 |
|
|
|
January 1st, 2012
03:00 PM ET
15 faith-based predictions for 2012To ring in the New Year, CNN's Belief Blog asked experts in religion, faith leaders, and a secular humanist about how the forces of faith and faithlessness will shape the world in 2012. Here's what they told us: 1. The Republican Party will tap Mitt Romney as its presidential nominee, and America will finally have its "Mormon moment." As evangelicals try to figure out whether they can support a president who practices Mormonism, the rest of us will try to figure out whether Mormonism is a cult, a form of Christianity, or something in between. Meanwhile, visitors to Marriott hotels will finally crack open some of those nightstand copies of The Book of Mormon. 2. Despite all of the lessons that could have been learned from Y2K and Harold Camping, people will still rally around the idea that apocalyptic events are on the calendar for 2012. Some will turn to the end-date of the 5125-year-long cycle in the Mesoamerican Long Count calendar (closely associated with the Maya civilization) and a handful of folks believe cataclysmic events are awaiting on December 21, 2012. But the dates with will pass with little fanfare — except for those profiting from the sale of gold coins, generators, and dried food that you'd probably rather want to die than eat. 3. Continuing revolutions across the Arab world will raise alarming questions about the fate of the remaining Christians in the region, and will put the issue of religious persecution squarely on the political agenda. Sizable Christian populations now survive in only two Arab countries, Egypt and Syria, both of which could soon be under Islamist rule. At a minimum, expect to see inter-faith violence on the ground. In a worst case scenario, Arab Christians could face large scale persecution, forcing millions to seek new homes overseas. Watch too for religious persecution to be an emotive issue in the U.S. presidential race. 4. The year will see an increase in the number of people "coming out" as nonbelievers. Major events like the Reason Rally in March will be a catalyst for more people to publicly declare their secular worldview. The statements of popular celebrities George Takei and Ricky Gervais as atheists in 2011 are just the tip of the iceberg. 5. "All-American Muslim" will become a bigger hit than "Jersey Shore" ever was. Obsessed fans worldwide, regardless of gender, will begin rocking sassy colorful hijab (veil) and converting en masse. Tim Tebow will choose to fast in solidarity with Muslim football players and Tebowing will be replaced by Teprostrating. President Obama will jump on the bandwagon and replace VP Joe Biden with Keith Ellison as his running mate, guaranteeing his re-election in a landslide victory in November. Peace will reign on earth and pigs will have a new lease on life. 6. There's no question the worldview of most younger Christians already differs from previous generations regarding social justice, cultural engagement and politics. The next issue of probable divergence? The conflict in Israel and Palestine. The American church has largely purported just one theology about the modern state of Israel, but now questions are being asked - especially by younger Christians learning of persecution and human rights issues happening in the region - if the church should have a more active role in peacemaking. Is there a way for the Church to be pro-Israel, pro-Palestine and pro-peace? 7. Significant numbers of millennials (young people born in the 1980s and 1990s) will continue to walk away from socially conservative religious traditions. Bringing them back will be tough, especially for religious organizations deeply invested in brick-and-mortar and bureaucracy. Millennials who are facing the erosion of access to affordable, quality education and meaningful employment and who stand to inherit from their elders a great deal of debt and environmental destruction want to know why and how faith matters. 8. The year 2012 promises to be a time of great spiritual stirring in our nation. People are seeking both practical and spiritual answers to their problems. As a result, churches and media ministries that answer specific needs will grow in unprecedented numbers. We can expect to see the numbers of mega-churches and super mega-churches continue to grow. Culturally there will be marked return to helping the poor (both domestically and internationally) and political and social engagement by a younger/more racially diverse, evangelical people. 9. Sabbath becomes trendy! Fourth Commandment makes a comeback! Sabbath named Time’s person of the year! A new movement sweeps the country. They call themselves 24/6. Worn out by being tethered to the grid 24/7, sick of being accessible all hours of the day, inundated by updates, upgrades, and breaking news, Americans finally rebel, demanding, “We need a day off.” People all over the country go offline for 24 hours every week. The simple break from the frenetic pace results in lowered cholesterol rates, fewer speeding tickets, and a reduction in marital strife. Peace, tranquility and contentment spread like wildfire. 10. Women in the Middle East and around the world will rally in protest about the woman who was beaten, stomped on and stripped down to her blue bra (under her abaya) during a demonstration in Egypt. Women everywhere who have been oppressed by their religions will rise up, as they have already done in Egypt, to join "The Blue Bra Revolution." We're mad as hell and we're not going to take it anymore. 11.