May 8

Page Two

There is great disparity in health services available worldwide. In some places these are very extensive and highly scientific. In other parts of the world, they hardly meet basic needs, or they do not exist. Yet, even when health services are highly developed, they still fall behind in prevention as well as curing of diseases.

Will basic health services be available for all in the foreseeable future? What hope is there for a complete cure and total prevention of all diseases?

[Picture Credit Lines on page 2]

Washington, D.C., General Hospital

WHO/​UNICEF photo

Health for All Mankind​—When?

“The public health services of the 67 poorest developing countries, excluding China, spend less on all health care than the rich countries spend on tranquillizers alone.”​—Health Crisis 2000.

“HEALTH for all by the year 2000”​—that slogan has been repeated especially since the International Conference on Primary Health Care, sponsored back in 1978 by WHO (World Health Organization) and UNICEF (United Nations Children’s Fund). Attended by delegates from some 134 nations, that conference called international attention to how much really is lacking in the world health field.

The then executive director of UNICEF, Henry R. Labouisse, said: “One of the reasons why we meet here today is our deep conviction that the scandalous disparities between health opportunities in different parts of the world, and also within countries, can no longer be tolerated.”

Prior to the conference, a report spoke of the tremendous global gap between the health haves in the richer nations and the have-nots elsewhere. A UNICEF report that year said that in some poorer countries “only 10% of these people have access to decent health care” and “twenty per cent​—may be—​drink clean water.”

The conference called for the “promotion of food supply and proper nutrition, an adequate supply of safe water and basic sanitation; maternal and child health care, . . . provision of essential drugs.”

These are all very expensive items, especially for people in the poor nations. Where could the money for such needs be found? The conference said that “peace, detente and disarmament” could release huge sums of money for such purposes. Thus, World Health magazine, published by WHO, was prompted to comment: “Imagine an ideal world in which all the ingenuity, expense and human and material resources which are at present poured into military weaponry were instead devoted to improving the health of the world!”

But in the years that have passed since 1978, have you seen such peace, détente, and disarmament occur? Are not the nations going in exactly the opposite direction, while the problem of health continues to grow?

[Picture on page 3]

Colombian schoolchildren being vaccinated

[Credit Line]

P. Almasy/​WHO

Health for All​—A Basic Need

MODERN medicine has made outstanding progress. The reasons for the great plagues of the past no longer remain a mystery. Amazing advances have led to modern medical miracles.

Still, health problems remain staggering. At the time of the 1978 International Conference on Primary Health Care, 80 percent of the world’s rural and poor urban population still lacked access to any health services, and 30 of every 31 children under the age of five who would die that year lived in the poorer lands. In the “developed” countries environmental decay, pollution, and harmful wastes still provide a growing threat to life.

WHO’s regional office for Europe has foreseen not health by the year 2000 but a possible crisis by then. In 1983 it sponsored a book, Health Crisis 2000, by Peter O’Neill, that speaks of the “chilling realization” that a host of “new diseases” has crept up on the civilized world. What are these? Environmentally caused cancer, heart disease, drug addiction, mental illness, sexually transmitted diseases, “the self-destructive urge of the smoker and the drinker,” and “the ‘road accident epidemic’, which plunders lives and drains our financial resources.” These “diseases of affluent societies” are also spreading through the poorer nations.

Modern Problems

Let us consider some of these modern problems:

CANCER is the second leading cause of death in the United States. It strikes one out of every four Americans. Worldwide, 40 million people may suffer from this disease. Cancer-causing substances abound.

POLLUTION. Dangerous products and harmful wastes contaminate the environment. Pesticides are found in foods. Rivers and seas have been contaminated. In some places even groundwater drawn from wells is polluted.

DRUG ADDICTION. “The slow slide down to hell” is what Health Crisis 2000 calls drug addiction. It says the “process of destruction of the young mind and body . . . is so fearful, and the rehabilitation process so long and difficult for the patient and for those helping, that it deserves special examination.”

SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASES. With the collapse of morals, the spread of venereal diseases has reached the point where it has been called a pandemic​—a widespread epidemic. World Health magazine says “the spread of disease in the population is today so generalised that any sexually active person [one who has multiple partners] is at potential risk of infection.”

ALCOHOL ABUSE. In many places women, adolescents, and even young children are swelling the ranks of alcoholics. Alcohol is said to be a factor in 40 percent of all road accidents. Even the social drinker can destroy a family while proving his ability at the wheel of a car.

MODERN TRAVEL. The convenience of modern travel has made possible the rapid spread of epidemics worldwide. AIDS and penicillin-resistant strains of gonorrhea have been spread throughout the world by travelers, and these diseases are said to have “taken advantage of the dramatic movement of populations characteristic of the twentieth century.”

POPULATION. The population explosion and the rapid movement of rural populations into already overcrowded cities further complicate the world’s health problems. In 1983, 26 cities had a population of at least five million. By the year 2000 there may be 60 such cities. World Health magazine says there may then be more than a billion people “living in urban areas at a level of extreme poverty.” Robert McNamara, former president of the World Bank, warned: “If cities do not begin to deal more constructively with poverty, poverty may begin to deal more destructively with cities.”

Thus, despite the efforts of many hardworking and dedicated people, the goal of “health for all” seems far out of reach. Actually, this slogan is not to be taken literally. It was not intended to mean that everyone would be healthy but that at least primary health care would be available for all. The goal, a WHO booklet says, is that “resources for health will be evenly distributed . . . that essential health care will be accessible to everyone . . . and that people will use better approaches than they do now” for preventing and alleviating disease and disability.

[Picture Credit Line on page 4]

P. Almasy/​WHO

What About Your Own Health?

MEDICINE tries to cure disease. Often it succeeds in doing so, but a healthful course of life might have prevented the illness in the first place.

Dr. Halfdan Mahler, director-general of WHO, said we must rise to our own health responsibilities, “eating wisely, drinking moderately, smoking not at all, driving carefully, taking enough exercise, learning to live under the stress of city life, and helping one another to do so.”

The Bible with its wise counsel and sound advice can help us a great deal in this matter. Its principles lead to a more tranquil life and thus to better health in our stressful world. Its teachings are “healthful words” not just in a spiritual sense but also in a physical sense. Its good sayings “are life to those finding them and health to all their flesh.”​—2 Timothy 1:13; Proverbs 4:22.

But even more, Bible principles can reduce serious, death-dealing problems. How is that possible? Here are some examples:

The U.S. government calls cigarette smoking “clearly the largest single preventable cause of illness and premature death in the United States.” Cancer deaths are six times higher among men who smoke than among those who do not. The Bible says: “Let us cleanse ourselves of every defilement of flesh and spirit.” (2 Corinthians 7:1) Jehovah’s Witnesses have long applied this also to tobacco smoking. Thus, for themselves they have greatly reduced a major cause of one of the world’s most dreadful diseases.

Alcohol abuse and drunkenness cause not only cirrhosis of the liver but also fights, arguments, violence, and a modern plague of death-dealing automobile accidents. Would the Bible help here?

It counsels moderation in the use of alcohol, saying: “Neither . . . drunkards, nor revilers . . . will inherit God’s kingdom. And yet that is what some of you were.” Again: “Wine is a ridiculer, intoxicating liquor is boisterous, and everyone going astray by it is not wise.” (1 Corinthians 6:9-11; Proverbs 20:1) Does that healthful Biblical counsel make good sense?

