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Modern Technology and the Human Future: A Christian Appraisal
Technology is not neutral.
From the plow to the printing press, technology has always shaped human life and informed our understanding of what it means to be human. And advances in modern technology, from computers to smartphones, have yielded tremendous benefits. But do these developments actually encourage human flourishing?
Craig Gay raises concerns about the theological implications of modern technologies and of philosophical movements such as transhumanism. In response, he turns to a classical affirmation of the Christian faith: Jesus Christ, the eternal Word of God, took on human flesh. By exploring the doctrine of the incarnation and what it means for our embodiment, Gay offers a course correction to the path of modern technology without asking us to unplug completely.
The doctrine of the incarnation is not neutral either. It presents us an alternative vision for the future of humanity.
From the plow to the printing press, technology has always shaped human life and informed our understanding of what it means to be human. And advances in modern technology, from computers to smartphones, have yielded tremendous benefits. But do these developments actually encourage human flourishing?
Craig Gay raises concerns about the theological implications of modern technologies and of philosophical movements such as transhumanism. In response, he turns to a classical affirmation of the Christian faith: Jesus Christ, the eternal Word of God, took on human flesh. By exploring the doctrine of the incarnation and what it means for our embodiment, Gay offers a course correction to the path of modern technology without asking us to unplug completely.
The doctrine of the incarnation is not neutral either. It presents us an alternative vision for the future of humanity.
254 pages, Paperback
Published December 11, 2018
15 people are currently reading
135 people want to read
About the author
Craig M. Gay
8 books11 followersCraig M. Gay (PhD, Boston University) is professor of interdisciplinary studies at Regent College in Vancouver, Canada. He is the author of a variety of books, including Dialogue, Catalogue and Monologue: Personal, Impersonal and Depersonalizing Ways to Use Words; Cash Values: The Value of Money and the Nature of Worth; The Way of the (Modern) World: Or, Why It's Tempting to Live as If God Doesn't Exist; and With Liberty and Justice for Whom? The Recent Evangelical Debate Over Capitalism.
Gay has contributed chapters to a number of collections on the subjects of modernity, secularization, economic ethics, and technology, and his articles and reviews have appeared in Christian Scholar's Review, American Journal of Sociology, Crux, and Markets & Morality.
Gay has contributed chapters to a number of collections on the subjects of modernity, secularization, economic ethics, and technology, and his articles and reviews have appeared in Christian Scholar's Review, American Journal of Sociology, Crux, and Markets & Morality.
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February 27, 2019
Technology is pervasive in our daily lives. My cell phone wakes me up in the morning and I use it throughout the rest of the day. After breakfast I switch on the coffee maker. I drive to work. I wind down the day watching television.
Despite technology’s ubiquitous presence in our lives (and hands!), the Christian Church has lagged behind in thoughtful reflection on technology; in fact, I would posit that a large portion of evangelicalism is blithely utilizing technology without realizing how it makes a distortion out of classical Christianity. Thankfully, Shane Hipps, Andy Crouch, Tony Reinke, and now Craig Gay (among others) have added their voices to the Church’s conversation about technology.
“Modern Technology and the Human Future: A Christian Appraisal,” is a macro-level look at the philosophy of technology and its implications for the faith. I most appreciated how the author, a professor of interdisciplinary studies at Regent College, weaves together his expertise in various fields to construct his argument. I must admit, economics is a subject that generally bores me but the author makes a compelling case that links the drive for profit with increased mechanization and automation which ultimately renders some workers (such as McDonald’s cashiers) superfluous to the labour market. Drawing on the insights of Lewis Mumford, Jacques Ellul, Albert Borgmann, and others, Gay demonstrates how modern culture has come to regard the efficient and rational as the BEST method of pursuing a task and the troubling implications this can have. I also commend Gay for his insistence that Christians need to recover the “ordinary,” which often is NOT efficient, rational, cutting-edge, but thoroughly organic and real.
