NewsWatch

Scientists Presumptuously “Rewriting” Life?

Before God confused mankind’s languages, He noted that nothing would be impossible for a unified humanity (Genesis 11:1–9)—and our modern era is beginning to reveal such capabilities. Geneticists have recently been using CRISPR technology to remove and replace what they deem to be defective gene sequences in plants and animals (Deutsche Welle, June 16, 2026). Gene sequences can be introduced that make plants resistant to drought or mold and increase crop yields. Proponents foresee significant benefits to this approach, while opponents question the long-term impacts of consuming foods with edited genes.

While the European Union has eased restrictions on the use of gene-editing technology on commercially available foods, King’s College London professor Michael Antoniou observes that the CRISPR process can cause unintended changes in the DNA of the plant: “The scientific evidence shows that when considered as a whole, the CRISPR gene editing process causes large-scale random, unintended sites of damage to the DNA of the plant, and [those sites of damage] can number in the hundreds or thousands.” Concerned scientists believe more research is needed to better understand the changes and how they will impact consumers.’

Scientists who perform gene editing typically view the process through an evolutionary model and fail to see the Creator behind the life they are “reprogramming.” In fact, the complexity and intelligence behind DNA and genetic systems are solid evidence for God’s existence. Tampering with profound systems we do not fully understand, systems God so carefully designed, risks causing serious consequences across the biosphere.

How Europeans View America

After World War II, most Europeans viewed the United States with respect and deep appreciation. However, according to a recent European Council on Foreign Relations survey of 15 European nations, Europeans’ opinions of the U.S. are plummeting (Deutsche Welle, June 10, 2026). Today, just 11 percent of Europeans see America as their ally. This is down from 16 percent six months ago, which in turn was down from 22 percent in November 2024.

America has gone from being seen as Europe’s major ally to its “necessary partner.” Sadly, a growing number of Europeans now view the U.S. as “either a rival or an adversary” (ECFR.eu, June 10, 2026). While many Europeans feel relations with the U.S. will improve after President Trump leaves office, much could happen in the next couple of years.

Bible prophecy reveals the future for America and Europe. God warned ancient Israel and its modern-day descendants that, because of their sins, their allies would depart: “All your lovers have forgotten you” (Jeremiah 30:14). God will “stir up” these nations who have been “alienated” by the Israelite-descended peoples, including the modern nation of Israel (Ezekiel 23:22). The nations and allies that once clung to Israelite-descended nations like the United States will no longer honor the friendships and alliances of the past. In fact, a coming European power will take many of the Israelite-descended nations into captivity (Ezekiel 39:23).

The End of Pax Americana

“If you’ve been thinking it seems like there are more wars raging in the world… you’re right and the data proves it” (NPR, June 9, 2026). A recent study from the Uppsala Conflict Data Program (UCDP) revealed “the highest number of conflicts between states in 2025 since World War II.” Fatalities, especially among civilians, were the highest since the Rwandan genocide of 1994. Other observers agree: “The number of armed conflicts continues to climb, reaching around 130 in 2024… more than double the number just 15 years ago” (ICRC.org, December 11, 2025). Researchers note that conflicts today are less isolated and more disruptive of economies than at any time since before World War II.

What is happening, and what are the implications? While acknowledging that the overall trends facing the world “cannot be explained by any single policy decision or political leader,” UCDP researchers observed that a general “shift in the international order as led by the U.S.” was a major contributing factor over the past decade. Their report states, “Now the United States is turning against the world order it built…. The extremely high number of conflicts and wars recorded in 2025, particularly the record number of interstate conflicts lends credence to the growing number of voices arguing that we are witnessing the end of Pax Americana and the liberal world order.”

Is America’s ability to lead the international order ending? Bible prophecy describes a future in which old orders and alliances will be replaced as global instability increases. Eventually, clashing superpowers will bring utter devastation before Christ’s return.

Fertility Rates Falling Worldwide

Fertility rates are dropping around the globe. What was once a problem of the developed world is now impacting developing nations as well. Mexico and Iran have been hit, and Asian nations are feeling population decline powerfully. As columnist Shadi Hamid noted in the Washington Post, “More than two-thirds of the world’s countries have fallen below the replacement rate—the rate at which a population sustains itself without immigration, which is 2.1 children per woman” (June 3, 2026). Interestingly, “mothers aren’t necessarily having fewer children compared with a decade or two ago.” Rather, “fewer women are becoming mothers in the first place.”

Parenting is a lifelong job that requires parents to commit to serve and guide their children. However, as demographer Lyman Stone has pointed out, “the spread of ‘selfish norms’ has been made possible by digital technology.... Where you would once run out of things to do by yourself, now unlimited stimulation is offered to everyone with a phone in the comfort of their own room.”

Stone further observed, “Never before in the history of humankind has so radical an experiment in social isolation ever been conducted on such a scale, and the effects on fertility are and will continue to be profound.” By contrast, being “other-centered” leads to spending more time with more people, valuing strong and lasting relationships, marriage, and children. These values run throughout the Bible and are fostered by healthy families.

Happy Marriages Benefit Health

Society today downplays the benefits of marriage as God designed it. Yet followers of Jesus Christ realize that God created marriage to bring a man and woman into a lifelong relationship where the two function together in harmony (Genesis 2:18, 24). Building a happy and successful marriage takes work, time, and intentionality. It is not easy—especially in a world whose “god,” the Devil, is bent on destroying this God-ordained institution (2 Corinthians 4:4)—but when God gives a command, He does so to bless and not to punish us.

With this in mind, it should come as no surprise that studies show that happy marriages result in improved mental and physical health for both husbands and wives. Recent research shows that couples in happy marriages “have a lower incidence of cardiovascular disease, including heart attacks, stroke and death from heart disease, compared with those who are unmarried” (Washington Post, June 2, 2026). The happily married also have better overall mental health and even a reduced risk of cancer. Those who work to keep their marriage happy create an environment that positively impacts their moods, attitudes, habits, and even immune systems. Living according to God’s way of life results in living more abundantly and joyfully (John 10:10).

A Step Closer to a “King of the North”?

Worried by the apparent stalemate between Russia and Ukraine, European leaders now fear that Russia may expand its conflict with Ukraine to more of Europe; France’s minister for European affairs recently warned that Mr. Putin intends to “threaten the whole European security architecture.” Russia’s recent drone activity against Romania has intensified Europe’s concerns (The Week, June 1, 2026). “Several European national-security officials have warned that Russia could try to test the cohesion of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization by targeting one of the Baltic nations, Swedish and Danish islands in the Baltic Sea or alliance territory in the Arctic” (Wall Street Journal, May 26, 2026).

A new defense agreement between the United Kingdom and Poland adds “to a growing list of bilateral European security pacts prompted by Russia’s war in Ukraine” (Politico, May 27, 2026). France is now looking to connect with Germany and the UK to produce long-range missiles (Financial Times, May 22, 2026). And the fighter jet partnership among Britain, Italy, and Japan may soon expand to involve other nations (Reuters, November 19, 2024).

These nascent alliances may be laying the foundation for what Scripture reveals to be the final revival of the ancient Roman Empire. That empire has historic links to Central Europe, and the Bible foretells that “ten kings”—leaders of nations or regions—will surrender their sovereignty to a leader called “the beast” (Revelation 17:8–13), also referred to in prophecy as “the king of the North” (Daniel 11:5–16). Watch for a “king” or charismatic individual who will lead a European military and economic superpower.