The abuse of narcotic drugs has become a serious health problem among today’s youth. Health Crisis 2000 says: “A great deal of money is spent on law enforcement against drug trafficking while only a little is spent on preventing our vulnerable youth from becoming addicted in the first place.” Jehovah’s Witnesses apply to mind-bending drugs the same Bible-based principle that applies to tobacco. (2 Corinthians 7:1) The parents set the example in this regard, teaching it to their children, and this goes a long way toward preventing addiction in the first place.

Sexually transmitted diseases, such as gonorrhea and AIDS, are an increasing threat to people who have multiple sex partners. What does the Bible say about this? It soundly condemns sexual immorality. It teaches marriage to one partner for life and being morally faithful to that person. It says: “Let marriage be honorable among all, and the marriage bed be without defilement, for God will judge fornicators and adulterers.” (Hebrews 13:4) Further, it states: “Now the works of the flesh are manifest, and they are fornication, uncleanness, loose conduct . . . Those who practice such things will not inherit God’s kingdom.”​—Galatians 5:19-21; Matthew 5:32.

Such sound Biblical principles lead to better health even in today’s trouble-filled world, but they cannot offer permanent healing. Permanent healing is the subject of the following article.

[Pictures on page 7]

“We have inflicted wounds on ourselves, in the belief that science, doctors and hospitals would find a cure, instead of preventing the very causes of illness in the first place.”​—Health Crisis 2000

Permanent Healing Near

MEDICAL science, with its astounding modern advances, may win the battle​—but still it loses the war. Almost as soon as we feel we have developed some skills and experience, infirmities begin to cut us down, and death comes all too soon. Yet God promises that it will not always be that way. Through his prophet Isaiah, God said he will ‘actually swallow up death forever, and will certainly wipe the tears from all faces.’​—Isaiah 25:8.

Does that sound hard to believe? Do you think a life of 80 years is a long time? There are trees that live for thousands of years​—why shouldn’t you? God gave starfish the ability to grow a whole new arm if one is broken off. Couldn’t he restore your body to perfect health and completeness?

Nearly 2,000 years ago Jesus Christ performed astounding miracles on earth. He cured not only leprosy but “every sort of disease and every sort of infirmity among the people.” The inspired record says he cured “people that were lame, maimed, blind, dumb . . . The crowd felt amazement as they saw the dumb speaking and the lame walking and the blind seeing.” Jesus needed no animal donors or organ transplants​—he healed the very organs or body parts that were afflicted. And he healed instantly, sometimes even from a distance.a

Not only did Jesus have the power to cure but he had the will to do so. On one occasion, a leper said to him: “If you just want to, you can make me clean.” Jesus, moved with pity, touchingly replied: “I want to. Be made clean.” He even raised the dead​—in at least one instance after bodily decomposition had set in.​—Mark 1:40-42; John 11:38-44.

What do these amazing examples show? That Jesus, now enthroned as heavenly King, not only has the power but also has the will to bring about real and permanent healing. He will do as the Bible promises.

That book, the Bible, describes an amazing change soon to come in human events​—the intervention of God himself in world affairs and the reestablishment of a paradise earth free of pollution, sickness, crime, hatred, and wars. It tells of real and lasting healing, both spiritual and physical. And Bible prophecy indicates that there are people who were living back during World War I who will still be alive when this worldwide change takes place.​—Matthew 24:3, 14, 34.

True Health

The Bible’s closing chapters tell of a righteous rulership coming “down out of heaven from God”​—to mankind right here on earth. Then 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 21:2-4) In a literal sense as well as in a spiritual one, “the eyes of the blind ones will be opened, and the very ears of the deaf ones will be unstopped. At that time the lame one will climb up just as a stag does, and the tongue of the speechless one will cry out in gladness.” “And no resident will say: ‘I am sick.’”​—Isaiah 35:5, 6; 33:24.

Thus, not just medical aid and healing for a short time, but true health for all is the promise to those who will live under God’s Kingdom on this earth. Certainly that is a worthwhile goal for which to strive!

[Footnotes]

Thankful for What I Have

How does a person cope when tragedy strikes and leaves him incapacitated? Does a strong faith in God and his promises make a difference? How will the family react? Is it possible for all to maintain a positive outlook? The following is the story of one family’s struggle to cope.

JUNE 1, 1957, was the last “normal” day of my life. It had begun like any other day: I arose early and went to my work as a lumberjack in Deer Lake, Newfoundland. All seemed well.

Suddenly, the large tree I had just cut, and which was on its way down, was caught by a crosswind that unexpectedly shifted the direction of its fall! It was too late for me to move out of the way. The tree crashed down on my shoulders, knocking me to the ground and leaving me unconscious. Later, when I came to, I could not move!

I was taken to the hospital in Corner Brook. Extensive tests revealed that my spinal cord was partially severed, requiring the removal of three vertebrae. I was left paralyzed from the neck down!

Love Overcomes Helplessness

It is hard to imagine the utter helplessness and frustration that such a calamity can bring. I could not even comb my hair or feed myself. In fact, I could not even tell when I was hungry!

I had been a large man, strong and energetic. Now I was reduced to a helpless cripple. So many adjustments were needed to be able to cope with life. How much could a person take? I was to find out in the many years to follow.

Never would I have made it without the loving care of my wife Hilda. The Bible, at Proverbs 18:22, asks: “Has one found a good wife?” If so, it says that “one has found a good thing.” Truly my wife was a blessing to me and our family of seven children.

The youngest of our children was 18 months old at the time of my accident, so until then most of Hilda’s time had been spent taking care of them. Then I became as one of them, and even more so, since I could not be put down to run around and play after I was bathed and dressed. No, I had to be tucked into bed.

Still, there were times when we found things to chuckle over. For example, my wife would often take me out in my wheelchair. One time I kept falling over to one side of the wheelchair. She would set me up straight, but it seemed that I was not to be straightened that day. Hilda finally said: “Lindsay, what’s the matter?” We found out when we got home. When she took me out of my chair, there on the seat where I had been sitting was a large can of powder! Since feeling was gone from me, I was totally unaware of it. So with my weight unbalanced, I kept tilting to one side.

Loving Help

In spite of my difficult situation, Jehovah God’s love has sustained me. Proverbs 3:5, 6 advises us to ‘trust in Jehovah with all our heart, and he will make our paths straight.’ What a blessing that is, for if it were not for Jehovah’s love and the truth of the Bible, I would not have been able to endure. But I had not always trusted in Jehovah. In fact, there was a time when I did not even know him.

I was born in 1911 in a place called Little Catalina, Trinity Bay, Newfoundland. Brought up by religious parents, I had respect for the Bible and read it occasionally. As I did so, questions came to my mind, such as: Would man actually live on earth forever, as Psalm 37:29 says? To find out, I went to my clergyman and asked him. His reply was: “You’ll have to wait until you ‘cross the Jordan’ to find out.” More questions from me seemed to disturb him. So he said to me: “Your problem, Lindsay, is that you ask too many questions.”

I was not to get answers until 1948 when we moved to the community of Cormack. There I met Gus Barnes and Jack Keats, who were Jehovah’s Witnesses. How glad I was when these men showed me answers from the Bible! So satisfied was I that the next year I was baptized in symbol of my dedication to Jehovah.

That same year we moved once again, this time up north to Goose Bay, Labrador, where I was to work with heavy equipment. It wasn’t long before my employer found out that I was one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Within two months I was fired and told to move out of town. This I refused to do. In those days people were afraid to give ear to something new, even though this message was much older than they were.

