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I don't believe that the 2008 presidential election will have any special end-times significance that others elections haven't. I truly believe that concerns that this election will usher in end-times events are based on relatively modern theology that has little connection to Scripture.

Most modern eschatology, or end-times theology, is based on the teachings of John Nelson Darby and his Plymouth Brethren group. Darby was an early founder and supporter of modern fundamentalist beliefs concerning different dispensations, or church ages; and the belief in a "secret" rapture where the Church will go to meet Christ prior to His second Coming. Though both of these beliefs are based on traditions that have been built up around a few passages in Scripture, they make up a solid part of many Christians' theology. Authors Tim LaHaye and Hal Lindsey have written extensively about end-times theology. Since dispensationalism and belief in the rapture are taught in so many evangelical groups, what goes on in the Middle East, especially in Israel, is of importance to these Christians.

Even though it was founded as a secular, rather than theocratic country, many see the founding of Israel as a nation to be of Biblical significance. Messianic prophecies in the Hebrew Scriptures and New Testament look to the Jewish people being resettled in their ancestral home (Isaiah 2:3-4, Isaiah 56:6-8, Acts 1:1-8) for many, the resettling of Israel marks the start of the world events that will lead up to the Second Coming.

The terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001 and military action taken in Iraq the following spring are also important events to many Christians. In ancient history, Babylon was located in what is now Iraq. Babylon is cited frequently in the book of Revelation. However, due to theological differences, there are disputes as to whether Babylon was a cryptic way of referring to the Roman Empire during a time of intense persecution. Some theologians believe that Babylon is still the Babylon of antiquity, while yet others feel that this could refer to some modern nation.

Tension surrounding Iran also plays a factor. The Shiite leadership of Iran is strongly against the existence of the State of Israel, as well as being against the United States. The United States' friendship with Israel,in many peoples' belief, is evidence that America will ultimately play some role during the end-times.

John McCain has sparked some controversy by supporting military action in Iraq and desiring to keep troops there until the country has stabilized. He was also recently criticized for accusing Iran of training Al-Quaeda members, but later corrected his statement (http://afp.google.com/article /ALeqM5gtqD_x9yYIuq_7S2dimSjMV 5qRmg) McCain's prior military experience may be an advantage for him in this election. Barack Obama has been criticized for supporting a withdrawl from Iraq, possibly leaving the Middle East more exposed to terrorist threats. (http://www.nysun.com/editoria ls/obama-and-israel/69154/) His ties to the controversial pastor Jeremiah Wright may work against him, although he has denounced Iranian attacks against Israel and the Jewish people. Hillary Clinton has stated that the US could "obliterate" Iran if they used nuclear weapons against Israel (http://blogs.abcnews.com/poli ticalpunch/2008/04/clintons-ir an-t.html), which concerned some commentators. A possible advantage for Clinton is her first-hand White House experience as First Lady.

Overall, I don't think this election will have any particular effect on end times events. I do think that, like any election, the decisions our next President makes will impact our nation, for better or for worse.

Learn more about this author, Amanda Demers.
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