As I mentioned, this is a macro-level appraisal of technology but I wish the author had spent some time focusing on some specific examples of technology. For instance, how should Christians approach plastic surgery? How do we weigh the merits of the democratization that blogging offers with the chaos this creates ecclesiologically when bloggers in one part of the world (and in an entirely different denomination!) chastise a church they have no face-to-face relationship with (over the last several days, Twitter has kept me, a Canadian attending an Anglican church, up-to-date on the United Methodist General Conference happening in St. Louis; am I being informed about the wider body of Christ or voyeuristic or both)? “Modern Technology and the Human Future” is thus more of a theoretical work than a “how-to” guide giving tips on how to (faithfully) use your iPhone, laptop, or microwave.
Despite technology’s ubiquitous presence in our lives (and hands!), the Christian Church has lagged behind in thoughtful reflection on technology; in fact, I would posit that a large portion of evangelicalism is blithely utilizing technology without realizing how it makes a distortion out of classical Christianity. Thankfully, Shane Hipps, Andy Crouch, Tony Reinke, and now Craig Gay (among others) have added their voices to the Church’s conversation about technology.
“Modern Technology and the Human Future: A Christian Appraisal,” is a macro-level look at the philosophy of technology and its implications for the faith. I most appreciated how the author, a professor of interdisciplinary studies at Regent College, weaves together his expertise in various fields to construct his argument. I must admit, economics is a subject that generally bores me but the author makes a compelling case that links the drive for profit with increased mechanization and automation which ultimately renders some workers (such as McDonald’s cashiers) superfluous to the labour market. Drawing on the insights of Lewis Mumford, Jacques Ellul, Albert Borgmann, and others, Gay demonstrates how modern culture has come to regard the efficient and rational as the BEST method of pursuing a task and the troubling implications this can have. I also commend Gay for his insistence that Christians need to recover the “ordinary,” which often is NOT efficient, rational, cutting-edge, but thoroughly organic and real.
As I mentioned, this is a macro-level appraisal of technology but I wish the author had spent some time focusing on some specific examples of technology. For instance, how should Christians approach plastic surgery? How do we weigh the merits of the democratization that blogging offers with the chaos this creates ecclesiologically when bloggers in one part of the world (and in an entirely different denomination!) chastise a church they have no face-to-face relationship with (over the last several days, Twitter has kept me, a Canadian attending an Anglican church, up-to-date on the United Methodist General Conference happening in St. Louis; am I being informed about the wider body of Christ or voyeuristic or both)? “Modern Technology and the Human Future” is thus more of a theoretical work than a “how-to” guide giving tips on how to (faithfully) use your iPhone, laptop, or microwave.
February 27, 2019
Summary: Explores the factors shaping modern technology and how a mechanical view that fails to acknowledge embodiment has diminished human flourishing.
Unplugging retreats. Technology sabbaths. Concerns about technology addictions. These are all symptoms of a growing unease with how technology, rather than serving and enhancing human existence, is shaping and controlling and diminishing our lives. Craig M. Gay digs into the factors that have shaped our technological world, and how we might think Christianly about technology. He contends that what we need are not practical, technological fixes but a different philosophical and theological perspective to shape our development of and engagement with technology.
Gay begins by describing some of the ways that technology, far from enhancing human existence has diminished us, particularly in de-skilling us in both mechanical skills and cognitive function, and through invading our private lives. He traces much of this to the development of a mechanical view of the world coupled with an economic logic driving increasing efficiency, and assembly and bureaucratic control systems that have shaped the development of a technological worldview. Gay summarizes a discussion drawing on the work of theorists ranging from Charles Taylor to Lewis Mumford and Jacques Ellul as follows:
"As we have now seen, this mechanical world picture has deep and extensive roots within the Western tradition. To use Charles Taylor's terms, modern culture is characterized by an 'instrumental stance' toward life, a stance that is 'overdetermined' in the sense that it has arisen from a number of different sources and is even now buttressed by compelling convictions concerning the meaning and purpose of human life. Not only is the instrumental stance supported by modern science, Taylor observes, but it has also become, largely by way of religious convictions, central within the modern ethical outlook. That outlook continues to place a high value upon taking rational and efficacious control of all things by way of methods, procedures, techniques, and technologies" (p. 129).
