Italian independence.”

Then, turning directly to me, he continued: “A great many other Roman churches have been built over pagan temples and often existing structures were reutilized.” He began to reel off a list of these: “St. Mary’s was built over a temple dedicated to Minerva, the church of St. Lorenzo in Miranda was formerly dedicated to a deified imperial couple. . . .”

The morning of the third and last day was set aside for a visit to the Vatican. We made our way to St. Peter’s Square, enclosed by the magnificent colonnades, which give it such an imposing atmosphere. Our group gathered around a large obelisk in the very center of the square. Carlo seemed to know all there was to know about these Egyptian monuments.

“Look at it carefully,” he said, “and you will see there are no inscriptions on it. Emperor Caligula had it brought to Rome and it was erected on this site by Pope Sixtus V. It is said that the transport and erection of this monument was a very difficult and costly operation. In fact, it took 900 workers four months to complete. In view of the difficulties involved and fearing the slightest distraction, the pope decreed that anyone making a noise while the operation was under way would be punished by receiving the death sentence.”

As we entered the colossal basilica, glittering gold and splashes of red velvet met our eyes. Around us were the works of many of the greatest artists of past centuries.

“How ever much is all this worth?” a young boy asked.

“Obviously, it is impossible to calculate the value of everything it contains. However, I can tell you this: By order of Pope Julius II, the basilica built in the days of Emperor Constantine was demolished and begun to be rebuilt as it is now. The popes financed the construction by selling so many indulgences as to arouse a wave of indignation that is said to have accelerated the Protestant Reformation.”

Over to our right we saw the famous Pietà by Michelangelo, representing the dead Christ laid across the knees of his mother, Mary. After having drawn our attention to the pervading mildness and dignity expressed by the statue, Carlo guided us toward another one in bronze. A number of people already were in front of it; some of them awaiting their turn to go forward to kiss its right foot. When there was room, we managed to get nearer.

“Look, Mummy! Daddy, can you see?” John cried. “They’re kissing its foot!” In fact, we saw that the toes of the statue were almost worn smooth! “Over the centuries, the lips of millions of faithful worshipers have worn part of the toes away,” our guide explained. “The statue represents St. Peter, but its origins are obscure. According to tradition, it was made from a melted-down statue of Jove. Recent opinion has it that the statue dates back to the 13th century.”

During the afternoon, we visited parks, monuments and squares. Our overall impression was that Rome is indeed a beautiful city, with its characteristic dark-red buildings and its gardens where lofty umbrella-shaped pine trees seem to be etched against the sky.

Later, as we traveled on to Florence, we talked about the many beautiful things we had seen in Rome and the singular mixture of sacred and profane, which cannot fail to strike the attentive observer.

Florence

Although Florence is much smaller than Rome, its art galleries are the richest in the world, being full of fine paintings and sculptures. Surrounded by enchanting Tuscan hillsides, the city has always had its own particular elegance.

My wife and I were very impressed by our visit to Piazza del Duomo, one of the main squares. It is one of the most beautiful in the city and contains the Cathedral and the Baptistry, where young babies are baptized. When Carlo said, “Let’s go and look at the Door of Paradise,” our curiosity was immediately aroused. As we neared the Baptistry, he showed us the bronze door by the Florentine artist Ghiberti. It owes its name to Michelangelo, who said that such a beautiful door was worthy of paradise itself. Its 10 panels portray episodes from the Bible. We went closer and saw that the artist had depicted the creation of Adam and Eve, the story of Cain and Abel, Noah and the flood, Abraham and his son Isaac, Esau and Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Joshua, Saul, David and Solomon.

Inside the building we noticed a striking contrast to these Biblical themes. The mosaics decorating the dome were dominated by a horrible picture of hell. “Did you know that the scenes of hell depicted in Italian churches are similar to those painted by the Etruscans?” Carlo asked.

This was news to us and we were extremely interested in knowing more. Our guide went on to mention the book La Civiltà etrusca (The Etruscan Civilization) by Werner Keller (published by Garzanti), which I have since managed to obtain, thanks to his help. This book states:

“Why should we be surprised, therefore, if in the religious paintings to be found in Tuscan churches and those in central and northern Italy, we find the disquieting hell scenes of Etruscan times cropping up all over again, complete with the fearsome demon figures and winged creatures which once accompanied the dead on their last journey? The creatures which had populated the Etruscan realm of the dead simply migrated into later places of worship and have survived in the sacred art decorating these churches.

