I

Without God in their hearts, man's inner world is dark, hopeless and empty. Without the guidance of God, even if rulers and sociologists wrack their brains to preserve human civilization, it's to no avail. No person can fill the emptiness in man's hearts, for no person can be the life of man, and no social theory can free man from the troubles of emptiness. Science, knowledge, freedom, democracy, enjoyment, and comfort bring man only temporary consolation. Even with these things, man still inevitably sins and complains about the unfairness of society. Having these things cannot hinder man's longing and desire to explore.

II

This is because man was made by God and their senseless sacrifices and explorations can only increasingly bring distress upon them, and cause man to be in a constant state of anxiety, not knowing how to face the future of mankind or how to face the path that lies ahead, to the extent that man even becomes frightened of science and knowledge, and even more so frightened of the feeling of emptiness. In this world, regardless of whether you live in a free country or one without human rights, you are utterly incapable of escaping mankind's fate. Whether you're the ruler or the ruled, you are utterly incapable of escaping the desire to explore the fate, mysteries, and destination of mankind, much less are you capable of escaping the bewildering feeling of emptiness.

III

Such phenomena, which are common to all of mankind, are called social phenomena by sociologists, yet no great man can come forth to solve such problems. Man, after all, is man, and the status and life of God cannot be replaced by any man. What mankind needs is not just a fair society in which everyone is well-fed, equal, and free; what mankind needs is the salvation of God and His provision of life to man. Only when mankind receives God's provision of life and His salvation can their needs, their desire to explore, and the emptiness of their hearts be resolved. If the people of a country or a nation can't receive the salvation and watching over of God, then such a country or nation will move toward decline, toward darkness, and as a result it shall be annihilated by God.

from The Word, Vol. 1. The Appearance and Work of God. Appendix 2: God Presides Over the Fate of All Mankind