“Occu-pew Church" – a movement away from counterfeit "Church-ianity," cult of personality and religion toward authentic grassroots personal faith, based on living and loving like Jesus. More churches will lose the moat dragon mentality, lower the drawbridge and dispatch members beyond the church service to church SERVICE, applying their faith in the community through volunteerism and outreach. A renewed global emphasis on prayer - especially for peace and reconciliation - as individuals and leaders recognize that personal spiritual peace in one's heart provides the only lasting foundation for physical peace among families, friends, neighbors - even nations 12. Hindu Americans will continue to become better advocates for themselves, particularly in the public policy arena. They will play a larger role in defining the manner in which Hinduism is represented in the media, academia, popular culture, and interfaith dialogue. The acknowledgment of the Hindu roots of yoga will continue to spread with more people seeing the connection. And the Hindu ethos of religious pluralism will take on a more prominent role in nurturing not only tolerance, but respect for and between the world's religions. 13. In 2012 the lines between the sacred and the profane will get even more blurry: Scientists will religiously maintain their search for the elusive God particle (they won't find it); evangelical sports superhero and Denver Bronco quarterback Tim Tebow will continue to be both an inspiration to the faithful and an object of scorn to skeptics (he will be watching, not playing in, the Super Bowl); at least one well-known religious leader or leading religious politician will be brought down by a sex scandal (let's hope all our leaders have learned a lesson from former Rep. Anthony Weiner and stay away from sexting); and the "nones" - those who don't identify with one religion - will grow even more numerous and find religious meanings in unexpected places (what TV show will become this season's "Lost"?) 14. America’s evangelical community will have its hands full addressing both a presidential election and offering a biblical response to “end of days” Mayan prophecies surrounding 2012. With the economy emerging as the primary issue for the November election, America’s born-again community will have an opportunity to contextualize an alternative narrative to the polarizing elements from both the right and the left by reconciling the righteousness message of Billy Graham with the justice platform of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. By offering compassionate, truth-filled solutions and focusing on the message of grace, love, reconciliation and healing, evangelicals will demonstrate that the greatest agenda stems neither from the donkey nor the elephant but rather from the lamb. 15. We are seeing the divide between younger generation evangelicals and older generation (baby boom and older) get wider every year both theologically and culturally (lifestyle). 2012 promises to widen the gap even more with Gen X and younger evangelicals having trouble understanding why the traditional lines make sense and/or just outright rejecting those lines. |
  About this blog
The CNN Belief Blog covers the faith angles of the day's biggest stories, from breaking news to politics to entertainment, fostering a global conversation about the role of religion and belief in readers' lives. It's edited by CNN's Daniel Burke with contributions from Eric Marrapodi and CNN's worldwide news gathering team.  |
|
|
|
Always something for the idiots in this country. What is the purpose of "news"? Of course, we do have millions of idiots. CNN has too much free time, time that should be used for providing detailed NEWS reports.
arent you the idiot for reading and wasting your time commenting if you hate it so much?
Religion is not God. Religion is man made. Don't confuse the two or you'll be confused.
Well since god is nothing but a myth put forward by idiots I guess we can discredit god as well as religions.
"Don't confuse the two or you'll be confused."
Oh....such WISE words!
Both god and religion are manmade. If you think otherwise, then it is YOU that is confused.
I think that Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity. We all need to be kind, respectful & giving to others.
We also need to expect & be prepared for the Best & The worst. Love one another, be an example to others so much that they ask who you are, what you do, where you go to church if you do, etc. Even if they could not hear & only could see you.
To me that is true preparation, happiness & success during our short days here! TC
I think that in 2012 more people will embrace the salvation that is the Invisible Pink Unicorn.
to Kirk can you prove there is not!
As in 2011 and will always be – the case to prove a negative will never happen.
Yes... no physical appearance is Proof.
Well god and jesus haven't been seen by anyone for over 2000 years if ever except by people who stood out in the sun way too long, so I think we can safely say that those myths are dead now and move on.
Can we also expect some "Reason-based Predictions"?
I guess my opinions are not CNN material.
I predict that if athiests had their way – the First Amendment would be abolsihed
Nope. Wrong.
You predict wrong. On several counts.
Nonesense. Abolition of the First Amendment is much more in tune with religion especially monotheistics religion which believe they have a monopoly and any dissenting point of view is ultimately an afront to "God". Add to that the ego-centric belief in an afterlife and monotheists are the most fanatical in defending the "Word of God" by eliminating other "word". They think their salvation depends on it. If they are tolerant they are either the exceptionally Christly among them (a true rarity) or they are weak. Thank God we have the First Amendment to restrain them!
Another idiot believer making false predictions, when will the ignorance and stupidity ever cease?
I am not at all concerned about the atheists.However, I am absolutely terrified by the religious and political leaders who are calling for closer church/state relationships an the legislation of religious laws to stem the tide of moral decay in the nation. This will truly lead to the abandonment of the first Amendment, the strength an foundation our nation.
This is what happens when Republicans defund exucation.