“The portrayal of the horrors of hell . . . came into its own in ancient Etruria, where it assumed more violent and sinister forms than elsewhere . . . The dominating figure presiding over the infernal torture and the anguish of Christian purgatory, is Satan, the clear counterpart to the demons populating the burial chambers of late Etruscan times.”

This discovery was yet further evidence that in Christendom pagan beliefs have so profoundly altered the teachings and the very spirit of early Christianity.

At the end of this tour we left Florence and undertook the long journey on to Venice.

Venice

Venice, often called the “Queen of the Adriatic,” made an extraordinary impression on us. Built on various islands of a lagoon, it is a truly unique city, with its canals and vaguely Oriental palaces inlaid with delicate marble tracery. It seemed rather like something out of the “Arabian Nights.”

St. Mark’s Square is fascinating. It is shut off on one side by the basilica, which is a cross between a Byzantine church and a Moslem mosque. Four enormous gilded horses in bronze, standing on the terrace, adorn the facade. Although I was partially distracted by John, who wanted to have a ride on them at all costs, I managed to hear what Carlo was saying about them. “These large horses, examples of third- or fourth-century [B.C.E.] Greek art, are copies of the original statues that recently have been taken away to be restored. Look at the decorations around the arches of the church. This one has a hunting scene on it, with a centaur fighting a dragon. That one represents the months of the year with the signs of the zodiac, and over there you will see another one portraying the Labors of Hercules . . . This sculpture depicts four warriors in a friendly embrace. They are believed to be the pagan emperors Diocletian, Maximian, Galerius and Constantius.”

Scenes from mythology, astrological symbols and statues of warriors​—what strange decorations for a church!

We ended our holiday in style by taking a moonlit trip in one of the famous Venetian boats, or gondolas, from which we watched the city unfold before our eyes.

At the end of our brief tour we had much food for thought about our firsthand view of the blatant mixture of sacred and profane in Christendom’s art treasures. The pomp and grandeur of many religious buildings brought home to us the superior value of possessing an edifying understanding of true Christianity. The numerous works of art, fruit of human genius, prompted us to reflect on the superior wisdom of our Creator, whose artistry is so marvelously demonstrated in the way he made us.

[Picture on page 16]

Obelisk in St. Peter’s Square

[Pictures on page 17]

Statue of Peter, of uncertain origin

The Pantheon, originally devoted to pagan gods

[Picture on page 18]

Scenes of hell, in the Catholic Baptistry in Florence

You Can Keep Your Teeth!

DID you know that even if you don’t have any cavities, you can still lose your teeth? “I’ve had to extract perfectly good teeth,” said a dentist with 35 years of experience. ‘But, why?’ you ask.

Periodontal (gum) diseasea is the major cause of tooth loss in adults. According to The Journal of Preventive Dentistry, it “is one of the most common diseases known to mankind. It affects about nine out of every 10 adults over the age of 50 and about 75% of those between the ages of 35 and 50.” Even young children can show early signs of the disease. Unless treated, it destroys the tooth-supporting structures. So if you want to keep your teeth, you should be concerned not only about cavities but also about gum disease.

And, yet, many people do not realize they have gum disease. In its early stages, it usually is not painful. How can you know if you have it?

Recognizing the Symptoms

The most common form of gum disease is an inflammation of the gums (known as gingivitis). Any unusual redness of the gum tissues indicates inflammation. Of course, spontaneous bleeding under pressure, or a “pink toothbrush,” is an obvious sign of gum inflammation.

“Pyorrhea” (or, periodontitis) is a more advanced form of gum disease, affecting the jawbone as well as the gums. It usually is recognized by the pus that can be squeezed out around the teeth when pressure is exerted on the gums. However, pus flow is the end result of the chronic disease process, not the disease itself. Generally, there is mouth odor and a bad taste in the mouth, and the gums appear very smooth and flabby. The recession of the gums away from the teeth is another symptom. Excessive tooth movement indicates that the disease has affected the deeper structures. Tooth migration or drifting can also be noted in some areas, causing spaces between the teeth or misalignment.

‘What causes gum disease?’ you may be wondering.

Plaque Formation​—A Significant Factor

Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria, together with partially digested food debris, that forms continuously on your teeth. It can cause much damage.

When you eat, plaque uses the sugar from your food to produce acids. These acids and other irritants can inflame the gums and make them sensitive and more likely to bleed. If left on your teeth, plaque can lead to even more serious problems.

