n e w c h u r c h l i f e : j u ly / au g u s t 2 0 1 6
doctrine but may vary greatly from the cultural norms of the “North.”
Summary
While the Last Judgment occurred several hundred years ago the Christian
Church does not appear to be in population decline and is in fact likely to grow
substantially in the future, particularly in the African, Latin American and
Asian regions. This follows a similar pattern of the Most Ancient, Ancient and
Jewish Churches continuing long after their Last Judgments.
The factors driving the continued growth of the Christian Church have
to do with projected population increases in countries exhibiting strong
Christian movements, and also with the churches focusing on the natural as
well as spiritual needs of people in need – particularly in urban environments
– and finally by showing a willingness to combine local cultural norms with
the Christian spiritual messages.
These regions of high growth also provide an opportunity for the New
Church, going beyond these factors due to connections we can make with
belief in the “spirit world” and revelation. The New Church can concur to a
degree but more importantly explain it all – along with other beliefs that seem
to be remnants of the Most Ancient and Ancient Churches.
Perhaps as importantly we should expect that the new revelation given to
the New Church will appeal to those who desire a “religion that makes sense”
and one that is able to explain the “mysteries of faith.” And in the process
provide a path to salvation which is straightforward and achievable to all,
although not without a true desire and a dedicated effort.
Craig W. Bostock is a member of the 1982 graduating class
of the Academy of the New Church Secondary Schools and
earned an Associates of Arts degree from Bryn Athyn College
in 1984. In 1988 he graduated from the University of Florida,
earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering.
He then earned a Masters of Science in Electrical Engineering
in 1992 and a Masters of Business Administration in 1996, both
from the University of South Florida. He is working toward
a Masters of Arts in Religious Studies at Bryn Athyn College. He began his career as a
systems engineering with Honeywell International, working space and defense programs,
later moved into program management, and is currently a program manager with
Raytheon Company. He is also a Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve after receiving a
direct commission in 1997, and is a qualified Engineering Duty Officer. He serves as the
Executive Officer in his reserve unit and also as the CONVAL Program Manager for the
SPAWAR Reserve Program, with a focus on information warfare. He and his wife Nancy
(Nelis) live in Treasure Island, Florida. They have three children in college. Contact:
[email protected]
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