My children did not go unnoticed either. They were given a rough time at school until the police went to the school authorities and reminded them that Jehovah’s Witnesses had fought and won the most outstanding court cases in Canada over freedom of religion. The result was that my children, and the children of other religions, were assured of their religious freedom.

Things are different in that area today. In 1985 a quickly built Kingdom Hall was erected for a thriving congregation of Jehovah’s people that includes one of my daughters.

Help in Overcoming Loss

In 1951 we moved to the town where we still live, Deer Lake. Endurance was necessary over those difficult years. But things were to happen that would call for even greater endurance.

My dear lifelong companion, Hilda, who had a heart problem, died from a seizure in 1963. On a cold winter day, as I watched from my wheelchair, she was lowered into the ground. The loneliness I felt seemed unbearable! What was I to do now? I was absolutely unable to care for myself, let alone care for my family.

But Jehovah is faithful, and he always makes a way out for us if we rely on him. (1 Corinthians 10:13) His servants, my Christian brothers and sisters, gave me much comfort, which strengthened me to carry on. My daughter Yvonne took on the task of caring for me. What a blessing she has proved to be!

Although Yvonne has a family of her own to care for, she still has seen to my needs. The nearest hospital is 30 miles (50 km) away. Many times my daughter has had to take me there for treatment. When my health problems become serious, I make a trip by plane to the hospital in St. John’s, about 400 miles (640 km) away. Yvonne always accompanies me.

Because of the inability of my body to function as it should, serious illnesses have sometimes overtaken me. I have had kidney stones removed; infections often required surgery; pressure sores have kept me in the hospital for months and in bed at home months more, some of these sores requiring skin grafts; bowel problems led to a colostomy; and diabetes also came into the picture.

Issues over blood transfusions arose often. But finally the doctors agreed to operate on me without blood. Because of their skill and concern, I came along fine without blood transfusions.​—Acts 15:29.

My daughter and her husband and family have seen me through all my difficulties, getting up at night to look after me, feeding me, bathing me, changing my dressings, taking me to Christian meetings and assemblies, where I am further strengthened spiritually. At times I even have a part on an assembly program. Loving children surely are a rich blessing from Jehovah!​—Psalm 127:3.

So Much to Be Thankful For

Yes, I have much to be thankful for. While my physical body is inactive, my brain is alert, and I can talk. I have used this ability to make known Jehovah’s name and purposes to those in the hospitals who would listen​—doctors, nurses, patients, clergy visiting the hospitals, and friends who came to see me.

In addition, I have graduated to a wheelchair run by two 12-volt batteries, which I operate from a switch on the armrest. At times while out in my chair, I meet friends and neighbors and have further opportunity to talk to them about God’s purposes. I am thankful that I am able to do this.

Several of my children have dedicated their lives to Jehovah, and they in turn are training their children to serve God. That brings me much joy. My wife was a baptized worshiper of Jehovah, and my mother, who was baptized at the age of 75, served Jehovah until her death.

I now look forward to the day when ‘God himself will be with his people and will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and when death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore,’ and when “the lame one will climb up just as a stag does.”​—Revelation 21:3, 4; Isaiah 35:5, 6.

At that time total peace will cover the earth, and those who submit to God’s rule will reap the benefits. The Bible promises: “The meek ones themselves will possess the earth, and they will indeed find their exquisite delight in the abundance of peace.” For how long? “The righteous themselves will possess the earth, and they will reside forever upon it.”​—Psalm 37:11, 29; 72:7.

Those are marvelous things to look forward to. And my joy will be complete when, in Jehovah’s new system, even ‘those dead in the memorial tombs will come out.’​—John 5:28, 29.

As I lie here day by day, I have opportunity to review my life and see if I have benefited in any way. I can say without any hesitation that I have benefited a lot. My spirituality has greatly increased. I have learned to depend on Jehovah so much. Instead of complaining about my lot in life or what I might lack, I have learned to appreciate what I have. And my appreciation for my loving family has really grown.

So I am truly thankful for what I have now, and I look forward to the fulfillment of the marvelous hope ahead​—life in God’s new system. Then I will have perfect health. What a happy day that will be!​—As told by Lindsay Stead.

[Blurb on page 11]

The death of my dear wife called for even greater endurance

[Blurb on page 12]

Loving children surely are a blessing from Jehovah

Tobacco’s Toll in Greece

CAPITALIZING on the title of a popular Greek song, a reporter wrote with a touch of irony: “Yes, ‘Greece Never Dies,’ but the Greeks die.”

“Ten thousand people die every year from smoking, just in our own country,” reports an article in the Athenian newspaper Eleftheros Typos. Some believe the true death toll from tobacco may be twice as high. Greece is a tobacco-producing country, and smoking is an expanding habit among the Greeks in spite of the many reports recently written about the dangers resulting from smoking.

The Bible’s Viewpoint

Are Superstitions Harmless?

WHEN a group of psychology students placed a ladder against a wall on a busy London street, passersby faced a dilemma: stay on the curb and walk under the ladder, or step off the curb and dodge the traffic. Seven out of every ten pedestrians avoided the ladder.

Indeed, many people, if pressed, admit to harboring one or two pet superstitions. What about you? Do you sometimes feel the urge to knock on wood, cross your fingers, or toss some salt over your left shoulder? And if so, did you ever stop to think why?

Superstitions are not viewed as all that serious by some. As author Robertson Davies explains: “Parapsychology, UFO’s, miracle cures, transcendental meditation . . . are condemned, but superstition is merely deplored.”

Others view superstitions as insignificant, not serious at all. “Let’s view them with tolerance and amusement,” says one book on superstitions. Many people do that. They reason, ‘If they do no good, they are at least harmless.’ But are they?

Harmless or Harmful?

“Behavior doesn’t exist without meaning,” says Dr. Alan Dundes, a university teacher of folklore. “People would not practice customs unless they meant something to the psyche.” These superstitious beliefs, say researchers, are no less than “a window into the psyche.” So why don’t we open that “window” and see what reasons lie behind?

Psychologist Edward Hornick says that “superstitions are one of life’s better props.” But do you not agree that the value of a prop, or support, depends on what sort of foundation it has? For example, the chair on your solid kitchen floor makes a fine, harmless prop. But would you sit on that chair if it was placed on quicksand? Of course not.

The same determining factor applies to superstitions, “life’s better props.” What is their foundation? Are they based on solid Bible teachings or, perhaps, quicksandlike false religious ideas?

‘That sounds farfetched,’ you may think. ‘I can’t see how avoiding a ladder, knocking on wood, or customs like that have anything to do with religious beliefs.’ Yet, there is a connection. Take the ladder superstition as an example.

Sometimes it is prudent to walk around a ladder to avoid a falling tool, yet is it not true that even when a ladder poses no danger, some people still avoid it to avert “bad luck”? But on what is the custom based? Well, a ladder against a wall forms a triangle. “And a triangle,” explains the Encyclopædia of Superstitions, “has always been symbolical of the Trinity.” Thus, walking under a ladder became tantamount to defying the Trinity, an intrusion into holy space, and that, notes the same reference, would “play into the hands of the Evil One.” However, is the Trinity a solid Bible teaching?

On the contrary, the Trinity teaching originated in ancient pagan religions. God’s Word, though, refutes the Trinity idea. It says that Jehovah is superior to Christ. (John 14:28; 1 Corinthians 11:3) Thus, the ladder superstition is based on a false religious idea. So is the superstition of tossing salt over your left shoulder.