Deposits of calcium salts from your saliva cause the plaque to harden and thicken and become tightly joined to the teeth. At this point it is called calculus (or, tartar). As calculus accumulates, its surface is rough and it causes the gums slowly to detach from the teeth. This leaves pockets around the teeth that become filled with bacteria, food debris and pus. Eventually, the bone structure also can be affected. In some cases, it seems to melt away and the teeth begin to loosen. What happens can be compared to rocking a fence post back and forth in the ground​—it becomes more and more movable. Unless something is done to arrest the disease, loss of the affected teeth is imminent.

Is there anything you can do to prevent gum disease?

Prevention

The best way to prevent gum disease is to keep your teeth relatively plaque free. How?

“Cut down on sugar to help limit plaque growth and its irritation. Avoid sugary snacks and sweets that stick to your teeth,” recommends the American Dental Association.

Additionally, remove the plaque by brushing your teeth thoroughly at least twice a day, preferably after every meal. And clean between your teeth daily with dental floss. Since plaque forms every day, it is important to remove it before it hardens and forms calculus.

Regular dental checkups can also help. Your dentist can determine if there are any changes in the gum tissues and the bone around your teeth. He can let you know how good a job you are doing in keeping your teeth plaque free and perhaps tell you how to use your toothbrush more effectively.

While your doing your best to keep your teeth plaque free can help to prevent gum disease, there are a number of other causes that explain why some people are more susceptible to the disease than others.

Why Some Are More Susceptible

Certain diseases, such as anemia and diabetes, affect the gum and bone structures of the mouth and thus can make some persons more susceptible to the disease. The hormonal balance within the body, too, is believed to contribute to the periodontal condition.

Proper nutrition is also a factor, since the food you eat affects your body as a whole, including the gums and bones that support your teeth. A dietary lack of essential vitamins and minerals can make you more susceptible to the disease.

There are also a number of local factors that can cause gum irritation and allow pockets to form around the teeth. These include: fillings that do not make proper contact with adjacent teeth; overhanging fillings, that is, those in which the filling material extends beneath the gum tissue, causing irritation; loss of a tooth, and teeth that do not make balanced contact when the jaws are closed.

Then, too, soft diet can be a factor in the development of gum disease, because the basis for resistance to the disease is vigorous blood circulation in the tissues. The toothbrush can help to make up for the lack of stimulation due to a soft diet, but only if it is used vigorously and properly.

Much has been written about the relation of smoking and the use of betel nut to gum disease. Generally speaking, there is a higher incidence of gum disease among those who use such products, especially when this is combined with poor oral hygiene.

Perhaps you are one of the millions who are already afflicted with gum disease. You, then, may be wondering . . .

What Can Be Done?

‘All you really need to do is brush your teeth better,’ many feel. However, if you already have the disease, good professional help should be sought. Why?

Every case of gum disease that has not progressed too far requires a thorough scaling and polishing of the teeth. This involves the removal of the calculus and plaque deposits on all tooth surfaces above and below the gum line. The calculus is too hard for you to remove by simply brushing your teeth.

In addition, if you have high spots, that is, if your teeth do not make balanced contact when you close your jaws, your dentist may have to adjust the way your teeth come together. This will prevent your teeth from becoming mobile and allowing pockets to form. Also, the replacement of any missing teeth helps to keep the remaining teeth from drifting.

A thorough program of treatment includes the replacement of poorly done fillings. Why? Well, this helps to restore adequate contact between the teeth and prevents food impaction. It also enables you to clean your teeth more easily.

Surgical techniques have been developed to treat and even arrest some fairly advanced cases of gum disease. Years ago, treatment was directed at eliminating the basic sign of pyorrhea, pus flow. Now, however, periodontists think in terms of achieving stabilization of the teeth, reattachment of the gum tissues to the tooth and regeneration of some lost bone. The latter can perhaps be done only in a few instances.

But, remember, treatment is not always successful in more advanced cases. The removal of affected teeth and denture construction is sometimes a necessary alternative.

Do Your Part

“Unless you cooperate, you might as well save your money,” said one professional. Yes, for any treatment to be successful, you must do your part.

You must become proficient at cleaning your teeth, not simply brushing them. Bacterial plaque can be eliminated from the tooth surfaces through thorough, vigorous use of brush, floss and periodontal aid or stimulator. Of course, you will need good self-discipline to put these methods into practice.

