By John Redmond
The 100th birthday of Rev. Sun Myung Moon next February seems a fitting time for reflection, assessment and a reorientation to our shared providential course.
To do the topic justice, it’s necessary to back away from the disappointments, challenges and victories of the present, and give ourselves a comfortable seat to try to look with God’s eyes at the progress and potential of our relatively young Unification Movement.
Learning from history
There are several ways to plan for the future. One is the religious way, to trust that God is in charge and close your eyes, do what you are told and go along for the ride. Counter to that, leftist intellectuals may be certain they can manipulate history and force society into a pragmatic scientific paradise.
My preference is the method discussed in the Divine Principle, where patterns of history combined with human responsibility and God’s inspiration direct history toward tragedy or triumph.
It’s instructive to look at history and identify the success path of movements similar to ours to see what worked for them and how they broke through to become embedded in the culture to achieve their goals.
If we look back over the last few thousand years, there are several movements that lasted beyond the life of their initial prophet and created a significant impact on history. Buddhism, Confucianism, Judeo-Christianity, the early American Puritans, and Marxism all have a similar development pattern.
An idea is given shape by a prophet, an originator, who either by revelation, inspiration or deep contemplation elevates the current fractured set of truths to a new level of integration and elegance. This new approach is digested, interpreted and practiced by early disciples and then over time the idea is refined and formed by following generations into the heart of the culture.
Early disciples often meet with mixed success. For example, Jesus remarked of his search for disciples in his parable to “Go out to the highways and hedges, and compel people to come in, that my house may be filled” (Luke 14:23). History frequently minimizes the contributions of these early disciples, since the chaos of their journey often interferes with the desired ending narrative but they have often made up for their lack of earthly success with sincerity and passion and form the subconscious roots of the movement to follow.
Very few founding prophets live to see the full impact of their efforts, although Buddha and Mohammed had significant cultural impact due to their positions of power in existing society. It is usually in later generations that these ideas are fully digested, codified, and fill the culture with new expectations and development.
In most movements, there is a change in the rigidity and purity of the original founding when this next stage of development is reached. The original Puritans all signed on to a compact that was strict and religious, but their children drifted away from the faith and the leaders were forced to create a “halfway covenant” that allowed their less-religious children to have membership in the church.
The future of the Unification Movement
It is appropriate to regard the 2020 celebration as a transition from the era of the first generation to the age of the “grown up” Unificationism. The difference is not so much in the biological lineage of the second generation, but in the intellectual and spiritual inheritance of that age group.
The providential mission of the first generation is to establish the Foundation of Faith and of the inheritors to build the Foundation of Substance. The future of the Unification Movement will be determined by those second generation who have captured the essence of the Principle and inherited the internal compass connected to God’s suffering and hopes.
In all movements, the next generation must encounter and change the culture they are in by the use of power, influence and money. Those priorities will set up inevitable conflicts between the deeply religious and overtly sacrificial approach of the first generation and the pragmatic approach required by following generations.
In communism, Lenin sorted out the differences with a gun. In the Old Testament, God sometimes required the death of the first generation Israelites before He could work with the next generation. In early Christianity, the earliest disciples required new converts to become Jews first, then Christians. God sent St. Paul from Rome to liberate Christianity from the cultural chains that held it down.
In our Unification movement, we can see a combination of those realities as most of our second generation have “voted with their feet” to flee the well-meaning “oppression” of their parents and find their way in the world. Many have been manifestly blessed by God with good families, wonderful values and wealth. The same pattern happened with the Israelites, the Puritans and Marxists (The communists developed the nomenklatura: elite, wealthy families of party members). This wealth, power and influence can either corrupt or empower the ideals of the second generation.
Challenges ahead
If history is any indication, there is opportunity and danger before us. The Israelites spent 400 years in internal wars and conflict to finally create a nation for God, but in doing so extended the providence significantly. Christianity lost its root in the Holy Land and became a Roman religion. The Puritans kept their families together and created the Founding Fathers of America all within 100 years. The Marxists dramatically collapsed. All of these possible paths are in front of our young Unificationists today.
