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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.  |
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There's no such thing as a faith-based prediction. The entomological value of faith is zero since faith is not based on evidence from past observations and past results, which is the scientific method. Someone of faith can make a prediction, which is not based on God speaking to them in a little voice inside their head, then they are making scientific predictions based on past observations, but then they are making a scientific prediction – not using their faith.
In the beginning God said that evil is in the hearts of men!
All we have to do is read this blog to know he only tells the truth.(God is truth and spirt )
In the KJV. the word believe is used 43 times. This is all God asks and in return you receive salvation (eternal life of your soul) .
After asking, the peace and forgiveness and tranquility come with the grace.
God is good!
Stevy weavy,
Please explain then how your goddy woddy is not evilly weivily, since "man was created in his image", and why he made men with evil in their hearts. And no "free will" crappy wappy, since that has been debunked.(http://www.youtube.comwatch?v=IQ4nwTTmcgs)
"God is good."
Tom Brady is better!
the "KJV" – LOL. oh yeas the only "authorized" word of god. how glad i am to leave all the trash behind 12 years ago
Religious people won't stop until they destroy civilization in the name of their god, or until they are eradicated. That's why we need to eradicate them, they are violent psychopaths. Religion is a mental disease passed on to the young, and the young need to be protected from that at all costs.
Atheists who have led in the past ...Mao, Stalin, Hitler... You're right lets get more atheists as leaders. Maybe Putin can be had on loan from Russia.
Stalin and Hitler were not atheists. Fail.
Not being Religious does not make one an atheist. I believe in God, but Ido not believe in your dysnfunctional religion. Does Christians label Muslims as Ahteists? Religion is a mental disease, it is not synonomous with God.
Atheism is the worst thing that could happen in this world.... they should not be allowed to become U.S. citizen, nor should they be allowed to work in public !
Learn to type. It won't help your arguments be any more coherent, but at least they will be ... somewhat legible.
Bill Gates, Warren Buffett, Sam Clemens...and most of our scientists and other educated folk, yeah wouldn't want them in America...
Ask the questions. Break the chains. Be free of religion in 2012.
http://whywontgodhealamputees.com/
Even breathing God's good air should not be an option. Had atheism been a capital crime since creation, think of the millions of people who would have lived full lives.
Very interesting. So, when babies are born, we should not allow them to become citizens? After all we are born without a belief in God. Although you certainly did a great job demonstrating how believers are oppressive and intolerant. Nice job.
We are all born atheists until some of us are indoctrinated with all those ancient fairy tales. I mean, just read the bible and see the unbelievable nonsense for yourself. We are fortunately gradually moving away from these delusions and there will be more and more freethinkers who dare speak out.
Theists like you should be held in concentration camps to keep the rest of us safe from your cancerous and stupid beliefs
People like you shouldn't be allowed to keep breathing.
"All religions are a lie except (insert your religion here)."
Christianity
Orgianity
@pat carr: "Orgianity."
Sign me up.
'Faithlessness'? The word indicates a judgement. Poor choice for a so-called 'do not judge lest...' type.
The reliance on a mythical being that lives up in the sky is to waste one's time in fruitless imagining. Better to concern one's self with the here and now. When you wake up in the morning, take time to contemplate on the fact that it is quite possibly the beginning of the last day of your life.
"Atheism is not healthy for children" ....Sure send them to Jeus Camp for abuse, brain washing and a sense of GUILT..
Who want's to take up a collection to send JaxZen to spelling camp?
No apostrophe.
Fucking moron.
And send Ally Wally to grammar campy wampy. It's right next door.
JESUS CHRIST IS THE WAY, THE TRUTH, THE LOVE !
As well as the false path of the idiots and morons, thank you.
Silvia, I'll see you in the rapture capture with the unicorns. Don't forget to wear your nose ring -the big steel one that I padlocked the chain onto when we were practising for the uplifting.
But close your mouth when you dive in this time, so the brown chunks don't go in like last time. Get ready, here it comes. FLUSHHHHHH!
Why Jesus Christ and not Bigfoot or the multi-armed Hindu elephant god Ganesh?
I don't have much issue with Jesus, but a lot of his followers, and what they are willing to do to their fellow human in his name, are the problem.
Do you mean Jesus Christ, or Jesus Barabbas?
"I like your Jesus Christ. I do not like your Christians, they are nothing like your Jesus." – Ghandi
Religion has been the source of so much good in the world. Yes it has been used by some unscrupulous people as means to an end, but over all it has done much good and continues to help countless people live better and more fulfilled lives. I never realized the extent of the anger of many atheists.
"a means to an end"
(insert pedophile Catholic priest joke here)
But I'm not angry at theists, TownC. (Yeah, I'm a little miffed at the "angry atheists" who are making the rest of us look like fools, but that's a separate issue.)
Religion is a product of language and cannot exist without the use of language. Language is an invention and, therefore, artificial, unnatural and unreal. Everything created by or through the use of language must, likewise, be artificial, unnatural and unreal.
Woah, kamana wamma. ! My new hero ! Please stick around. If we need anything here, it's a linguist. So much verbal crap floating about in these parts. Where have you been all my life ?
It has done far more harm than it has done good. As for atheist anger, wake the hell up. We are tired of having believers shove their doctrine down our throat
I predict severe scrutiny for my comment about how the scientific method may not be perfect. Also, science has no right to make metaphysical extrapolations. Show me your experiment that proves atheism.
much love and respect to scientists and people who love science.
It would be more accurate to say "Science is not the correct tool with which to make metaphysical extrapolations."