Clovis
I predict that if athiests had their way – the First Amendment would be abolsihed
seems to me its just a matter of whom you ask!
I predict that more people will turn to atheism out of an angry past personal life – than hope for a loving future
Love for others to go to hell is the motto. Religious people really love to push that instead of tolerance.
Tolerance towards the ways of man is sending a person to be blotted out, no eternity for the carnally minded.
Amen.
No, atheists are angry about the intrusion of religion into government and in general tend not to suffer fools gladly, but aren
t generally personally embittered the way, say, fire and brimstone preachers are.
Christians like to point out how obsessed with religion or angry Atheists are. It really has nothing to do with what you believe. I really don't care what people choose to believe in. What I take issue with is the religious right's assault on human rights and science in America. The invasion of religion (any religion) into American politics puts the very foundation of our country at risk. Churches are openly endorsing candidates and telling their congregations how to vote, all while they continue their tax exempt status. I am not angry because you believe in god. I am angry because you are using your god to justify discrimination and block scientific advances.
chickaboom, you atheists love to talk in circles. Which specific scientific advances are you referring to?
Amen.
Well put.
There is No God and you cannot prove there is!
While I tend to agree, we can't prove that there isn't.
Maybe proof isn't the most important thing–maybe learning to live with each other is what it's all about.
there is no proof that there isn't.
there is plenty of proof there isnt. what are you talking about? If you want to be a tard, then prove to me that a magical invisible troll isnt controlling your thoughts? see how dumb this sounds? i know your religion has given you all sorts of terrible answers to real questions, but lets stop and think for at least 1 minute, okay?
Well usually if there is no proof that there is it is accepted that it isn't, you don't need proof of that order except for exceptionally really stupid people who love to believe in fairy tales and myths and pink unicorns.
For those who say, "you cannot prove there is NO god," I ask this:
Should we then also assume that there are leprechauns, fairies, and talking snails since we cannot prove they ALSO don't exist? Of course not.
All gods are imaginary. They always have been.
Balls McGhee, "stop and think for at least 1 minute" is what Christians have been waiting for you atheists to finally accomplish. But, your egos will tell you otherwise.
Amen.
Prayer reflects the grace of God
Please stay away from children.
Prayer reflects the empty caverns of nothingness.
Prayer projects miracles
The Kingdom of God is entered as a little child
Allow the children to go to Jesus
God receives His own
You were born atheist, dummy. Everyone was born atheist. You were forced into indoctrination by your parents or caregivers and you were scared into submission by the lies you were told. An example would be "you'll burn in hell if you don't believe".
Atheism sets your mind free of the constraints and boundaries that religion imposes.
I am sorry you are so lost and blind. Prayer does nothing (and says that you believe you can change the mind of your god.) One day be brave, and really look at what you 'believe'
Prayer is . . . "mental masturbation."
It makes you feel good, but it really doesn't do any good for anyone else.
Yeah, instead for a healthier time send them to religious camp so they can be sodomized by a priest or other religious leader who is a closet gay but refuses to understand it because in his deluded mind it is eveil to be gay but righteous to sodomize a little boy.
Phil, you posted your babble of "You were born atheist, dummy. Everyone was born atheist. You were forced into indoctrination by your parents or caregivers and you were scared into submission by the lies you were told. An example would be "you'll burn in hell if you don't believe".
Atheism sets your mind free of the constraints and boundaries that religion imposes."
Answer: Actually Phil, loving parents/caretakers teach their children Jesus' truth about life and the hereafter. As for burning in hell for not believing ... you actually get blotted out. Zap. No more Phil.
Amen.
But it may be healthier for adults than continuing to think like a child and believe in old myths designed to have a person behave decently before they achieve maturity. At some point a person should grow up and let go of Santa Claus. The most mature, honest position, though, is agnosticism but few people can bear the humiliation of admitting that thez don't know .
We warned you about the brown acid.
You didnt listen.
This entire article is opinionated bull. Didn't CNN just have an article that Christianity is now the number one religion in the world? Seems like whoever wrote this should try reading their own news agencies work. This article is biased and borderline hateful. I for one was born in the 80's and many of my co-workers where as well, and I can tell you that a mass majority are Christians. This is, and always will be, ONE NATION UNDER GOD!!!
That is a meaningless statement. REligion does not rule this Country. It is wrong for any religion to ahve any involvement with government. Remember the Inquisitions? The Crusdes?? Extermination of the Jews? So, it better not matter what religion this country has a majority of. If it does, then we are in trouble and I'll be seeing you on the frontlines.,
Yes, Kirk, I'm living proof that non-believers destroyed my career and personal life. So much for the big egos of non-believers thinking they are mini-god's.
Amen.