There are several important developing trends in the world our next generation will be facing.
Strategist and Geopolitical Futures founder George Friedman wrote a 2009 book, The Next 100 Years: A Forecast for the 21st Century. With, in his view, geography having primacy, the placement of America between two oceans gives it a built-in advantage in developing and projecting power. The rise of China in the East will create a new balance of global power, where the U.S. will have centerstage in the 21st century between Europe and Asia much as Germany did the last century in continental Eurasia. That China occupies the center of the globe’s largest land mass with one-fifth of the human population is also an inescapable geopolitical fact that will define political and economic reality for our next generation.
A second area of uncertainty is the political and existential nature of the future world. Friedman’s mechanistic and deterministic analysis contrasts sharply with the ultimate goal of Unificationism, which is the substantial creation of the Kingdom of God on earth. The details of this kingdom vary from culture to culture within our movement.
Where Easterners might look to a world culture bound by a hereditary monarchy, Westerners may envision a world-level Jeffersonian democracy and meritocracy. The Chinese are experimenting with a techno-paradise, characterized by control of the masses via artificial intelligence through social credit scores and a new type of concentration (re-education) camp they are prototyping against the Muslim Chinese Uyghurs.
Regardless of the political form of the future world, the root of this argument is that there are shared values and agreement on the purpose and value of life. The current battle between science, which sees humans primarily as biological and soulless, and religion, which finds that consciousness is eternal and transcends the body, will be fought by our children and largely determine the character of the future world.
A third major area of challenge will be the alienation caused by the tremendous technological progress on the immediate horizon. The confluence of genetic engineering in agriculture, ubiquitous electronic communication, and robotics will create a world where it is cheaper for governments to give people food, a robot-constructed house and mindless mass entertainment than it is to get them a job.
In this environment, lazy and sated citizens have time for decadence, self-destructive behavior and mob passions. Identifying a purpose for life, an answer to the “so what” question, will become a growth industry in the marketplace of ideas. A cadre of inspired, well-coordinated and well-managed Unificationists can win that battle for “hearts and minds” if they choose.
The YAYAM Summit 2019 held at UTS from August 30 to September 2.
Possible strategies
Rev. Moon made extraordinary efforts to reach John the Baptist-type figures who could, at a stroke, shorten the providence and infuse the global conversation with Unificationist ideals. These paths are still available to us, but frankly, without the charisma of Rev. Moon, are not likely to bear fruit without the concurrent healthy development of many principled local families and communities.
The likely model for the future success of the Unificationist model is the “Adamic model”: One at a time, person to person, heart to heart conversation and commitment. The Christians gained early success without power, as slaves and fishermen and in the face of lethal persecution. It will be important to model a similar level of spirituality to succeed at witnessing. Healthy, well-educated and wealthy individuals, families and interracial and intercultural communities will create the basis for a solid transformation of society.
It is unlikely that the present “archangelic” approach of big media, conferences and purchased influence will create success in the future world without the confirmation of Unificationists actually living fulfilled and happy lives.
The frontline of the battlefield of ideas will be the electronic and media world of the 21st century. Currently our Unificationist branding, messaging, and communication is reflective of 20th century propaganda films rather than highlighting success themes for modern families. Our brand now is narrowly focused on religious themes and on personalities rather than principles.
On the plus side, many of our children have positions in big Internet firms and are gaining valuable experience in communication and media. When they can distill and refine a marketable encapsulation of Unification ideals, they will be well-positioned to manage the media environment. They will be able to support and complement the authentic expression of Unification ideals by new Unificationist families and communities.