Except for that, you hit the nail on the head! 🙂
Show me your evidence that proves God...
That which can be asserted without evidence, can be dismissed without evidence.
I think your understanding of the word "atheist" is incorrect.
What you ask is similar to asking "What evidence can you present that you don't believe in the tooth fairy?"
How could people even think of being atheists? What's inside their brain? Probably had terrible life growing up.... too bad one day they will realize their big mistake when they face their creator
I would love to have this conversation with you - unfortunately, if I publish my phone number here I will never stop receiving calls.
We find flaws and question everything. We did not have horrible lives. We seek more of an answer than "god did it'.
What a pretty rainbow!
God did it.
No...god had nothing to do with the refraction of light. But before that was understood, it was easy to say "god did it" when you didn't have the answers.
What a dork.
Amen brother. You speak the truth. Those who have ears to hear will listen. Those who do not, won't.
Funny, I always marvel over how anyone can take religions seriously, since they are such obvious fairy tales.
Atheism is a known side effect of using logic and reason. I had a great childhood and now have an enjoyable adult life with a fantastic wife, perfect daughter, and rewarding career. I donate to various charities and enjoy wildlife photography and astronomy as my hobbies. I am also an atheist. So go f- yourself.
It's quite easy to be an athiest. You simply don't believe in that for which there is zero evidence.
Let's face it. There is more evidence for Bigfoot than there is for God.
You can talk about God all you like but there is not a single iota of evidence in God's Favor.
When you can bring me real solid evidence of God's existence I'd be more than happy to hear it.
In the great words of Christopher Hitchens... "That which can be asserted without evidence, can be dismissed without evidence"
You know, Mike From Iowa, as much as I normally abhor name-calling in what is supposed to be polite conversation, sometimes "what a dork" is pretty much the only reasonable response. This is one of those times and I commend you.
: )
DOG spelled backward is GOD........................
Duuuuuuuude... That's so rad!
WoooooooW......... Stalin was an atheist
And next you're gonna to be telling us that old joke about the dyslexic atheist .... doesn't believe in ...
WoooooooW......... Hitler was an Christian.
I predict that those brainwashed morons by David Silverman will even have more terrible life....
Prayer changes things
Conversion to Christianity is
Freely available to all who apply
God is not willing that any should perish
Prayer has been proven scientifically to be ineffective.
Conversion back to faith is pointless once you see the truth.
The last two lines you wrote made no sense.
All children are born atheists. They only become religious when adults in their community brainwash them.
I grow so tired of you people....just spewinging your "faith"......stop it...
Awesome reply "A"......
Never met a Christian dog or cat, have you?
All children are born fresh from the breath of God. As such they are gifts from heaven, from conception onward and more acquainted with the spiritual realm than the earthly.
My dog thinks he's a catholic priest. Need I say more ?
Phil – it's so easy to be ignorant and spread lies. The truth in many peer-reviewed and stoichmetrically valid research studies show positive and healthy outcomes as a result of prayer. The power of the data is probably much larger than your fragile ego can tolerate and much less than hoped by the faithful.
But don't let facts stand in the way of your diatribes against traditional values and religion. How can you elevate yourself as a god if you objectively adhere to facts?
Why do we have to read stupid theistic rants like this in a public forum? You are obviously a fool that buys into the mainstream bullshyt fodder of religion for which there is absolutely no evidence. Hey buddy I got a suggestion for you."fyck you and your imaginary man made fycking, god take that bullshyt and shove it so far up your fycking ass you choke, you fycking freak".
I predict only idiots and morons will believe in god and jesus, Hey I am right, wow, I must be a prophet!
I'm considered a strong atheist too - but your comment is why people think we're off our rocker.
Yes, I'm guilty of posting rants like that too when I get upset...but there is no reason to call them morons and idiots.
Well if they believe in ANYTHING that stupid and moronic they definitely deserve the status of idiot or moron so if the shoe fits, wear it.
God will not be mocked. And certainly not by self-indulgent, self-proclaimed experts who actually know less about more and more.
@ loldems
god will not be mocked?
Please. your god is vain. The first four commandments are all about him. What a tool.
December 21 2012....first contact
...with His noodly appendage?
We predict that humanity will come to see that the collective which they call the Trinity, is really The Borg. We are one.
I thought we ended your race... Where do you keep coming from?
A set of hands at work is more effective than a thousand folded in prayer.
There are no gods or goddesses, demons or devils, ghosts or goblins. Religion was invented by man to control the masses.
"Religion was invented by man to control the masses."
No, it wasn't. Religions were invented by man to attempt to understand what they couldn't comprehend. Some (not all, but many) have certainly been usurped to to "control the masses," but that was not the originating point.
@ Yakobi Whatever you say dude. We won't dare question your interpretation of 1000s of years of religious history. With your statement we will stop asking more questions on the matter and let you tell us what to believe.
I didn't tell you to believe in anything, GAW. If you make a conscious decision to believe in fairy tales, then that's your right to do so. I won't stop you, I'll merely point and laugh.
We suspect your laughter will end suddenly at the gates of hell.
Religion came about as man's attempt to understand the world around him. Thats why at alternate times man worshipped the sun, the earth, and so on. As scientific knowledge slowly grew man had to make up something knew. They made up God. After all, who wouldn't want to live forever?
Sadly, religious people have faith, Athiests have knowledge.
I'll take knowledge every time.
Hell exists merely in your imagination, just like heaven.
I won't be betting my eternity on your assumptions
There's no eternity. You live, you die. End of story.