Tomorrow
Medical breakthroughs for the next century
Nothing can heat up quite as much debate in religious circles as new medical breakthroughs—be they in the creation (cloning) or ending of life (abortion, euthanasia), or anywhere in between. So when Life published a special issue focusing on 21 breakthroughs in medical science for the 21st century, we knew we had to review these [...]
Planning for wildcards
The art of futurism is about planning for the future, often through the use of scenarios. Futurists usually develop 4 scenarios (a quadrant) which are each very different and yet share certain characteristics. Plans can be made based on the common characteristics, and then trends are monitored to see which of the 4 quadrants is [...]
Tomorrow’s Persecution: Cyberterror attacks on religious leaders
For decades, religious leaders, particularly Christians, have been targeted by terrorist groups for persecution, harassment, and even assassination. Now, terrorism against religious groups has entered the electronic world. ‘Two unidentified women set up Internet accounts that were used in a three-day automated attack [in early September] on religious Usenet newsgroups. The attackers used familiar newsgroup [...]
Vulnerabilities and Opportunities
A new book, 1998 State of the Future: issues and opportunities, produced by the American Council for the United Nations University and the Millennium Project, lists 15 issues and 15 opportunities which will affect the world through the short-term future. Here is the list along with our commentary on church vulnerabilities in each area.
1. Growing [...]
Toward 2010: the youthfulness of the world
The youngest countries in 2010: Palestine, Uganda, Oman, Somalia, Niger, Yemen. Over 46% of the populations of each of these countries will likely be under the age of 15. Seeing these countries evangelized and churches planted will require strategies with large child-evangelism and child-ministry components.
Countries with the largest numbers of youth (in descending order) in [...]
The future of books
Libraries and bookstores will move into the electronic world in a big way once issues like copyright security, privacy and commercial royalties have been dealt with. Print books won’t disappear over night, but electronic editions will be found in growing numbers, and some books may be available in online-only editions. Books can be purchased with [...]
Who will be alive in 2025 and 2050?
The table below, for America, shows that most Generation Xers (1965-85) and Millennials (1985-2005) will be in the ‘prime’ of their careers, while Boomers will be fully retired and the ‘senior citizens’ of society. The new generation (now being born) are the ones who will be the focus of most recruitment efforts. They are unlikely [...]
Structures of Sin: Drugs
Opium poppies are farmed in the remote regions of Afghanistan and Pakistan. This drug—used to make heroin—is sold Tajikistan-Afghanistan border and taken from there through Russia to Europe and the United States. Since January, 220 pounds of heroin have been seized and 20 smugglers killed by Russian police patrolling the border. Pakistan has begun a [...]
Does our eschatology block our creative thinking?
Within evangelical culture there is a ‘grand tradition’ of apocalyptic literature. Some 49% of Americans believe biblical prophecy predicts the future better than the Farmer’s Almanac, astrologers or pollsters (Wired). A whole section of the forthcoming World Christian Encyclopedia is devoted to future events. The top books on the Publisher’s Weekly religion best-seller list now—and [...]
Toward 2010: Surveillance
It is becoming easier and easier for governments to keep an eye on the people in their territory, and this has a direct impact on both the growth of the Christian church and the efforts of missionary workers. We noted this in passing in last issue’s chronology scan; in this issue, we will examine the [...]
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