Dr. Paul Ray and Dr. Sherry Anderson wrote their book (Harmony, 2000) and have dubbed an emerging culture, comprised of 26% of the U.S. population and masses of Europeans, “The Cultural Creatives.” (This, they say, translates into roughly 50m in the US and 80-90m in the European Union.) They argue that the urban industrial culture is evolving into a culture of information, biotechnology, spirituality, and ecological concern.

It’s a thoughtful look at how the postmodern person has now come into the position of dominant influence in American society and is deconstructing previous values and practices while simultaneously rebuilding life in innovative and new ways — we, no doubt, saw them weigh-in on a host of issues in the recent election.

Through research this book synthesizes a lot of the hunches and presuppositions that pastors working in postmodern contexts have intuited. It is a vital read for anyone wanting to more clearly understand and comprehend the future that is upon us.

According to Ray and Anderson, the Cultural Creatives are growing quickly and will become the dominant force in politics and society. Their book uncovers the thinking behind the Cultural Creatives growth and what they hold for our future. While the book’s concentration on American culture tends to weaken its universal appeal, the authors offer fascinating insight into people who care deeply about the ecology and saving the planet, about relationships, peace, and social justice, about authenticity, self-actualization, spirituality, and self-expression.

The Cultural Creatives have had no idea they constitute one in every four Americans (eight years after publication, that may be changing). As this group grows, they will discover their power and will demand the following:

• Ecologically sustainable products and services
• Concern for the whole planet and its people
• Authenticity in products and people
• Women’s issues
• Spirituality and a redefinition of success

Check out their website to learn more and to see if you fall into the category of cultural creative at www.culturalcreatives.org.