One of the important tools of successful movements is decentralization. When a movement’s values and strengths are absorbed into the culture, there is less need for a stand-alone organization. There will always be a deep respect for Korea and True Parents, but the future of God’s providence belongs to those who build substantial families of true love, who are self-funded and can influence their culture toward God. When many individual citizens share and support constructive spiritual values and beliefs, our enemies will not be able to disparage or malign Unificationists with broad generalizations, but will have to engage in the reality of the world of heart. If Unification ideals are sprouting all throughout the culture, the danger of concerted opposition is lessened.
What has worked
The best working model for success is the American Revolutionary movement. Preceding the Revolutionary War, there was a long period of discussion, social unrest and new ideas communicated by small town newspapers and the colonial postal service. The early Americans had religious extremes, like the Salem witch trials, slavery and loyalty to British rule to overcome, yet they were able to create a consensus among themselves around a higher set of principles.
The Founding Fathers (and Mothers) were exceptional people, with roots in Europe and hopes in providential new land. They were able, largely by their strength of character, to persuade their fellow citizens, many from completely different backgrounds, to trust their judgment, to dream big and to create the providential nation of America.
Starting in 2020, these problems will no longer belong to first generation Unificationists. Older Unificationists can support, encourage and love their talented children, but the covenant will have moved from us to them. Rather than collapse into retirement or cling to existing positions, the best use of our time is to actively support the well-educated young people who will become our leaders.
The transition to the next wave of Unificationist thinkers and believers can either accelerate the providence to a victorious crescendo, or drag out the providence over many painful years. There is a role to play for each of us. Let’s rise to the challenge together.♦
John Redmond is married to a clever wife, is the proud father of four interesting children, and is one of the Tri-Pastors of the Mid-Hudson Family Church. He has high expectations for the American Unification movement.
Applied Unificationism 
Since there is no universal acceptance that the Messiah (Rev. Sun Myung Moon) came and went, then in all likelihood the “Movement” will not last another 100 years. With its existing fragmentation, the best that can be hoped for is that each sect of the former Unification Church maintains contemporary relevance over time, but the original church teachings that inspired so many now seem lost forever.
So was Jesus. It was his followers who have proved the greatness of Jesus. It was through their great deeds. So, I think it’s up to us to create in next 100 years a world where “universal acceptance” is realized while “the original church teachings that inspired so many” are manifested through us, in John’s terms, through “Unificationists actually living fulfilled and happy lives” beyond “purchased influence”.
Correct. None of the major religions started as “major religions.” All were “cults” in the accurate sense of the word. Certain editions of the Bible refer to Jesus’ early followers as “the cult of the Nazarene” (Acts 24:5). The idea that “you will know them by their fruits” points to the concept of the foundation of substance whereby our faith conviction is justified by our actions and attendance to the providence. In that regard, we certainly have much work to do.
Stephen,
The odds are good that we could turn out to be a “footnote of history.” On the other hand, the coming cultural struggle with China will require the West to reach for ideals that support their values and existential assumptions. I think the Principle can fill that void if we represent it properly.
John,
The one, totally unique thing the UC had going for it was that we had the Messiah. Now, the mainstream UC (Family Fed) has pretty much erased that notion. As for the UC playing some history-altering role in relations between China and the West, it sounds like a pipe dream at best. Western values, American-style, have been in place for hundreds of years, and so far, they have served us well. Further, we have all witnessed the struggle over succession when TF passed, to say nothing about the struggles between three sects over assets. What will happen when TM passes? If there were to be another succession struggle, it would further assure our becoming a “footnote of history” that you mention.
Stephen,
I don’t see how FFWPU “erased” the notion of the Messiah (aka True Parents). That sounds like a Sanctuary Church meme. At all of the Seong Hwa anniversary programs since 2013 True Father’s accomplishments have been highlighted and honored. I’ve attended and participated in several of these programs. Many of us read Cheon Seong Gyeong and other speeches by Father on a daily basis. At the recent Albanian summit many of the guest speakers referenced True Father’s legacy as a “Peace-loving Global Citizen.”
