The Mindset Shift: 1990s vs. Post-90s in Culture, Society, and the Church

Introduction

If you zoom out, you can almost see the early 1990's as the seed moment for the modern "instant culture":

• Pre-’90s mindset: “Let’s take the time to do it right.”

• Post-’90s mindset: “Let’s get it out now and fix it later if needed.”

That’s the philosophical shift Keen warns about — and it’s not just in media; it’s in education, work, art, relationships, and governance.

Even the church mentality has shifted — from long, well studied sermons to short, quick "pit stops" and easy-to-find online messages that can feed a passive congregation.

The 1990s Mindset: "Let's Take the Time to Do It Right"

There was a time—the one I lived through—from school to work to professional life—when major shifts were underway.

From photography to Adobe Photoshop, and testing the limits of technology, things adapted gradually and carefully.

I remember going to the bank with my father, watching the teller count cash by hand with practiced techniques—now all replaced by machines and digital transactions.

The Post-90s Mindset: "Let's Get It Out Now and Fix It Later"

With the rise of the internet, software, and rapid technological advances, each generation has shaped society’s fast-paced nature.

The internet also dealt a huge blow to expertise by elevating amateurism—today, amateur opinions are often celebrated, sometimes even revered, while true expertise is undervalued.

The Impact of Amateurism on Expertise

On today's Internet, however, amateurism, rather than expertise, is celebrated, even revered.

What was once celebrated is no longer valued.

Cultural Consequences on Society

If you wonder why culture is shifting, it’s because society at large has been affected by this post-90s mentality—favoring quick turnarounds and testing the limits of integrity and values.

The Shift in Ministry and the Church

The church is not immune to these changes: long, deeply researched sermons have given way to short, bite-sized messages—easy to consume but often feeding a passive audience.

This same culture can feed cult and near-cult mentalities, where diligent teachers are overshadowed by “copy-and-paste” ministers. How can you tell the difference? Perhaps you can’t.

Reflection: "I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High."

Could "clouds" be a metaphor for the internet—offering god-like power and knowledge?

How about AI? That's a different beast altogether.

Theological Perspectives: Calvinism and Its Critics

Calvinism has flourished like many systems because of both Internet, and Social Media

Is it any wonder faith is growing colder instead of warmer?

Conclusion

If you’re trying to make sense of this year or the next, you’re not alone. A common refrain today is simply, “I’m busy.”

We’ve become a society constantly trying to catch up—on everything.

But here’s the Good News: Jesus came. And with Him came the promise of salvation—“I will save you from your sins.”

Want even more good news? God remains in control, even as the world seems to spin out of control.