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Implosion: Can America Recover from Its Economic and Spiritual Challenges in Time?
Bestselling author and international political expert Joel C. Rosenberg tackles the question, Is America an empire in decline or a nation poised for an historic renaissance? America teeters on a precipice. In the midst of financial turmoil, political uncertainty, declining morality, the constant threat of natural disasters, and myriad other daunting challenges, many wonder what the future holds. Will history’s greatest democracy stage a miraculous comeback, returning to the forefront of the world’s economic and spiritual stage? Can America’s religious past be repeated today with a third Great Awakening? Or will the rise of China, Russia, and other nations, coupled with the US’s internal struggles, send her into a decline from which there can be no return? Implosion helps readers understand the economic, social, and spiritual challenges facing the United States in the 21st century, through the lens of biblical prophecy.
399 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 15, 2012
219 people are currently reading
799 people want to read
About the author
Joel C. Rosenberg
56 books3,007 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Note: This is a different person than the fantasy author, Joel Rosenberg
Joel C. Rosenberg is the founder of The Joshua Fund and the New York Times best-selling author of THE LAST JIHAD (2002), THE LAST DAYS (2003), THE EZEKIEL OPTION (2005), THE COPPER SCROLL (2006), EPICENTER (2006) and DEAD HEAT (2008) with more than 1.5 million copies in print. THE EZEKIEL OPTION was named by the ECPA as the Gold Medallion winner of the "Best Novel of 2006." Joel, an evangelical Christian whose mother is Gentile and whose father is from an Orthodox Jewish background, previously worked with several U.S. and Israeli leaders, including Steve Forbes, former Israeli Deputy Prime Minister Natan Sharansky, and former Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He has been interviewed on hundreds of radio and TV shows.
He and his wife have four sons and live near Washington, DC.
Note: This is a different person than the fantasy author, Joel Rosenberg
Joel C. Rosenberg is the founder of The Joshua Fund and the New York Times best-selling author of THE LAST JIHAD (2002), THE LAST DAYS (2003), THE EZEKIEL OPTION (2005), THE COPPER SCROLL (2006), EPICENTER (2006) and DEAD HEAT (2008) with more than 1.5 million copies in print. THE EZEKIEL OPTION was named by the ECPA as the Gold Medallion winner of the "Best Novel of 2006." Joel, an evangelical Christian whose mother is Gentile and whose father is from an Orthodox Jewish background, previously worked with several U.S. and Israeli leaders, including Steve Forbes, former Israeli Deputy Prime Minister Natan Sharansky, and former Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He has been interviewed on hundreds of radio and TV shows.
He and his wife have four sons and live near Washington, DC.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
July 6, 2012
Are we doomed? Can we recover? Does God still have His hand of protection over us or has He removed it? Can we receive God’s favor again? Many are asking these same questions and there is a growing anxiety among Christians who believe that the United States is about to implode and nothing we can do will stop it.
Joel C. Rosenberg, in his newest book “Implosion”, deals with these questions and provides the best answers God has given him to help us find the right track and stay on it. Rosenberg doesn’t make any guarantees. He only provides the answers that he believes God has given to him.
With rising gas and food prices, high unemployment and a devastating economy, it’s easy to become anxious about the future of our country. Though some fail to admit it, the United States was founded on Christian principles. However, over the past 200 years, we, as a people, have become divided in our beliefs, turned away from the sovereignty of God and led our lives by our own values rather than the ones God laid down for us. It’s easy to see why God would choose to throw His hands up and walk away.
In “Implosion”, Rosenberg outlines four scenarios as to how America will meet its final days: financial implosion, war and terrorism, natural disaster, or rapture. In each scenario, he outlines what America must do to possibly change or delay the outcome. He has often stated that because the United States is not mentioned in the Bible, there is reason to believe that we will not exist, at least not as the United States. He bases this on the fact that other nations are specifically mentioned in the Bible whereas the United States is not. He does mention several theologians that have different points of view but says their arguments are not credible because the United States is never directly or specifically mentioned in the Bible.
Whether or not you choose to believe Rosenberg, America is in a crisis and only a great awakening has the capacity to save us. We must turn our eyes towards God and accept Jesus as our Savior and ultimate authority. “Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the LORD his God.” (Psalm 146:5).
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Tyndale House, as part of their Book Review Blogger Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Joel C. Rosenberg, in his newest book “Implosion”, deals with these questions and provides the best answers God has given him to help us find the right track and stay on it. Rosenberg doesn’t make any guarantees. He only provides the answers that he believes God has given to him.
With rising gas and food prices, high unemployment and a devastating economy, it’s easy to become anxious about the future of our country. Though some fail to admit it, the United States was founded on Christian principles. However, over the past 200 years, we, as a people, have become divided in our beliefs, turned away from the sovereignty of God and led our lives by our own values rather than the ones God laid down for us. It’s easy to see why God would choose to throw His hands up and walk away.
In “Implosion”, Rosenberg outlines four scenarios as to how America will meet its final days: financial implosion, war and terrorism, natural disaster, or rapture. In each scenario, he outlines what America must do to possibly change or delay the outcome. He has often stated that because the United States is not mentioned in the Bible, there is reason to believe that we will not exist, at least not as the United States. He bases this on the fact that other nations are specifically mentioned in the Bible whereas the United States is not. He does mention several theologians that have different points of view but says their arguments are not credible because the United States is never directly or specifically mentioned in the Bible.
Whether or not you choose to believe Rosenberg, America is in a crisis and only a great awakening has the capacity to save us. We must turn our eyes towards God and accept Jesus as our Savior and ultimate authority. “Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the LORD his God.” (Psalm 146:5).
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Tyndale House, as part of their Book Review Blogger Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
October 27, 2012
IMPLOSION isn't a bad book per se, but it's written as if the author's brain were on cruise control. I mean, how hard is it to write a book whose message is simply that America is in trouble and desperately in need of some spiritual revival? I mean, is that really such a difficult point to make? How many Christians really feel the need to shell out $28 bucks to be told this?
