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Author Topic:   Scenarios For the Near Future Climax of Human History
Hangdawg13
Member (Idle past 751 days)
Posts: 1189
From: Texas
Joined: 05-30-2004


Message 1 of 8 (264348)
11-29-2005 10:18 PM


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 Utopia
As 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 1984
The 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 Armageddon
Like 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 Behind
Sometime 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

Replies to this message:
 Message 2 by Adminnemooseus, posted 11-29-2005 10:31 PM Hangdawg13 has replied

Adminnemooseus
Administrator
Posts: 3974
Joined: 09-26-2002


Message 2 of 8 (264351)
11-29-2005 10:31 PM
Reply to: Message 1 by Hangdawg13
11-29-2005 10:18 PM


Was another "The Future" topic started earlier this month - Tentitvely rejected
Nighttrain's "The Future"
I think I'm going to send you that way, and reject this PNT. (I say in the friendliest possible way) You got any problems with that?
Adminnemooseus
This message has been edited by Adminnemooseus, 11-29-2005 10:33 PM

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This message is a reply to:
 Message 1 by Hangdawg13, posted 11-29-2005 10:18 PM Hangdawg13 has replied

Replies to this message:
 Message 3 by Hangdawg13, posted 11-29-2005 11:33 PM Adminnemooseus has replied

Hangdawg13
Member (Idle past 751 days)
Posts: 1189
From: Texas
Joined: 05-30-2004


Message 3 of 8 (264356)
11-29-2005 11:33 PM
Reply to: Message 2 by Adminnemooseus
11-29-2005 10:31 PM


Re: Was another "The Future" topic started earlier this month - Tentitvely rejected
Hmm.. I missed that one.. haven't been around here in a while.
I read through that thread quickly and I think that this one is... well, a lot better.
My OP has a lot more info in it that accurately presents prevalent current viewpoints. It has a polling question. It leaves the theories of the future up for debate. This thread should focus on what the prevailing forces that shape the future of humanity will prove to be rather than what problems occur along the way because ultimately the "problems" are only temporary. In time the "prevailing factors" will send humanity one way or another.
I definately think I should change the topic title though... "The Future" is lame. How bout "The Singularity"?
Well, anyway, if you still don't wanna sponsor my topic, that's cool.

This message is a reply to:
 Message 2 by Adminnemooseus, posted 11-29-2005 10:31 PM Adminnemooseus has replied

Replies to this message:
 Message 4 by Adminnemooseus, posted 11-29-2005 11:47 PM Hangdawg13 has replied

Adminnemooseus
Administrator
Posts: 3974
Joined: 09-26-2002


Message 4 of 8 (264357)
11-29-2005 11:47 PM
Reply to: Message 3 by Hangdawg13
11-29-2005 11:33 PM


Re: Was another "The Future" topic started earlier this month - Tentitvely rejected
I definately think I should change the topic title though... "The Future" is lame. How bout "The Singularity"?
I'll give the topic a promotion, but...
I think your title went from "lame" to "irrelevant". Try to come up with a title that describes the theme of your topic.
Give it another bump when you do the title change. Suggest a forum location also (This a "Comparative Religions" thing?).
Adminnemooseus

This message is a reply to:
 Message 3 by Hangdawg13, posted 11-29-2005 11:33 PM Hangdawg13 has replied

Replies to this message:
 Message 5 by Hangdawg13, posted 11-30-2005 2:05 PM Adminnemooseus has replied

Hangdawg13
Member (Idle past 751 days)
Posts: 1189
From: Texas
Joined: 05-30-2004


Message 5 of 8 (264483)
11-30-2005 2:05 PM
Reply to: Message 4 by Adminnemooseus
11-29-2005 11:47 PM


Bump
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 is a reply to:
 Message 4 by Adminnemooseus, posted 11-29-2005 11:47 PM Adminnemooseus has replied

Replies to this message:
 Message 6 by Adminnemooseus, posted 11-30-2005 2:40 PM Hangdawg13 has not replied

Adminnemooseus
Administrator
Posts: 3974
Joined: 09-26-2002


Message 6 of 8 (264502)
11-30-2005 2:40 PM
Reply to: Message 5 by Hangdawg13
11-30-2005 2:05 PM


Spinning off message 1 as the new topic - Stand by
I'm going to edit in the content of your message 5 first.
Adminnemooseus

This message is a reply to:
 Message 5 by Hangdawg13, posted 11-30-2005 2:05 PM Hangdawg13 has not replied

AdminWounded
Inactive Member


Message 7 of 8 (264508)
11-30-2005 2:53 PM


Thread moved here from the Proposed New Topics forum.

Replies to this message:
 Message 8 by Adminnemooseus, posted 11-30-2005 3:25 PM AdminWounded has not replied

Adminnemooseus
Administrator
Posts: 3974
Joined: 09-26-2002


Message 8 of 8 (264518)
11-30-2005 3:25 PM
Reply to: Message 7 by AdminWounded
11-30-2005 2:53 PM


Reply to AdminWounded's first ever message
As you probably know, I had previously spun off message 1 of the "Proposed New Topic" to become the "open to debate" topic. This is a somewhat clumsy procedure, but can be used to eliminate the superflous(sp?) pre-approval messages. In this topics case, I probably could have just a well given it a "standard promotion".
Well, you have now succeeded in promoting your first PNT, even if it was a "test promotion" to the "PMP" forum. You have also been able to reopen and then reclose a topic.
Going to close this one down, so that it doesn't collect debate.
Adminnemooseus

This message is a reply to:
 Message 7 by AdminWounded, posted 11-30-2005 2:53 PM AdminWounded has not replied

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