Carl Wilson is a well-known name in the community of Fayette County. He has helped start and bring churches together for study and training in the Word; he has rallied youth conferences, bringing thousands of teenagers together to learn about Jesus Christ and founded the internationally known Worldwide Discipleship Association.

Now at 75, though still speaking at churches and various conferences in the United States and even other countries, Wilson has settled in recent times in his office to pore over trends in history of ancient cultures during Biblical times, marking the parallels in the United States society today. He studies constantly looking at the present day trends in the United States from Y2K preparedness to crime statistics to economic stability.

And out of his studies, he believes "God in His providence" has given him some insights that necessitate him to utter a warning to the country.

Recently, Wilson compiled these insights into a book titled, "Man is Not Enough," one of three in the upcoming series.

The title comes from what Wilson describes as a revolt against the inherent knowledge of God, where man has elevated himself above all things and considers only individual gain. Yet through increasing moral decline, man discovers it is not in his capacity to renew a moral and just society. And as this "moral meltdown" continues, God must judge a disobedient and evil society.

Wilson admits, this is not a popular book. "This book presents a negative picture of the country," he said. "But we better listen to it. The American people always think everything is going to work out."

Wilson shows through careful study of the Hellenistic societies in Greece and Rome, of whom the apostle Paul wrote in Romans, that they too did not foresee God's judgement as their cities, people and governments grew increasingly more corrupt either.

In chapter two, which Wilson said is key to understanding the purpose of the book, he uses the first chapter of Romans to show how Paul identified several steps of degeneration until God sent forth his judgement on the societies in Greece and Rome.

For "you will see," Wilson writes, "that these steps turn out to present the historical process of the decline of any nation which is influenced by that sin."

The sin begins with an intellectual revolt against the knowledge of God, which lead man's thoughts to worship creation thus the desire to gain materialistic value, the second step.

"When you have no moral absolutes," Wilson said, "that leaves only self." This creates many distortions and reactions in families and roles.

Women, who once typically worked as a homemaker and mother, now have no way to find value in life since it is the husband who gains the materialism with his role as the provider. But when the husband turns his eyes inward, only concerned for his material gain, the woman is forced to compete for equal value.

"The failure of man is one of the biggest culprits," Wilson said. "Feminism is a reaction to man's failure to provide for his family."

Often, when there is a breakdown in the family structure, Wilson proves that the third step occurs a sexual revolt. Not only does an individual focus on oneself lead to material gain, but also toward fulfilling sensual pleasures like homosexuality and frequent affairs.

Furthermore, these disruptions in the family leave children with more time in day-care institutions or home alone creating generations untaught both socially and morally. It is estimated today's children is the second largest generation, of which only 4 percent will be reached with the gospel, said Wilson.

This lack of education leads to the fourth step, a revolt to anarchy and revolt against controls and old ideas.

Lastly, God issues judgement on the nation, which is shown usually through new controls by a dictatorial government.

Key to understanding this process is that is doesn't happen overnight.

"It's a viciousness that grows and spreads until society is devastated," Wilson said.

Wilson doesn't deliver this message without hope. As it says in the book's subtitle, "Our opportunity is now for God's renewal."

That renewal can only take place Wilson said, "when the church stands up and gives the Biblical pattern unashamed. But only God can bring that to pass."

"I want people to see what's happening and in time it will be seen," he said. "I think there's going to be a reception and growing interest in these views. Truth always triumphs in the end."

Wilson makes a point to say that "the complete corruption of society is not deterministic," but that there must be a genuine renewal through people's personal practices, not just thinking.

"The church is the answer, but it's serving individual heartfelt needs that make people feel good, and not teaching the Lordship of Christ," he said. "We have got to get commitment and love."

Wilson will hold a booksigning after Sunday services at Fayette Bible Church this Sunday. His book is available through Andragathia Inc., Ministries at 1-800-259-3844.