Whether it was Jesus, Muhammad, Buddha, Confucius, or Joseph Smith, it was their ideas being realized by their devotees over long periods of time that led to their visions and ideals being substantiated on larger scales. Rob Sayre’s point about St. Paul should be instructive in this discussion.
Whatever your thoughts about UC schisms, it has been True Mother who has upheld the legacy of True Parents by conducting Blessing ceremonies for tens of thousands of couples on a global scale—Africa, USA, South America, Europe, Asia. If the Blessing, Godism and creating ideal families are the central tenets of UC/FFWPU, then it’s clear that she has been the chief advocate of those tenets.
As for the idea that, “Western values, American-style, have been in place for hundreds of years, and so far, they have served us well,” I would submit that those values are under serious attack by progressive postmodernists who deride Judeo-Christian ideals at every turn. This is surely a central concern for our future generations if their future — and the future of all “believers”— is to be protected. The resentment-based moral relativism that has become so pervasive in contemporary culture is the antithesis of all the we believe in. The next gens will need to engage in that struggle in order to insure that the culture of peace as envisioned by our founders is realized.
Stephen,
I see the belief in the messiah as definitive from the Principle (Truth). It took me a week at Oakland to realize this philosophy has divine origins. My wife was led to understand about Father through revelation, and backed into the Principle.
I think the future will require a lot more of my type of conversion. We can’t wait for magical spiritual forces, we need to plan and act like they don’t exist, then we will appreciate any help we get. I have a lot of confidence in the power of the Principle when it is proclaimed proudly and lived completely.
Extremely well stated, John. The DP is the core. I do fear sometimes that our movement veers too far to the “Great Leader” realm, ignoring the centrality of the Principle.
I share your assertion that “we need to plan and act like they don’t exist.” Indeed. Unfortunately, there is little of that these days.
I find this opinion piece well-analysed and written, and more importantly its content is highly relevant to our movement’s future and impact in the world. All leaders and members should read this and ponder over the main ideas/suggestions.
John Redmond is a gifted writer. He writes creatively with thoughtful analysis and connects well with what drives culture. He learns from his own grown-up children and understands their challenges and choices. I have thought that feature writing was John’s real vocation and am always glad to read his articles.
In continuing his conversation here, and considering the future choices of second generation leaders, the reality and destiny of their community needs to have a deeper and more detailed context. That context relates to the providential situation of America today. Our second generation’s future is inextricably bound to the destiny of America. They cannot exist in a bubble, disconnected from the social, political and religious trends of culture and government. Some key issues that they are and will be contending with are: the increased attacks on Christianity, the rise of gender confusion and the challenge to traditional marriage and family values, the rise of socialist propaganda and image/consumer politics buttressed by the censorship of freedom of speech on college campuses and the media, the increased disregard for civility, established precedents in the Constitution and law and order…the trends toward fascism, tyranny and total government regulation and controls.
Our second generation have to contend with the surrounding culture and political environment. It is necessary for them to have a worldview and the ability to engage with other groups, organizations and faith groups. In order to survive and grow, they need to create real partnership with others beyond our own organizations. All Godly and freedom-loving people today need support and help to preserve and develop Godly choices and communities in our nation that currently is being ripped apart by predators with destructive methods and goals.
John,
This is well-thought out and stimulating. It leads me to think about the Marriage Blessing, which was at the center of True Parents’ ministry and remains there today. How do you think this figures into Unificationist prospects?
Good point, Tyler. John, great piece.
I agree that a major additional consideration is the potential power of the Blessing. I have seen my own marriage transformed (we were married before the Church). My parents in law’s marriage was changed. I have heard numerous clergy’s testimony to a changed marriage. Among the strongest points of faith for me is the realization the the Blessing is real. It transforms lives.
BTW, I am thinking of “real” Blessings here, not the “paper Blessings” in the numbers game. Real Blessings take commitment and love from the spiritual parent of the couple being Blessed. I do believe, though, that if we see a substantial number of real Blessings, the future of the movement can likewise be transformed.