So, what about you? Do you have healthy teeth and supporting tissues? If you do, take care of them!

Gum disease has reached epidemic proportions in all parts of the earth. Nevertheless, the capabilities of the dental profession to prevent some aspects of this affliction have improved greatly. So have methods of treatment and control after it has developed. Losing your teeth is not necessarily unavoidable in old age. For many people, gum disease can be checked and a healthy condition maintained by appropriate professional treatment, conscientious home care and sound nutritional habits.

Remember, you are the person most responsible for the care of your teeth. So take care of your teeth​—if you hope to keep them!

[Footnotes]

[Picture on page 22]

Progress of periodontal disease

Crossword Puzzle

Clues Across

7. He was beheaded at the request of a dancing girl [3 words] (Matthew 14:1-12)

9. Tambourine-playing prophetess (Exodus 15:1-21)

10. Imported by Solomon (1 Kings 10:21, 22)

11. A son of Benjamin (Genesis 46:21)

12. His son, the high priest, was slain on King Saul’s order (1 Samuel 22:9-19)

14. Israel camped here, “on the edge of the wilderness” (Numbers 33:5-8)

16. Name by which a certain demon-possessed man identified himself (Mark 5:1-20)

18. Canaanite city destroyed by Israel (Numbers 21:1-3)

20. Sixth letter of Greek alphabet

22. Built by Solomon (1 Kings 6:1-3)

24. Offered “illegitimate fire” to Jehovah (Leviticus 10:1-7)

25. A wicked slave thinks his master ‐‐‐‐‐ in coming (Luke 12:41-48)

26. Benjamin’s descendant who moved to Egypt (Genesis 46:21)

27. Where Joseph took Mary (Matthew 1:20-24)

28. Jesus did it with his blood, not money (Revelation 5:9, 10)

29. The attribute of Jehovah emphasized 26 times in Psalm 136

Clues Down

1. Joseph was over all his house (Genesis 39:1-6)

2. Jesus was ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ with holy spirit instead of oil (Acts 10:38)

3. His brothers were Ham and Japheth (Genesis 10:1)

4. Kept aging King David warm (1 Kings 1:1-4)

5. First Christian martyr (Acts 6:8–7:60)

6. Ancient Egyptian goddess, considered to be “Mother of God, Lady of Heaven”

8. Land from which the Herods came (Mark 3:8)

13. The Israelites were required to have a string of this color on their garments (Numbers 15:37-41)

15. Agricultural tool (Isaiah 7:25)

17. Son of Ruth that she bore for Naomi (Ruth 4:13-17)

18. Rift valley that includes the basin of the Dead Sea (Deuteronomy 3:17)

19. A friend in French; his sons returned with Zerubbabel (cryptic clue) (Ezra 2:1, 2, 57)

20. Midianite king put to death by Gideon (Judges 8:4-21)

21. Paul commended her for “working hard in the Lord” (Romans 16:12)

22. Noisy confusion, often associated with cities (Job 39:7; Isaiah 22:2)

23. Farmer is to ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ of the fruits before others do (2 Timothy 2:6)

27. Jehovah put one in Sennacherib’s nose (Isaiah 37:21-29)

28. Over 600 of his descendants returned to Jerusalem with Zerubbabel (Ezra 2:1, 2, 10)

CROSSWORD SOLUTIONS PAGE 27

Answers Across

7. JOHN THE BAPTIST

9. MIRIAM

10. APES

11. EHI

12. AHITUB

14. ETHAM

16. LEGION

18. ARAD

20. ZETA

22. TEMPLE

24. ABIHU

25. DELAYS

26. ARD

27. HOME

28. BOUGHT

29. LOVING KINDNESS

Answers Down

1. POTIPHAR

2. ANOINTED

3. SHEM

4. ABISHAG

5. STEPHEN

6. ISIS

8. IDUMEA

13. BLUE

15. HOE

18. ARABAH

19. AMI

20. ZALMUNNA

21. TRYPHOSA

22. TURMOIL

23. PARTAKE

27. HOOK

28. BANI

Young People Ask . . .

Is Anything Worth Believing In?

“THE kids I go to school with don’t believe in politics or much of anything else,” said Anne-Lynne, a tenth-grader from California. What’s important, then, to them? “Looking good​—nice haircuts, designer jeans, makeup.” Her comments were echoed by teenagers across the United States. Is that how your friends look at things?

