Dr. Veith is correct out with his historical examples. It seems at times that people may feel that God has abandoned mankind. We look for the quick fix but that may not be in God's plan. Sometimes it is easier to look at the chaos around us and say "Jesus better come quick." Or "God's punishing us." It could be, we don't know when Jesus will return and we certainly deserve the judgment of the Lord. But and that's a big But. Is God giving Christians an opportunity to grow His Church? Is this a time for a rebirth of Christian values and Christian love? Is this a time for Christians to become the church militant? Is a time for revival (sorry Lutherans for the R-word)? Yes, it's true we show who we are by our compassion and helping people in distress and those who are helped are grateful, at least for the moment. What do we leave with them beside a full belly or a repaired roof, etc? It seems to me that despite all of the efforts on the part of Christian churches of every denomination we fall short of bringing people to join in the march toward the open arms of Christ. Why? Perhaps it is our desire to not make waves in society. We live in a society that is hardly Biblical. I think Christians haven't been this persecuted since the Romans stopped feeding us to the lions. Those Saints of the past are shaking their heads and wondering "Is this what we died for? Where is the church courageous in Christ?" Finally, the point and I'm not apologizing for being political. Never in the history of the United States has there been an administration so favorable to the church or has proclaimed the support of Christianity as the current one. Sinners though they may be their support of the church of Jesus Christ is unequaled. Is this a message from Christ? Is this the time for the church to sound the trumpet? Is this the time to save the unborn? Is it time for us to take a stand as the old hymn says "Stand up, Stand up for Jesus ye soldiers of the Cross lift high His Royal Banner." We are at the crossroads, which shall we choose? Think about it.