Salt, a preservative, came to symbolize life and good fortune. If you spill some, so goes the superstition, you must appease the Devil and the demons. And since they are always on your left, the sinister side (sinister is Latin for “on the left side”), you have to toss some over your left shoulder. Does not appeasing imply making concessions? Yes, and that flies in the face of Scriptural warnings: “Oppose the Devil,” “neither allow place for the Devil,” and “stand firm against . . . the Devil.” (James 4:7; Ephesians 4:27; 6:11) Therefore, this superstition is also based on beliefs contrary to the Bible.

Harmful​—In What Manner?

‘That may be true, but when I avoid a ladder or toss salt I’m not even thinking about the Trinity or the Devil, much less honoring those,’ you may object. ‘It’s just a habit. How could it harm me?’ In this way: If you know that certain superstitious customs are based on lies, but you continue to practice such customs, then you are like the person who knows that his chair rests on quicksand but says: ‘I just won’t think about the quicksand, so it won’t harm me,’ and sits on the chair anyway. (Revelation 22:15) He is in danger, and so may you be. Why?

You may begin to depend more and more on superstitions, and before you know it, they may rule your life. And since superstitions are based on lies, you could become, in effect, a slave of “the father of the lie,” Satan. (John 8:44) That, in turn, may lead to enslavement to another practice based on lies​—spiritism.

True, at first glance superstitions seem harmless enough, but give them another good look and you will discern what they really are​—at the least useless and at the most harmful.

[Box on page 15]

“Remember, too, that superstitions offer an immature individual an excuse for blaming some power beyond himself for his bad fortune.”​—Superstitious? Here’s Why!

The World Since 1914

Part 5​—1943-1945 World War II—​Its Fierce and Fiery End

RAY remembers how as a young schoolboy in the early 1940’s he and his brother used to settle down in front of the radio in their California home every night to listen to the ten o’clock news. The time difference between there and Europe enabled them to hear reports of that night’s bombing raids over Germany. For these two youngsters it became a nightly ritual to try to locate Essen, Berlin, Stuttgart, Hamburg, and other German cities on the large European map spread out on the floor before them.

Meanwhile, German youngsters were learning about the war in a more immediate way. Their nightly ritual was that of trying to sleep in the dreary confines of air-raid shelters. For the second time in less than 30 years, Germany was being systematically forced to its knees. A German newspaper later wrote: “What had been feared until then was now apparent​—at the latest during the winter of 42/43: Germany could no longer win a war already long lost.”

Fire From Heaven

The Allied bombs falling like fire from heaven helped convince the Germans that defeat was inevitable. Estimates are that during the war almost one out of every five housing units in the country was either destroyed or so severely damaged as to be uninhabitable. Over a million civilians were killed or seriously wounded, and between seven and eight million were made homeless.

As long as news from the war fronts was good and as long as people were not being forced to spend their nights in air-raid shelters, most of them were willing to go along with Hitler and his policies. But, as Süddeutsche Zeitung explains, “when the bad news began piling up, there came a turning point.” A German secret service report dated August 9, 1943, admitted that the air war was having consequences. People “faced with the seemingly insoluble problem of personal existence,” it said, were now raising the hitherto unasked “question of why?” Underground movements designed either to overthrow Hitler or to force him to sue for peace got fresh support. Several unsuccessful attempts were made to assassinate him, including the well-known one on July 20, 1944.

Behind closed doors expressions of dissatisfaction became more frequent, often revealed in the form of humor. For example, as the story went, a man from Berlin and one from Essen were discussing the extent of bomb damage done to their respective cities. The Berliner said that the bombardment of Berlin had been so severe that windowpanes were falling out of the houses for five hours after the raid was over. To this the Essener replied: “That’s nothing. After the raid on Essen, pictures of the Führer were flying out the windows for two weeks!”

As the expected Allied invasion of Europe drew nearer, the Allied bombing offensive, termed “Pointblank,” was intensified. In fact, it continued to the very end of the war, one of the war’s most controversial bombing raids not taking place until February 1945. The German newspaper Stuttgarter Zeitung reports: “At first Berlin was considered as target. Then it was decided to choose a city that until then had remained practically untouched . . . , the city of Dresden. . . . The extent of destruction, in anticipation of Hiroshima, made this raid different from all the others.” The Illustrierte Wochenzeitung adds: “Dresden, one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, became a dead city. No other city in Germany was so systematically bombed to pieces.”

Compare the two eyewitness descriptions of this bombing raid in the accompanying box. Then ask yourself: Could anything more graphically point up the cruelty and madness of war?

Thus, long before the days of “star wars,” it was already apparent that the heavens held dangers other than simply those of inclement weather. How reminiscent of what Christ Jesus prophesied about the last days: “And there will be fearful sights and from heaven great signs. Also, there will be signs in sun and moon and stars.”​—Luke 21:11, 25; compare Revelation 13:13.

A Secret Weapon Fails to Bring Peace

After driving the Axis powers out of North Africa, the Allies invaded Sicily in July 1943. In September they moved onto mainland Italy itself. The Italian government, which in the meantime had deposed Mussolini, capitulated. In October it even declared war on Germany, its former partner.

Toward the end of that same year, Hitler, foreseeing an invasion from the west, pulled back some of his troops in the east. It was imperative that he maintain control of the northern French and Belgian coasts. From there he intended to launch what he hoped would turn the tide of battle once again in his favor​—a secret weapon!

What could it be? Supposedly it was capable of wiping out a city the size of London within a remarkably short time. The rumor making the rounds in December 1943 was that people living in western sections of Germany had been told to make preparations for a stay of 60 hours in their air-raid shelters. Then after the secret weapon of reprisal had accomplished its purpose, they could exit into a world of Nazi-dictated peace.

But early on the morning of June 6, 1944, before Hitler’s secret weapon was operational, Allied landing troops stormed onto the French beaches of Normandy. Hitler’s armies were now confronted from the east, the west, and the south. A week later, on June 13, Hitler struck with his promised secret weapon. In reality it was composed of two weapons. One was a flying bomb called the V-1 missile, and the other, called the V-2 rocket, was a forerunner of modern long-range ballistic missiles. The “V” stood for the German word Vergeltungswaffen, meaning “weapons of reprisal.” From then until the following March, they were sent crashing into Britain and Belgium, causing over 23,000 serious casualties, including several thousand deaths. But it was soon apparent that Hitler’s secret weapon offered too little too late.

It was also obvious that Hitler would blame his defeat on others. Among the last words he wrote were the following: “My trust has been misused by many people. Disloyalty and betrayal have undermined resistance throughout the war.” He underlined this conviction by expelling from the party and from office his former comrades Hermann Göring and Heinrich Himmler, whom he now considered traitors. Actually, it was Hitler himself, according to German journalist and prize-winning author Sebastian Haffner, who was the “deliberate traitor.” The extent and seriousness of Hitler’s atrocities against other nations or groups dare not be minimized, but “when viewed objectively,” says Haffner, “it was Germany that Hitler damaged by far the most.”

Hitler, now in his Berlin bunker, committed suicide on April 30, 1945, in the midst of the fierce fighting going on for control of Berlin. In accordance with his instructions, he was cremated in the garden of the chancellery. Up in smoke went both Hitler and his grandiose delusions.

