Thursday, September 15, 2016

Book Review: America At The Crossroads by George Barna

If you have read or watch the news, you see that America has a rapid change over the last eight years, if not more. Feelings about certain ideals have been looked upon with fury or favor. There are a number of cultural trends that have appeared in the United States that has made people wonder, what is the future of America?

George Barna said that "discovering and understanding cultural trends is both an assignment and a gift from God." Still not 100% sure if I totally agree with that statement, however, in his latest book, America At The Crossroads, he addresses cultural trends that are shaping America's future. Before we go any further, we need to understand what is a trend. Barna says, "trends are simply patterns of thoughts and behavior that provide insight into the lives of people and their society."

This book looks at what Americans think about and react to different elements in our country whether they fell hostile to it, nothing about it, or embrace it. Barna separates all of his findings into three parts, which is the book is divided into four parts. The first deals with the trends regarding faith and spirituality. How people look at the church, do they view themselves as a Christian, and what their thought are on the Bible.

The second part looks at the people's thoughts into government and politics. Are people satisfied with the government and how one should be involved in politics. The third deals with lifestyles and perspectives. Barna addresses the population growth in China and India while comparing it to the low birth rate in the United States. He also looks at how people view morality, political correctness, and their confidence in institutions.

The final chapter is a call for Christians to respond. The call is not to take America back. The call is to imitate Christ and love the people around us. We are called as Christians to be confident in God's plan because the future is in His hands.

Barna gives us some interesting insights into what ideals American have today. We may not agree with everything he says, but he does paint a picture as to where America is heading.

Thanks Baker Books for letting me review this book.

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