Of course, the novelty of the message is not always as important as how the author goes about selling it, and there certainly seem to be a lot of people who have felt energized in their faith after reading this book. However, I can't claim to be one of them. IMPLOSION simply brings nothing new to the table, and nothing is discussed very in-depth. Rosenberg begins with a discussion on the state of the American economy--a subject tackled far more adroitly in books like Glenn Beck's BROKE. He then--after keeping readers in suspense for several chapters--shows how America fits in with Biblical prophecy. SPOILER ALERT: It doesn't. (Feel like you're getting your money's worth yet?) So then, if America isn't much of a factor during the End of Days, what might have happened to it? Rosenberg then spends several chapters discussing how life in America could potentially end as we know it in the wake of a catasrophe--perhaps resulting from the collapse of the American economy, another successful terrorist attack, or devastating natural disasters (earthquakes, tidal waves, hurricanes, volcanic eruptions, etc.). Again, these are all concerns everyone is well aware of, especially if they watch the DISOCVERY channel, keep up with the news, or have seen movies like 2012, DEEP IMPACT, and THE DAY AFTER TOMORROW. Next comes a very dull summary of what happened during America's first and second Great Awakening, along with what we, as Christians, can do to bring about a third one. SPOILER ALERT: Pray and tell people about Jesus.
All in all, IMPLOSION is too basic to be of much use to most Christians, but it's also written with far too much "Christian-ese" and clichéd church speak for it to attract a more secular audience. The best it can hope to do is bring Christians to a greater sense of urgency about their faith. Not a bad result, but I was expecting something more from such a celebrated Christian author and thinker.
Of course, the novelty of the message is not always as important as how the author goes about selling it, and there certainly seem to be a lot of people who have felt energized in their faith after reading this book. However, I can't claim to be one of them. IMPLOSION simply brings nothing new to the table, and nothing is discussed very in-depth. Rosenberg begins with a discussion on the state of the American economy--a subject tackled far more adroitly in books like Glenn Beck's BROKE. He then--after keeping readers in suspense for several chapters--shows how America fits in with Biblical prophecy. SPOILER ALERT: It doesn't. (Feel like you're getting your money's worth yet?) So then, if America isn't much of a factor during the End of Days, what might have happened to it? Rosenberg then spends several chapters discussing how life in America could potentially end as we know it in the wake of a catasrophe--perhaps resulting from the collapse of the American economy, another successful terrorist attack, or devastating natural disasters (earthquakes, tidal waves, hurricanes, volcanic eruptions, etc.). Again, these are all concerns everyone is well aware of, especially if they watch the DISOCVERY channel, keep up with the news, or have seen movies like 2012, DEEP IMPACT, and THE DAY AFTER TOMORROW. Next comes a very dull summary of what happened during America's first and second Great Awakening, along with what we, as Christians, can do to bring about a third one. SPOILER ALERT: Pray and tell people about Jesus.
All in all, IMPLOSION is too basic to be of much use to most Christians, but it's also written with far too much "Christian-ese" and clichéd church speak for it to attract a more secular audience. The best it can hope to do is bring Christians to a greater sense of urgency about their faith. Not a bad result, but I was expecting something more from such a celebrated Christian author and thinker.
July 23, 2012
I’ve never read a Joel C Rosenberg book before. My understanding is that they are typically novels that blend political and supernatural events to provide insights into the world of prophesy and its intersection with modern days. They are books that I always say I’m going to read, but somehow, in some way, I always end up getting sidetracked and haven’t yet gotten back around to reading them. I have a few of them, really, I do.
Anyway, when I heard about Implosion – which was apparently a long time ago – I was immediately interested because I recognized the knowledge and perspective an author like Rosenberg could bring to the table in a discussion of American politics and economics. Sure enough, Rosenberg lays out the current situation in no uncertain terms and provides a thorough, albeit bleak view of our nation’s current state of affairs and its outlook in the coming years. Convinced that we are indeed living in the “last days,” Rosenberg deftly weaves in threads of prophesy as expected and addresses questions that concern any number of politicians and people who call America their homeland.
And then, Rosenberg apparently empathizes with me and gets sidetracked. I won’t call it “bait and switch,” but the book takes a distinct topical turn and takes an entirely different tone. Implosion, a discussion of the woeful state of America’s economy, becomes an urgent call to repentance, renewal, and revival. Given it’s tangentially related as a recommended response to the current situation, boiling the “discussion” down into sermon-y soundbites is unexpected (at least from my perspective).
While I enjoy the historical journey through the First and Second Great Awakenings, I missed a critical analysis of fiscal policies that may or may not address the current economic crises. Though I appreciate the altar call and detailed list of steps to restore a right relationship with God, I expected… Actually, I don’t know what I expected, but by the end of the book, I had pretty much forgotten all about the financial crisis and the potential of an economic implosion and maybe that’s really the point of the book. Maybe it actually was a bait and switch after all. Maybe it’s okay.
-from trudatmusic[dot]com[slash]raw
Anyway, when I heard about Implosion – which was apparently a long time ago – I was immediately interested because I recognized the knowledge and perspective an author like Rosenberg could bring to the table in a discussion of American politics and economics. Sure enough, Rosenberg lays out the current situation in no uncertain terms and provides a thorough, albeit bleak view of our nation’s current state of affairs and its outlook in the coming years. Convinced that we are indeed living in the “last days,” Rosenberg deftly weaves in threads of prophesy as expected and addresses questions that concern any number of politicians and people who call America their homeland.
And then, Rosenberg apparently empathizes with me and gets sidetracked. I won’t call it “bait and switch,” but the book takes a distinct topical turn and takes an entirely different tone. Implosion, a discussion of the woeful state of America’s economy, becomes an urgent call to repentance, renewal, and revival. Given it’s tangentially related as a recommended response to the current situation, boiling the “discussion” down into sermon-y soundbites is unexpected (at least from my perspective).
