[JoeRedskin]

^^ (Jumping into the firestorm): The Bible is beautiful literature and an inspired writing. It is also several parts recorded history, poetry and allegory. Sometimes all mixed in within a couple of Chapters or verses.

Although the passage read may have seemed to allude to the gulf crisis "word for word", out of context reading of the Bible can be used for any number of things. Don't have mine with me right now, but I could justify, rationalize or show as predictions any number of actions or world events.

Obviously, lots of passages can be read out of context and not lose their meaning. But even these gain greater meaning when you look at the surrounding verses, to whom the particular author was writing, the particular themes being addressed by the author, etc.

Passages pertaining to the world's end and the apocalypse have been read by many for centuries to justify fear mongering. The apocalyptic, end of the world stuff is some of the most controversial, oft-quoted, misunderstood stuff in the Bible. In my humble opinion, it's not something to be taken literally, but to be studied as an allegory for human behavior. Again, part poetry, part symbolism and prophecy in only the broadest definition of the word.