This short video blows me away. It demonstrates the changes in the world over the last 200 years in age expectancy and poverty levels. I saw it on my friend Greg Atkinson‘s blog, but I thought it was worth sharing here also. This shows how things can change in a couple hundred years. That may seem like a long time, but in view of history, it’s fast paced. What are the implications here for the church? For the future economies? For the way we do global trade, the global economy? Can you see the change from America being a dominant superpower? How will this impact this country’s future? Do you see evidence of the change today? How? Just in my life the changes have been enormous. Share your observations.
And notice the way he’s presenting information….Will we soon be preaching using this technology? Imagine sharing the story of the Bible like this?
Share your immediate thoughts after you watch this video.
brilliant presentation. The technology is fascinating. As to topic matter, it brought to mind a lyric written by Bono:" The rich stay healthy, the sick stay poor"…
Good insight….
I love the technology and presentation style; it's rather like a weather report for statistics. However, I'm not blown away by the numbers. The static use of $400 to $40,000 might be misleading. There were some countries that remained in the $400 range (oh my, how can that be?), but most countries migrated to the upper quadrants along with the superpowers. It would take some stop action to verify the data or premise that the speaker is presenting.
So how does the technology fit with the church? Perhaps technology will allow our stories will become more enlightening and interactive, but will that make them more or less believable? I think the answer lies with the audience and their individual style of learning and capacity to accept what they are told. I believe some will always want to look at the proof, the raw data, so they may draw their own conclusions.
Good insight. Thanks for dialoguing about this. It's fascinating to me.
I don't see how it can continue to trend upward indefinitely; eventually the great demand on resources is going to neutralize the countries that used to rely on their superior technology for advantages over countries with larger populations. This is going to push the West into gradual and then rapid decline; we are in the twilight of Western Civilization. I suppose it is fitting since we no longer believe in anything other than science and with just data, laws, and facts to live by, why keep it going? Good news is the Gospel is dawning in the East and is on its way to making the complete circuit around the world back to Jerusalem and once all people groups are reached…
I agree with you. I would think potential for leveling of that growth, and even decline of it, would be a concern worth considering.
I agree with you. In my church now, however, most people end up watching me on the screens rather than the real me. I have seen some boards pastors have on stage where they can actually stand behind them and do this in front of the people…pretty wild.
I love it Ron! I would love to try it. But what struck me was the age difference between him and the film crew. They were probably early 20's. But his message is also interesting, if we believe it be credible and I think that it will have a major impact on missionary efforts throughout the world. Thanks for this!
Yea, I thought that was funny too…but that's representative of my church sometimes too when I'm speaking! Shows us old guys can hang…
This is great. Thanks for sharing. I'll probably do a similar post. Great resource. Thanks Ron.
Thanks! It's enlightening.
Twitter: bryankr
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It really is very interesting. The technology is wonderful, the energy level he has is just what he needs for that kind of presentation; which leaves me wondering about using it for a sermon. It would probably mean a TOTAL revamp of how it is researched and presented. The one thing that has me worried is the fact that I see it as not being presentable with people actually present! People would be seeing the sermon from their computers or t.v., that part has me worried. I am of the impression that personal contact in the congregation is an imperative. I could be wrong, but I do believe people need to be a part of the equation. This type of technology is here whether we like it or not, so why not use it, but how would we count the cost?
That's impressive. I really like his enthusiasm for statistics and for finding creative ways to share. I keep sending this video to friends, thanks for posting!
Me too…I won't to do the presentation…
Very interesting post and technology. The new 4D holographic video systems on the market could possibly be used in this way in churches to engage the audience. Imagine interactive maps showing the journeys of Jesus or Paul, or the spread of the Gospel across the globe, or visually showing local demographics by zip code of where the church members live and where they are impacting their community. Who knows what other great creative ideas church leaders will come up with to leverage this technology as a tool in worship and teaching.
Love it!