If you were counting on "world" to help you do it, the probable world of the near future will be a disappointing bummer. Agh, the church might actually have to get all churchy again! And not just for an hour on Sunday!
It is really hard to not be affected by culture unless you live like a Ted Kaczynski. I don’t really count on the world for much at all, but I do love the internet and books. It is getting easy to be reclusive.
The World has always been a hell-hole for billions, although with God, there is really a lot of joy in life, even in horrid, Boethius times.
The USA was such a Shining City on the Hill, which was an exceptional life for most people who lived here. It would be nice if a Jonathan Edwards stepped up and took the lead, though, but I am not holding my breath on this one. It would be great fun, though! With God, there is always hope!