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Titanic: A Lesson for Today |
Titanic. The name has conjured
up powerful images and emotions for decades. Dozens of books and several major films
have recounted her tragic story. The latest movie, Titanic, is well on its
way to becoming the top-grossing film of all time.
Although April 14 marks the 86th anniversary of her sinking, we are still fascinated
by her story. The magnitude of the disaster seems unthinkable: More than 1,500 passengers
and crew lost their lives in the icy North Atlantic while only 705, mostly women
and children, were saved.
Many of us have heard the "what if" questions: What if the ship's lookouts had seen
the iceberg in time to turn and avoid it? What if Titanic had struck the iceberg
at a different angle? (Had she hit head on, the ocean liner would have been severely
damaged, but likely would have survived.) What if Titanic had heeded the warnings
of ice in the area and slowed down rather than continuing her course at top speed?
What if she had carried enough lifeboats for all the passengers and crew? What if
the Californian, only 10 miles from the dying Titanic, had heard her
frantic distress calls? (Californian's radio operator was apparently
fast asleep while the disaster unfolded.)
Perhaps part of our grim fascination with the doomed ocean liner is the profound
sense of unease it creates in us. After all, Titanic had everything going
for her. She was likened to a luxurious floating palace, one equipped with the most
advanced engineering and safety features of her day. Her captain was one of the most
respected and experienced men in the White Star fleet, making one last voyage before
his planned honorable retirement. It shouldn't be surprising that before she set
sail, one of her crewmen boasted, ìGod Himself could not sink this ship!î
Titanic was so magnificent that the White Star Line's managing director made
it a point to join her on her maiden voyage. Some of the wealthiest men in the world
chose her to travel from Europe to the United States. Several hundred less-wealthy
passengers in the third-class section looked forward to building a new life in a
new country.
But it was not to be.
History shows that a series of small errors and miscalculations compounded to create
catastrophe. Everything that could go wrong did. The best of human intentions, engineering
skills and construction methods proved powerless to avert disaster. Man and woman,
rich and poor, young and old alike met a common fate.
This issue briefly recounts Titanic's tragic tale. But it also asks an urgent
question: Are there lessons we should learn from this catastrophe?
As we approach the turn of the millennium, there is rising interest in what the future
holds for planet Earth - as well there should be. Although the Bible makes no connection
between the year 2000 and Christ's return, its prophecies have much to say about
the end of this age of man and the dawn of a new age to come. Several articles in
this issue explore that theme in considerable detail.
The Bible makes it clear that although we cannot know the exact time of events prophesied
to come, we nonetheless have a distinct spiritual obligation and responsibility.
In Luke 21:36, after describing the earth-shaking events that would precede His return,
Jesus Christ warns His followers: "But keep on the alert at all times, praying
in order that you may have strength to escape all these things that are about to
take place, and to stand before the Son of Man" (New American Standard Bible, emphasis
added throughout).
He tells us to be vigilant in getting and keeping our spiritual house in order that
we might be prepared for that time. "Be on guard, that your hearts may not
be weighted down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of life, and
that day (of Christ's return) come on you suddenly like a trap; for
it will come upon all those who dwell on the face of all the earth" (verses 34-35,
NASB).
Let us not be like the ill-fated Titanic, racing forward in the darkness while
ignoring the signs of danger gathering around us.
- Scott Ashley
© 1998 United Church of God, an International Association
Related Information:
Table of Contents that includes "Titanic: A Lesson For Today"
Other Articles by Scott Ashley
Origin of article "Titanic: A Lesson For Today"
Keywords: on guard titanic, lesson of Titanic end of the age
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