Why Is There So Much Carnage in the World Today?

The daily news bubbles over with carnage and shocking acts of violence. In September 2024 in central England, an 80-year-old man was allegedly killed by a boy of 14 (BBC, September 5, 2024). Brutal rapes and murders continue in India (MSN, October 6, 2024). Mass shootings are not limited to the United States (BBC, May 7, 2023; BBC, December 21, 2023; Reuters, September 28, 2023). Not to mention the ongoing saga in the Holy Land—it is unnecessary to revisit the unspeakable atrocities committed by Hamas against women, children, and infants in the October 7, 2023 attack on Israel.

Much of the recent killing in the world, especially on a smaller scale, appears to be perpetrated by individuals who have no sense of right and wrong. People appear to be acting on emotion and seem not to be thinking at all. As we ponder the atrocities being committed around us—atrocities that appear to be increasing—it is natural to ask, Why are people acting in ways that should be unheard of in civilized society?

Jesus Christ’s disciples once asked, essentially, How can we tell when we near the end of the age and Your return? (Matthew 24:3). Christ listed a host of “signs” in His response. He also stated that “because lawlessness [or wickedness] will abound, the love of many will grow cold” (v. 12). A quick look at societies around the globe reveals increasing heinous acts that defy imagination. Truly, these acts occur because the “love of many” grows cold, and people are devoid of a moral compass based on God’s laws. Ironically, in this “brave new world” of the twenty-first century, our “enlightened” society is “boldly going” where society has gone before.

Long ago, God gave a prophecy for the modern, Israelite-descended nations (Jeremiah 2:4). He noted society’s moral decay: “For they have perverted their way; they have forgotten the Lord their God” (Jeremiah 3:21). He went on to say how brazen they were in their sins: “You have had a harlot’s forehead; you refuse to be ashamed” (v. 3). God also said, “But this people has a defiant and rebellious heart; they have revolted and departed” (Jeremiah 5:23–24). Society has rejected the Ten Commandments—the moral code that once inspired most of the Western world.

Through the Apostle Paul, God listed more signs of the end of the age: “In the last days, perilous times will come: For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving… despisers of good” (2 Timothy 3:1–5). Does this prophecy begin to fit the world we live in today?

Satan, “the god of this age,” has blinded mankind’s societies (2 Corinthians 4:4), and he will soon attack the people of God with fury (Revelation 12:12). He is like a “roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8). But why is Satan so angry that he deceives the whole world (Revelation 12:9) into committing such heinous acts? The Bible’s own answer is that he knows his days are numbered and his power will soon be completely removed (v. 12).

Today’s headlines are just “the beginning of sorrows” (Matthew 24:8). The indescribable acts we see in the media will likely increase in frequency and intensity. But we must not allow our faith to be shaken. God is allowing these events so that mankind will learn that true peace cannot be created apart from God and His laws (Isaiah 59:8; Jeremiah 10:23).

Thankfully there is a positive end in sight after the carnage! God does have a plan, and it calls for the imminent return of His Son, the Prince of Peace. With Jesus Christ’s return, Satan and his demons will be banished, along with their influence (Revelation 20:1–3). No longer will Satan motivate individuals of ill will to hurt and destroy others made in God’s image (Genesis 1:26).

One day soon, headlines will read very differently, because “God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain” (Revelation 21:4). There is a new world coming—a moral, peace-filled world that humans can only dream of as they vainly attempt to construct one under their own power. That perfect, peace-filled society cannot be built without the foundation of the Ten Commandments.

For more information on the encouraging future that awaits us all, be sure to read our visionary booklet The World Ahead: What Will It Be Like?