"And now we believe we can’t reverse it." Exactly!
I don't throw books that often, but one thing that will earn an author's work a light toss across my room is when they let loose a scathing critique of technology and what it's doing to us, then conclude it with a whimpering, "but we just have to learn how to live with it."
Everyone wants to split the difference. Especially in evangelical circles, the idea of technology being neutral is the shibboleth that just won't die. They want to redeem social media, redeem the smartphone, redeem AI. But can all technology be redeemed? Where is the line? Is there a line?
Makes you wonder if, in some alternative timeline, a Cold War-era TGC might have a blog on redeeming the atomic bomb. Come to think of it, "Gospel-Centered Atomic Bombs" might actually make a good name for a punk band.
Alternatively, what if we just stop?
I get it's not going to be easy, it may even be impossible at a societal level, but why is it such a foregone conclusion that we can't reverse course when we recognize we've created a monster? Even if we can't kill the machine, as individuals, can't we at least make some attempt not to be its slaves? Are we really so deceived by the myth of progress?
The almost completely frictionless acceptance of smartphone addiction and now AI in the Christian world has made me realize just how weak our theology of technology is. There's a huge hole in our armor.
"The almost completely frictionless acceptance of smartphone addiction and now AI in the Christian world has made me realize just how weak our theology of technology is. There's a huge hole in our armor."
YES. THIS. That's a wonderful way to articulate it. We need a theology of technology that considers what it means to be consecrated to God, to have our focus and attention in the right place, and to be of but not in the world. And I'm increasingly convinced that the line between "in" and "of" is MUCH further back than many of us tend to believe or even think about -- and not just with technology, but also with what we watch, read, listen to, wear, say...every aspect of life is supposed to be for God. (I'm currently wrestling with this.)
Keep saying these things. Keep talking about them publicly. Share them with your brothers and sisters in Christ. We're facing a huge spiritual crisis, and I'm concerned about just how many are being led astray. We all need to guard our minds and be extremely discerning.
He's quite insightful and well-spoken. I've been listening to the Mere Fidelity podcast now and then, and he's a regular. I appreciate how he emphasizes the importance of embodiment in fellowship and worship as well as regular, deep engagement and interaction with the Word (not mediated by tech).
"And now we believe we can’t reverse it." Exactly!
I don't throw books that often, but one thing that will earn an author's work a light toss across my room is when they let loose a scathing critique of technology and what it's doing to us, then conclude it with a whimpering, "but we just have to learn how to live with it."
Everyone wants to split the difference. Especially in evangelical circles, the idea of technology being neutral is the shibboleth that just won't die. They want to redeem social media, redeem the smartphone, redeem AI. But can all technology be redeemed? Where is the line? Is there a line?
Makes you wonder if, in some alternative timeline, a Cold War-era TGC might have a blog on redeeming the atomic bomb. Come to think of it, "Gospel-Centered Atomic Bombs" might actually make a good name for a punk band.
Alternatively, what if we just stop?
I get it's not going to be easy, it may even be impossible at a societal level, but why is it such a foregone conclusion that we can't reverse course when we recognize we've created a monster? Even if we can't kill the machine, as individuals, can't we at least make some attempt not to be its slaves? Are we really so deceived by the myth of progress?
The almost completely frictionless acceptance of smartphone addiction and now AI in the Christian world has made me realize just how weak our theology of technology is. There's a huge hole in our armor.
"The almost completely frictionless acceptance of smartphone addiction and now AI in the Christian world has made me realize just how weak our theology of technology is. There's a huge hole in our armor."
YES. THIS. That's a wonderful way to articulate it. We need a theology of technology that considers what it means to be consecrated to God, to have our focus and attention in the right place, and to be of but not in the world. And I'm increasingly convinced that the line between "in" and "of" is MUCH further back than many of us tend to believe or even think about -- and not just with technology, but also with what we watch, read, listen to, wear, say...every aspect of life is supposed to be for God. (I'm currently wrestling with this.)
Keep saying these things. Keep talking about them publicly. Share them with your brothers and sisters in Christ. We're facing a huge spiritual crisis, and I'm concerned about just how many are being led astray. We all need to guard our minds and be extremely discerning.
Do you read or listen to Alastair Roberts at all?
No, I hadn't heard of him before.
He's quite insightful and well-spoken. I've been listening to the Mere Fidelity podcast now and then, and he's a regular. I appreciate how he emphasizes the importance of embodiment in fellowship and worship as well as regular, deep engagement and interaction with the Word (not mediated by tech).