It was a “birth pang”. The old idea of government being subject to God’s authority, was replaced with the 20th century version: Mao, Stalin, Hitler, etc. — ie,
the highest morality now becomes the will of the dictator.
And with the idea of God’s authority removed, we are now ready for worship of a worldwide dictator/hero, a la Hitler, Mao, Stalin, etc., but bigger — a hero figure to rule the whole world, and with whom mankind will become enthralled...(and without God’s restraining influence)
For those FReepers who missed your reference and long ago forgot their "sword drills" (VBG)
That would be the AntiChrist, wouldn’t it?