Tyler and Henry,
I agree that the Blessing is the central symbolic inheritance of True Parents providence, as baptism was for Jesus. Complete restoration requires three levels: symbol, image and substance. Father has created symbolic victories at many levels and substantial victories at the individual and family level. Our use of the blessing is currently a symbolic act; the next generation has to worry about money, influence and power. They can build on symbolic victories, but I think they will need actual results to measure their victory.
John Redmond and the commentors touch on some very important points here. We understand that the Blessing and family are the starting points in the process of creating a culture of peace. But the need for public action (Donna Ferrantello’s point) in the socio-cultural sphere is paramount, in my opinion. How we inculcate the next generations with a sense of public purpose is no small matter.
As for the next generations, there is no guarantee that they will somehow “automatically” be good and/or principled people based solely on their lineage. We’ve seen thousands of BCs opt out of the UC and reject TPs and DP. Many of the older BCs in Korea are “missing-in-action” and openly deride those who remained faithful (I’ve had encounters with some of them).
That said, I’ve seen hundreds (if not thousands) of young Unificationists — second and third generation — attend various workshops here in Korea over the past three years. They seem to be devoted and genuinely motivated to support FFWPU activities.
Being “public” people who aren’t afraid to get into the fray vis-a-vis the ideological and philosophical battles that are raging requires conviction and courage. Much of the success that has been achieved in the recent “Peace Starts With Me” events in the USA is due to the conviction and courage of the first generation who walked-the-walk with our founders for decades and who pioneered various providential efforts to lay the foundations for these victories — UPF, ACLC, WFWP, PWPA, ICUS, MEPI, CARP, et. al. The next generations will need to pick up the public torch because there are still many battles to be fought.
Who could have imagined that a few obscure, yet well written letters by Paul of Tarsus, who became St. Paul the Apostle, would have such huge and lasting impact? I think that more than one person may evolve to drive the Providence forward in unknown and unforeseen ways.
True Parents planted what I call “flags” in many areas of life and geographically. Many had letter acronyms: ACLC, the many federations, Ocean Church, many business ventures, and others were meant to influence their sphere. Most were funded for a short time, both with people and money and I think the hope was that they would grow and develop on their own and be tied to the central mission, the messianic mission and that of the blessing. Some have developed, many did not.
Let me share a couple of personal experiences I had recently. I had lunch with a young man who grew up in our blessed family community here in Pennsylvania. He and his family came to our Family Camp for years. He went to Penn State, joined the Air Force and ten years later he was transferred to a base in New Jersey. He was married, expecting his first child and is now a major and considering his next career steps. He flies the largest cargo planes and had been deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan twice. He is considering applying to an officer training program that, upon completion, he would be promoted to Lt. Colonel. I did not share any specific wisdom with him ,I think he just wanted a “touchstone” to someone that knew him as he grew and matured. He is just one example, a small pebble in the ocean of the world and history, yet all our children, whether they accept the principle of the blessing and are active or not, their impact I think will have unforeseen impacts. There are thousands like this fine young man. Being a “touchstone” is not a role you can aspire to and yet the role of uncle, friend or mentor is more valuable than we may know,
The other is a larger observation and experience. In 1988, I left what I term the “Unification economy,” and took a job with a private magazine and publishing company that brought me to Pennsylvania. The company, Rodale, Inc., was and is the pioneer of the modern organic movement and preventative and natural approaches to health. Organic Gardening, Prevention, Men’s Health, Runners World, Bicycling were the main magazine titles and we sold books very successfully in those subject areas. We made tons of money, my division grew from $86 million in revenue to $260 million with profitability between 10% and 14%. There was a strong sense of mission to educate the world, be successful and live an authentic lifestyle.
