Hear Patrick describe his book and future faith challenges in the Faith in the Future Podcast.

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In each chapter of the podcast, Patrick addresses one of the 12 following questions:

What in the World is Going On?

Contrary to the doomsayers on the news and the apocalyptic sermons we hear from many pulpits, we are actually living in the most peaceful and prosperous moment in human history. The catalyst has been globalization, which has reduced poverty levels, increased life expectancies, brought more than 2 billion people into the global workforce and ushered in a new era of peace. The international connectivity of this period is enabling Christianity to spread further and faster than at anytime in human history.

Calling Christianity "the only truly global religion," Patrick Nachtigall argues that globalization "is not only good for the global economy, it is absolutely fantastic for Christianity." Globalization gives the Christian church a golden opportunity to reduce poverty, educate people, enter into formerly-closed countries, and introduce Christianity into new cultures.

What of the future? Despite globalization's many benefits, the new levels of openness, wealth, and global interaction also give greater freedom to the hedonistic and exploitative nature of the human soul. For this reason, Nachtigall believes that issues of faith will become central concerns to the entire world. Terrorism, sexual slavery, urbanization, environmental degradation, religious persecution, and materialistic theologies bring new challenges that Christians must address. Faith in the Future invites us to look at the way the world is changing before our very eyes and challenges us to engage this brave new world for Christ.