Father Echert,

Given the startling suppression of Christianity and rise of homosexuality in the West, and decline of Christianity and rise of Islam in the East, it seems that these two forces - homosexuality and Islam - are on the verge of securing political dominance in the West and East, respectively.

Could these be the two riders - Death and Hades - of the Pale Horse of the Apocalypse described in Rev. 6:7- 9?

"When he opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth living creature say, 'Come!' And I saw, and behold, a pale horse, and its rider's name was Death, and Hades followed him; and they were given power over a fourth of the earth, to kill with sword and with famine and with pestilence and by wild beasts of the earth. When he opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the witness they had borne." Rev. 6:7-9

I once read about a Catholic priest/theologian - I believe in the late 1800s - who viewed Islam and homosexuality as forces foretold in Revelation.

Thank you.

Jon

Given that the Church does not definitely teach how exactly these symbols will play out, but that they will play out, I am open to a number of options. Homosexuality is an enemy of morality and Islam shows itself to be an enemy of true religion. For those who doubt that, go live in a Saudi, or Iran, Egypt, or many parts of Africa, or in so many other places that are predominantly Islamic. Frankly, many will not even let you live there, and if so, your lives are in danger and you will live underground as a Christian. I know this from personal experience and the experiences of Eastern Christians who have suffered directly or indirectly under Islam. For those who argue that it is only a small faction of Islam, sure seems that small faction runs the show, with no public opposition from within the ranks of Islam. It is a dangerous religion, and it could very well be a figure of the Apocalypse, which remains to be seen and play out.

Thanks, Jon

Father Echert

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