Gay contends that, for Christians, we must return to a Christian narrative of "where we are and who we are." A mechanical/technological worldview loses sight of a creation brought into existence as a loving work of God and our own embodied existence. Far from a gnostic, "virtual reality," God considers our embodied existence good. Instead of facing our fallenness, humans often have resorted to technology to evade and transcend the vulnerabilities of our bodies, and the reality of death. The redemptive work of Christ delivers us from our own technological attempts to save or extend our lives with the hope of resurrection. He contends for an approach to technology that "practices resurrection" in it valuing of human embodied existence, and adopts a non-mechanical way of relating to the world as a creation to be loved rather than stuff to be manipulated.
This is not a "how to" book on managing your technology. Gay does something far more challenging. He teases out the way of thinking that has become our "default mode" for engaging our world, even for those of us who claim to embrace a "Christian worldview." His insights on how the logic of money is connected to technological development is worthy of reflection for those who claim to worship God rather than Mammon. It is rare, for example, to hear Christians reflect on how the logic of money has destroyed local "Main Streets" in our preference for big box and online vendors that enable us to buy more stuff for less, while destroying vibrant local economies and personal connection with vendors. Gay is also one of a growing number of prophetic voices awakening us to the dignity of our embodied life and future destiny. He invites us to recover a relationship of love and care for a creation that drives us to careful, even scientific study, but not mechanical exploitation, of God's good creation.
Technology will not go away. Gay helps us see we have a choice between depersonalizing technological thinking, and a creational, incarnational, and embodied engagement with technology that pursues the flourishing of people and creation. The quality of future human existence may well depend not only on what we do, but how we think.
_____________________________________
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
Unplugging retreats. Technology sabbaths. Concerns about technology addictions. These are all symptoms of a growing unease with how technology, rather than serving and enhancing human existence, is shaping and controlling and diminishing our lives. Craig M. Gay digs into the factors that have shaped our technological world, and how we might think Christianly about technology. He contends that what we need are not practical, technological fixes but a different philosophical and theological perspective to shape our development of and engagement with technology.
Gay begins by describing some of the ways that technology, far from enhancing human existence has diminished us, particularly in de-skilling us in both mechanical skills and cognitive function, and through invading our private lives. He traces much of this to the development of a mechanical view of the world coupled with an economic logic driving increasing efficiency, and assembly and bureaucratic control systems that have shaped the development of a technological worldview. Gay summarizes a discussion drawing on the work of theorists ranging from Charles Taylor to Lewis Mumford and Jacques Ellul as follows:
"As we have now seen, this mechanical world picture has deep and extensive roots within the Western tradition. To use Charles Taylor's terms, modern culture is characterized by an 'instrumental stance' toward life, a stance that is 'overdetermined' in the sense that it has arisen from a number of different sources and is even now buttressed by compelling convictions concerning the meaning and purpose of human life. Not only is the instrumental stance supported by modern science, Taylor observes, but it has also become, largely by way of religious convictions, central within the modern ethical outlook. That outlook continues to place a high value upon taking rational and efficacious control of all things by way of methods, procedures, techniques, and technologies" (p. 129).
Gay contends that, for Christians, we must return to a Christian narrative of "where we are and who we are." A mechanical/technological worldview loses sight of a creation brought into existence as a loving work of God and our own embodied existence. Far from a gnostic, "virtual reality," God considers our embodied existence good. Instead of facing our fallenness, humans often have resorted to technology to evade and transcend the vulnerabilities of our bodies, and the reality of death. The redemptive work of Christ delivers us from our own technological attempts to save or extend our lives with the hope of resurrection. He contends for an approach to technology that "practices resurrection" in it valuing of human embodied existence, and adopts a non-mechanical way of relating to the world as a creation to be loved rather than stuff to be manipulated.
