Statism Rises, Democracy Wanes on 5 Continents

statism rises democracy wanes

STATISM RISES, DEMOCRACY WANES. Today we begin a series on current worldwide decline of democracy and the rise of authoritarianism, or statism. This trend must precede the rise of the Antichrist. In the end times, we read that the Antichrist—known in Revelation as the “beast”—has recovered from a fatal wound. As a result, the apostle John tells us: “the whole world was amazed and followed after the beast” (Rev. 13:4).

See 9 min. video: Democracy Declines, Authoritarianism Rises Around the World

In our time so many nations are accustomed to democracy and constitutional freedoms that they would not give them up to any tyrant, no matter how popular or appealing. But between now and the time of the Antichrist, authoritarianism will increase to the point that John says, “authority over every tribe and people and tongue and nation was given to him” (Rev. 13:7).

In future articles we will see how Christians can resist this trend toward statism and promote the best conditions for the gospel and for church growth. Specifically, these conditions include (1) a constitutional democracy, (2) a free market economy, (3) a pluralistic society, and (4) a church united in its diversity. None of these conditions are ideal. But they are the best conditions we can sustain in a fallen world, until Christ comes to establish His kingdom.

Statism rising in Eastern Hemisphere

In ASIA, hopes for China that progress in capitalism would also bring progress in democracy have faded. President Xi is imposing a cult of personality on that vast nation of 1.4 billion. Consequently, this cult is taking away much of the limited freedom of expression and religion that the Chinese have gained in the past 40+ years. For instance, churches must now remove crosses, replace religious displays with portraits of Xi, and sing songs of worship to the State.

India, a country of 1.3 billion, has re-elected an authoritarian prime minister who promotes Hinduism and tolerates persecution of non-Hindus. The tyrannical atheist Duterte in the Philippines and the tyrannical theocratic ayatollahs in Iran stand out among many other examples of oppressive statism in Asia.

In EUROPE, a more socialistic statism has arisen. We find seven of the world’s ten most socialistic nations in Europe: Denmark, Finland, the Netherlands, Sweden, Ireland and Belgium. Socialism is the first step from constitutional democracy to tyranny. It promotes the welfare state and the intrusive regulatory state. Even some “far-right” parties such as the National Front in France favor the welfare state. They only want to confine that state to current citizens and to restrict immigration.

In AFRICA, the 1990s saw a decade of advances for democracy, according to BBC. But in the past eleven years, Freedom House reports that 7 of 54 African states have become less free, while only 5 have gained more freedom. Freedom House now classifies 28 African states as “not free”.

Statism rising in Western Hemisphere

In SOUTH AMERICA, as in all of Latin America, the progress made towards real democracy since the 1980s has recently been faltering. After surveying people in 18 countries, Latinobarometro reports that those dissatisfied with democracy increased from 51% in 2009 to 71% nine years later. Those content with democracy fell from 44% to 24%.

Finally, in NORTH AMERICA, Canada has become the fifth most socialist nation in the world, according to Freedom House. And for the first time, most of the current US presidential candidates espouse some form of socialism. But they fail to see that socialism is the first step from constitutional democracy to tyranny. From the Russian revolution to the Venezuelan ruination, we have witnessed ample evidence of socialism sinking into despotism.

Unfortunately, the world in general will accept more and more tyranny until the Antichrist arises. Revelation 13:7 says that he will gain “authority over every tribe and people and tongue and nation.” But not until after the gospel of Christ’s kingdom reaches every people group “as a testimony to all the nations” (Mt. 24:14).

We must make the most of the precious time that remains to make as many disciples as possible. A future article will identify the best conditions for the spread of the gospel of the kingdom while we still have time.

DailyInsight. Jesus admonished us to “keep on the alert at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are about to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man” (Luke 21:36).