Did you know that the Number Two killer of American young people is suicide? What’s wrong? A University study recently showed that many American high school students view their lives as empty and meaningless. Do you see a connection? Do you wish your life were more meaningful?

Teenagers in other countries have similar feelings. The French newspaper Le Monde comments on “a turning inward and a fatalism among the youth” of France. In Japan a poll revealed that only 20 percent of Japanese youths would sacrifice their interests for the well-being of their fellow countrymen. Most youths polled no longer accepted the traditional Japanese belief in putting society’s interests above their own.

“It’s easy to feel alienated, like nobody really wants to listen to you,” says June, a New York City teenager. “My favorite record album is about a young person that no one will relate to. He can’t get through to his family, his teachers, or anyone. He feels like there is an invisible wall around him. Sometimes I can identify with that.”

Many adults criticize rock music. But the fact is that such music often expresses the very real frustrations and concerns of young people. A recently popular song was singled out by a California teenager. “The title of the song is just nonsense syllables,” she said. “The point of the lyrics is that when kids hear the older generation preaching to them it’s just so many words without meaning. Nobody believes what they are saying.”

How can young people believe in politics when politicians have brought the world to the verge of nuclear war, and keep making bombs? And religion? In a Gallup poll 40 percent of young people rated clergymen anywhere from “only average” to “very low” in personal honesty and ethics! Is it any wonder that young people are wary of believing anything?

Answering Basic Questions

David, now a young man, was a teenager during the turbulent 1960’s. He recalls: “As a college student I was very depressed by world conditions, especially war. I was not very religious, but I remember hitchhiking one night and praying that, if there was a God, he would please help me understand the reason for all the trouble on earth.”

“I don’t think I really expected an answer to my prayer,” he continues, “but that night I was picked up by a fellow about my age who was one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. We started talking about the Bible’s view of war and I guess he could tell I was intrigued, because he took me to his house, and we stayed up talking past midnight.

“I was stunned to learn that the Bible had predicted the very world problems that so upset me! I read Matthew chapter 24, where Jesus prophesied of a time period marked by a sudden outbreak of war, followed by food shortages, earthquakes and a worldwide increase in lawlessness. It certainly sounded like a description of the 20th century.

“I was amazed that such things were in the Bible! After all, I had always thought of the Bible as just a book of religious ritual, with a few stories and parables thrown in for variety. The Witness gave me a copy of the Bible that night and I started reading it through.”

Finding Reasons for Belief

What this teenager read changed his life. “I was struck by the dynamic personality of Jesus,” he relates. “My church had always given me the impression that Jesus was a passive character who spent his time forgiving people of their sins. The Bible showed him to be a decisive leader, someone who was not afraid to denounce religious hypocrisy scathingly; and a man of action, driving the money changers out of the temple. Here was a leader I could believe in!

“Another revelation was the name and personality of Jehovah God. My church had been confused about who God was, and so was I. God was so distant and vague that he didn’t even have a name. His main quality seemed to be an indifferent acceptance of everything, including evil, which the church piously called his ‘all encompassing love.’ I remember being amazed when it dawned on me one day, while reading the prophecy of Isaiah, that God could be sarcastic! I realized that God had very definite opinions about things and even had a sense of humor, that he was not just a First Cause but a real Person with a name​—Jehovah.”​—Psalm 83:18.

“All of this took time to sink in,” David admits. “I had been so mixed up! When the Witnesses showed me the Bible’s promise that God is soon going to put an end to wickedness, I couldn’t accept it. I thought it was too good to be true, like something out of a fairy tale.

“But reading the book of Ecclesiastes, with its very realistic viewpoint of life, helped convince me that the Bible is no book of fairy tales. I was also impressed by people I met in the local congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses. They were imperfect, of course, but had made great changes in their lives. The Witnesses not only preached brotherly love but practised it by unselfishly visiting their neighbors and offering to help them study the Bible. The congregation went out of its way to show me Christian love. Most important, they had something solid to believe in and it gave them a purpose in life that I envied.”

Three years after his prayer on that lonely road, this young man became one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. “Before studying the Bible I thought I had lost faith in God,” he remembers, “but really I hadn’t known what faith was all about. I thought I was well educated, but my Bible ignorance was appalling.”

What About You?

