What Does the near future hold?
IMO, it is obvious that human history is rapidly approaching a climax of sorts if for no other reason than the rapidly accelerating power of technology.
I have described below seven general prevalent future scenarios.
It seems to me a majority of naturalistic scientists, New Agers, Spiritualists, and religious ecumenicalists believe in some version of scenario 1,3, or 4. These are by far the most popular and widely accepted scenarios. A few Secular Pessimists believe in Scenario #2. The Secular Conspiracy theorists ascribe to some version of Scenario #5. A vast majority of Christian evangelicals believe in Scenario #7. A few Christians (myself included) are starting to ascribe to Scenario #6.
What scenario do YOU believe is most likely to play out as we approach this climax of human history and why? (doesn't have to be 1 of my 7) Which scenario do you think is the least likely and why?
Scenario #1: Naturalistic Tehcnological UtopiaAs described by Ray Kurzweil in his book "The Singularity is Near" and "The Age of Spiritual Machines", the "Law of Accelerating Returns" will continue to cause technological power to increase exponentially so that virtual reality and "real" reality will be basically indistinguishable. This will result in a sort of man-made utopia. By plotting out current trends of technological advancement, we can project a "singularity" (or near infinite increase) sometime shortly after 2045, beyond which we cannot possibly fathom the nature of humanity.
Scenario #2: Humanity goes nova, but no black hole.Suppose Kurzweil is wrong and the "Law of Accelerating Returns" is not the only driving factor in the course of human history over the next 40 years. Suppose that the saying is true, "Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely." Such a massive increase in technology equals a massive increase in power equals a massive corrupting influence equals a violent return to the Dark ages. The only thing that could possibly circumvent this "singularity" is a WWIII that sends us back into the dark ages.
Scenario #3: Spiritualistic Technological utopia--A slight modification from scenario #1, yet still optimistic. This includes a spiritual element. With the coming technological revolutions in Genetics, Robotics, and Nanotechnology, all the world's problems will be solved and humanity will finally begin to overlook its internal differences and advance as a whole into a "NEW AGE" of spiritual enlightenment (but a "purging" might be necessary). "Spiritual Guides" (if you wish to believe in that sort of thing) will encourage and help humanity on this noble path.
Scenario #4 New Age Messiah--A slight modification of scenario #3. On the eve of this great "breakthrough" into the new technological utopia and spiritual enlightenment (around the year 2012, but no later than Kurzweil's singularity at 2045), the "gods" who claim to have originally created humanity show up in their inter-dimensional flying saucers and tell us how pleased they are with our progress and how they want to help us achieve this new epoch of our evolution if only we will invite them to (This is Raelian doctrine). Our alien "parents" (or spiritual guides as some will call them) will guide us into the promised enlightenment and utopia.
Scenario #5 Conspiracy, Deception, and 1984The increase in technology creates corruption in the dark corners of secret government projects which are always exploiting new technologies for military purposes (which could include an intelligence network of all sorts of spying machines, new WMDs such as weather manipulation, and the secret creation of a superace of genetically modified beings). Presumably this leads to a New World Order for which an infrastructure is currently being innocently put into place in the name of security and protection from terrorists, fraud, natural disasters, and other phantom "beasties" like say.. bird flu. Once all freedoms have been surrendered and all the Big Brother infrastructure is in place, promises of utopias similar to those mentioned above will deceive and ultimately enslave mankind.
Scenario #6 Conspiracy, Deception, and ArmageddonLike in Scenario #5, a NWO infrastructure is created while those who are not wise to the conspiracy entertain visions of scenarios #1,3,4. They can see the "singularity" approaching, but realize that unless mankind overcomes its problems, it cannot progress. They look for a "savior" figure to save them from mankind's troubles. This comes in the form of the interdimensional beings (aka fallen angels, aliens)uniting with world leaders in this endeavor (as was pre-planned by select government officials "in the know"). This Messiah figure assumes power to the astonishment and delight of many, while many others create anarchy after seeing "aliens" among us. The ensuing anarchy is used to help bring about a police state in the name of "purging" or "cleansing". The mark of the beast, and the image, etc. are instated. Things look up for a while, but quickly go sour. The Biblical descriptions of the "Last Days" are applicable. Of course it all ends with Jesus coming back to earth resurrecting the saints and smushing the Beast and his followers before they can destroy Israel.
Scenario #7 Left BehindSometime in the near future all the Christians disappear. In the ensuing chaos the antichrist takes over the world. 7 years of tribulation follow... yada yada yada... (everyone knows this one by now) Jesus Christ returns and smushes the bad guys at Armageddon.
So what will it be? Utopia or Destruction? And what will prove to be the prevailing driving forces that get us there?
{Note from Adminnemooseus: Prior to spinning off message 1 of the "Proposed New Topic" version, I'm adding the content of the
PNT's message 5}:
HD, in PNT message 5 writes:
I was thinking Coffee House cuz that's generally where these sorts of random topics go.
I didn't intend to discuss the meanings of various prophecies of different religions, but rather intended to discuss what commonly believed in scenarios are likely to occur based on current events and historical trends. Some of these scenarios are inevitably created in part by a religious prophetic element, but the debate should be about whether or not this scenario is likely to play out rather than what prophecies this scenario came from or if they are interpreted accurately or not.
I would also like to hear what EvC Members believe is likely to occur.
This message has been edited by Hangdawg13, 11-30-2005 01:54 PM
This message has been edited by Adminnemooseus, 11-30-2005 02:46 PM