I predict many athiests will continue to claim to have 'read the Bible cover to cover," and also claim to have an understanding of science – while neither of those claims will be true
As the claims that religious people do read theirs and not able to follow it. They follow the hate pretty well and clear that is for sure.
You are saying Stephen Hawking has no understanding of science.
She said "many athiests" probably referencing the arrogant and ignorant ones on this board.
Clovis, you might be astounded at how little the so-called religious understand their own holy book. As a former believer, I did read the Bible. There are parts I still believe in, specifically the exhortations to care for the weak, sick, incarcerated, the widow and orphan. A discussion I had with an evangelical the other day, in which said believer announced that he accepted the Biblical teaching, "God helps those who help themselves" (which incidentally doesn't appear in the Bible anywhere, btw) is a case in point. Learn what your own founder tells you to do, and then DO it, and you might be taken seriously.
Answer, write and tell us what kind of abomination Jesus knows you to be. You're hate for Him is overwhelming.
Amen.
I was raised Roman Catholic.
When i questioned things in the bible that did not make sense,
or are contradictory, the answer was always the same.
I had to believe.
You cannot question God.
The truth was that, you cannot question religion.
I am now free from the mind control.
Life is better.
Just a little food for thought: Yes, America is mostly Christian but, the Jews are God's chosen people. Only God can predict what
any of our futures will be, not mortal man. God is the ruler over all. He created the world we all live in and it will be God who will see
victory when the final battle is over. I would gladly lay down my life for my Lord and Savior. GREATER IS HE THAT IS IN ME THAN
HE THAT'S IN THE WORLD.! GOD IS GREAT AND GREATLY TO BE PRAISED everyday of my life. Everyday, I LOVE him MORE.
I may fail, but "HE" never does. God loves me, this I know for my Bible tells me so. GOD LOVES EVERYONE!!!!!!!!
AMEN
Amen
Apparently god only loves rich americans. What an ignorant statement in a world of suffering.
God never fails? Then why won't he heal amputees?
There is no reason to submit to any god. All gods are imaginary. To believe that one needs to be subservient to a higher power simply denigrates all of mankind. If you truly believe that there is an invisible force or being out there that watches over us, then you are living with a delusion, however comforting it may be for you. It is no different than the alcoholic who feels better in a drunken stupor. You are both living outside reality.
Mary, He does love everyone, but everyone does not love Him.
Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
John 14:6
Amen.
*** I would gladly lay down my life for my Lord and Savior....
Please do.
I predict that most athiest will continue to bore the hell out of their friends and family
Like the repulsion that religious people have.
And most christians will continue to believe in fairy tales and give money to the con men at the local building with a steeple.
I predict that most atheists will also alienate most of their family and friends.
I predict that Christians will continue to be boring and stuffy folks who have no imagination or fun!
We shall preserve your predictions right up there with Harold Camping's.
You need to stop playing with your crystal balls.
Saint Michael the Archangel,defend us in battle. Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil.
May God rebuke him, we humbly pray; and do Thou, O Prince of the Heavenly Host -by the Divine Power of God –
cast into hell, satan and all the evil spirits, who roam throughout the world seeking the ruin of souls.
Amen
AMEN
Snares of the Devil? Like when God threatened Adam with death for eating fruit? Who told the truth? The serpent. Who lied? God. Most atheists consider unprovoked threats of violence and lying to be bad things. Historically though, religion has no problem with either of these things.
You ARE THE dEVIL!! Anyone who thinks like that is mad.
Snares of the devil? I didn't know he was a drummer.
A FOOL SAYS IN HIS HEART, THERE IS NO GOD
The fool that makes up his god.
...Claimed the religious person
The fool says with his fingers: "I use Caps Lock."
The fool always claim that there is God without any proof!
Answer and Kirk, there you atheists go again stealing Jesus' truth and calling it your own. I do believe He had His truth written about you non-believers, mmmmmmmmmmmh, how many thousands of years ago?
The fool has said in his heart, "There is no God." They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none who does good.
Psalms 14: 1
Amen.
One of the greatest gifts to man kind is God's Saving Grace!
Even the non believers will be accepted by God if they ask, up to the time the first bowl is poured down on the earth!
At that time there will only be NON BELIEVERS LEFT !
Happy New Year.
Fatal flaw with your logic.
"Even the non believers will be accepted by god if they ask".
No - we won't, because we don't believe in a god, therefore it would be pointless to even bother asking something that definitely does not exist.
If there were truly a god and there was anything true as saving grace we would all be saved from blithering idiots such as yourself ok Steven? Go get a lige, get a swirly and get some of those lies and myths washed out of your head so you can see the truth that you are only a misguided idiot who believes in lies and myths
Tommie, Tom, is that you disguised under another handle? LOL. New year, same ole same ole carnal nonsense.
Amen.
Oh look: HS is thinking carnal thoughts again. She's a naughty, naughty girl.
Amen.