Content generously outlines status of Christian practices today. Statistician Barna comes through with another classic whose statistics are beyond dispute. A great read. Truth is that most of the 80% of churches on plateau or decline (most in latter) do not acknowledge this. Add to this that most churches hardly look for answers through books. Church members each year seem to be more and more satisfied. Another way of putting it: those who want more - leave. And seldom are they asked why they left by someone qualified to do so. Again, Barna's book is excellent. Ministers are not known to read numbers of books such as this. Change must come from members such as those reading this.

An adequate forcast of what is happening in our society concerning morality,or lack there of and where it is leading us to with all the new technologies and less desire to obtain REAL knowledge.A great read!

Futurecast is a book that should be in the hands of any pastor who seeks to grow his or her church. Let's face it: as society moves forward the church as a whole continues to become more archaic. We are less in-touch with the world around us. This is due to a number of factors, but for the most part, we fail to resonate with a world that is growing and developing faster than we are embracing it. George Barna's book offers tremendous insight into changing and evolving trends that the church should be aware of. It is full of stats and comparisons, but the content is amazingly interesting.

Our world is constantly changing. The things once thought as pure science fiction are becoming a common day experience in our world today. With the iPhone, Androids, and other smart-phones; iPads and iPods; desktop computers down to mini notebook computers; and so much more, technology keeps advancing faster and faster each and every day. And it isn't even technology that is constantly changing; world views, philosophies, moral and religious beliefs, our life behaviors, and choices are as well. As these changes continue to occur many sit and scratch their heads and wonder what has happened. These realizations are what lead me to decide to read and review "Futurecast, what TODAY'S TRENDS mean for TOMORROW'S WORLD" by George Barna.

George Barna is a respected author and researcher in many circles, and has committed his life to researching out numerous trends in today's society. Having conducted many statistical polls of and on various topics he continues to pass on his findings to help whomever he can. I became most familiar with George Barna almost 10 years ago when he conducted a poll on what it means to be "born-again" working alongside Josh McDowell and was floored with his findings. Now George Barna has decided to write another book discussing a plethora of statistical findings so that people can take a look at the statistics and make a choice on their involvement in the future.

This book, although very interesting, requires a keen willingness to sit down and to truly read. It is possible to scan this book to look at the statistical findings, but to fully understand how these trends are shaping the future; one must be willing to put some work into this book. However, the person who will benefit the most from this book is a person who is willing to engage in the culture war.

Many of the chapters are very informative, and have some great information. However, what I found most beneficial about this book is that Mr. Barna does not just hand out statistic after statistic, but addresses each issue with a full court press. Also most pleasing to me was George Barna's willingness to issue a challenge in his final chapter, and speak the truth, that people who are involved can make a difference in directing the trend of our future.

All and all I would give this book a 5 out of 5. It takes a willingness to chew some meat, but the value of the information and the encouragement to get involved makes this book worth the read. Mr. Barna made a comment I've heard many times. "There are three types of people when it comes to the future: those who will watch it happen, those who will make it happen, and those who will wonder what happened. Which of those three types will you be?"

(Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Tyndale House Publishers as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.")

Futurecast: What Today's Trends Mean for Tomorrow's World by George Barna is informative and interesting. Barna summarizes data from surveys of Americans regarding various topics. His compilations provide interesting and important information for Christians, the Church, and anyone concerned about our society and nation. Impressive (and somewhat discouraging) are the changes Barna notes in attitudes and beliefs among Americans even from just 20 years ago. I appreciated the reading, even though I found much of it disturbing simply because of the results Barna uncovers.

I especially appreciate Barna's conclusion in each chapter and in the book overall. While much of the content is discouraging as Barna seems to reveal the disinegration of morality, family, and even the Church as we know it, Barna concludes chapter on a note of hope. He not only realizes that there is hope, but he encourages the reader to do his part in fulfilling that hope and passing it on. The final chapter, likewise, is encouraging among the disheartening statistics throughout the book.

This book is excellent reading for any Christian concerned with our nation's future and with the Church's future. Barna's survey data are eye-opening and action-inspiring! I highly recommend this book!!

Thanks to Tyndale for providing it to me for purpose of review!