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Two major newsmagazines had begun publication
in the U.S. that year. They brought a new standard
of excellence in reporting world news. People could
now have a better idea of
what
was happening. And
yet there was still a missing dimension in news
reporting in . l933.
But not far from where the editor of the
Jefferson
Review
was putting his paper together, a unique
magazine was taking shape.
It
was a humble
affair-its hard-pressed editor lacked most of the
resources needed to produce a magazine. But Editor
Herbert W. Armstrong was also concerned about the
state of the world. His understanding carne not only
from reading the disconcerting news from Europe.
He also had begun to understand the true
significance of the prophecies of the Bible.
His eyes had been opened to the true identity of the
peoples of North America and Northwest Europe.
Prophecies that most people considered historical
curiosities had suddenly become dramatically and
frighteningly alive. He realized that the situation was
far more serious than anyone thought. The people of
Oregon-of America-indeed, of the world-were in
mortal danger.
Yet no news source seemed to understand the
seriousness of the times. There was a need for a
"magazine of understanding," so-carefully-by
hand-holding a mimeograph stencil against a
window-Mr. Armstrong wrote
The Plain Truth's
first headline-"Is a World Dictator About to
Appear?"
Five years later, Hitler's armies swarmed over
Europe, and Britain stood alone and practically
defenseless. Then carne Pearl Harbor, and the dramatic
success of the Japanese offensive in the Paci-fic.
It
seemed that the time of "Jacob's trouble" had come.
But slowly the tide began to turn against the Fascist
powers.
Peace carne in 1945, and once again the world
breathed a sigh of relief.
That
had to be the war to end
all wars. War was no longer a practica! way forman to
solve his conflicts- there had to be a better way. Much
hope was placed in the United Nations- a place where
nations could talk instead of fight.
But
The Plain Truth
did not share this optimism
for the immediate future. Even before the dust
settled, this magazine was warning that the world
should expect another, even more terrible war.
Certainly in 1945, as Europe staggered around in
its ruins, that seemed unlikely. But the years are
proving us to be right. Since the end of the Second
World War mankind has learned more than at any
other time in history. Astonishing progress has been
made in transport, communications, health, science,
building construction and agriculture. But men are
still fighting, starving, destroying and dying. We still
do not know how to live in peace. In spite of all
other progress, we have learned absolutely
nothing
about that.
Nations with "advanced civilizations" and
"superior intelligence" still threaten each other (and
everyone else). Even so-called Christian nations
February 1984
quarrel and fight with not even a passing thought for
the sixth (or any other) commandment. Peace is as
far away as ever. As men fight and die, famine and
pestilence are increasing, as Jesus Christ said they
would just before the final catastrophe (Matt.
24:6-8). In spite of superior technology, advanced
civilization and what passes for the Christian
religion, this earth is a far more dangerous place
than it was in 1933.
The Willamette Valley, however, is still as beautiful
as ever. 1 know of few places on earth that can rival this
part of Oregon for scenic splendor-snowcapped
mountains, soaring forests, cascading rivers and neat
farms nestling in quiet valleys.
In the pleasant university town of Eugene, the wars
overseas, the missile crisis in Europe, the dirt, filth,
poverty, disease and misery of the Third and Fourth
Worlds all seem far away- just as they did in 1933.
There is one difference. Another conflict would not
just affect those who volunteer to fight.
The superior intelligence of advanced civilizations
has made it possible now for war to be brought to
everyone's doorstep, so that, "except those days should
be shortened, there should no flesh be saved" (Matt.
24:22).
lt
is now 50 years since
The Plain Truth
began
to say that. We cannot change our tune-not yet. Not
while there is still a need for a warning and a witness.
Looking through the old newspaper of 50 years
ago really underscores this point. People have
learned so much- but human beings are as far as
ever from developing an advanced civilization based
on the true Christian religion. One day we will have
one- but God will have to show humanity how.
First these prophecies must be fulfilled-we will not
learn our lessons any other way.
The
Jefferson Review
is still published regularly.
lt
is a decent little paper, faithfully reporting the
comings and goings of its Willamette Valley
community.
The
Plain Truth
offices moved from Eugene in
1947.
lt
is now a worldwide magazine, published in
seven languages. But it is still concerned for the
people of the Willamette Valley, as it is with its
other millions of readers worldwide.
Today, as 50 years ago, other news sources cannot
bring you the full significance of the events that
affect your life. They don' t understand
why
we
cannot solve the problems that threaten human
existence. Or why, as our civilization "advances,"
things keep getting worse.
lt
is no longer considered outrageous and doom
saying to warn of imminent disaster and the collapse
of the present world order.
Other publications do that regularly. But they
sti/1
don't know the real
cause
of the trouble. They still
can't help you anticípate and prepare for the marvelous
future
as it is going to be.
You need to know the "plain truth" about these
things.
That's why the world needed this magazine of
understanding 50 years ago.
It
still does.
-John Halford
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