This blog will chronicle my thesis journey as I research the interaction between faith and technology.
re: Technology
I am especially interested in the philosophy of technology. This would include the critique of technology, ethics, history, and other relevant theories of technology.
In terms of the mode of technology, I will focus mainly on digital technology. This means I will largely concentrate on computer related technologies. These would include online tools such as networking programs, blogs, wikis, and all technologies falling under the Web 2.0 banner.
re: Faith
In this matter, I will exclusively study the Christian faith. I am interested in the reaction from the Christian community, particularly the noted thinkers, the leaders, and the university students. I am hopeful that I can conduct ethnographic research about this particular culture.
re: Readings
I am beginning to compile a list of readings for my research. The following is a partial list of my necessary readings.
Barrett, William – Death of the Soul: From Descartes to the Computer
Borgmann, Albert – Technology and the Character of Contemporary Life
Ellul, Jacques – The Technological Society
Guardini, Romano – Letters from Lake Como: Explorations in Tecnology and the Human Race
Heidegger, Martin – The Question Concerning Technology and Other Essays
McLuhan, Marshall – Understanding Media
Postman, Neil – Technopoly: The Surrender of Culture to Technology
Schultze, Quentin – Habits of the High-Tech Heart: Living Virtuously in the Information Age
Schuurman, Egbert – Faith and Hope in Technology
re: the Big Question
As I read through these books, I am hopeful to construct a Big Question that my thesis will address. In this way, I will not limit my research to a predefined goal. Instead, thesis will rise from emergence among the seemingly random research I will conduct.
re: HELP
I begin this blog for two main reasons. First, I want to share my findings as I am doing my research. It is my hope that anyone thinking about the same things may find it useful. Second, I would hope that the larger online academic community may offer me some input for my thesis. It is through this interaction that I believe greater thinking will be had by all.
Many blessings.
hey, this book may be useful:
The Hidden Power of Electronic Culture: How Media Shapes Faith, the Gospel, and Church
by Shane Hipps
recommended by Quentin Schultze when I took his course.
Shane Hipps also has a new book out, titled: Flickering Pixels: How Technology Shapes Your Faith.
I’ve found Shane’s insights most amazing, tracing the history of how technology shapes how we think and perceive.. see video excerpt for his workshop at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rnXoPQHPnlw and clip at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bJkSJmvK7eg
Hi Alan and DJ,
thx for the advice. I already purchased Hipp’s first book, am looking forward to his second one.
Hey hey — just want to say that it is encouraging to hear about your journey — geographically, ideationally, and applicationally. I may be on a similar one in a couple of years!
By the way I’m loving the MAC.
hey GY,
good to hear from you. You’ll have to keep me informed about your journey – sounds exciting.
MACS RULE!