Something Worse Than Dresden

Meanwhile, in the war against Japan, the Allies were making substantial gains. Their plan of island-jumping their way to the Japanese mainland was simple. But carrying it out was difficult and, besides, extremely costly. Moreover, it was estimated that invading the home islands themselves would mean at least half a million Allied dead and probably even more Japanese. If there was just some way to end the war more quickly! Would the secret weapon being developed by the United States succeed in doing so?

Just prior to the outbreak of World War II, Albert Einstein had informed the U.S. president that German scientists were experimenting with the possibility of harnessing atomic energy for weapons. Should they succeed in accomplishing this, he warned, they would wield tremendous power that could be used militarily in achieving their goals. To offset this danger, the U.S. War Department activated a plan in 1942, later known as the Manhattan Project, with the goal of developing an atom bomb.

On July 16, 1945, for the first time, such a bomb was successfully exploded in New Mexico. It was too late to use this secret weapon in Europe but not so in Asia.a So, on August 6 an atom bomb was dropped on Hiroshima, Japan, and three days later one on Nagasaki. If the Dresden attack had been controversial, how much more so these two attacks! Some argue they were justified, probably in the long run saving hundreds of thousands of lives. Others have suggested, however, that a test explosion over an unpopulated area might have been sufficient to force Japan into surrendering. At any rate, realizing the situation to be hopeless, Japan capitulated. The war was over​—really over!

Answering the Question “Why?”

Those considered by the Allies to be principally responsible for the outbreak of the war and its continuation were tried for war crimes. Those convicted were punished.b Truly, Nazism had perpetrated some of the most horrible atrocities in all history. But what factors may have led up to all of this? Speaking about the rise of Nazism, Professor Walther Hofer, Swiss historian, contends that “the all too simple answers to historical questions are generally distorted; they are especially so in this case.” He goes on to explain: “Without the intense after-effects caused by the total war and military milieu experienced from 1914 to 1918, National Socialism’s ideology and rule would have been inconceivable.”

This supports the contention that the catastrophic world conditions that have existed for most of this century can be traced back to what happened between 1914 and 1918. According to Bible chronology, this was the time when “the one called Devil and Satan, who is misleading the entire inhabited earth,” was ousted from his heavenly position of unopposed rulership over the nations. “He was hurled down to the earth,” says the Bible writer, who then warns: “Woe for the earth . . . , because the Devil has come down to you, having great anger, knowing he has a short period of time.”​—Revelation 12:9, 12; compare 11:18.

World War I was an expression of the Devil’s anger, as was World War II. Thus he is the root cause of both wars and of all the misery they produced. It is understandable that some people find it difficult to suppress feelings of anger toward the Germans because of Auschwitz, or toward the Japanese because of Pearl Harbor. On the other hand, some feel anger toward the British because of Dresden, or toward the Americans because of Hiroshima. National as well as personal hatreds die a hard death. But they must not control the thinking of Christians, who, more appropriately, will direct their feelings of anger toward Satan the Devil.

Soon God’s Kingdom will destroy the Devil and solve all mankind’s problems. This is the good news that Jehovah’s Witnesses, whose ranks grew from 71,509 in 1939 to 141,606 in 1945, wanted to preach in an expanded way now that World War II was over. “Deceptive Prosperity Amid a Peace That Was Not” would not prevent them from doing so. Read about it in our next issue.

[Footnotes]

[Box on page 17]

One Massive Sea of Flames

“The whole city of Dresden was trembling. Incendiary bombs were spewing gasoline and phosphorus like rain. Flames leaped from the buildings onto the streets, setting the asphalt on fire and making the streetcar tracks red hot. It was one massive sea of flames four kilometers [2.5 mi] wide and seven kilometers [4.5 mi] long. Seventy thousand persons were burned alive, torn apart by bombs, crushed by falling walls, suffocated by smoke. The tremendous fire storm that ensued tossed everything into the air​—furniture, yes, even people were swirling around in spirals of fire. At the old marketplace, there was a water tank three meters square [10 ft]. Half-crazed people were springing into the water for protection, where they drowned or suffocated; few came out alive. Only charred corpses were recovered. It was impossible to keep up with burying the dead; they were simply stacked in piles, covered with gasoline, and set on fire; the piles burned days on end. Our house was thoroughly gutted. We also lost our beloved Josie and her little five-year-old boy.”​—Dresden residents H. and S. M.

“From the air the city looked very beautiful, lighted . . . in the center by fires of different colors. . . . It really did not strike me as being all that horrible, because of its gruesome beauty.”​—Unidentified Royal Air Force bomber pilot

[Box on page 20]

Other Items That Made the News

Woman suffrage becomes law in France

[Pictures on page 18]

German V-1 missile (right) and V-2 rocket (below) as used in World War II

[Credit Line]

Imperial War Museum, London

[Picture Credit Line on page 19]

U.S. Air Force photo

Young People Ask . . .

How Can I Control My Temper?

“I have a terrible temper. I get angry, and before I know it, I’m saying horrible things to people I really like. I try to ignore little resentments, but they build up anyway. After I blow up, I feel guilty.”​—A teenage girl.

NO DOUBT about it, controlling your temper can be a real struggle. Little wonder, then, that some in the mental health field have claimed it is good to let your temper loose once in a while. This supposedly ‘increases your self-esteem’ and ‘clears the air’ in your relationships with others. Why, some even say that holding anger in is bad for your health!

The Bible, however, says: “Let all malicious bitterness and anger and wrath and screaming and abusive speech be taken away from you.” (Ephesians 4:31) Which advice, then, is best? Is it even possible to control one’s temper when there is strong provocation?

Your Temper​—A Caveman Instinct?

At the heart of many anger theories is belief in the theory of evolution. Some believe that anger is a holdover from our caveman ancestors, an uncontrollable instinct. Says Carol Tavris in her book Anger: The Misunderstood Emotion: “Darwin’s theories represent a crucial pivot point in Western thought: for once the belief that we can control anger​—indeed, must control it—​bowed to the belief that we cannot control it, it was then only a short jump to the current conviction that we should not control it.”

‘Express your anger,’ some thus advise. ‘Go ahead and blow off steam.’ But has such advice proved worth while? For one thing, evidence against the theory of evolution continues to mount. And Tavris and others challenge the ‘let it all out’ view of anger. “I notice that the people who are most prone to give vent to their rage get angrier, not less angry,” observes Tavris. “I observe a lot of hurt feelings among the recipients of rage.”

The book Behind Closed Doors: Violence in the American Family reports similarly on a study of over a thousand married couples. The authors discovered that letting out anger was far from calming. On the contrary, verbal aggression often led to physical aggression! The reason? Anger feeds on itself. Such research thus confirms what the Bible writer said centuries ago: “An enraged man stirs up contention, but one that is slow to anger quiets down quarreling.”​—Proverbs 15:18; compare 29:22.

‘Be Wrathful, Yet Do Not Sin’

Anger is thus not some uncontrollable animal instinct. It can and must be controlled. Does this mean, though, that we can somehow be immune to provocation​—devoid of feelings and emotions? No, for at Ephesians 4:26 the Bible acknowledges that at times we will rightfully feel angry: “Be wrathful, and yet do not sin.”

Notice, however, that the Bible condemns, not anger, but letting anger take control of one’s actions! “Anyone disposed to rage has many a transgression,” says Proverbs 29:22. So rather than nurturing rage, “get the mastery over it.” (Compare Genesis 4:7.) For example, imagine yourself in a situation that just makes your blood boil. How can you ‘keep calm to the last’? (Proverbs 29:11) You might first try the age-old advice to ‘count to ten’​—or to whatever number it takes for you to settle down.