This is not a "how to" book on managing your technology. Gay does something far more challenging. He teases out the way of thinking that has become our "default mode" for engaging our world, even for those of us who claim to embrace a "Christian worldview." His insights on how the logic of money is connected to technological development is worthy of reflection for those who claim to worship God rather than Mammon. It is rare, for example, to hear Christians reflect on how the logic of money has destroyed local "Main Streets" in our preference for big box and online vendors that enable us to buy more stuff for less, while destroying vibrant local economies and personal connection with vendors. Gay is also one of a growing number of prophetic voices awakening us to the dignity of our embodied life and future destiny. He invites us to recover a relationship of love and care for a creation that drives us to careful, even scientific study, but not mechanical exploitation, of God's good creation.
Technology will not go away. Gay helps us see we have a choice between depersonalizing technological thinking, and a creational, incarnational, and embodied engagement with technology that pursues the flourishing of people and creation. The quality of future human existence may well depend not only on what we do, but how we think.
_____________________________________
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
December 1, 2018
We must have discussions like this one. A couple of decades pass and our very world has changed with smartphones and other electronic devices. It has affected Christians along with everyone else. We are finally pausing to search out the implications of this seismic shift. Several practical Christian books have probed how we might deal with a world that has changed and is not going back. (One by Tony Reinke lies on my desk). In this volume by Craig Gay, however, the broader theological implications are mined. This book is less of how you ought to alter your life in the days to come and more of what does it even mean. Both types of books are needed and I’m rooting for their success.
The author writes with balance. He neither denies his own use of the technology he writes about nor encourages its complete rejection. In fact, his analysis seems to embrace its good at least to the extent of sharing the Gospel and other wholesome features while exercising caution on the other end. Our society has changed. To what extent should a Christian change with it?
To bulk up his premise, the author surveys other paradigm-shifting technological advances from the plow to automated manufacturing. He traces how economic concerns are usually the driving force. He turns his discussion toward theology by considering “ordinary embodied human existence” with the background of the Incarnation of Christ and God’s mission for us.
The book is deep reading. If you find that kind of theological reading difficult, this book will be a challenge. Theological junkies will find it the perfect discussion of an all-encompassing subject. If you can handle academic reading, and enjoy well thought out analysis, this is the book for you.
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
The author writes with balance. He neither denies his own use of the technology he writes about nor encourages its complete rejection. In fact, his analysis seems to embrace its good at least to the extent of sharing the Gospel and other wholesome features while exercising caution on the other end. Our society has changed. To what extent should a Christian change with it?
To bulk up his premise, the author surveys other paradigm-shifting technological advances from the plow to automated manufacturing. He traces how economic concerns are usually the driving force. He turns his discussion toward theology by considering “ordinary embodied human existence” with the background of the Incarnation of Christ and God’s mission for us.
The book is deep reading. If you find that kind of theological reading difficult, this book will be a challenge. Theological junkies will find it the perfect discussion of an all-encompassing subject. If you can handle academic reading, and enjoy well thought out analysis, this is the book for you.
I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
February 17, 2023
An excellent look at how our modern technologies are contributing to the loss our humanity. Gay argues that modern technology pulls us away from an ordinary embodied life. (Key word is embodied.) He then shows how the Christian doctrines of creation, incarnation, and resurrection stand in sharp contrast to the modern worldview. He concludes the book by offering how we might return to an embodied, human way of life by intentionally turning back to and rooting ourselves in the Christian story. A must-read for the faithful Christian living in the modern/post-modern world.
November 19, 2023
Technology has become part of our everyday lives such that we do not stop to evaluate or reflect on the implications on our lives, our relationships with one another, and our future, Gay gives some insights in his book which is brilliant
Gay reflects on theological and Biblical implications of modern technological culture advancements in society that have both positive and negative notions on the future of humanity. Although he raises concerns and through his discussions affirms the Christian faith and Christian doctrines on engaging with technology, this book does not give insight on how to address these very pertinent issues. However, it is a valuable contribution to our interactions with modern technologies in a way that should be consistent with our Christian values.
