I consider the Afflictions classes some of the most powerful I will be teaching this year especially because we are seeing the emergence of afflictions now. Grandfather warned us about the emergence and escalation of diseases, some of which we have never encounter before. Many of the diseases, which were at one time a source of sickness, would become lethal. Many too, would become resistant to our most powerful modern medications and treatments. He was not only talking about the diseases that would effect humankind but also our livestock, crops and waters. Like with people, the diseases would wipe out entire food crops and all other sources of food. Here again the agricultural medicines will no longer ease the many diseases and we will become helpless to find food and water that is untainted.Yet the one thing that seemed to trouble Grandfather the most was what he called affliction. As he explained it to me long ago, he said that afflictions would be born of the vast chemical cesspool that we live within, breath, sleep and drink everyday. He said that science has done nothing to research the chemicals that are dumped into the Earth that can coalesce and mix, causing horrific conditions and afflictions. Here again the chemical/radiation afflictions will not only affect people but also the crops, livestock and waterways of the world. He said that these afflictions will not be caused by bacteria or viral agents and vectors, but by the chemical compounds themselves which will cause horrible and acutely painful conditions we have never encountered before.
The first part of this two part series dealing with afflictions will deal with the identification, causes, and vectors that carry these potential afflictions. The problem here is that the landscapes can look healthy and even surpass the most intense Scout scrutiny yet remained undetected because of lack of physical evidence. The class can be taken by itself or in conjunction with the second part and vice versa. However, I strongly recommend that you take both of the classes to thoroughly complete your understanding of afflictions.