While I enjoy the historical journey through the First and Second Great Awakenings, I missed a critical analysis of fiscal policies that may or may not address the current economic crises. Though I appreciate the altar call and detailed list of steps to restore a right relationship with God, I expected… Actually, I don’t know what I expected, but by the end of the book, I had pretty much forgotten all about the financial crisis and the potential of an economic implosion and maybe that’s really the point of the book. Maybe it actually was a bait and switch after all. Maybe it’s okay.
-from trudatmusic[dot]com[slash]raw
June 24, 2012
Is America spiraling quickly to a cataclymic ending? What does our future hold? Are we living in the end times? This book answers these questions along with many more. Accurate viewpoints of current and past political figures are captured within this book. Our countries past seems engrained resulting in the startling present times in which we live. Topics discussed in length for example include national debt, natural disasters and the book of Revelation.
A startling and revealing book is how I would describe this eyeopening read. I am not one who follows current events per se like my husband does, but I admit that this book held my attention throughout as I was completely focused and found that in many parts it was impossible to put down. I did learn alot and when discussing it with my husband he admittedly knew about some topics I brought up but was unaware of others ie: specific dollar amounts being alloted to certain projects and the rapture. Full of well documented past, present and future events this well written volume is organized, easy to read and grasp and will cause the reader to stop, think and reflect. I will recommend this well written book to others, 5 stars!
A startling and revealing book is how I would describe this eyeopening read. I am not one who follows current events per se like my husband does, but I admit that this book held my attention throughout as I was completely focused and found that in many parts it was impossible to put down. I did learn alot and when discussing it with my husband he admittedly knew about some topics I brought up but was unaware of others ie: specific dollar amounts being alloted to certain projects and the rapture. Full of well documented past, present and future events this well written volume is organized, easy to read and grasp and will cause the reader to stop, think and reflect. I will recommend this well written book to others, 5 stars!
July 13, 2012
I am a fan of Joel Rosenberg both his fiction and his research and current event books. This book is good; it is hard to judge because its worth will depend on what one has read. If you have read a great deal concerning prophecy (solid works that is) then there won’t be anything new here. However if you have pretty much only read Pat Robertson, John Hagee, Hal Lindsey, and David Wilkerson then read this book.
He basically stats (I believe correctly) that the United States appears nowhere in Biblical prophecy. He then lays out 4 different scenarios as to what may become of the USA and how. I found that very intriguing and interesting. He does lay out in rather frank terms the problem our country is in with our debt and how it makes us very vulnerable to foreign powers who long to see our demise. As always his writing is practical and sensible, no panic button is pushed, but there is no blind optimism either. He is straight forward and doesn’t try to force anything onto the text of scripture when dealing with an emotional issue, the future of the United States.
He basically stats (I believe correctly) that the United States appears nowhere in Biblical prophecy. He then lays out 4 different scenarios as to what may become of the USA and how. I found that very intriguing and interesting. He does lay out in rather frank terms the problem our country is in with our debt and how it makes us very vulnerable to foreign powers who long to see our demise. As always his writing is practical and sensible, no panic button is pushed, but there is no blind optimism either. He is straight forward and doesn’t try to force anything onto the text of scripture when dealing with an emotional issue, the future of the United States.
October 10, 2012
I usually love to read Joel Rosenberg having read a number of his prophetic books but that one was old stuff rehashed. I had to read it in diagonal. The only number that struck me was the 53 million aborted babies missing to help out with the present economics. That really stirred me into realizing the blood that is poring on our heads worldwide
March 5, 2019
This book is really in two parts. The first looks at the way America could implode: economically, politically, natural disasters, etc. Included in this discussion is what needs to be done to halt the current slide - the tough choices that have to be made, the truths that must be faced.
Then the book moves into the spiritual side. Rosenberg looks at biblical end times prophecy and offers suggestions on why America doesn't make an appearance. Then he goes further by exploring the two spiritual Great Awakenings America has experienced in her history. Is it too late for a third? Rosenberg doesn't know (no one does) but posits that the church needs to do what the church has been called to do - introduce others to Jesus, teach them His word, mentor them, pray for them, pray for our leaders, etc - whether this brings another Awakening or not.
This book was written in 2011, and the situations that are leading toward implosion have not gotten better. Nor has there been a Great Awakening. But this is a sober reminder of what is coming and what Christians should be doing. For "comfortable" Christians, this will refresh your memory on where your focus should be. For non-Christians, this may spark an interest in what the bible says the future holds.
Then the book moves into the spiritual side. Rosenberg looks at biblical end times prophecy and offers suggestions on why America doesn't make an appearance. Then he goes further by exploring the two spiritual Great Awakenings America has experienced in her history. Is it too late for a third? Rosenberg doesn't know (no one does) but posits that the church needs to do what the church has been called to do - introduce others to Jesus, teach them His word, mentor them, pray for them, pray for our leaders, etc - whether this brings another Awakening or not.
This book was written in 2011, and the situations that are leading toward implosion have not gotten better. Nor has there been a Great Awakening. But this is a sober reminder of what is coming and what Christians should be doing. For "comfortable" Christians, this will refresh your memory on where your focus should be. For non-Christians, this may spark an interest in what the bible says the future holds.
November 3, 2022
Please do not see my less-than-enthusiastic rating of this book as any indictment of Joel. I love Joel Rosenberg, but I found this work tedious and deflating. I had such high hopes, and feel like I have lived on nothing but milk-toast for a week.
Here, in once sentence, is the full message of this book. "America is in deep trouble and in need of a third 'great awakening' for its population of nominal Chrisitns."
There is nothing new or deeply insightful in this book. Indeed, I wasn't even challenged by it. This work is something that would be of value to a seeking non-Christian, or a nominal Christian who needs to get off their spiritual duff and engage their faith. If neither of those descriptions fits you, spend your money elsewhere.
