2008: A Cultural Review from a Christian Perspective

If we were able to somehow calibrate our time’s equivalent to a moral Dow Jones Industrial average, I wonder if 2008 would have fared any better than the financial markets. Indeed it was easier for me to recall many discouraging trends and headlines than encouraging, from a culturally conservative, Christian perspective.

Be that as it may, I have put together this list of the good and the bad. Perhaps as you make your New Year’s resolutions, you could ponder this question as well:

Concerning Trends

• The Shack was a runaway bestseller
• Yoga became more widely available–in churches at that
• Millions of pro-life Christians supported Barack Obama
• Emergent church spokesman, Rob Bell and Brian McLaren, became much more influential
• Numerous pro-life initiatives went down at the ballot box (in South Dakota and other key states)
• The so-called gospel of Judas gained headlines and caused confusion
• And perhaps most disturbing of all, Christianity Today published a movie review of Sex and the City (a fairly favorable one at that)

Encouraging Trends

• Millions of people worldwide accepted the Gospel, with key gains in China, Africa and other parts of the world.
• Rick Warren represented evangelical Christians well at a presidential forum at Saddleback Church.
• The Bible was the number one best selling book–yet again.
• The Chronicles of Narnia books and movie outdid The Golden Compass.

Finally, it was also amid the backdrop of 2008 that this very blog, Pilgrim’s Progress, was founded. We appreciate you reading our thoughts and offering yours. Here’s praying for a good 2009.