Being a privately-owned company, when the leadership passed from the second to the third generation, it became clear that there were no clear leaders to take up the helm of leadership and the media marketplace had changed dramatically, I parted due to Amazon and to the huge shift from print to online advertising. Three years ago, after almost 70 years in business, the family sold the company to Hearst, another privately-held company. And yet, the mission, of pioneering the organic viewpoint continues through their non-profit arm, the Rodale Institute. They are forming partnerships with other organizations to multiply their research-oriented and practical solutions for farmers and others. They have a partnership with a local, large hospital to assist them in growing their own organic food for their patients. What was a large, thriving company is now gone, but the core mission continues. The magazine titles continue as well.
So perhaps, the organizations and flags that were the life and careers for many first generation Unificationists may disappear or change. Can we imagine such a scenario? Can we be mentors and “touchstones” to those in the future that may make such momentous decisions? Can we learn to lead from behind, without position, much like a grandparent?
Rob,
A wonderful example of upstanding and successful second gen. And your example of working with a successful company, your contributing to this success and taking care of family needs….all very commendable and hopeful.
The point David and some of us are feeling is not that the same church organizations have to continue…but that the drive to contribute toward an improved society, in many ways, needs to continue as it was with first generation. As you know, very few of us have actual HSA positions. I don’t feel that there is a problem for first generation to be mentors, grandparents and teachers…. Most of us already do mentoring and grandparenting. Many are quasi-retired and/or dealing with health issues. So, our “positioning” is not really the issue in my opinion. Of course, we want to do more when possible. (But will second generation let us mentor and advise? That may be the better question.)
The businesses you mentioned grew under a system of free enterprise and with a country that had still an honored Constitution. Now we may be in danger of losing that free enterprise system and respected Constitution. If we don’t educate our second generation to take responsibility to preserve our cherished values—- and not vote in a socialist President, the businesses you mentioned may not thrive as before. If we elect a socialist President and further fall to the demise of destructive and immoral policymakers, our second generation families may be in even greater jeopardy. This is why civic engagement and valuing faith, family and our freedoms in a public way are so crucial. We need to face this historic year and not engage in wishful thinking.
I love Bobby McFerrin’s song “Don’t Worry; Be Happy” and wish that was the main song to sing….But our founder in his 1983 UTS Commencement Address and prayer asked that we all be historic people in order “to defeat Satan and Communism.” China is at our door in the Bahamas, Venezuela and Africa. Other totalitarian entities are challenging the whole world. And I fear our government has fallen to corruption in the FBI and elsewhere… Not a happy song for God’s hope for America…..
Yes, St.Paul, Jesus, True Mother….our sons and daughters of God….Pastors of faith…..rise up!
Well, there seems to be plenty of issues to be worried about these days, so it’s often difficult to be happy.
With regard to solutions to various problems and/or injustices, I am reminded of a speech given by Dr. Martin Luther King, III at a MEPI conference in Tel Aviv, Israel in 2007. In his speech, Dr. King mentioned that his father said the the first thing that’s necessary in any attempt at non-violent solutions for peace was courage—the courage stand up for your convictions in the face of persecution and injustice. His father was certainly the personification of that particular narrative. Will the “next gens” have the courage to stand against the onslaught of anti-religious and moral relativism that they face on a daily basis? In that respect we elders need to be mentors and living examples of how to advance the ideals of Godism. As my mother was fond of saying, “Love is an active verb!”
Thank you for an insightful article. Lots of food for thought, but one thing I would like to add is a recognition of what True Parents have already accomplished. Their accomplishments should be taken into account for any projection into the future whether our movement itself continues or not. I recently read this passage in Chambumo Gyeong Book 13:
In other words, True Parents have already defeated Satan. Defeating Satan is not then the mission of succeeding generations as it was for the first generation. Their task is different. Religion and politics are coming to an end. If we are going to project into the future we can’t just make a projection based on the past ages of restoration. We also need to account for the very different spiritual situation we find ourselves in after these declarations of Father. It is not “business as usual.” Rob Sayre’s story of Rodale, Inc., illustrates a similar point. Dealing with changing conditions leads to a change in how things are done. Can we, as first generation, learn to lead from behind without position? This is indeed the appropriate question.