Here, in once sentence, is the full message of this book. "America is in deep trouble and in need of a third 'great awakening' for its population of nominal Chrisitns."
There is nothing new or deeply insightful in this book. Indeed, I wasn't even challenged by it. This work is something that would be of value to a seeking non-Christian, or a nominal Christian who needs to get off their spiritual duff and engage their faith. If neither of those descriptions fits you, spend your money elsewhere.
August 24, 2019
Riveting and stunning in its scope.
In order to communicate with us today of the peril we face and possible solutions to it, Joel takes back nearly four centuries and explores solutions to our past and how they effected people in that day, then drew parallels to our day. Things are worse today and the possibility of falling off the cliff all the more certain without change.
In order to communicate with us today of the peril we face and possible solutions to it, Joel takes back nearly four centuries and explores solutions to our past and how they effected people in that day, then drew parallels to our day. Things are worse today and the possibility of falling off the cliff all the more certain without change.
July 9, 2017
Was a great book! Definitely raised a lot of questions. Hopefully this beautiful country can recover and continue on!
July 19, 2020
Very insightful and scary accurate—especially reading it 8 years after publication. Such good analysis and challenges. Definitely recommend!
December 28, 2020
Rosenberg offers a good analysis of where we are right now in America. A must read.
March 4, 2022
Excellent, must read book.
April 14, 2023
Intriguing reading with lots of thought producing questions and inquiry for future.
September 30, 2012
Weaving economics and financial options for our country, the author takes us down a road of options to consider for America's future. Complete with both sides of the picture, pessimism and optimism, the options are well researched and provide a well-balanced view of the state of things. Then the biblical lens is added to the scene, adding more dimension than I otherwise would have suspected. In an effort to discover if the United States is in the Bible, there are four very well presented reasons why it's not referenced for End Times theology. Just when the reader feels a bit of despair with the US' current standing in the world, the author suggests a possibility of a return to power through a third spiritual Awakening.
The first two spiritual Awakenings from the 1700s and then 1800s are thoroughly presented, providing both the humanity and power of the major influencers from those two Awakenings. I knew very little about these individuals, and now realise how much bias I had with particular individuals involved with the Awakenings. I connected strongly with Finney's history from the 1800s Awakening as he was put off strongly from the church due to rampant hypocrisy. The fact that he overcame that human bias and connected with God was something that I felt envious with my continual struggles with my own relationship with Christ being tainted with my seeing "Christians" spout dogma, exhibit self-centered behaviour, and fail with relationships so spectacularly. This piece along had a huge effect on me, and gave me personal hope to get past this frustration and disgust. Rosenberg then laid out the positive impact that late 1800s and 1900 biblical influencers have made on the US, and made the point that it could be the dwindling of faith in the country or a table prepared for a third Awakening. The bottom line? We will not know, and we cannot and should not rely on government to be the problem solver for social issues, but take personal responsibly.
This was tied nicely with the call for returning to Consitutional intention. In my own quest to understand our Founding Father's original intentions, this resonated strongly with me. Rosenberg made the point that the Founding Father's did not want a theocracy; rather, they sought to avoid a theocracy at all costs, focusing on small government to maintain order. The author provided his own personal political background to demonstrate his bias, which I found refreshing given that all writers have bias. Having clarity as to his bias was very scholarly of him. He then made the point that Christianity does not require certain partisan, but it does require self-awareness of your values and to support the candidates that align with those values the most. The acknowledgement that every candidate will be flawed but the focus on shared values is essential very much helped my own jaded view of the system and the fact I do not vote, although that it under re-consideration.
Why four instead of five stars?
This is easily a five star book because it makes you think. If the author was dogmatic with his opinion, this book would be a waste. However, the options provided that are so strongly supported across a huge amount of respectable experts ranging across the board of partisan preference, biblical scholars, economics, and politicians impressed me to feel that I had a grasp of enough basic facts to form my own conclusions and know where I need to research myself.
However, there are some annoying chapters between the spiritual Awakening information and the call to return to the Constitution that are essentially a self-help section on spirituality, not to mention two separate walk-throughs on asking God forgiveness for your sins. It's not that I have an issue with that, but I selected the book to read about the aspects it proclaims to discuss. It felt out of place in the context of the book or at the very least, contrived.
The first two spiritual Awakenings from the 1700s and then 1800s are thoroughly presented, providing both the humanity and power of the major influencers from those two Awakenings. I knew very little about these individuals, and now realise how much bias I had with particular individuals involved with the Awakenings. I connected strongly with Finney's history from the 1800s Awakening as he was put off strongly from the church due to rampant hypocrisy. The fact that he overcame that human bias and connected with God was something that I felt envious with my continual struggles with my own relationship with Christ being tainted with my seeing "Christians" spout dogma, exhibit self-centered behaviour, and fail with relationships so spectacularly. This piece along had a huge effect on me, and gave me personal hope to get past this frustration and disgust. Rosenberg then laid out the positive impact that late 1800s and 1900 biblical influencers have made on the US, and made the point that it could be the dwindling of faith in the country or a table prepared for a third Awakening. The bottom line? We will not know, and we cannot and should not rely on government to be the problem solver for social issues, but take personal responsibly.
This was tied nicely with the call for returning to Consitutional intention. In my own quest to understand our Founding Father's original intentions, this resonated strongly with me. Rosenberg made the point that the Founding Father's did not want a theocracy; rather, they sought to avoid a theocracy at all costs, focusing on small government to maintain order. The author provided his own personal political background to demonstrate his bias, which I found refreshing given that all writers have bias. Having clarity as to his bias was very scholarly of him. He then made the point that Christianity does not require certain partisan, but it does require self-awareness of your values and to support the candidates that align with those values the most. The acknowledgement that every candidate will be flawed but the focus on shared values is essential very much helped my own jaded view of the system and the fact I do not vote, although that it under re-consideration.
Why four instead of five stars?
