‘satan is still very strong there,’
I’m from the US, but am a missionary, just outside of Brussels, planting house churches. I’ve been lurking here forever...but this article really got me.
We know a couple who were pregnant and advised to abort, at this hospital, because of a possible abnormality. They aborted...
Belgium isn’t like it’s surrounding neighbors...you see the difference in people while just walking around. These people have been the punching bag of Europe since the time of Caesar.
I believe these issues are all just symptoms...Flanders is #1 in West Europe for suicide and #5 in Europe... Divorce rates are around 75% and alcoholism is off the charts. A significant number of people are on anti-depressants.
Oh yeah, less than 3% are practicing Catholics and less than .5% are protestant...a correlation?
So I’m not so sure the issue is Satan being strong as much as it is, disciples of Jesus Christ (in either of those camps) not ‘being’ who they’re called to be and are therefore, incredibly weak.
A significant problem too, is that the Church has failed to step in front of the mirror and let justice clean house. It was said recently that everyone in Belgium, has in one way or another, been effected by scandals in the Church.
People have committed crimes that have been covered up by Church leadership...I wouldn’t trust them either. One of the perps is living large in a protected place in West Flanders.
So I think many believe the only other decent option is ‘science.’ In schools it’s taught as the ‘only’ truthful and valid option on which to base your life. (my kids attended Flemish schools) So if science tells you you’re going blind or your baby may possibly be deformed...you trust it...more so than you can those in the Church... Sorry for being so long winded!
You don't see a connection? You don't see that the force acting against deep religious belief, the force fomenting corruption in the existing religious organizations, hideous crimes, and moral emptiness is Satan? You don't see that perhaps the reason people aren't "being whom they're called to be and are therefore incredibly weak" is the evil one's pressures?
Dude, you're a missionary. You must be aware that, as St Paul said, we are at war against dark powers and principalities. Know thine Enemy. You can't fight effectively for Christ if you don't realize whom you're fighting against.
Thank you for your post, it was not long winded...but, what you described is perfectly in form with proving the strength of Satan there. Everything you mention would be the work of evil to weaken or dilute the works of God with weak individuals. What you describe is truly the gate to hell...