An article in ’Teen magazine further recommends: “Use up some of that anger energy by taking a long walk . . . You may want to do the activity you find most relaxing, whether that be listening to music, taking a hot bath or watching a movie.” Better yet, call on Jehovah God in prayer, asking for his help in remaining calm. “And the peace of God that excels all thought will guard your hearts and your mental powers.” (Philippians 4:7) In addition, try reading the Bible or Bible-based publications, such as this journal and its companion The Watchtower.

‘Slowing Down Anger’

Proverbs 19:11 says: “The insight of a man certainly slows down his anger.” (Compare Proverbs 14:29.) Insight is the act or power of seeing into a situation, having all the facts of a matter before taking action. By exercising insight, you may find that there is little reason for you to take offense in the first place.

For example, imagine that your friends are late picking you up for a movie. You begin thinking about all the other times this has happened to you. The more you think, the more irritated you become! When they finally arrive, what will you do? Give them a piece of your mind​—or find out what happened that made them so late? Likely there is a good reason. Having insight may thus prevent a temper explosion.

Insight could also include taking the time to weigh the consequences of angry retaliation. Consider a Bible account involving King David. When a man named Nabal snubbed David’s kindness, David impulsively planned retaliation​—murder! Nabal’s wife, Abigail, however, implored David to consider the consequences of shedding innocent blood. David halted in his tracks. “Blessed be your sensibleness,” said David to Abigail, “and blessed be you who have restrained me this day from entering into bloodguilt.”​—1 Samuel 25:2-33.

Considering the consequences of an angry outburst could similarly protect you from needlessly escalating a disagreement with someone in authority, such as a teacher or an employer. “If the spirit of a ruler should mount up against you, do not leave your own place, for calmness itself allays great sins,” said Solomon. (Ecclesiastes 10:4) And even where retaliation is aimed at a peer, remember that the Bible says: “Do not say: ‘Just as he did to me, so I am going to do to him.’”​—Proverbs 24:29.

Another way to slow down anger is to watch what you feed your mind. Many television shows are violence packed. True, many think that TV and movie violence affects only those already inclined that way. One research team, however, claims that “all viewers tend to be affected.”​—How to Live With—​And Without​—Anger, by Albert Ellis.

The Bible further counsels at Proverbs 22:24, 25: “Do not have companionship with anyone given to anger; and with a man having fits of rage you must not enter in, that you may not get familiar with his paths and certainly take a snare for your soul.” Do you enjoy the company of those “given to anger”? Then do not be surprised if you have trouble controlling your temper. The book How to Live With​—And Without—​Anger thus encourages finding “good models in your own life . . . people who feel determined to overcome life’s unniceties and who actively keep working at doing so. Talk to these people. Try to learn from them how they manage to keep reasonably cool in the face of life’s annoyances.”

Anger From Within

Simply calming oneself down, however, may not keep the anger at bay for long. Professor of psychology Richard Lazarus writes: “An emotion does not have to be aroused by something in the outside world. It can be created by a person’s thoughts.” For example, one young woman admits that her anger many times is due to dwelling on things that get her upset about a person. “My mind races with every detail, and I find myself getting angrier and angrier. Inside I become nervous and tense. It messes up my whole day. I feel depressed.”

Discussing an anger-producing event later with a friend can likewise have the effect of making rage rise up again. At times the best thing to do is get to the very source of the irritation and try to correct matters. Has someone offended you? If you cannot simply forget the matter, approach that person and try to straighten out the matter. (Compare Matthew 5:23-26.) Often it turns out that a simple misunderstanding has occurred.

Provocations may abound. Yet, with insight you can keep such matters in perspective. You can learn to turn destructive feelings into productive actions. Yes, you can control your temper!

[Picture on page 23]

Do you leave the company of those given to anger?

Hawaii’s Fountains of Fire

THERE is a red glow in the night sky, an acrid smell in the air, and one’s eyes smart from the pollution in the atmosphere. What is happening? Why are people preparing for possible evacuation from their homes? Is it a forest fire? No, the disturbance is caused by the volcano, active again and once more putting on a spectacular, fiery show.

Eruptions of the volcanoes on the “Big Island” of Hawaii are a relatively common occurrence. Kilauea volcano, for example, has had 48 phases of activity since it began erupting on January 3, 1983. Usually these phases last 24 hours or less and consist of lava fountains that are from several hundred to about a thousand feet high, with some lava flows extending a few miles from the vent area.a

A Spectacular Eruption

The eruption in the spring of 1984, however, was different. This time, Mauna Loa​—the world’s largest active volcano, measuring 33,000 feet from ocean floor to peak—​came to life. Quiet since a brief one-day eruption in July 1975, Mauna Loa was to be active 22 days during March and April. It spewed forth an average of more than 1.3 million cubic yards of lava per hour for much of that time.b That is enough volcanic material hurled out in just one hour to lay a four-inch-thick, four-foot-wide sidewalk all the way from Honolulu to New York, a distance of 4,873 miles!c

The large volume of lava resulted in several major flows. Some of them headed in the direction of Hilo, the largest city on the island, with a population of over 35,000. Authorities kept a sharp eye on conditions, and anxiety reached a peak when a mainstream of lava flowed to within four miles of the city. But as matters turned out, there was no serious threat to life or property despite all the lava produced.

While Mauna Loa was erupting, Kilauea also briefly roared back to life, with lava fountaining to heights of almost 700 feet. This created the unusual situation of two active volcanoes erupting simultaneously on the island​—the first time since 1868 that this had happened.

Hawaiian Lore

As might be expected, such awesome displays of nature evoke traditional and sometimes superstitious responses from individuals. Hawaiian lore has it that the volcano is the home of the fire goddess Pele and that when the volcano is threatening life or property, she is expressing her anger. At such times, ancient Hawaiians offered food and liquor as sacrifices to appease Pele.

Some modern-day Hawaiians still hold to some of these traditions. During the 1984 eruption of Mauna Loa, at least one kahuna, or Hawaiian religious leader, was reported to have ascended the mountain to the vent area to make offerings of red fish and taro roots to the fire goddess, Madame Pele.

Hawaiian legend also surfaced during the time of the dual eruptions of Mauna Loa and Kilauea. During the night, many individuals, including National Park Service personnel, reported seeing a white streak in the sky, accompanied by a large bright flash. According to Hawaiian lore, this was explained as Pele traveling in her fireball, or popoahi, form from one volcano to the other in order to assert her domain.

Another phenomenon also occurred during the volcanic activity. Snow, caused by natural conditions over Mauna Loa, momentarily fell on the mountain during its fountaining of lava. While scientists were explaining how the smoke and ash cast into the atmosphere could help cause the snow, those familiar with Hawaiian legend had another explanation.

According to lore, the snow falling on the volcano would be evidence of the two goddesses​—Pele and her sister Lilinoe, the snow goddess—​fighting over their domain, Mauna Loa. The fact that the snow melted as soon as it touched the lava would mean that Pele had won the fight in the struggle for domination.

Recent Volcanic Activity

Mauna Loa has been quiet since 1984, but Kilauea, which has had 48 periodic eruptions since January 1983, changed to a continuous outpouring of lava on July 18, 1986. A daily flow of over half a million cubic yards of molten rock reached the sea last November. The eight-mile-long river of lava, which severed the Kalapana Highway, added new land to the coastline but had destroyed 26 homes by December, with another 80 still being threatened.

