What's so important about the European Union?

The European Union represents the largest and most diverse economy of the world. The formation of this bloc, based on the Treaty of Rome, is developing into an unprecedented global power bloc. The most important aspect of the European Union is that it is based on diversity. Virtually all other movements and political identities have had one goal - to unify diversity. This is particularly evident in new countries like the United States, which is a nation made up primarily of Europeans from diverse backgrounds with different cultures, traditions and languages. The first thing that was expected from a newcomer was that he or she become an American. His culture, custom, tradition and language were sacrificed on the altar of unity. But look at the wonderful success that resulted. No one can deny that America has shown the world that a diverse people can unite under one political entity and create an equal, and in some cases, better, society than almost any other in the world.

When Daniel spoke of the four Gentile superpowers, he repeatedly emphasized the word "diverse." Daniel 7:23 says, "...The fourth beast shall be the fourth kingdom upon earth, which shall be diverse from all kingdoms, and shall devour the whole earth, and shall tread it down, and break it in pieces."

The diversity consists of the European Union going the opposite way of the new countries. The Union supports, protects and encourages each nation's unique culture, language and identity. Yet, in the end, all of the nations are expected to function as one.

This should not surprise us because the last Gentile super-power "...shall devour the whole earth." What does that mean? We have already answered that question to a degree: Europe, at one time or another, literally dominated the entire world. But here we are speaking about the future. Thus, devouring the whole earth means that the European (Roman) system will be the practicing, political, economic, financial, military and religious philosophy acceptable to the whole world.