I stumbled on this by accident and just had to weigh in. Touche, Robert. (I hope the French didn't offend anyone) The irony of the references in the quote to having eyes but not seeing etc.. is amusing. Most people see what they want to see and would never suffer the "anguish of spirit" that often occupanies truth. Western society throughout the centuries has often been referred to as Christendom. The British and German troops who celebrated the birth of the baby Jesus together in 1914, were obviously Christian. Hmmm, then why were these brethren back slaughtering eachother a few days later? Is that what their Lord commanded? Why do they call him Lord, Lord and do not the things he says? Let's just keep things in their proper categories. The constitution is a man made document based much more on Aristotle and British philosophers than on the Bible. In fact, a lot of the beliefs that now make up Christian doctrine have more roots in Plato, than the Jewish apostles teachings. The founding fathers were Christian, but so was everyone else in Europe and North America (well, except the native Americans) So were those Germans and Brits in 1914, by name. They just felt more obliged to obey earthly kings and parliments. The Messiah left commandments among which are preaching the gospel and to wait for his return. When did he command to establish a nation based on his teachings and take up arms to do so? Really. Was it his idea? Hey, I'm not anti-Amercan. Nice place to raise your kids, better than a lot of other places. But then, being a Roman citizen in the first century had it's perks. It's a lot easier to be a disciple of Christ here than in a lot of other places, but the scriptures don't give any indication it's supposed to be easy. It just says do it regardless of the personal cost now, and in due time you'll reap. When he re-establishes the only earthly govenrment that God ever identified himself with. Sorry, really don't see representative government and capitalism described in the Bible. Anyone one who does, may have eyes, but does he see? Oh, as far as tolerating evil, don't see much being done by the first century believers to deal with one Paul of Tarsus. "Vengeance is mine, I will repay saith the Lord". Maybe it's a good thing a few of the disciples didn't find out where he lived, sneak in one night to take matters into their own hands. Robert, one thing I beg to differ. When, not if, Christ comes back, he will not suffer the same fate. Probably the religious fundamentalists turn to do the suffering. It will certainly be a rude awakening for many.