While Hawaii’s volcanoes have generally been relatively harmless, there has been considerable property damage recently. There is little danger to life, as the volcanoes and their lava flows are in isolated areas. If a lava flow starts to approach an inhabited area, authorities have been able to give sufficient advance warning to allow for a safe and orderly evacuation.

Volcanoes have played a major role in preparing the earth for human habitation, and they have done much to enrich the soil and moderate the climates. The awesome spectacle of Hawaii’s fountains of fire can be viewed without superstitious fear. Rather, we are moved to give glory to Jehovah, the God of all creation.

[Footnotes]

[Picture Credit Line on page 24]

National Park Service photos

[Picture Credit Line on page 25]

National Park Service photo

Meet the World’s Smallest Deer

THE year was 1935. A Chilean farmer was tilling his soil in the beautiful mountainous region of Curicó. Suddenly, he heard dogs chasing what he assumed to be a rabbit. Imagine his surprise when a beagle-sized animal, looking somewhat like a goat, ran out of the woods and took refuge between his legs. Looking down at the trembling creature, the farmer recognized it as a pudu, the smallest deer in the world.

This harmless little deer is seldom seen, since it lives in isolated areas of the highlands. It ventures out only to eat fruits, leaves, and other vegetation but runs quickly for cover when its keen senses of hearing and smell warn it of danger. The pudu prefers thickly forested regions, since exposure to direct sunlight for as little as three hours can cause its death.

So little is known of this timid creature that only about the turn of the century did zoologists realize that it is not a goat or a sheep. They identified it as a deer, since the male loses its 2.5- to 3.5-inch (6 to 9 cm) spikes, or antlers, once a year. There are, in fact, two types of pudus. The variety once abundant in southern Chile and Argentina has fur of a reddish color. A northern cousin in the jungles of Colombia, Peru, and Ecuador is a bit darker in color. About 16 inches (40 cm) high and from 28 to 31 inches (70 to 80 cm) long, the pudu weighs about 22 pounds (10 kg) when fully grown. The animal has a distinct wedge shape, since its front legs are a bit shorter than its hind legs.

Threatened Little Survivor

Although the pudu is extremely shy, it apparently likes humans and can come to trust them. Many pudus have followed sheep or cattle in from grazing, only to be chased away by the farmer’s dogs. Often, researchers who win the confidence of a pudu will be rewarded by having their hands or face licked by their new friend. One veterinary investigator made friends with a female pudu that jumped up onto his lap, licked his face, and then pushed him with her head toward her nest, apparently to show him her newborn offspring.

While the pudu has such natural enemies as the fox, the puma, wildcats, and owls, its greatest foe is man. In the past, the little deer roamed more freely, using its speed and intelligence to elude predators. The pudu has been known to double back on its own tracks or to swim upriver to deceive a fox or a puma. But now, with the destruction of forests by man, the pudu’s domain is steadily shrinking. So the pudu has taken to living in tunnels made in the thick underbrush. Being a tidy animal, it has distinct places in its tunnels for eating, for sleeping, and for excreting, and it does not vary these throughout life. Familiarity with the tunnels is its key to survival. Although the pudu is a fast runner and a fairly rapid swimmer, it is easy prey in the open field. But this is not so within its tunnels where, one researcher says, “it flies like a bullet,” leaving behind the pursuer.

Although hunting the pudu is prohibited, some unscrupulous men have learned to catch or kill this peaceful little creature. These hunters are motivated by a desire for the animal’s rich fur, tasty meat, or the price foreign zoos are willing to pay for a healthy specimen. They have trained small dogs to flush the pudu out of the tunnels and into the open. But since pudus can outswim a dog, they head for the nearest river where men wait in boats to catch them. The animals are often injured, and according to one investigator, as many as 80 percent simply die of fright.

You see, shyness is the pudu’s weakness. When scared, its eyes seem to fill with tears, it shivers, its hair stands on end, and often the animal dies of a heart attack. For this reason, even though pudus have been domesticated by rural families and universities, these deer do not seem to live long in captivity. They often die without any apparent cause, victims of the stress of captivity. The pudu loves freedom.

It was feared that the pudu would soon join the list of 68 species of mammals that have become extinct in this century. However, recent studies by one researcher working with the World Wildlife Foundation suggest that the pudu may be surviving after all. How? By learning to adapt to new circumstances with its tunnel system. This is not the case with the Chilean mountain lion, or puma, which is clearly in danger of extinction. How often it is true that in stressful or changing circumstances it is better to be adaptable and friendly than fierce and aggressive!

Let’s hope that the pudu can survive until the peaceful new system, when such creatures can leave their protective tunnels and come out into the open to enjoy freedom without fear. Will you be there to meet the world’s smallest deer?

[Picture Credit Line on page 26]

New York Zoological Society photos

From Our Readers

Dentistry Developments

I had a ceramic screw implanted in my jaw, the process described in the article “Dramatic Developments in Dentistry,” known as osseointegration. (November 22, 1986) I say, Don’t do it. An expert who examined me in 1985 said that this process is far from perfected, and to avoid severe complications, it should only be used on persons physically and mentally healthy. Medical journals should also allow patients who have had bad experiences to express themselves.

C. L., Federal Republic of Germany

There is always a need for caution when introducing any foreign substance into the body, and there will be a certain percentage of failures. Our item dealt with the use of titanium. According to some 20 years of studies, this procedure has had about a 90-percent success rate. Not only has titanium been used but so have vitreous carbon (glass), sapphire, and ceramic. While not recommending any particular treatment, we published the information for the benefit of our readers. It is good to give careful consideration to possible side effects before agreeing to any treatment.​—ED.

Just a Crush?

I enjoyed your article “Young People Ask . . . Who Says It’s Just a Crush?” (January 8, 1987) It sympathized with young people yet warned that thinking immoral thoughts is wrong. I had a crush on someone in a television series. The sleepless nights and far-out fantasies were all there. But the worst was when I wrote to her and received an autographed photo! I thought I was in love. I can’t wait for the follow-up article.

W. H., England

See our issue of January 22, 1987.​—ED.

Late Night Snacks

I really appreciated the comment in “Watching the World” under the title “Harmful Habit.” (January 8, 1987) It stated that late night snacks can be harmful, especially if a person repeatedly goes to sleep an hour or so after eating. My problem was in having a very disturbed night’s sleep because of indigestion. I had often thought, ‘Could my erratic sleep pattern be due to snacking at night?’ Well, after reading your item, I made up my mind not to do any more snacking after my evening meal. Since then, I have had a good sleep every night, and there is an added bonus: I have lost a few unnecessary pounds.

M. G., United States

Harpy Eagle?

In your issue of November 22, 1986, you featured a story entitled “‘The Snatcher’ Lives Up to Its Name.” The picture on page 20 of the article, which the Zoological Society of San Diego provided, is not a Harpy Eagle. It is a Guiana Crested Eagle. The Harpy Eagle is the world’s largest eagle, and you have disgraced it by showing a picture of a spindly-legged, snake-eating bird.

N. R., United States

We have received from the Zoological Society of San Diego the following: “I’m sorry to report that the photo you ran as a Harpy Eagle is indeed a Crested Eagle, Morphnus guianensis. Apparently, the two birds are very much alike in appearance . . . It would take a very sharp eye to tell the difference . . . [We] apologize for the misidentification. We make the utmost effort to properly identify our photos and we appreciate it being called to our attention if there is a question.”​—ED.