If the political and religious leaders of this world have disillusioned you, you are not alone. But do not let discouragement stop you from investigating something truly worth believing in that can give you a real purpose in life. Do you really want to understand why there is so much war, cruelty and suffering in the world? Jehovah’s Witnesses can show you the satisfying Bible explanation. Does your life seem empty, meaningless? It can be full of purpose! Jehovah God is interested in helping you to find a meaningful life. Why not sincerely pray to him for such help? Then work in harmony with your prayers by reading your Bible and asking one of Jehovah’s Witnesses to help you to understand it.

Is anything worth believing in? Yes, indeed! The sooner you find out about it the happier you will be.

[Picture on page 25]

‘My favorite record is about a young person who can’t get through to his family or anyone. Sometimes I can identify with that’

[Picture on page 26]

How can young people believe in a system that has brought the world face to face with nuclear destruction?

[Picture on page 27]

He was amazed at what he saw in the Bible​—not at all what his church had led him to expect

From Our Readers

DEPRESSION

Thank you, thank you! Thank you for the articles on depression. I am certain that this issue will literally save lives. How wonderful it was to read about others suffering the same destructive pattern of thinking and yet to have a sympathetic treatment of the subject; not just being told we have lost our faith or should just be able easily to change our thinking habits! I am truly looking forward to the coming issue that will discuss various methods of treatment.

S. F., Missouri

Thank you so much for publishing this excellent series of articles on depression. Having suffered from severe depression in past years, I could especially appreciate the informative, positive and understanding way the subject was handled. The many fine suggestions given to the victims of depression as well as to their friends and families are certain to help those facing this problem. I also very much appreciated the practical suggestions on how to prevent depression.

S. B., Ohio

I am 24 years old and over the last 10 years I have had many periods of depression. I thought of suicide many times. I really appreciate the part about how others can help because, as was mentioned, when a person is depressed he often speaks and behaves in ways that others can’t understand. And then to have someone tell the person that he is just looking for attention or pity really makes him feel worthless. I’ve gone through most of my life with low esteem and negative thoughts but now I feel as if my life is taking on new shape and that I have a chance really to feel happy.

D. M., Illinois

TREATMENT OF ANIMALS

Why do you not enlighten your readers as to the wretched death that animals are subjected to by so-called experiments? Why do the religious organizations show so little interest in what man is doing to the animals? Is this allowed in your religion, tolerated? Can man do whatever he wants to with the animals entrusted to his care? Where is man’s responsibility toward animals? Would this not be a subject for your magazine?

I. S., Germany

We agree that man has a serious responsibility to give proper care to the animals. Proverbs 12:10 states: “The righteous one is caring for the soul of his domestic animal, but the mercies of the wicked ones are cruel.” We have treated aspects of this subject from time to time and will do so in the future. See “Awake!” of March 22, 1980; June 22, 1980, and November 22, 1981.​—ED.

CARPET YIELD

I read some time ago in “Watching the World” that a London jeweler had his workroom carpet refined and got a rather high yield. So we got to talking about this and decided to try it also. Sure enough! That month of July our business was in the hole $7,000. And guess what we got out of the carpet? $7,600. I never would have done it if I hadn’t read about it in “Awake!”

G. C., Georgia

Watching the World

‘Prejudiced Thinking’

● Scientists who accept the theory of evolution often belittle the intelligence of those who do not. In this regard, Dr. William F. Duerfeldt of Ohio University writes, in the magazine “Hospital Practice,” that people have “been duped into believing that any intelligent person could not seriously consider creation as a viable alternative to the theory of evolution. . . . As an ex-geologist and a physician, I believe I speak with some knowledge when I say that the concept of evolution, both in the geologic development of the earth and in the biologic development of life, is fraught with multiple problems. Many of its precepts are based on very weak or, as yet, unfounded assumptions. Any honest geologist will admit that other concepts, such as the age of geologic strata or the dating of fossils, are frequently the result of ‘circular thinking’ and, as such, have an inherent potential for significant error.” He added: “Science has always prided itself upon its objectivity, but I’m afraid that we scientists are rapidly becoming victims of the prejudiced, closed-minded thinking that we have so long abhorred.”

Less Safe

● Small cars are popular in the United States now because they cost less and are generally more economical on fuel than are large cars. However, on American highways there are still more of the large cars, as well as increasing numbers of huge trucks. Having less physical structure, the small cars have proved to be more dangerous in accidents, especially with the larger vehicles. Whereas only 38 percent of the cars driven are subcompacts, they account for 55 percent of deaths where two vehicles are involved in an accident. The National Safety Council recommends that extra caution be exercised in driving small cars when so many other vehicles are large cars and trucks. For example, small cars often are built closer to the ground, so drivers have more trouble seeing over a hill or around a sharp bend. At higher speeds, they are more vulnerable to high winds. They are harder to see in the rearview mirrors of larger cars. Also, the use of the seat belt is more necessary, as without them the risk of death or injury is increased.

