Paul Harvey’s “If I Were the Devil” Transcript from 1965
Copied from ‘Fresh Manna Today’
In 1965, Paul Harvey broadcasted “If I Were the Devil.” It is really amazing to realize over 47 years ago how accurately he “prophesied” the future spiritual condition of the United States. Many of his statements were considered ridiculously outlandish at that time in history. Yet, we find ourselves today…
PAUL HARVEY’S ‘IF I WERE THE DEVIL’ TRANSCRIPT
If I were the devil … If I were the Prince of Darkness, I’d want to engulf the whole world in darkness. And I’d have a third of its real estate, and four-fifths of its population, but I wouldn’t be happy until I had seized the ripest apple on the tree — Thee. So I’d set about however necessary to take over the United States. I’d subvert the churches first — I’d begin with a campaign of whispers. With the wisdom of a serpent, I would whisper to you as I whispered to Eve: ‘Do as you please.’
“To the young, I would whisper that ‘The Bible is a myth.’ I would convince them that man created God instead of the other way around. I would confide that what’s bad is good, and what’s good is ‘square.’ And the old, I would teach to pray, after me, ‘Our Father, which art in Washington…’
“And then I’d get organized. I’d educate authors in how to make lurid literature exciting, so that anything else would appear dull and uninteresting. I’d threaten TV with dirtier movies and vice versa. I’d pedal narcotics to whom I could. I’d sell alcohol to ladies and gentlemen of distinction. I’d tranquilize the rest with pills.
“If I were the devil I’d soon have families that war with themselves, churches at war with themselves, and nations at war with themselves; until each in its turn was consumed. And with promises of higher ratings I’d have mesmerizing media fanning the flames. If I were the devil I would encourage schools to refine young intellects, but neglect to discipline emotions — just let those run wild, until before you knew it, you’d have to have drug sniffing dogs and metal detectors at every schoolhouse door.
“Within a decade I’d have prisons overflowing, I’d have judges promoting pornography — soon I could evict God from the courthouse, then from the schoolhouse, and then from the houses of Congress. And in His own churches I would substitute psychology for religion, and deify science. I would lure priests and pastors into misusing boys and girls, and church money. If I were the devil I’d make the symbols of Easter an egg and the symbol of Christmas a bottle.
“If I were the devil I’d take from those who have, and give to those who want until I had killed the incentive of the ambitious.
And what do you bet I could get whole states to promote gambling as the way to get rich? I would caution against extremes and hard work in Patriotism, in moral conduct. I would convince the young that marriage is old-fashioned, that swinging is more fun, that what you see on the TV is the way to be. And thus, I could undress you in public, and I could lure you into bed with diseases for which there is no cure. In other words, if I were the devil I’d just keep right on doing what he’s doing.
Paul Harvey, good day.”
Fresh Manna Today Comments:
It is my hope that you will join with me praying daily for a revival in our lives, our churches, our communities and our nations. We must decide to be different, Christ-focused. What offends Him, should offend us. What breaks His heart, should break ours. What He loves, we should love. The world desperately needs Jesus and we know He is the answer to the challenges in our families, our nation and our world. May God send His Holy Spirit to revive each of us first so that we will be effective instruments for Him in this world, our temporary home. Jesus commands each of us to “Go.” Go in His name and the power of the Holy Spirit and change our world. So we must go, and go quickly. The clock of eternity is ticking and the midnight hour is rapidly approaching. Jesus, our King and Lord, is preparing to return and we must make ourselves ready and “go” make disciples in this world where we are living.
God is good, All the time.
Loved Paul Harvey but didn’t know so much of what he said would come
to fruition.
Am Sharing this with my Grandchildren!
Love Paul Harvey Truth
Satan has been lying, deceiving,and mulipulating, our Country since our forefathers founded this great Nation. If the Christians do not stand up together, with Christ in our hearts every day. He will win the battle for our children. However as Christians we all know Who wins the war. GOD
Awesome message
Awesome message
How insightful he was. Tonight I heard this for the first time Remember in in 1956 when the Soviet First Secretary, Nikita Khrushchev said that he would bury us. Well He didn’t at that time ( But I thought it would be from within not from the out side) People laughed. How naive we were. Now the Democrats are trying so very hard to do just that. God help us it that happens
I remember that story from years ago. I’m now 75 and find it amazingly accurate. I fear for my country now more than ever. I especially fear for my grandsons who are just beginning their journey. I pray I and their father raised them right. I did well by both my sons and hope this trend continues.
I always admired Paul Harvey. He had it right. Our country in now in the clutches of the Devil. We really need to get back to God before it is to late.
Our 2020 election is under attack by the devil and his followers.
God knows it all.
Proverbs 26:27
thank you for, finally, a version I can download and print…giving copies to LOTS of people, including some young people
hope it does not land on deaf ears!
Please forward this to Fox News…
I would like to use this article by Paul Harvey in our church newsletter. I am asking your permission to use the article or maybe you could send me information on who I need to contact.
Thank you so much!
Charlotte J.Logman,
Tyson UMC Secretary
Please feel free to use the article
Would like to print a copy of If I were the devil, by Paul Harvey for our Bible study group with your permission and available page. Thank you.
feel free to print it
Paul Harvey was one of the good guys. God truly Blessed him with a gift.