We already knew that Earth and mankind would NOT have a happy ending. We know that this world is ruled by Satan and that a majority of its inhabitants knowingly or unknowingly serve him. We have been told that, at a time of God's choosing, Jesus will return to Earth to collect his flock and then destroy Satan and his followers.
We "know" no such thing. Take a better look at scripture, beginning with Genesis. The theme running throughout is, "Things will get worse, but God (goodness) will prevail. The prophets told the people of their time that the handwriting on the wall showed that things would get worse, but to have hope, peace, prosperity, and joy would return to God's people. We are assured God will not abandon us; that God always works with the remnant faithful to him. People, thousands of years ago, a hundred or so before Christ, noted that mankind cannot build any lasting government; in any big human government, corruption takes root and grows. The Messiah the Jews expected would be a human leader, a political force, and for a long time things would be good, but that even this was doomed to failure.
Revelation addresses first century events. John assures his audience God will prevail. Read the Beatitudes. Christ notes that those who laugh will mourn; those who mourn will be comforted.
What are ancestors, the authors of Biblical books, and Christ himself noted the cycle in which every human, every nation lives.
Some people believe we are emerging from a bad cycle. Others believe we are about to submerge into a bad cycle. Very well. Listen to scripture. Those who are rejoicing will have their period of mourning; those mourning will have their time of rejoicing. Goodness will prevail. Then fail. The prevail once more, as it has down through the ages.
Telling people their Christianity is judged by their political vote is ludicrous. I believe less government is the best government. When government bureaucracy takes over, what need is there for individuals to love and care for each other? Should our Christianity diminish into directing the needy to the nearest government agency? Each one of us needs a government that is so busy dealing with other nations and that business, that care of the individual rests in individual hands.
Perhaps calling for Christians not to abandon the teachings of Christ should instead be a call for Christians to step forward and tell government to back off because we individuals, those who believe in God and those who believe in the basic goodness of people not only can--but it is our desire--to take of our neighbors. Government, meanwhile, can manage our relations with other nations, states, counties, cities, village (depending on which branch of government the politician(s) find themselves.
Those who are crying, take heart; those who are laughing, perhaps sober up a bit.
