Futurecast: What Today’s Trends Mean for Tomorrow’s World Paperback – May 1, 2012

First off, this was my first time reading Barna. I've heard his studies quoted many times, but have never read a book. I was surprised by how subjective his analysis is, and how immediately apparent his church background is. It's not bad, it was just unexpected. I feel like an intro which described his faith background, and some of the presuppositions and terminology which go along with that would have been helpful. The introduction given pointed to the scientific background and information gathering which I really did appreciate. This is a really informative book, and a challenging book, because of the picture that the data paints. Even if you don't specifically agree with Barna's analysis or suggestions, it forces you to come to grips with what is measurable in people today, and what may be answered one way, but what doesn't match those answers if you look for other empirical data. Good book. If I were already familiar with Barna's style, I might have rated this higher. I do highly recommend it for anyone interested in where average people in America stand with respect to what they say they believe, and what they do believe.

George Barna's is full of knowledge and the trends that we see unfolding before our eyes. What kind of world will we or our children and grandchildren inherit. I believe this books reveals what can happened and what we can prevent economically in the coming year. Yes, no one has a crystal ball but as we look at trends it does reveal what can really happen if we do not learn from history of not only of America but the rest of the world. It might frighten some but open the eyes of those who can make a change.

Surely will give the reader a better understanding of the present situation. Has the dance that there is hope...but not self fulfilling each person has been invited and equipped to participate

THX

Mr. Barna has given us clear insights into the major shifts taking place in American culture and their consequences. He is optimistic that we can impact these changes in a positive way and has given examples of steps we can take as individuals. If mankind is to be sustainable, we need to follow his recommendations.

This man can make collecting data interesting. His analysis of where current trends are taking us is enlightening, but also the idea that if we know the trends, we can change the future - one person at a time. I read his work for years starting with Marketing the Church and the Frog in the Kettle. It's interesting to see him grow and see beyond the data to its influence on what happens and our ability to change it. I think churches need to pay attention.

Barna is always insightful. He lives in fact-land where undeniable evidence awaits your discovery.

Hi,This books first two chapters are quantitative and then it turns into qualitative talk. The book is pushing a right wing conservative viewpoint. I was surprised to see the lack of quantitative detail after the introduction which explained that we needed to know all the information in order to make a decision.Update 11-26-11. I gave this book two more stars to make it a four star rating. Initially I gave up reading because I was frustrated with Chapter 3. It took me a month and a half to come back to it. I felt a negative vibe about Chapter 3, the posturing of it and also Chapter 3 was very qualitative. Even Chapter 4 before and after the music stats is a bit too much qualitative for me. The best part of the book is the chapter on religious stats in America. I think if some of the fat were trimmed aka 3/4 of Chapter 3 I would give it five stars.Thanks. God Bless.Aaron.