At our house group meeting recently we were asked what we considered to be the greatest danger to our future? We considered several possibilities.
People
When we read the papers they always seem to be full of ”doom and gloom’. On any one day there seems to be some conflict between different nations. The dreadful thing is that some people resort to violence rather than sit down and talk in order to find a suitable solution to a particular problem. We also have conflict within our own country. We have an increase in knife crime. What I find so horrifying is that a number of teenagers feel the need to carry a knife for security and they are so obviously willing to use them. Also, our country seems more divided than at anytime during my lifetime. Many will blame Brexit but I feel that there is at the moment a general discontent with life amongst all age groups.
Global Warming
Throughout history there have been many changes in our climate. Perhaps we are just experiencing a natural change. However, we cannot ignore the fact that people have a detrimental effect on the environment. We live at a time when we readily dispose of items. I am one of the older generation who keeps things in case they come in useful. An attitude no doubt appreciated by the older generation especially those who lived through the war. We were told that plastic was the best invention since sliced bread. Yet we know from programmes such as ‘The Blue Planet’, the danger plastic is causing marine life and that it is actually destroying various eco-systems. Another cause of concern is pollution with scientific studies showing the melting of the Ice Caps. There is also a major worry about the effect pollution is having on our general health.
Artificial Intelligence
During the last 100 years great advances have been made in technology which have improved the quality of our lives. Perhaps in years to come artificial intelligence will be as accepted as mobile phones are today. However, I can’t imagine myself being happy travelling in a driverless bus!
We do not know what the future holds for us as individuals or for humanity as a whole. Among the ‘doom and gloom news’ there are actually many good stories. We know through reading The Bible that we do have hope for the future through our Lord Jesus Christ.
You are all invited to join us at St David’s to learn more about this hope.
Blessings, Sheila.