The main themes that are pertinent and discussed in this book include:
• Pro-technology
• Embodiment and transhumanism
• Capitalism
Gay acknowledges how modern technology has contributed positively to human existence due to increased productivity by way of ‘discovery and improved workmanship’ (p.1-2). I agree with Gary that our quality of life has greatly improved through tools in research and innovations in medicine with new treatments for cancer and other ailments. Technology has shaped people’s self-understanding of being- in –the world with meaningful and authentic relationships with one another. Communication is now possible across geographical channels and this was even possible during Covid 19 pandemic when families could have ‘face time’ with their relatives in hospitals with the smartphone. Prayer chains were made possible for the sick by the global church because of technological innovations.
Furthermore, the author in quoting Jaques Ellul mentions the importance of sharing the Gospel of salvation to the world with the freedom of the technological culture. Technology is not limited to geographical boundaries intersecting our lives in ways that are congruous with Christian utility.
However, Gay critiques theological implications of the trajectory of the technological future promises of trans-humanizing immortality and the freedom from physical constraints at the expense of human flourishing. Gay turns to the centrality of the Christian doctrines of creation, incarnation and resurrection, and included are the creeds that highly dignify the human body but modern technology trajectory diminishes the embodied humanity. The author emphasises modern technological advancement that should align with God’s divine purpose,’ to redeem, restore, and ultimately glorify embodied human beings’(p.14).
This emphasis on embodiment is important as humanity was created in the image of God to be his counterpart in the world, and to steward his creation responsibly. Gay writes on Christian theology that emphasises the essence of humanity created in the image and likeness of God in relationship with God, one another and the whole of the diversity of God’s creation. It is in the community that these relationships are formed and nurtured. The Doctrine of Creation affirms that creation is good in its diversity and not a problem to overcome with transhumanism but rather to be nurtured and enhanced (p.138).
Technology with its tools should therefore enhance our embodied personal relationships more so face-to-face relations instead of diminishing our humanity as Gay observed. But then are our relationships becoming authentic and richer with technological innovations like smartphones which we can do anything with online and have no time left for relational interactions? Gay argues that we need a new mindset about modern technological advancement, viewing the world differently in our relationships, understanding the world we live in, and affirming embodied humanity including the diversity of the whole of creation. This should not be seen as limitations to be overcome by technology but to be nurtured and enhanced.
The author then turns to the Biblical text on the double command to love God and neighbour, and responsible technological intervention is bound up in this for meaningful human relationships. Gay asserts demeaning people is countercultural and being ‘deaf and blind to the other’ in the world. Embodied people are being replaced with automatic machines that work independently, and are faster due to monetary gains in the hands of a few. People then become diskilled with no job satisfaction and unemployed. This is the trajectory of fast-growing technological innovations at the expense of human thriving. Gay then suggested examining the issues at stake and imagining another way of ‘being in the world’ that encourages humanity to thrive and not engage other technological solutions.
Based on Christian convictions about God’s creation, and humanity’s task as stewards of that creation, Gay proposes a better way of giving direction to technology development for the well-being of the whole of God’s creation (p168-169). The challenge, as Gay explained is to ask ourselves about our use of technology even without the monetary gains as to whether our technologies ‘enhance our experience of ordinary reality, give us time to reflect and allow us to dwell richly in places where we feel at home?’ And if our lives align with these questions as he proposes, then technology is good but if not then reformation of technology is necessary or we have to log off (p178). But, Gay also appeals to the Christian hope of salvation and encourages prophetic voices based on Christian convictions to evaluate and challenge the trajectory of modern technological innovations that are drawing away from embodied humanity.
Although there is a persuasive and effective argument to Gay’s book, issues like the inequalities in technology, the digital poor and marginalised ‘and environmental health could have been addressed. I would recommend this book to Christians and non-Christians as it is relevant for this day and age.
Gay reflects on theological and Biblical implications of modern technological culture advancements in society that have both positive and negative notions on the future of humanity. Although he raises concerns and through his discussions affirms the Christian faith and Christian doctrines on engaging with technology, this book does not give insight on how to address these very pertinent issues. However, it is a valuable contribution to our interactions with modern technologies in a way that should be consistent with our Christian values.