Unfortunately, our founder reversed these predictions. In 2010 at East Garden, he said that his earlier predictions were based on providential conditions and work being met. However, at that time he said that with the lack of progression in the providence that the world could see horrific, unfathomable events (that we have already seen through ISIS) and the future could see much worse. Again, during his last few weeks on earth, in 2012 at Cheongpyeong HDH, he informed a small group of women leaders that no one in the leadership/movement had done what he asked; but if we changed considerably, he could forgive us.
Now, TM has reiterated that much indemnity could incur if providential work was not accomplished. Looking at the world today, it is clearly a battle between Godly forces and Satanic realms that requires a Great Awakening and sacrificial dedication.
Donna,
Nevertheless, True Parents were able to establish Foundation Day in 2013. Foundation Day, successful completion of True Parents Messianic mission, also represents the defeat of Satan. It doesn’t mean there are no problems and nothing further to do, but it does mean that what we are called to do changes, particularly for second and succeeding generations. If we are going to project into the future it is important to acknowledge what True Parents have already accomplished rather than just continue on as if nothing has changed. If nothing changed surely it casts doubt on the success of Father’s life?
I agree with John in one respect that that the future health of True Parents’ foundation belongs with the new generations to come after the first generation passes. In the meantime first generation cannot fully retire because True Mother does not retire or fade into the background either. However talented future generations are they will still need to have a spiritual relationship with True Parents. True Mother is now focusing her education on the third generation of True Family. Time will tell of course if they can step into leadership roles and lead the providence in the Cheon Il Guk nation. There is tremendous hope for the future as the heavenly kingdom is not a temporal, short-lived kingdom but an eternal reign of peace, happiness, freedom, and all ideals. We have never seen the likes of this in human history until now. I think that we are all disappointed due to the various factions that developed over the years and the True Family brand has been damaged. Nevertheless True Mother kept moving forward and she has placed her trust in the faithful and loyal blessed families that have not changed. I think we are in a better, more stable place than we were in 2012.
I find most of these propositions to be a little boring after following the messiah, whatever interpetation I may put on this title at this point.
I suggest an alternative scenario for the future: a two-way connection between physical world and spiritual world is established in the next few years and people become aware that religion and politics are passe. Gone, done, forget it.
The foundation for the actions of Mother God in the world is expanded following their incontrovertible establishment in 2020. World peace breaks out, and people realize they have to upskill rapidly to join in the future.
On the economic scene, a universal basic income of some form releases the majority from the economic slavery that defines most people’s lives right now.
This seems truly more likely than what my learned friends are suggesting above. Apparently it takes a couple of scientists (Dr. Burton, see above) to expect major changes in the near future. In 40 years, we will be in a very different universe.
I generally concur with Alison here that the connection between the spirit world and physical world (as articulated in Family Pledge #5) is vital, and that the feminine aspect of our Heavenly Parent should be emphasized to greater degrees. However, in her remarks today (November 2) to the ACLC ministers here in Korea, True Mother mentioned the need for religious perspectives to be in the political equation. We might feel that politics should be passe — religion too. But until there is a critical mass of people in the world who are living according to the tenets of Godism and the Three Blessings, politics as we know it, will remain a part of our socio-cultural reality.
The idea of “a universal basic income” comports to a certain extent with the concept of “mutual prosperity.” But again, we don’t get to that point without Godism being more evident in politics, economics, the arts, education, and most importantly in our families.
John, nice essay. Wide and deep. Educational and informative. It appears the human race still suffers from high levels of psychosis, upset, anger, and despair. The work of Rev. and Mrs. Moon along with other great minds in previous eras is to resolve this condition. Those who embrace the “Peace Starts with Me!” declaration are challenged to bring an end to their own conflicted “human condition.”