Should we be afraid of the eclipse?
Aug 21, 2017, 5:53 AM | Updated: 1:01 pm
Clayton Uyeda and his wife Jo are photographed along Dallas Rd. in Victoria, B.C., on Friday, Aug. 18, 2017. The couple will be enjoying the partial eclipse while traveling from Swartz Bay to Tsawwassen ferry terminal on the mainland. (Chad Hipolito/The Canadian Press via AP)
(Chad Hipolito/The Canadian Press via AP)
In ancient times, eclipses were terrifying events. People believed that some heavenly monster was devouring the sun, and they would make loud noises and light fires to scare it off.
Photos: Relive the eclipse
Today we’re much more laid back.
“My friend Sherri called me up and said that Krispy Kreme has eclipse donuts, do you want to go get some? And I said, ‘Sure, why not, it’s part of the experience.'”
These days we’re more afraid of speeches by people we disagree with than eclipses. As long as you have your cardboard glasses, we figure there’s nothing to fear.
Or is there?
Because Pastor Mark Biltz, who has a ministry in Bonney Lake, Washington, observes that this eclipse is on almost the same path as the eclipse of 1918.
“There was a total solar eclipse going across the United States that was almost identical to the pattern that we’re having on August 21st.”
Of course, 1918 was the year America got involved in World War I. Now he is not predicting war, but …
“But I believe these are signs in the heavens and God is telling us that if we look at the pattern and where it occurs, we need to be praying.”
And if I may take a cue from Pastor Biltz, who says that location is everything.
“God uses solar eclipses as warnings to the nations whose paths they cross…”
I would note that if you look at the path of totality — except for Oregon and the very southernmost tip of Illinois — the remaining eclipse states are all Red states.
On Monday, in Phoenix, there is a big Trump rally and all I’m saying is don’t put away the cardboard glasses just yet.
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