This is easily a five star book because it makes you think. If the author was dogmatic with his opinion, this book would be a waste. However, the options provided that are so strongly supported across a huge amount of respectable experts ranging across the board of partisan preference, biblical scholars, economics, and politicians impressed me to feel that I had a grasp of enough basic facts to form my own conclusions and know where I need to research myself.
However, there are some annoying chapters between the spiritual Awakening information and the call to return to the Constitution that are essentially a self-help section on spirituality, not to mention two separate walk-throughs on asking God forgiveness for your sins. It's not that I have an issue with that, but I selected the book to read about the aspects it proclaims to discuss. It felt out of place in the context of the book or at the very least, contrived.
November 12, 2012
Implosion:Can America Recover From its Economic & Spiritual Challenges In Time?
by Joel Rosenberg predicts the possible implosion of America unless there are turnarounds on many fronts, especially the spiritual. Rosenberg begins:
"Is it possible that the American economy—and more broadly, American society in general—is not simply facing serious challenges or a season of decline? Could America actually collapse in the not-too-distant future if serious, fundamental, and sweeping changes are not made soon? ....
"Many Americans genuinely fear that God is preparing to remove his hand of protection and blessing from our country—or perhaps already has. They fear that unlike previous dark times in our national history, God may not intend to help us turn things around and get us back on the right track" - Implosion p. 1, 10.
He goes on to detail the situation the country is in, delving into many subjects in chapters titled: "America's Rising Anxiety," "Signs of the Times," "The Significance of the Rebirth of Israel," and "What Happens to America in the Last Days?"
He paints several possible scenarios of catastrophe in "The Financial Implosion Scenario," "The War and Terrorism Scenario," and "The Natural Disaster Scenarios," showing us how little it would take to bring a country even as strong and seemingly vigorous as America to its knees.
The only viable solution he sees is a great spiritual awakening, the likes of which have gripped America twice before. He gives a brief history of these revivals in chapters titled "A Cause for Optimism: Inside America's First Great Awakening," and "More Cause for Optimism: Inside America's Second Great Awakening."
Though I live in Canada, where many things aren't in quite the same state as the U.S., the moral climate here is, if anything, even more secular and godless and I found Rosenberg's book sobering. Even if Canada avoided the hazards ready to pounce on the U.S. (financial implosion and terrorism attacks), we would still be in trouble if our big neighbour to the south stumbled and fell because our economies are so interconnected.
The two chapters on the Great Awakenings are informative, inspiring, and motivating in the way they inspire the reader to hope, work, and pray for a third Great Awakening. Here is Rosenberg's call to action, from the book's end:
"... I believe with all my heart that if we are to avoid implosion as a nation, we must repent of our sins and turn to Christ—personally and nationally.
Will you join me in that endeavour? Will you pray with me for our nation, for the church, and for a Third Great Awakening? Will you examine your own heart and seek your own personal revival? Will you work to engage your church and your culture with the truths of Scripture? Will you ask God to show you whether he wants you to be involved in political change, and if so, how? .... What are you and I willing to devote to saving this country?" - p. 348
Implosion is a realistic read for unprecedented and troubled times.
"Is it possible that the American economy—and more broadly, American society in general—is not simply facing serious challenges or a season of decline? Could America actually collapse in the not-too-distant future if serious, fundamental, and sweeping changes are not made soon? ....
"Many Americans genuinely fear that God is preparing to remove his hand of protection and blessing from our country—or perhaps already has. They fear that unlike previous dark times in our national history, God may not intend to help us turn things around and get us back on the right track" - Implosion p. 1, 10.
He goes on to detail the situation the country is in, delving into many subjects in chapters titled: "America's Rising Anxiety," "Signs of the Times," "The Significance of the Rebirth of Israel," and "What Happens to America in the Last Days?"
He paints several possible scenarios of catastrophe in "The Financial Implosion Scenario," "The War and Terrorism Scenario," and "The Natural Disaster Scenarios," showing us how little it would take to bring a country even as strong and seemingly vigorous as America to its knees.
The only viable solution he sees is a great spiritual awakening, the likes of which have gripped America twice before. He gives a brief history of these revivals in chapters titled "A Cause for Optimism: Inside America's First Great Awakening," and "More Cause for Optimism: Inside America's Second Great Awakening."
Though I live in Canada, where many things aren't in quite the same state as the U.S., the moral climate here is, if anything, even more secular and godless and I found Rosenberg's book sobering. Even if Canada avoided the hazards ready to pounce on the U.S. (financial implosion and terrorism attacks), we would still be in trouble if our big neighbour to the south stumbled and fell because our economies are so interconnected.
The two chapters on the Great Awakenings are informative, inspiring, and motivating in the way they inspire the reader to hope, work, and pray for a third Great Awakening. Here is Rosenberg's call to action, from the book's end:
"... I believe with all my heart that if we are to avoid implosion as a nation, we must repent of our sins and turn to Christ—personally and nationally.
Will you join me in that endeavour? Will you pray with me for our nation, for the church, and for a Third Great Awakening? Will you examine your own heart and seek your own personal revival? Will you work to engage your church and your culture with the truths of Scripture? Will you ask God to show you whether he wants you to be involved in political change, and if so, how? .... What are you and I willing to devote to saving this country?" - p. 348
Implosion is a realistic read for unprecedented and troubled times.
January 22, 2013
Implosion is a very timely book and well worth reading. It asks the question, can America recover from its economic and spiritual challenges in time? Rosenberg writes in the context of Christian prophecy and beliefs. Some of his books have been prophetic – coming out just before major events related to his topic. He has done it again with this book - dealing with the financial and moral crisis currently facing us.
Rosenberg describes the pessimists view, the optimists view and the biblical view of our current national plight. I was sobered by this part which gives many facts and figures about how deeply in debt and how deeply decadent our culture has become. He also vividly describes his biblical understanding of the Rapture.
