"FutureCast" by George Barna

“FUTURECAST” What Today’s Trends mean for Tomorrow’s World
By George Barna

The purpose of this book is to chart some trends that are taking place in the US. Barna says, that “Leadership is based on the ability to see future possibilities and shape the environment to facilitate desired outcomes.” Thus the information in the book is to help leaders become well informed so they may lead effectively.

Some of the trends that Barna documents are:
Regarding marriage he says, “…among the younger generations of adults, doubts about the durability of marriage sometimes become a self-fulfilling prophecy: Afraid to fail. They never fully devote themselves to do what it takes to build and maintain a strong marriage, putting that union at risk right from the start.”

He says that in our culture we are losing our civility. “Politeness, graciousness and restraint are lost arts.” He sites a survey conducted on the 40th anniversary of the Woodstock festival that found out that less then 4 out of 10 believe that a festival of that magnitude (4000,000 people) could gather peacefully for such an event today.
Another interesting point that he brought out is how disrespect for other people is rising, yet people are on the lookout for those who disrespect them. We want respect without showing respect.

He also shows the trends in media, religious views etc. etc.

One of the emphasis that he brought out in book was our need not to look at these trends and think that we will change the world. But that we use them to try to change one person at a time. At that place this book becomes personal, it is not just for the big organizations and churches, but it is for us as individuals to examine ourselves and do what we can do to change our neighborhoods and the people (individuals) we are around.

Overall, if you have enjoyed Barna’s other books you will enjoy this one.

Tyndale House Publishers has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book.