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A Perfect Storm of National Cycles
'WorldWatch' by David C. GrabbeHistorical crisis cycles reveal a repeated pattern in which peoples fail to learn from the past, thereby dooming themselves to relive it, as George Santayana's famous observation suggests. This dynamic is especially evident in the parallel trajectories of the United States, Europe, and Russia, whose historical rhythms appear to be converging toward a common period of upheaval. For roughly six centuries, the American and British peoples have followed a cycle producing a national crisis approximately every ninety years, exemplified by the American Revolution, the Civil War, and the Great Depression combined with World War II. Historians William Strauss and Neil Howe, in The Fourth Turning: An American Prophecy, predicted based on these cycles that a new crisis would begin around 2005-2008 and potentially resolve around 2025, leaving open whether the crisis had already begun or was still approaching. A similar cyclical shift is unfolding in Europe, where the departure of leaders such as Schroeder, Chirac, and Blair—figures strongly committed to European integration—marks the end of an era and the resurgence of traditional balance-of-power politics. The replacement of Chirac by Nicolas Sarkozy, who rejects the Gaullist vision of Europe as a platform for French global power, signals a shift toward domestic reform rather than international consolidation. This transition reflects a deeper, recurring European cycle centered on the rise and fall of Germany: as Germany strengthens, surrounding powers unite against it, and as Germany weakens, its neighbors rise in its place. This pattern, evident through the Holy Roman Empire, Imperial Germany, and Nazi Germany, is now entering a fourth iteration with a reunified Germany, historically culminating in consolidation followed by catastrophic war. Russia's historical cycle follows its own distinct pattern, beginning with a national catastrophe—such as defeat in World War I or the Soviet collapse—that destroys the existing social order. From this chaos emerges a "white rider," a leader who provides stability and strength rather than the wealth or freedom associated with Western heroes. Vladimir Putin is identified as the current white rider, having centralized power and stabilized the nation, though his impending departure from office suggests Russia is poised to enter the next phase of its cycle. This next stage introduces a "dark rider," a pragmatic and morally unrestrained leader—embodied historically by Josef Stalin, the Vasilys, and Ivan IV—who imposes strict internal control and pursues external aggression to secure Russia's vulnerable borders, often resulting in war, echoing Catherine the Great's assertion that expansion was the only defense available to her. Taken together, these simultaneous shifts in the United States and the broader Anglosphere, in France and Germany, and in a resurgent Russia point to a convergence of historical cycles. This convergence suggests that, absent a sudden and unlikely grasp of history's lessons, the Western world stands on the edge of renewed upheaval as these long-standing patterns repeat themselves once again.
What Makes Generation "Me" Tick?
Commentary by David F. MaasOver the past six decades (from the Boomer Generation to the Millennial generation), individuals have grown more narcissistic, entitled and miserable.
The Doctrine of Israel (Part Three): A Cycle of Rebellion
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughIsrael consistently cycles through God's deliverance, apostasy through idolatry and immorality, God's chastening, national repentance, then deliverance again.
This Generation Shall Not Pass
Commentary by Richard T. RitenbaughThe World War II generation witnessed the horror of nuclear war and therefore begins the time of 'if time were not cut short, no flesh would be saved alive.'
Generations in America
'WorldWatch' by David C. GrabbeEvery society has multiple generations living at the same time, and the way they interact has a tremendous impact on culture and events.
The Handwriting is on the Wall (2017): The Fourth Turning
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Steve Bannon embraced The Fourth Turning, a book which explains why many Americans no longer recognize the country they once knew and respected.
The Coming Anglo-American Crisis
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeThe nation cannot continue as it is. The questions that remain are: How long do we have? How bad is it going to get? What will our nation look like afterward?
Illegal Immigration and the American Crisis
'WorldWatch' by David C. GrabbeImmigration trends in American history are cyclical, and in fact, can be a good indicator of how close the next crisis is.
Leaving Christianity Behind
'WorldWatch' by Richard T. RitenbaughMillennials are changing the face of the nation, transforming society on both public and private matters and rejecting Christianity for humanist values.
Leaving Religion Behind
Commentary by Richard T. RitenbaughMore Millennials identify themselves as non-religious and show no indication of embracing religion in the foreseeable future.
Ecclesiastes Resumed (Part One)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Ecclesiastes is perhaps the most practical book in the Old Testament, providing overviews of life-guiding advice, essentially a roadmap through the maze.
What's in the Bucket? (Part One)
Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The last three American generations have had their minds poisoned, such that they unquestioningly embrace socialism and deviant lifestyles as the norm.
Back It Comes
Commentary by Richard T. RitenbaughEvery idea that has ever been considered will be repurposed as something new, remembered as a retread idea only by old-timers who have encountered it before.
Crisis? What Crisis?
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughWe would recognize something as horrible as the Great Depression, right? We would know if we had entered the Crisis! But would we?
The Handwriting Is on The Wall (2003)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughEven as Paul admonishes us about the night being far spent, we must make careful and judicious use of our time in anticipating the return of Jesus Christ.
Even From My Youth
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughSolomon teaches that childhood and youth are vanity, and that having fun while forgetting God may create flawed character and permanent sorrow.
Ecclesiastes and Christian Living (Part One)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughEcclesiastes is full of frustration, bluntness, and even a little hopeless. However, its themes are realistic and necessary for us to grasp.
Perversity
Sermonette by Joseph B. BaityChange or open-mindedness without wisdom is foolish and perverted, as one can see by the horrendous fruits of the Boomer's open-minded permissiveness.
Ecclesiastes and the Feast of Tabernacles (Part 1)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughLove for this world will inevitably bring disillusionment. Because the world is passing away, our priorities should be to fear God and keep his commandments.
Are These the Last Days? (Part 2)
'Prophecy Watch' by Richard T. RitenbaughAccording to the book, 13th Gen: Abort, Retry, Ignore, Fail?, those born between 1961-1981 belongs to the 13th Generation, the 13th since America's Founding Fathers.
Ecclesiastes and the Feast of Tabernacles (Part 2)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod emphasizes Ecclesiastes during the Feast of Tabernacles to show the result of doing whatever our human heart leads us to do. The physical cannot satisfy.
Trumpets: Soon To Be Fulfilled?
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe attitudes of II Timothy 3:1-5 are rampant now and should give us the urgent incentive to repent and overcome, preparing for Jesus Christ's return.
The Handwriting Is on the Wall (2005)
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe family is under savage attack, with more and more children born out of wedlock. With the destruction of the family, we are witnessing the death of the U.S.
Ecclesiastes (Part Five)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughTime and events are in the hands of God; He knows when to relieve the pressure and when to bring on more. Looking above the sun teaches us about the seasons.