Then Rosenberg gives a detailed, informative history about the First and Second Great Awakening. I learned that even in the 1700’s Christians were plagued with apathy! Rosenberg’s rich descriptions of Jonathan Edwards, George Whitfield and John and Charles Wesley demonstrate how their influence sparked revival. Similarly, in the chapter on the Second Great Awakening we read about Francis Asbury, Timothy Dwight and Charles Finney and their impact in igniting revival.
Rosenberg then asks the question: “Will God in his grace and mercy decide to allow the American people to experience a Third Great Awakening?” He believes our country will implode unless this happens. He challenges all Christians to get serious about their faith, offering specifics about how to pray for revival, share the Gospel with others, and disciple new believers. He says we need a national U-turn from our current path as a nation.
This is an excellent book to guide us in what we can and must do as Christians. Only God can bring another Great Awakening. Our prayers, repentance and efforts to obey God may not be successful, but without this we will face “utter disaster.”
February 2, 2016
I just read this book and God has used it in my life. it also fit right in with the 4th of July week! vIf one lives in America then it's not too hard to believe that the government and the financial decay of America is certainly at hand.
Reading this book, Implosion by Joel C. Rosenberg, certainly gave me a better outlook and yes, a better way to pray for America. I believed most of the book except the part about Israel. I believe Israel will have a revival in the last days! Yet I still pray for that nation.
It is great how he goes into the history of our nation. This book showed me I do not pray enough for our leaders. " Christians need to pray faithfully and constantly for wisdom and direction for our national leaders." Patric Henry said" The bible is worth all the books which have ever been printed." Thus if I follow the Bible I must pray for them or I am disobeying God.
"This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners" (1Timothy 1:15).
I know that:
He did not redeem us by a little loss, a little sacrifice, a little labor, a little suffering. "He redeemed us to God by his blood," "the precious blood of Christ" (Rev 5:9; 1Pe 1:19). He gave all He had, even His life, for us. This is the kind of deliverance that awakens the happy song, "To him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood" (Rev 1:5). It is this truth that the Gospel embodies. It is this truth that we preach, when, as ambassadors for Christ, we pray men in Christ's stead to be reconciled to God. God's free love to the sinner is the first part of our message;
So today I ask God for me to take much time to pray that His grace would be shed on our leaders as it was on me!
Do read the book!
Reading this book, Implosion by Joel C. Rosenberg, certainly gave me a better outlook and yes, a better way to pray for America. I believed most of the book except the part about Israel. I believe Israel will have a revival in the last days! Yet I still pray for that nation.
It is great how he goes into the history of our nation. This book showed me I do not pray enough for our leaders. " Christians need to pray faithfully and constantly for wisdom and direction for our national leaders." Patric Henry said" The bible is worth all the books which have ever been printed." Thus if I follow the Bible I must pray for them or I am disobeying God.
"This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners" (1Timothy 1:15).
I know that:
He did not redeem us by a little loss, a little sacrifice, a little labor, a little suffering. "He redeemed us to God by his blood," "the precious blood of Christ" (Rev 5:9; 1Pe 1:19). He gave all He had, even His life, for us. This is the kind of deliverance that awakens the happy song, "To him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood" (Rev 1:5). It is this truth that the Gospel embodies. It is this truth that we preach, when, as ambassadors for Christ, we pray men in Christ's stead to be reconciled to God. God's free love to the sinner is the first part of our message;
So today I ask God for me to take much time to pray that His grace would be shed on our leaders as it was on me!
Do read the book!
August 30, 2012
My Husbands Thoughts on Implosion by Joel C. Rosenberg
Joel Rosenberg writes another book that could be taken from the morning news. I have enjoyed reading his past published books and enjoy listening to him speak and teach on the radio/internet. In this new book, Joel gives a well researched look at diverse, possible scenarios that may spell an end to America as the leading nation of the world. Each of these future challenges are supported with fact-based statistics that show chilling trends for our nation. In each case, however, Joel also states some possible solutions that may help turn us around, in accordance to GOD’s will and timing. Joel then gives us a brief example from a historical perspective on the Great Awakenings (of the 18th and 19th centuries), and the hope that GOD may yet slow or postpone the judgments on the United States.
He ends his book with helpful and thought-provoking suggestions (guidelines) for the believer for self-examination, and Scripture to study for effective prayer for our nation, leaders, and any soul we may be able to reach with GOD’s love.
I was left with the desire to re-read some chapters in this book and anticipation to read his new fiction novels.I would heartily recommend this and all of Joel Rosenberg’s books, particularly, if you are interested or concerned with national and world events--just around the bend.
**This review is my Husband’s honest opinion of Implosion by Joel C. Rosenberg and provided for free by Tyndale House Publishers in exchange for an honest review.
Joel Rosenberg writes another book that could be taken from the morning news. I have enjoyed reading his past published books and enjoy listening to him speak and teach on the radio/internet. In this new book, Joel gives a well researched look at diverse, possible scenarios that may spell an end to America as the leading nation of the world. Each of these future challenges are supported with fact-based statistics that show chilling trends for our nation. In each case, however, Joel also states some possible solutions that may help turn us around, in accordance to GOD’s will and timing. Joel then gives us a brief example from a historical perspective on the Great Awakenings (of the 18th and 19th centuries), and the hope that GOD may yet slow or postpone the judgments on the United States.
He ends his book with helpful and thought-provoking suggestions (guidelines) for the believer for self-examination, and Scripture to study for effective prayer for our nation, leaders, and any soul we may be able to reach with GOD’s love.
I was left with the desire to re-read some chapters in this book and anticipation to read his new fiction novels.I would heartily recommend this and all of Joel Rosenberg’s books, particularly, if you are interested or concerned with national and world events--just around the bend.
**This review is my Husband’s honest opinion of Implosion by Joel C. Rosenberg and provided for free by Tyndale House Publishers in exchange for an honest review.
