World News and Trends: Prussian revival?
Prussia-a nation that was part of what is today eastern Germany-was dissolved by the Allies as a country shortly after World War II because it was viewed as a militaristic and reactionary power contributing to the rise of Adolf Hitler.
Yet this year is labeled "Prussian Year 2001" as Germany suddenly rediscovers a passion for all things Prussian. Exhibitions and events describing Prussian themes are planned in museums and other cultural institutions across Germany.
Three centuries ago Frederick III of Brandenburg (near Berlin) had himself crowned Frederick I, king of Prussia. The state is historically regarded as the dominant force in the creation of a united Germany in 1871. Today Eberhard Diepgen, mayor of Berlin (the capital city of old Prussia), is a prime supporter of a plan to reconstruct the former Imperial Palace of East Berlin, a baroque castle razed by the Communists in 1953.
Prussian efficiency and military effectiveness are seen as sadly lacking in modern Germany. But the world cannot afford to ignore any significant movement in Germany in 2001. (Sources: The Sunday Telegraph [London], Independent on Sunday [London],The Scotsman. )
An Article from:
Good News Magazine: March - April 2001
Course Content
John Ross Schroeder
John died on March 8, 2014, in Oxford, England, four days after suffering cardiac arrest while returning home from a press event in London. John was 77 and still going strong.
Some of John's work for The Good News appeared under his byline, but much didn't. He wrote more than a thousand articles over the years, but also wrote the Questions and Answers section of the magazine, compiled our Letters From Our Readers, and wrote many of the items in the Current Events and Trends section. He also contributed greatly to a number of our study guides and Bible Study Course lessons. His writing has touched the lives of literally millions of people over the years.
John traveled widely over the years as an accredited journalist, especially in Europe. His knowledge of European and Middle East history added a great deal to his articles on history and Bible prophecy.
In his later years he also pastored congregations in Northern Ireland and East Sussex, and that experience added another dimension to his writing. He and his wife Jan were an effective team in our British Isles office near their home.
John was a humble servant who dedicated his life to sharing the gospel—the good news—of Jesus Christ and the Kingdom of God to all the world, and his work was known to readers in nearly every country of the world.
Melvin Rhodes
Melvin Rhodes is a member of the United Church of God congregation in Lansing, Michigan.