Watching the World

Bible Reading on Decline in Sweden

Bible reading has decreased greatly in Sweden, according to a report entitled The Swedish People and the Bible. The author, Thorleif Pettersson, assistant professor of the Swedish Bible Society, notes that only 36 percent of the population claim to be Bible readers, 3 percent of whom say they read it daily. The remaining 64 percent never read it. By contrast, in 1949, there were 66 percent who read the Bible and 34 percent who did not. In his report, Pettersson notes that 11 percent of the population do not own a Bible and indicates that to be true of 25 percent of those under 30 years of age. When asked if young people will “read the Bible when they get older,” he replied, “No, they will never read the Bible. Bible reading will slowly decrease if the present process continues and if the spiritual winds do not begin to blow.”

Tit for Tat

An Egyptian historian, Ahmed Behgat, has published a book charging that “during the Exodus ancient Israelites smuggled gold out of Egypt and used it to make the golden calf.” Mr. Behgat’s research into ancient Egyptian archives has led him to conclude that Israel should pay Egypt $40 billion (U.S.) but without interest, according to Islamic law. However, when his findings were published, according to an item in World Press Review, “the Voice of Israel radio demanded reparations for the slave labor the Pharaohs pressed on the Israelites.”

Syrupy Memories

Canada’s world-famous maple syrup is in grave danger of becoming just a memory if the effect of air pollution is not in some way terminated soon, says a story in the national newspaper The Globe and Mail. “Since 1978, Quebec maple-syrup producers have been reporting that trees of all ages were dying for no apparent reason. The only explanation that scientists have been able to come up with is air pollution, including acid rain and related chemicals,” it said. Inspections in the damaged areas show a startling rise since 1983: from 29 percent of trees adversely affected to 80 percent. In an effort to save the trees and the maple-syrup industry, researchers are calling for a halt in air pollution caused by the use of such chemicals as sulfur and nitrogen oxides.

UN Debate

Drinking-water jugs was the subject of a spirited three-hour debate at the United Nations, and as with many other issues they discuss, there was little harmony. The issue arose when the drinking-water jugs and glasses supplied to each delegate in the 13 committee rooms were removed as a $100,000-a-year cost-saving measure. Brought into question was why the committee chairman and those seated at the podium still had water pitchers. (It was because they cannot leave to go to the water fountain.) Another question was how the UN managed to run up such a large bill just supplying water to delegates. (It was because five people were needed to supply water twice a day and sterilize glasses after each use.) As the debate stretched on, the chairman suggested that the overtime pay for guards and translators that evening might equal the amount saved by discontinuing the water service.

Live Donors?

An increasing number of doctors are questioning whether accident victims “who have organs removed by transplant surgeons after being pronounced dead but whose hearts are still beating” are truly dead, reports The Sunday Times of London. Medical critics of “beating heart” organ donation say that the tests employed to determine death in such cases are “fundamentally flawed.” Why? Because, according to the report, the corpse from which organs are to be removed often reacts to the surgeon’s knife as the first incision is made. “Legs will come up in a protective response, and the muscles in the abdomen will clamp tightly, impeding the operation. . . . The donor’s blood pressure and heart rate may both shoot up when the operation begins . . . , signs which in a normal operation would indicate . . . that the patient was feeling pain,” notes the Times. Expressing concern over the issue, one judge noted: “There seems to me to be a very sharp distinction between so-called brain death and death of the body. . . . The truth of the matter is that when they want your organs . . . they remove some of the spare parts when you are not dead in the sense that you and I would understand it.”

Birth Control in China

For a decade China has taken drastic action to reduce the country’s birthrate. According to French daily Le Figaro, the one-child policy “is efficient but has a certain fearsome aspect. . . . Traditionally, Chinese families must have a boy. So baby girls often receive a poor welcome, as couples find it hard to accept a sole female heir.” In many countries, a study of 1,000 births will show more or less the same number of male and female children. In China, however, “of 1,000 registered births [the registration takes place four weeks after the birth], there are 660 boys for 340 girls.” What accounts for the radical difference between the two figures? Le Figaro notes: “It seems certain that millions of baby girls are done away with each year.”

Smoking Kills

Cigarettes kill at least a hundred thousand people annually in the United Kingdom, claims the Faculty of Community Medicine in their report Charter for Action. Statistics also reveal that 90 percent of all lung-cancer deaths in Britain, along with a third of the deaths from all other types of cancer, can be attributed to the smoking habit. New legislation is aimed at preventing the addiction of young people to the newly promoted tobacco bags. In Britain, the sale of tobacco products to those under 16 amounts to £90 million ($130 million, U.S.) a year.

Just for Being There

All Alaskans​—men, women, and children—​received a check for $556.26 at the end of last year. That was their share of the $296 million that was divided among Alaska’s 531,911 permanent residents. The money originates in oil revenues from developments on state lands. A percentage is placed in a fund, now holding $7 billion, so that Alaska will be solvent when the oil runs out. Half of the fund’s earnings have been distributed to Alaskans each year since its start in 1982.

Largest Barge Elevator

The Belgian waterways department is now building the world’s largest barge elevator. On the Canal du Centre between Mons and La Louvière (two Belgian cities), there is a 223-foot (68 m) difference in water level. Until now, four old hydraulic elevators, each 56 feet (17 m) in height, have been able to handle 300-ton barges. But the new elevator under construction will be 380 feet (116 m) high, 427 feet (130 m) long, and it will be able to take 2,000-ton convoys. It will consist of two tanks 368 feet (112 m) long and 40 feet (12 m) wide. As the French daily Le Monde explained, “the Strepy-Thieu elevator is proof that the Belgians still believe in water transportation.”

Controversial Signs

What started as a serious safety measure has now turned into a novelty fad. Originally, the five-inch (13 cm), diamond-shaped signs, attached to a car’s rear windshield by a small suction cup, were intended to caution other drivers that a youngster was inside so that they would be more careful. And in the last two years, millions of signs saying “Baby on Board!” or “Child on Board!” have been sold to concerned parents in the United States. Today, however, millions of parodies are being displayed, saying things like “Baby Driving!” “Nobody on Board!” and “Mother-in-Law in Trunk.” Safety officials want all the signs removed, stating that they block the driver’s view and are responsible for accidents.

“Reluctant Hero”

Leprosy is a dreadful disease that affects perhaps as many as 15 million persons, particularly in Africa, India, Burma, Thailand, and parts of South America. Now the nine-banded armadillo is hailed as “the reluctant hero” in man’s fight against the disease.

But how does this small mammal of about two feet in length (61 cm), weighing up to 15 pounds (6.8 kg) and having a shell made of hard, bony plates, figure in this fight?

Well, it has been found that the only animals susceptible to human leprosy are mice and armadillos. So scientists are using the armadillo to make the first vaccine against leprosy, since mice produce too small a quantity to be usable. One infected armadillo yields 750 doses of vaccine. Now, special farms have been set up in the United States and Britain to raise the armored mammal.

Can You Pass this Survival Test?

1. What are you facing that is more awesome than a nuclear war?

2. Is there a way out of it?

3. When is it expected?

4. Are you marked for survival?

Please send, postpaid, the hardcover, 192-page book Survival Into a New Earth, containing Bible prophecies describing the events yet before us and the way to survive into a beautiful, cleansed earth. I enclose $1 (U.S.).

[Picture Credit Line on page 32]

U.S. National Archives