January 4, 2013
Author is Jewish, and also Christian. Well known as an author of novels, he offers this non-fiction work out of a concern for the USA. He describes two great (spiritual) awakenings our nation has had, and argues strongly that we desperately need a 3rd. The answers are not, as the zillions of dollars spent on our last election would suggest, to be found in which political party runs our nation.
God is neither Republican nor Democrat, but He is God, and as a nation we have largely tossed Him and the Bible aside as antiquated and unneeded. The true and living God does not count an occasional exclamation of "OMG" the same as falling on our faces before His awesome presence, turning from our sins, and asking Him for mercy (which, by the way, He absolutely loves to give).
The first part of the book looks at the signs of coming implosion. Mr. Rosenberg has definitely done his homework here. All of this is very well documented. And though it's much more comfortable to just leave our heads in the sand, we need to come out long enough to see where we're headed. Like the passengers and crew of the Titanic, we go merrily on our way, partying as we go.
After the bad news, Mr. Rosenberg goes on, as mentioned above, to detail great awakenings of the past and what a third one might look like. What would my/your individual part in that look like? Have we passed the point of no return? (In the Titanic illustration, great ships do not turn on a dime.) Or is there still hope?
God is neither Republican nor Democrat, but He is God, and as a nation we have largely tossed Him and the Bible aside as antiquated and unneeded. The true and living God does not count an occasional exclamation of "OMG" the same as falling on our faces before His awesome presence, turning from our sins, and asking Him for mercy (which, by the way, He absolutely loves to give).
The first part of the book looks at the signs of coming implosion. Mr. Rosenberg has definitely done his homework here. All of this is very well documented. And though it's much more comfortable to just leave our heads in the sand, we need to come out long enough to see where we're headed. Like the passengers and crew of the Titanic, we go merrily on our way, partying as we go.
After the bad news, Mr. Rosenberg goes on, as mentioned above, to detail great awakenings of the past and what a third one might look like. What would my/your individual part in that look like? Have we passed the point of no return? (In the Titanic illustration, great ships do not turn on a dime.) Or is there still hope?
October 8, 2012
I was worried that this would be a very slow read, but when I did start it went pretty fluidly and I got much from it. Several things that I did'nt know that I thought were amazing. Rosenberg shared the birth of the nation of Israel and just as scripture says. Isaiah 66:8-9 "Who has heard such a thing? Who has seen such things? Can a land be born in one day? Can a nation be brought forth all at once? As soon as Zion travailed, she also brought forth her sons. Shall I bring to the point of birth and not give delivery? says the Lord, Or shall I who gives delivery shut the womb? says your God? Rosenberg shared how Truman among opposition, was able to be a man used of God to bring Israel to a nation in literally one day. Something I did'nt really know. Rosenberg went back in America history as well to the two great revivals of America, right before the American Reveolution and the Cival War. Who God used and the condition of the hearts of our nation and how God thru prayer and fasting and the faithfulness to the calling, brought many to himself and transformed many hearts to live for God. A call for repentance, sound teaching, doctrine, prayer and fasting, will prepare us for what is to come.
July 31, 2014
Joel Rosenberg takes a look at current events with a Biblical eye. He shows us that no matter how dismal the outlook, there is always reason for hope. He has taken current events and put them into perspective through a prophetic end-times view. He has four chapters in his book just devoted to what way we may implode as a nation; war/terror, financial ruin, natural disasters, and finally the rapture. He showed that spirituality is on a roller-coaster. When things are bad people turn to God and pray and then when things start to get better we kind of shove God to the side. An example he gave of this in the book was the way the nation turned to God after the events of 9/11. Just a couple of months later it was like, okay back to the norm. We read and know the end-time prophecies but seem to sit back and take the attitude that we can’t do anything about it. I believe God will continue to use us until HE is done with us. We need to turn back to Christ and cling to him with all we have. It is just my opinion that everyone should read this book. It gives us a great look at where we are headed if we don’t wake up.
August 11, 2012
Mr. Rosenberg writes with wisdom, concern and through the "third lens" of Scripture. He tells the state of our country and world with insight because he makes it a point to know the "whole story". While sharing his research of facts and figures which paint a pretty grim picture for America, he leaves the reader on a very optimistic note: We have the possibility of turning things around, but only with the advent of another Great Awakening in America. He lists things we need to do, primarily the churches and individual Christians. If we follow the advice of the prophet Joel in the Old Testament and turn back to God with true broken-heartedness for turning away from him, we have a chance of bringing about the changes that may save America from an otherwise sure implosion--from an economic standpoint, from natural disasters, from attacks from without/within, or as direct punishment from the God who has blessed us for so long. God's word says that he blesses those who bless Israel and curses those who curse Israel. We have been a staunch friend and ally of Israel. I pray that we don't abandon them now as our leaders and the liberal left have abandoned God's precepts.
February 19, 2014
First of all, I wrote this review while trying to help my husband John with taxes. That being said, I hope it makes sense :)
This is one of those books that really makes you take a step back and re-examine how you think and live your life. The bad news: I found myself lacking in several ways. The good news: It's not too late to make some much needed changes.
There are three components to "Implosion": economics, politics, and religion. Joel Rosenberg lays out the ways in which the three components are interrelated, and the way they determined how our country came to be, where it is now, and where it is heading in the future. In a nutshell, he sees the country heading toward an implosion if we continue on our current trajectory. Rosenberg has worked for several years' in both the political and religious realms so he does have the experience on which to base his predictions. While he does not state unequivocally that what he predicts will happen, he does offer sage advice based on his observations and his deep, abiding belief in God.
Definitely food for thought . . .
This is one of those books that really makes you take a step back and re-examine how you think and live your life. The bad news: I found myself lacking in several ways. The good news: It's not too late to make some much needed changes.