Babies for Sale

● Authorities in Bogotá, Colombia, uncovered a multimillion-dollar ring that sold hundreds of babies to childless couples from other countries. Birth certificates and adoption papers were forged. Some of the babies were obtained by nurses who told the mothers that their offspring had been born dead. Other babies were kidnapped or purchased from poor women. Conditions of poverty and immorality assure a large supply of such children, for, according to Juan Jacob Muñoz, director of the Colombian Family Welfare Institute, 600 out of the 2,000 babies born daily in Colombia are outside the normal family structure. He said: “The majority of them don’t have last names and don’t know who their father is. Because of this, we have hundreds of children abandoned on streets, in hospitals and schools every day.” He noted the case of one woman who could not remember the name of any of the fathers of her nine previous children.

“Pure” Hot Dogs?

● A Canadian Press dispatch from Windsor, Ontario, assures the public that they need not worry about the content of the wieners they consume, as the ingredients are clearly identified on the labels of the packaging. However, what is meant by the terms “by-products” and “fillers” on the labels? Persons who have conscientious reasons for eliminating some items from their diet ought to take note that these include: “Beef and pork tripe, the stomach lining which is washed and has several layers removed; liver, fresh blood and blood plasma, kidneys and partially defatted pork and beef tissue.” So the law of man may allow the use of blood and plasma to produce a cheaper food product. But the Christian will have to determine if the law of God to “abstain from . . . blood” allows him to consume these products. (Acts 15:20) Conscientious persons also will make personal inquiry about other foods that use animal “by-products” and “fillers.”

Surgery by Sound

● A new “knife” substitutes high-frequency sound for a scalpel’s cutting edge, reports Science Digest. While a smaller version of this instrument has been used in operations such as dislodging eye cataracts, this knife is a larger, more powerful version. The sound vibrations come from the tip of a hand-held, penlike instrument. The tip oscillates 23,000 times a second across a distance of less than half a millimeter. The high-frequency sound produced slices through soft tissue while leaving ducts and blood vessels intact; hence, it produces what is called “virtually bloodless operations.” Water is squirted out of the tip to irrigate the area being operated on. More than 1,000 operations have already been performed with the knife.

Antibiotic Abuse

● “Worldwide abuse of antibiotics has led to a dangerous increase in the number of antibiotic resistant bacteria, 150 physicians and scientists in 25 nations charged,” as reported in American Medical News. It noted the following abuses: prescribing antibiotics for ailments for which they are ineffective; using clinically useful antibiotics as growth promoters in animal feeds and on crops; dispensing antibiotics without prescription; and misleading consumers by advertising them as wonder drugs. An example cited: in England and Wales bacterial resistance to penicillin use in urinary-tract infections increased fivefold in the past decade, and 25 percent of the E. coli bacteria in these infections are now resistant to penicillin.

TV Affects Children

● In TV Guide magazine researchers Jerome and Dorothy Singer state: “In our own research we studied approximately 350 children for several years. We have consistently found a link between heavy TV viewing​—especially of more violent shows—​and the tendency for both boys and girls to be unnecessarily aggressive at home as well as nursery school or day-care center. . . . The tie between TV violence and aggressive behavior is not limited to early childhood. Research with older children and adolescents carried out by teams of investigators in the U.S., England and other European countries generally tends to support the link between heavy TV viewing, especially of action shows, and unnecessary aggressive behavior. We can’t avoid the conclusion that with all of its constructive possibilities, television can also be hazardous. Every family can take steps to ensure that children exposed to TV will not develop tendencies toward excessive aggression.” They advise strict control of TV by parents, prohibiting children from viewing violent shows, including cartoons of that nature. And they suggest that parents should explain to the young just why they do not allow them to view such programs.

