The year 2008 really was different. While it’s customary to retrospect at this time of year, 2008 was an especially good year for seeing trends. In the U.S., the first presidential transition in eight years follows the longest and most expensive political campaign in history and signals some changes of direction for the country. The economic crisis popped the bubble of deceit that businesses and consumers had grown accustomed to, even though those deceptions (such as easy credit and fast profits) contradicted biblical principles and common sense.

In 2008 the tolerance of Christians by those who claim to esteem tolerance reached a new low, whether in the media or public schools or Christmas advertising. Respect for churches and clergy has nearly gone by the wayside. Look for greater restrictions and elimination of nonprofit advantages to follow.

Interest in religion has not waned, however, nor the curious fascination with evangelicals. From the presidential ...