The concept of unraveling, as described, refers to a cultural disintegration that has been intensifying over time. This process began in earnest in the 1960s and has continued to gain momentum. The term 'unraveling' is used to describe a period where traditional values and governing concepts are being eroded and set aside, often against the will of the majority. This cultural unraveling is characterized by a shift away from the biblical foundations upon which the nation was built, including the rejection of the Ten Commandments and the rise of secularism. The unraveling is part of a larger cycle of cultural conditions that repeat every 80 to 100 years, moving from an unraveling phase to a crisis phase. This cycle was identified by authors William Strauss and Neil Howe in their book 'The Fourth Turning.' They suggest that the current unraveling cycle began in 1984, and the transition to a crisis phase was anticipated around 2005. This cultural shift has led to increased cynicism, a search for personal meaning, and a struggle to find one's place amidst the culture wars. The effects of this unraveling are felt not only in society at large but also within religious communities, as evidenced by the example of the Worldwide Church of God, which followed a similar pattern of disintegration during the same period. The unraveling contributes to a sense of weariness and stress among individuals as they navigate a world in turmoil, with tensions arising from the uncertainty and the gradual tearing apart of societal structures.

The process of unravelling the church's unity began with the sin of Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5, revealing that the church was no longer one. By Acts 6, the division became more apparent due to disputes over service, necessitating the appointment of deacons to address the issue equitably. This mirrors the physical creation's transition from chaos to harmony in Genesis 1 and 2, which was disrupted by sin, leading to a dissolution of the initial harmonious state. The apostle Paul in Romans describes his own struggle with the law of sin in his members warring against the law of his mind, illustrating the ongoing conflict within Christians between the flesh and the spirit. This internal conflict demands daily choices between immediate gratification and long-term spiritual rewards, contributing to the church's scattered condition. The scattering of the church, as seen in the example of Judah in Jeremiah 6, was a deliberate action by God to test the loyalty of its members and to correct their conduct. This scattering also forced members into smaller congregations, compelling them to practice God's commands of love, longsuffering, and forgiveness more intensely. The root of this disunity can be traced back to pride, as described in Ezekiel 28, where Satan's self-love led to his fall and the subsequent spread of disunity and self-centeredness on earth. This pride manifests in the church today through various leaders' presumptuous claims and actions, further dividing the church. The miscalculation of Pentecost's date by some groups is another example of this ongoing weakness and division within the church, stemming from a failure to follow God's instructions precisely, as seen in the cases of Cain and Abel and the regulations concerning offerings in Leviticus 22 and Deuteronomy 12.

The Third Turning, known as Unraveling, is characterized by a dominance of individualism, with institutions becoming increasingly weak and discredited. During this period, social authority feels inconsequential, the culture feels exhausted, and individuals are bewildered by the numerous options available to them. It is a time marked by celebrity circuses and a high degree of personal freedom and creativity, yet there is a notable lack of public purpose. The most recent Third Turning began in the mid-'80s and continued through the '90s. Historically, periods of Unraveling in America, such as the 1920s, 1850s, and 1760s, were also marked by cynicism and poor manners. These Third Turnings inevitably lead to Fourth Turnings, which are times of crisis.