Watchout For WOLVES: Keys To Discerning Authentic Ministries & Evaluating Doctrinal Trends

4. Changing technological advances

Changes in technology, computer science, telecom munications and the rise of The Internet have turned the world into a global community where any form of information is able to be accessed or transmitted quickly in a wide variety of ways. It is predicted that in less than five years you will be able to buy a relatively cheap computer that will have the capacity to store the entire accumulation of human knowledge. Changes in society have made it possible for people to live in complete isolation from others. If they want food they can order in. If they want entertainment they can access games, movies and a wide variety of things without ever leaving their bedroom. If they are looking for a friend or community they can log on to a “chat room.” A person in South Africa can play chess with someone in Greenland if they so desire. People can even find their spouse without ever actually dating (A 2017 study suggests that 37% of heterosexual couples met online). Purchasing online has become a popular alternate to fighting your way through malls and traffic to the point that many retail chains have closed their doors.

5. Changing in social structures

6. Changing in centers of influence and power

The centers of population, powers and influence are changing. There is a gradual shift from the United States and the European communities to the Pacific Rim nations including China, India, Japan, Korea and Indonesia. Soon China will have more English speakers than any other nation in the world.

7. Changing in government involvement

Governments are getting more and more involved in things that will have an impact on the Church. Whether it be

111