Millennium Matrix: Reclaiming the Past, Reframing the Future of the Church

by M. Rex Miller

In this dynamic book, theologian, futurist, and communications expert M. Rex Miller presents the innovative millennium matrix, that explains the way we store and distribute information changes our worldviews. Based on the author’s extensive research, The Millennium Matix explores the major paradigm and worldview shifts over the past two thousand years and maps them into an easily accessible chart summarizing the entire history of culture and church. From the oral culture of Jesus’ time to the print world of Gutenberg’s Bible to the broadcast era of television to the emerging digital culture, readers will see the impact of communication on worship and spirituality. Even more, the book then provides practical suggestions on how Christians can successfully navigate the rapid cultural changes that are occurring and that will continue to occur over the decades to come.

Genres: Church

256 pages, Hardcover

First published July 16, 2004

Reviews

[Miguel Gonzalez-Feliciano · Rating 2 out of 5]

Rather disappointed with this work. He makes a lot of assertions without backing up his claims and seems to let his bias show through without doing the legwork to walk you along with him.

[Daniel Goodman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Miller's main thesis of this book is that cultural dynamics (e.g. values, ways of thinking, communities...etc) is largely shaped by the methods of communications a culture uses. Those in an oral culture, for example, are more tribal, experiential, or relational whereas a print culture may be influenced to be more logical, isolated, and impersonal by nature of the methods of communication . Miller identifies a myriad of cultural differences between four categories: oral, print, broadcast, and convergent (digital). He then asks questions such as how these cultural differences impact a culture's understanding of God, community, worship, and faith.

The first half of this book offers remarkable insight into how communications shapes cultures.

However, as shown in the other reviews and ratings, most people find this book dissatisfying. I believe the second half of this book is largely the cause of this dissatisfaction. After identifying cultural differences, Miller moves into risky territory by offering application for those in ministry. Some people will most likely find the suggestions offered as being misguided, outdated, or even dangerous.

In the end, I wished Miller would explain more the role communication has on culture as that was the strongest aspect of this book and play down the suggestions and application. Perhaps an updated edition could clear away some of the speculation and offer more clarity.

[William Chamberlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Postmodern thinking