The Y2K computer bug has become an obsession of conspiracy-buffs, but the possible economic crisis resulting from a computer breakdown in 2000 has even mainstream evangelicals gearing up for the end-times, reports the evangelical newsweekly World (Aug. 22).
Since many evangelicals believe that Christ’s second coming will be preceded by world crises and disasters (a position known as premillennialism), the emerging alarm over Y2K among these Christians is not unexpected. Mark Andrews, founder of Prep 2000 and a leader in the Y2K prophesy movement, says the “scenario that’s unfolding as we approach the new millennium matches perfectly with Scripture’s prophesy of global economic collapse and a one-world government.” Andrews adds that many evangelical families are already storing food and making other preparations for the year 2000 disaster.
For instance, in Mexico, Ron Meadows, a Church of the Nazarene student of biblical prophesy is erecting a straw-bale-and-stucco dwelling in Mexico for his and other families as a place of refuge. [The YK2-survivalist themes are not only pursued by premillennialists, as postmillennialist Reconstructionist leader Gary North–holding to an American theocracy– is the leading writer on the subject.] Even moderate evangelical financial planners such as Larry Burkett, who is the financial guru for many evangelical leaders, recommend keeping food reserves, although they may not tie such activity to the end-times.
Luder Whitlock, president of Reformed Theological Seminary, says that evangelicals may be creating self-fulfilling prophesies due to their tendency to react strongly to “doomsday-type scenarios.”
(World, P.O. Box 2330,, Asheville, NC 28805)