Highway Deaths Climbing

● Motor-vehicle deaths in the United States again have passed the 50,000 mark in recent years. Preliminary figures indicate that the toll will be about 53,000 for 1981. This continues the reversal of the downward trend that began in 1974 and that saw a low of about 45,000 fatalities in 1975. Those two years were affected by the introduction of the 55-mile-an-hour (89-km/​h) speed limit in 1974, after the Arab oil embargo. Since then, the number of deaths has been climbing and is now approaching the record level of 1972, when 56,278 persons died on U.S. highways. Why the increase? Says U.S. News & World Report: “An epidemic of drunk driving. Mass disregard of speed limits. Widespread failure to use seat belts and other restraints. The mix of smaller cars with ever bigger trucks. Lagging highway maintenance.” Autopsies show that more than 50 percent of drivers killed in accidents were legally drunk at the time. In the past 10 years more than 250,000 people have died in alcohol-related accidents. Worldwide, close to 300,000 people are killed in traffic accidents annually.

Help for Diabetics

● Medical World News reports that “with diet and exercise alone, hundreds of thousands” of persons might no longer need medication for adult-onset diabetes. Several different programs suggest that the diet-exercise approach has reduced or delayed diabetic complications. One diet program provides 13 percent of total calories in protein, about 7 percent in fats, and 80 percent in carbohydrates, with a high proportion of fiber. Refined carbohydrates are not allowed, and cholesterol is limited to 15 mg a day. Another program provides patients with 19 percent protein, 11 percent fat, and 70 percent carbohydrates initially, then a maintenance diet of about 20 percent protein, 20 to 25 percent fats, and 55 to 60 percent carbohydrates. Still another diet is lower in carbohydrates, and higher in fats. For best results, patients must be motivated to change their life-styles and stay on strict regimens.

“Handgun Madness”

● In an editorial entitled “The handgun madness goes on,” the New York Post said: “Last year [1980] handguns killed 8 people in Britain, 21 in Sweden, 42 in West Germany, 48 in Japan, 52 in Canada and 58 in Israel. In the United States, over the same period, handguns killed 10,728 people. How long, how long, before we come to our senses in this country?”

Swimming Before Walking

● According to information from the International Amateur Swimming Federation, about seven or eight million babies know how to swim. In the past two decades, much experience has been accumulated about teaching tots how to swim before they learn to walk. What benefit is there in this? It is claimed that these children learn to stand much earlier; the majority of them begin to walk when they are six months old; they are not as prone to illness, better withstand cold and changes of weather, have fewer temper tantrums, sleep more soundly, and become better coordinated.

Antarctic Palms

● “The Antarctic and the Arctic had a climate similar to the modern subtropics” in the distant past, reports the Soviet newspaper Udmurtskaya Pravda. That conclusion was reached by the Institute of Oceanology of the USSR Academy of Sciences after studying samples of deep-sea sediments and ocean currents in Antarctica. “Evergreen jungle rather than lifeless ice could have delighted the eyes of seafarers if they had approached the Antarctic shores,” the publication said.

Telephones Double

● The number of telephones in use throughout the world doubled between 1970 and 1980, to 472 million at present. World population rose about 20 percent during that time, to 4.4 billion. Thus, telephone use grew about 5 times as fast as population. The latest figure means that there are 11 phones for every 100 people on earth. But distribution is very uneven, as the United States, for example, has 79.1 phones for 100 persons, while the Soviet Union has only 8.4.

Who Are Jehovah’s Witnesses?

Perhaps you have seen Jehovah’s Witnesses on the streets presenting the Watchtower and Awake! magazines. They may have come to your home. Or you may have read about them in the public press, or heard others talk about them. But do you really know who they are? what they believe? and why they do what they do?

Learn about them in the 32-page brochure JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES IN THE TWENTIETH CENTURY. Discover the “good news” they want you to hear. Learn its value to yourself and your community. Read answers to questions often asked about Jehovah’s Witnesses, such as: Do they believe that they are the only ones who will be saved? Why do the Witnesses call on persons who have their own religion?

Please send me, postpaid, the brochure Jehovah’s Witnesses in the Twentieth Century. I enclose 15 cents (U.S.).

Mussolini Could Not Stop Them!

During the Mussolini era the Fascist State ordered the stamping out of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Italy. A great persecution erupted. But the Witnesses escaped out of the enemy’s hand. They have kept on growing, from about 90 then, till now they number over 90,000! Today they go freely from house to house in Italy. Read the thrilling story of their escape from the Fascists and others who tried to stop the preaching of the good news of God’s kingdom.

Send for your copy of the 1982 Yearbook of Jehovah’s Witnesses.

Also included in this 384-page book is a report about the beginning and development of the Kingdom-preaching work in Chile.

Please send me, postpaid, the 1982 Yearbook of Jehovah’s Witnesses; I enclose $1 (U.S.).