LDLN - No 083

Magazine Overview

This issue of "Lumières dans la Nuit" (Lights in the Night), identified as fascicule 132, covers a period from July to September 1966. It features a meteorological forecast by Paul BOUCHET, delves into prophecies concerning the end times and the return of Christ, discusses the complex relationship between humans and animals, and presents excerpts from "The Urantia Book" detailing Jesus's activities in Rome.

Prophecies and End Times

The magazine explores various prophecies, including those from a 15th-century tombstone, a 17th-century monk, and Mother Shipton, correlating their predictions with contemporary technological advancements like cinema, television, submarines, and aviation. The article "DU CHRIST (suite)" argues that the current era fulfills biblical prophecies regarding famine, pestilence, and global events, suggesting that the convergence of these signs points to the imminent return of Christ. It highlights that for prophecies to be true, all signs concerning the end times must manifest simultaneously, which the author believes is happening now with global events, technological progress, and moral decline.

The section "FAISONS LE POINT" (Let's Take Stock) emphasizes the surprising coherence of numerous prophecies concerning the return of Christ and the end times, dismissing the idea that these are mere coincidences or subject to arbitrary interpretation. It asserts that the simultaneous fulfillment of these prophecies regarding the spread of the Gospel, the return of the Jewish people to Palestine, global conflicts, moral decay, and technological marvels (like flying saucers and satellites) is evidence of their validity.

Meteorological Forecast

Paul BOUCHET's "PREVISIONS METEOROLOGIQUES du 23 Juillet au 23 Septembre 1966" provides a detailed weather outlook for France and Spain. For July, strong winds and abundant rain are expected on the Atlantic coast, with variable weather in the Mediterranean. Late July and early August predict progressive improvement but with some thunderstorms, especially in the Pyrenees. August continues with variable weather, including thunderstorms, particularly in the Pyrenees and Spain, with a general improvement from August 6th. Mid-August shows highly variable meteorological conditions across Western Europe, with potential for severe storms and seismic activity in the Mediterranean. Late August and early September anticipate generally good, warm weather with thunderstorms, while mid-September forecasts instability with strong winds and scattered showers, followed by a return to warm, dry weather in Spain. The end of September predicts a return to stormy conditions due to conflicting wind patterns.

Reflections on Our Relationship with Animals

An article titled "QUELQUES RÉFLEXIONS SUR NOS RELATIONS AVEC L'ANIMAL" (Some Reflections on Our Relationship with Animals), responding to an article by M. CHATILLON, discusses the intelligence and rights of animals. The author agrees that "instinct" is an insufficient explanation for animal behavior and acknowledges their intelligence and form of thought. However, the author disagrees with the idea of complete freedom for animals to harm humans, arguing that such a scenario would lead to human extinction by overwhelming populations of insects and other creatures. The article uses examples of ants, flies, rats, and cows in India to illustrate the potential consequences of unchecked animal populations. It posits that the "struggle for life" is a natural law and that humans have historically improved their conditions by managing dangerous adversaries and domesticating animals. The author concludes that while defending oneself against harmful animals is justified, the problem of balancing human needs with animal welfare is complex and may not have an easy solution.

Excerpts from "The Urantia Book"

"EXTRAITS DE LA COSMOGONIE D'URANTIA" (Excerpts from The Urantia Book) presents details of Jesus's life and teachings. "LE SEJOUR DE JESUS A ROME" (The Stay of Jesus in Rome) describes Jesus's visit to Rome with Gonod and his father, Tibère. Jesus studied the city and its inhabitants, interacting with leaders of various philosophical and religious groups, including Stoics, Cynics, and mystery cults. He focused on enhancing their existing truths rather than criticizing their errors, thereby preparing them for the teachings of Christianity. The text highlights three key factors in the rapid diffusion of Christianity: the choice of Simon Peter, the conversion of Saul of Tarsus (Paul), and the preparation of these thirty-two Roman leaders.

"LE BIEN ET LE MAL" (Good and Evil) recounts Jesus's discussion with Mardus, a Cynic leader, about the nature of good and evil. Jesus explains that these are relative terms based on human understanding and spiritual development. True goodness, he teaches, is found in spiritual values and the alignment with the divine will, leading to spiritual growth and the eventual perfection of the soul in the pursuit of the Supreme. The article also touches upon the concept of the "Indwelling Adjuster" and the choice between good and evil as essential for eternal survival.

Other Content

The issue also includes information on obtaining "The Urantia Book" through purchase or loan, details about a "GEOS" detector for "M.O.C." (Mysterious Celestial Objects), and announcements for discussion groups related to "Lumières dans la Nuit" and "Cosmogonie d'Urantia." There is also a call for reader observations and contributions.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores themes of prophecy, spirituality, and the potential for extraordinary phenomena, particularly UFOs (referred to as "M.O.C."). There is a strong undercurrent of eschatology, with a focus on the signs of the end times and the return of Christ, often linking these to current events and technological progress. The editorial stance appears to be one of seeking and disseminating knowledge related to these phenomena, encouraging reader participation and discussion. The publication also engages with philosophical and ethical questions, such as animal rights, and presents spiritual teachings derived from sources like "The Urantia Book," advocating for a balanced approach that integrates spiritual understanding with practical realities.