We at Reinsurance Towers are used to seeing some fairly odd responses to some of our stories from readers but this week we received what may be a first, even for us.

In response to a story on how Munich Re and Lloyd's syndicates could be affected by Iran sanctions we posted online last week one reader responded by quoting Bible verses at us

Here I quote:

Iran should not arouse concern. Georgia is a flashpoint in Russia's tense relations with the West. The Bible says: "At the appointed time [the king of the north = Russia] will return and come into the south, but it will not be as the former [1921] or as the latter [2008]. For shall come against him the dwellers of coastlands of Kittim [the West], and he will be humbled, and will return." (Daniel 11:29,30a) What logical conclusions can be drawn from this forecast? Much suggests that the present economic crisis will deepen, making it possible for Russia to regain the influence, which it lost after the break-up of the Soviet Union. In relationship to this, unavoidable will be the split or even a complete break-up of the European Union and NATO. After that, Russia will come somewhere into the south. Many indicate that this might be Georgia. When this happens, the West will come against Russia. Then Iran will be humbled also. "But ships will come from the direction of Kittim, troubling Asshur [Russia] and troubling Eber [inhabiting on the other side the Euphrates]." (Numbers 24:24a, BBE) At that time, peace will be taken from the earth and the "great sword" - nuclear sword - will be used. (Revelation 6:4) However, it will be neither the great tribulation nor "the end of the world" (Armageddon). As Jesus foretold, that will be "the beginning of birth pains". (Mathew 24:7,8)

From what I understand of the above this particular reader therefore believes that the end of the world is coming, but not before the majority of us are wiped out by nuclear weapons.

That could put a bit of a crimp on our business plans...