Generations—from A to Z
A commentary by Larry J. Walker
United Church of God pastor, Bend, Medford and Roseburg, Oregon
In the 1960's the term "generation gap" was
coined to describe widespread differences in the western world between
the youth of that period and their parents, especially with respect
to musical tastes. We live in a rapidly changing world that continues
to witness major generational differences.
Since the 20th century the span of a generation has been about
15 years. Major historic events such as World Wars I and II and
the Great Depression led to generational differences. Today, technology
has replaced history as the major defining factor for generational
change. So the life span of new generations has become increasingly
shorter as technological knowledge opens new cultural horizons.
In 1967 Marshall McLuhan's book "The Medium is the
Message" described key points of change in how man has viewed
the world and how these views were changed by the adoption of new
media. Neil Postman's insightful book, Amusing Ourselves
to Death (1986), points out how television led to visual imagery
replacing words as the main medium of communication.
The personal computer and the Internet have continued and expanded
this trend. For example, previous generations wrote letters to family,
friends and pen pals. Youth in the western world today communicate
by text messaging, Facebook and Twitter. Cell phones, Blackberry
smartphones and other multi-functional communication devices are
rapidly replacing landline phones.
What does all this mean for our civilization? When did this trend
begin and where is it leading us? Does the Bible have anything to
say about this cultural phenomenon?
Daniel 12:4 speaks of "the time of the end" when, "many
will rush here and there, and knowledge will increase" (New
Living Translation). What an appropriate description of the age
in which we live today!
Despite the incredible advances in technological knowledge, the
problems of human nature still plague mankind. In fact our technological
advancements have led us to the brink of universal destruction rather
than to universal peace. So technology not only widens the generation
gap, it also paves the way for the potential annihilation of all
generations living today—not only for the western world but
also for all nations.
Matthew 24:21-22 foretells such a time when
the very survival of all human life would be at stake—a time
of trouble so great that, "unless that time of calamity is shortened,
not a single person will survive" (New Living Translation).
Ironically, the most recent generations are known as "Generation
X," "Generation Y" (sometimes referred to as "Millennials")
and "Generation Z." "Z" is the last letter
in the alphabet. Could "Z" be the generation on which
falls the world's worst ever time of trouble?
Mankind's problems with knowledge began with Generation A
(Adam and Eve). Adam and Eve's decision to partake of "the
tree of the knowledge of good and evil" contrary to God's
command (Genesis 2:16-17) was the historical event that defined
that generation. Their tragic choice resulted in a death sentence
and removal from the source of spiritual truth that could have guided
them toward eternal life (Genesis 3:1-24).
Mankind has continued down that road ever since, making wrong choices
and relying on human knowledge instead of looking to God for spiritual
truth.
Fortunately, a new "Generation A" is destined to begin
with a second Adam, Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:45, 47). This
generation will begin with a historical event—the return of
Christ, as King of kings and Lord of lords (Revelation 17:11-14;
19:11-16), to end warfare and establish universal peace.
This new generation (whose members can also be called "Millennials" because
this time period will continue for a thousand years) will learn
spiritual knowledge that eventually will result in peace and prosperity
and health and happiness for all mankind. "They shall not
hurt nor destroy in all My holy mountain, for the earth shall be
full of the knowledge of the LORD as the waters cover the sea" (Isaiah
11:9).
This knowledge will bring together people of all ages worldwide,
eliminating the generation gaps that divide our cultures today.
  To learn more about this important future generation simply request
or download our free booklet, The Gospel of the Kingdom. Also,if
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