The modern age arguably began during World War I, particularly when chemical weapons were first deployed in warfare. This marked a significant shift in how technology would be used for mass destruction.

While the French first used tear gas grenades in August 1914, it was Germany that developed and manufactured chemical weapons on an industrial scale. On April 22, 1915, chlorine gas was first used in battle, forever changing warfare. Soldiers who inhaled the yellow-green vapor experienced severe nausea and respiratory damage, often leading to death.

The chemical warfare escalated with the introduction of more deadly agents like phosgene and mustard gas. Though the Geneva Protocol outlawed chemical weapons in 1928, the legacy of World War I continues today. Millions of unexploded shells remain buried in former battlefields, occasionally claiming lives when discovered.

This technological turning point in warfare ultimately led to the development of atomic weapons, first used in Hiroshima on August 6, 1945. For the first time in history, humanity possessed the capability to cause mass destruction in seconds.

The Bible addresses the root cause of warfare in James 4:1-2, attributing it to human nature and desires. This progression of destructive technology relates to the prophecy in Matthew 24:22, which warns of a time when human survival would be at risk - a scenario only possible in the nuclear age.

However, biblical prophecy also offers hope, indicating that humanity won't face total destruction. According to Isaiah 2:4 and Micah 4:3, a time will come when warfare ceases and peace prevails. This transformation will mark the beginning of a new age where technology serves constructive rather than destructive purposes.

Related Articles

Previous Articles