There are three components to "Implosion": economics, politics, and religion. Joel Rosenberg lays out the ways in which the three components are interrelated, and the way they determined how our country came to be, where it is now, and where it is heading in the future. In a nutshell, he sees the country heading toward an implosion if we continue on our current trajectory. Rosenberg has worked for several years' in both the political and religious realms so he does have the experience on which to base his predictions. While he does not state unequivocally that what he predicts will happen, he does offer sage advice based on his observations and his deep, abiding belief in God.
Definitely food for thought . . .
June 24, 2012
Not as gripping as some of Rosenberg's other books, yet dealing with precisely those questions I am thinking about these days. One week from today is July 1, 2012. At 10:00 a.m. my church will have a prayer meeting regarding a couple of the points in this book.
Rosenberg has a Dispensationalist understanding of Scripture and reads Bible prophecy as not having a specifically cited role for the United States. He concludes that our nation must therefore pass from the forefront of the world stage before the final events leading up to the Day of the Lord take place.
This book asks what might cause the United States to pass from the forefront of the world stage. Rosenberg suggests four scenarios. He then suggests a scenario in which the passing of the US from the world stage might be delayed.
For non-Dispensationalists, this is still a worthy read. The immediate future of our nation is still likely one of Rosenberg's scenarios, perhaps excepting one, or perhaps a mixture. As God's people, we are called to be faithful. Let us be so.
Rosenberg has a Dispensationalist understanding of Scripture and reads Bible prophecy as not having a specifically cited role for the United States. He concludes that our nation must therefore pass from the forefront of the world stage before the final events leading up to the Day of the Lord take place.
This book asks what might cause the United States to pass from the forefront of the world stage. Rosenberg suggests four scenarios. He then suggests a scenario in which the passing of the US from the world stage might be delayed.
For non-Dispensationalists, this is still a worthy read. The immediate future of our nation is still likely one of Rosenberg's scenarios, perhaps excepting one, or perhaps a mixture. As God's people, we are called to be faithful. Let us be so.
June 11, 2012
Joel C. Rosenberg, bestselling author, noted researcher and political expert, views “…what happens to America in the last days…” through the lens of Bible prophecy in his June 12th release, “Implosion: can America recover from its economic and spiritual challenges in time?”
Where he explores Bible prophecy in relation to America, Israel, modern culture, “recent events…economic and spiritual trends… [And] nations and regions of the world specifically mentioned as key players in End Time prophecies…”
He begins with “A Coming Implosion?” where he describes “implode” to mean “…collapse…break down or fall apart from within; to self-destruct…” Then he asks if such a thing could happen to a nation described as “the land of the free and the home of the brave?”
Rosenberg feels that it might because he sees America at a critical crossroads, faced with life-altering choices…Full Review: http://tinyurl.com/7vw2t9x
Where he explores Bible prophecy in relation to America, Israel, modern culture, “recent events…economic and spiritual trends… [And] nations and regions of the world specifically mentioned as key players in End Time prophecies…”
He begins with “A Coming Implosion?” where he describes “implode” to mean “…collapse…break down or fall apart from within; to self-destruct…” Then he asks if such a thing could happen to a nation described as “the land of the free and the home of the brave?”
Rosenberg feels that it might because he sees America at a critical crossroads, faced with life-altering choices…Full Review: http://tinyurl.com/7vw2t9x
November 29, 2012
While I enjoyed this book for giving a good synopsis of the economic and spiritual state of the US, I was not happy at the lack of depth the author went in. Many of the point the author portrayed he proved by simply quoting a list of other people that said the same thing thus backing what he said. Not to say what he was saying was wrong, but I don't particularly love that style of proof. There was a very huge section of the book dedicated to the two great awakenings, which is great, but this was not meant to be a book on the great awakenings.
Despite my misgivings on certain writing styles of this book, it was a good book overall that portrayed the state of our country and that the only way we can get back on track is with a third great awakening and submission to God and morality.
The message of the book is good if you can overlook some of the writing and lack of depth in certain areas.
Despite my misgivings on certain writing styles of this book, it was a good book overall that portrayed the state of our country and that the only way we can get back on track is with a third great awakening and submission to God and morality.
The message of the book is good if you can overlook some of the writing and lack of depth in certain areas.
April 23, 2013
Well I officially am scared Nathan is going to move us to a bunker on an undisclosed parcel of land with no internet access. While my husband and I do not read a lot of the same books he does occasionally convince me to read one of his. I still have yet to get him to read mine, but we are getting closer everyday. With that said this book is a scary look at what happends to a society that turns in on itself or implodes. It is something that many believe America will do in the near future. It also references things to look for that have accurately happend since the book was written. I found in college that reading to many economic books can either scare one to death or put them to sleep. I vowed when I graduated that I had read enough. Nathan has moved on to read another of his books, I on the other hand will be pacified with his cliff notes.
April 25, 2013
both parties, Rubin views collapse, printing money, 9% satisfied, more precarious than ever, Obama leading from behind, what is capacity for self renewal, long train of abuses and usurpations, throw off government to free and independent government, George Washington impossible if give up and stop trying, 22K of 2.5M Rev, 660K of 31.5M, 29-33 23% suicide rate increase, malaise of Carter, lose faith in leaders with sense of end, crisis of confidence, Jan 81 $1.31 gas to deregulation to 0.86 in 86, $103/barrel to $20, loss of economics politics and scripture as 3rd lens, opportunity for all to hear message of Christ, 53M aborted since 73 loss of lives and revenue, terrorist gathering storm evil is rising, avoid apathy moral decline and denial, Yellowstone caldera, 2 awakenings preRev preCivil,
April 6, 2013
this is good information but it is a basic overview. if you have really been paying attention to things then it is likely information that you already know and is simply a review. if you haven't really been paying attention to Israel, and America in relation to end times theology and the scriptures then this could be a very interesting book for you. my personal view doesn't necessarily agree with joel at all times but i do agree with a lot of his stuff. i have a great respect for Rosenberg. i do believe that America will recover economically but that is because i believe America is the whore of Babylon in the end times and will be destroyed at the appropriate time leaving the merchants of tarshish to weep.
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