Posted by Is it inspired? [Joshua1992] on November 16, 1999 at 20:39:27 {pRztWiaeukf9UnUPxURUgm0mCI9FhA}:
This is a JW discussion board so most people believe the Bible and that it is inspired. But some step back and ask what is it that makes the Bible so special compared with other so-called "holy writings"?
I don't know about anyone else, but when that question comes up, I think in terms of the Bible prophecies that are fulfilled. Prophecies written thousands of years in advance about what would be happening allegedly in our day. That's what's convincing to me.
For instance the four beasts of Daniel. I'm startled that out of those four beasts, which all exist at the same time, one was prophesied to have four wings and to have "power indeed"! That means the Bible prophesied that during our time there would be one absolute military SUPERPOWER! None of the other beasts have wings and this beast has four (wings are representative of military might). How did the prophets know that far in advance? Daniel wrote his book over 2500 years ago.
Furthermore, it amazes me that now that we're here in the last days that it is easy to recognize the other beasts. The Lion which was once military and beast-like did a 180-degree reversal of its military power. That easily applies to Japan.
And the Bear, who is "lifted up on one side" meaning it is limping, is easily seen to be Russia and its allies, a powerful bloc of countries but with an unstable economy. That's why it is limping meaning all four feet are not equally on the ground. Plus it is said to "eat much flesh" which could relate to lots of harsh social issues including aspects of "genetic cleansing."
So that's impressive that you can recognize these beasts during our day and when they are supposed to actually appear.
And then there is the chronology of our times. Basically there