In 1955, when Walt Disney...
Illustration
In 1955, when Walt Disney launched his Disneyland theme park, the section called
"Tomorrowland" paid homage to its creator's optimism, as well as to the high hopes our
culture placed in technology. "Tomorrowland," Disney remarked at the time, "is a vista
into a world of wondrous ideas, signifying man's achievements ... a step into the future,
with predictions of constructive things to come ... and the hope for a peaceful and united
world."
There was nothing particularly new about this optimistic vision of the future. A half- century earlier, on January 1, 1901, a New York Times editorial had predicted, "The twentieth century will meet and overcome all perils and prove to be the best this steadily improving planet has ever seen."
In contrast to this naive faith in human progress, Paul places his hope in the coming of Jesus: "I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work among you will bring it to completion by the day of Jesus Christ" (Philippians 1:6).
There was nothing particularly new about this optimistic vision of the future. A half- century earlier, on January 1, 1901, a New York Times editorial had predicted, "The twentieth century will meet and overcome all perils and prove to be the best this steadily improving planet has ever seen."
In contrast to this naive faith in human progress, Paul places his hope in the coming of Jesus: "I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work among you will bring it to completion by the day of Jesus Christ" (Philippians 1:6).
