Christ followers have always have a sense of the future due to Christ’s future orientation during his ministry on earth (Peters, 1975). Jesus often spoke of the coming kingdom (Mt. 6:10) and the signs that would usher in such a kingdom (Lk. 17: 20-21). However, in today’s secularized climate, it would appear capitalism may be the source of values guiding the global village. Can the principles of Christ’s coming kingdom offer any guidance for a capitalistic driven world?
The material control of future possibilities come largely through the development of science and technology which have been traditionally value-free (McHale, 1969). This neutral moral stance can no longer be the guidance of mankind as technology and science are leading into areas of life that increasingly infringe on the moral consciences of people of faith. The present range and scale of actions and their consequences require increasing value commitments to specifically preferred and possible futures in human terms (McHale, 1969). There are increasing moral consequences to the advances in of science and technology. If mankind is to have a future at all, mankind must find within itself the ability to make a radical change in the values which orient the economic and social systems that govern mankind (Peters, 1975).
Social scientists and political dissidents have concluded that selfishness bred by capitalism is creating problems for mankind and there is a growing need within the human race which embraces values such as prudence, sharing of wealth, and respectful concern for both nature and neighbors (Peters, 1975). There is a need for religion, particularly the teachings of Jesus, to provide guidance and direction to mankind in the growing moral neutral environment the future is beckoning. Capitalism may provide the road by which the future is realized, but the values of scripture need to pave the road away from the moral dangers ahead.
References
Ferkiss, V. C. (1974). The future of technological civilization. New York: G. Braziller.
McHale, J. (1969). The future of the future. New York: G. Braziller.
Peters, T. (1975). Futures: human and divine. Lutheran Quarterly, 27(2), 112–124.
Toffler, A. (1972). The futurists (1st ed.). New York: Random House.
