The End of Crime (Part 3)
Paranoids and Conspiracy Theorists Beware
Before going any further with this thesis, I realize from the outset that there are plenty of people who will see the ability to record virtually every square foot of the earth and to track individuals with GPS as a threat to freedom. There are Christians who will think that this is the “Mark of the Beast” and a sign that a worldwide dictatorship is imminent. Others will be reminded of George Orwell’s 1984 and other anti-utopian tales.
But there were churchmen who decried the invention of the printing press as demonic. Did you ever read Doctor Faustus? This was a popular tale of the Renaissance based on the true story of the man who financed Gutenberg’s first press run of Bibles to the people of Strasburg. The experts who saw the first Bible manuscripts were so amazed at what they saw, that they accused him of dealing with the devil. Or so one version of the legend goes.
I remember in 1994 talking to a pastor about the world-wide-web and what the church could do with it. We were very involved in social activism and world missions and I thought that a web presence was a great idea. I said that I would be willing to help the church set up a website. His reaction was, “Yes, but what are the risks?” Another man I talked to didn’t want a website for his organization because he thought others would be able to tap into his computer and see what he was doing. People most often fear what they don’t understand.
GPS, global mapping and digital video are technologies that are going to radically change our way of life much like electricity did at the turn of the century. I don’t think that the light bulb and the telephone are my salvation, but electricity is indispensable to my way of life.
Technology is not going to be our salvation. But what I see on the horizon is remarkable. I think that it is going to be increasingly difficult for violent people to hide the way they do now.
Just last night (10/23/2006) one of the most violent incidents the history of Orlando took place. Gang members took shotguns and carried out six armed robberies in one neighborhood. All the police have is a description of the car and that they were three men. Another man who was shot last night is in such bad condition he can’t speak to police. It would be ridiculous to think that if we had the satellite technology to find out immediately where these people are that we wouldn’t want to use it.
Would that stop the evil that lurks in men’s hearts? No, only the Holy Spirit can do that. But compassion dictates that we must use whatever technology that is available to save judicially innocent lives.
I am not only interested in this from a crime perspective although I think that that is the application that is going to have the greatest impact. This is going to literally change the way that people see the world and gain knowledge. These technologies are going to bring things to an unimaginable level.
Have you downloaded Google Earth yet? Check out this free application and play around with it. Then try to think about what people will be doing with it in ten years. If you think that what I am saying so far is crazy, please post a comment. One of the reasons I am posting this to my Blog first is to get feedback.
Your comments are welcome!
Amazing Grace: The History and Theology of Calvinism (DVD)
Download the Free Study Guide!
Just what is Calvinism?
Does this teaching make man a deterministic robot and God the author of sin? What about free will? If the church accepts Calvinism, won’t evangelism be stifled, perhaps even extinguished? How can we balance God’s sovereignty and man’s responsibility? What are the differences between historic Calvinism and hyper-Calvinism? Why did men like Augustine, Luther, Calvin, Spurgeon, Whitefield, Edwards and a host of renowned Protestant evangelists embrace the teaching of predestination and election and deny free will theology?
This is the first video documentary that answers these and other related questions. Hosted by Eric Holmberg, this fascinating three-part, four-hour presentation is detailed enough so as to not gloss over the controversy. At the same time, it is broken up into ten “Sunday-school-sized” sections to make the rich content manageable and accessible for the average viewer.
Running Time: 257 minutes
$19.95 — ORDER NOW!
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The Beast of Revelation: Identified (DVD)
Who is the dreaded beast of Revelation?
Now at last, a plausible candidate for this personification of evil incarnate has been identified (or re-identified). Ken Gentry’s insightful analysis of scripture and history is likely to revolutionize your understanding of the book of Revelation — and even more importantly — amplify and energize your entire Christian worldview!
Historical footage and other graphics are used to illustrate the lecture Dr. Gentry presented at the 1999 Ligonier Conference in Orlando, Florida. It is followed by a one-hour question and answer session addressing the key concerns and objections typically raised in response to his position. This presentation also features an introduction that touches on not only the confusion and controversy surrounding this issue — but just why it may well be one of the most significant issues facing the Church today.
Ideal for group meetings, personal Bible study — for anyone who wants to understand the historical context of John’s famous letter “… to the seven churches which are in Asia.” (Revelation 1:4)
Running Time: 145 minutes
$17.95 — ORDER NOW!
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A Revival Account: Asbury 1970 (DVD)
What is true Revival and Spiritual Awakening?
Discover the answer in this eyewitness account by Dennis Kinlaw, President of Asbury College, Wilmore, Kentucky, who recounts the story of a visitation of the Holy Spirit in 1970. This is the presentation that has continued to spark the flames of Revival in the hearts of people around the world. Contains eyewitness footage from the Revival at Asbury College in 1970 in Wilmore, Kentucky.
Certain to challenge you to greater holiness and a deeper commitment to full-scale revival. Original news and private footage has been included. If you are a student who longs to see a spiritual awakening at your school, you must see this video!
“This simple video does a wonderful job of conveying something of God’s heart and power, Everyone we have ever shown this to has received an immediate impartation of faith for revival and the power of prayer.”
— Bob and Rose Weiner, Weiner Ministries Int’l
Running Time: 40 minutes
$19.95 — ORDER NOW!
(We accept all major credit cards and PayPal.)Click here for more information
Abortion Clinic 911 Calls (DVD)
Exposes the Dangers of Abortion to Women!
These shocking eyewitness accounts expose the dangers of abortion not only to unborn children, but to the health and lives women as well. An antidote to the smokescreens of the liberal media, these six short clips show what really happens in and around abortion clinics.
Although the content is emotionally gut-wrenching, these videos have been used in church seminars and small groups to educate Christians on the abortion issue and to lead people toward a pro-life position.
Watch these pro-life videos on-line.
“These videos helped change my mind from pro-choice to pro-life. Your videos are what did it for me. I will be walking in next year’s March For Life in San Francisco.” — A. Jackson, California
“I was going to have an abortion until I saw your video. Praise Jesus!”
— M. Drew, YouTube Commenter
$4.95 — ORDER NOW!
(We accept all major credit cards and PayPal.)Click here for more information
Go Stand Speak (DVD)
With “preaching to the lost” being such a basic foundation of Christianity, why do many in the church seem to be apathetic on this issue of preaching in highways and byways of towns and cities?
Is it biblical to stand in the public places of the world and proclaim the gospel, regardless if people want to hear it or not?
Does the Bible really call church pastors, leaders and evangelists to proclaim the gospel in the public square as part of obedience to the Great Commission, or is public preaching something that is outdated and not applicable for our day and age?
These any many other questions are answered in this documentary.
$19.95 — ORDER NOW!
(We accept all major credit cards and PayPal.)
