The+More+Factor+What+is+Next

t Laurence Shames writes in //The More Factor// that "Given that goal - a realistic goal for most of our history - as __more__, Americans have been somewhat backward in adopting values, hopes, ambitions that have to do with things other than more". Shames says our economy has been our frontier as the real frontier disappears. Our economy is not what is was in earlier decades: we have layoffs, re-organizations, and the fall of the stockmarket in 1987 and the volatility ever since. These have led to a general mistrust of the ecomony. The gap between the extremely wealthly and the middle class grows wider every year, and the segment of society that lives in poverty has grown. I think we all feel that the //more// may be running out. Shames writes, "What sorts of insights and adjustments are called for so that economic ups and downs can be dealt with more gracefully?" In other words - what will the the new //more//? Could it be religion and spirituality? After all, that was the //more// for the the Puritans and others who first settled the New World - religious freedom. As established denomimations such as Catholic and Episcopal are losing members, we see a rise in the membership of evangelical, non-denominational churches. Some of these are "mega-churches", with hundreds of members in a huge hall equiped with microphones and large viewing screens - think of the Crystal Cathedral in Orange County. Now more than ever, these churches are in our lives more than just on Sunday - think of politics and the Moral Majority. Some of the preacher offer a better life on this earth through religion, and of course a reserved place in heaven. Could heaven be the New Frontier? Then we have the New-Agers: People looking for spirtualtiy in places other than a church. Starting with Shirley McLaine and "channeling" (speaking through individuals long dead) interest in past lives and reincarnation has risen. Attendance at spritual retreats, interest in Budism and spritual activities such as yoga are all on the rise. Is our next life the New Frontier?