The main themes that are pertinent and discussed in this book include:
• Pro-technology
• Embodiment and transhumanism
• Capitalism
Gay acknowledges how modern technology has contributed positively to human existence due to increased productivity by way of ‘discovery and improved workmanship’ (p.1-2). I agree with Gary that our quality of life has greatly improved through tools in research and innovations in medicine with new treatments for cancer and other ailments. Technology has shaped people’s self-understanding of being- in –the world with meaningful and authentic relationships with one another. Communication is now possible across geographical channels and this was even possible during Covid 19 pandemic when families could have ‘face time’ with their relatives in hospitals with the smartphone. Prayer chains were made possible for the sick by the global church because of technological innovations.
Furthermore, the author in quoting Jaques Ellul mentions the importance of sharing the Gospel of salvation to the world with the freedom of the technological culture. Technology is not limited to geographical boundaries intersecting our lives in ways that are congruous with Christian utility.
However, Gay critiques theological implications of the trajectory of the technological future promises of trans-humanizing immortality and the freedom from physical constraints at the expense of human flourishing. Gay turns to the centrality of the Christian doctrines of creation, incarnation and resurrection, and included are the creeds that highly dignify the human body but modern technology trajectory diminishes the embodied humanity. The author emphasises modern technological advancement that should align with God’s divine purpose,’ to redeem, restore, and ultimately glorify embodied human beings’(p.14).
This emphasis on embodiment is important as humanity was created in the image of God to be his counterpart in the world, and to steward his creation responsibly. Gay writes on Christian theology that emphasises the essence of humanity created in the image and likeness of God in relationship with God, one another and the whole of the diversity of God’s creation. It is in the community that these relationships are formed and nurtured. The Doctrine of Creation affirms that creation is good in its diversity and not a problem to overcome with transhumanism but rather to be nurtured and enhanced (p.138).
Technology with its tools should therefore enhance our embodied personal relationships more so face-to-face relations instead of diminishing our humanity as Gay observed. But then are our relationships becoming authentic and richer with technological innovations like smartphones which we can do anything with online and have no time left for relational interactions? Gay argues that we need a new mindset about modern technological advancement, viewing the world differently in our relationships, understanding the world we live in, and affirming embodied humanity including the diversity of the whole of creation. This should not be seen as limitations to be overcome by technology but to be nurtured and enhanced.
The author then turns to the Biblical text on the double command to love God and neighbour, and responsible technological intervention is bound up in this for meaningful human relationships. Gay asserts demeaning people is countercultural and being ‘deaf and blind to the other’ in the world. Embodied people are being replaced with automatic machines that work independently, and are faster due to monetary gains in the hands of a few. People then become diskilled with no job satisfaction and unemployed. This is the trajectory of fast-growing technological innovations at the expense of human thriving. Gay then suggested examining the issues at stake and imagining another way of ‘being in the world’ that encourages humanity to thrive and not engage other technological solutions.
Based on Christian convictions about God’s creation, and humanity’s task as stewards of that creation, Gay proposes a better way of giving direction to technology development for the well-being of the whole of God’s creation (p168-169). The challenge, as Gay explained is to ask ourselves about our use of technology even without the monetary gains as to whether our technologies ‘enhance our experience of ordinary reality, give us time to reflect and allow us to dwell richly in places where we feel at home?’ And if our lives align with these questions as he proposes, then technology is good but if not then reformation of technology is necessary or we have to log off (p178). But, Gay also appeals to the Christian hope of salvation and encourages prophetic voices based on Christian convictions to evaluate and challenge the trajectory of modern technological innovations that are drawing away from embodied humanity.
Although there is a persuasive and effective argument to Gay’s book, issues like the inequalities in technology, the digital poor and marginalised ‘and environmental health could have been addressed. I would recommend this book to Christians and non-Christians as it is relevant for this day and age.
April 16, 2019
I agreed with his theology but holy cow not at all his takes on technology or economics. Zero-sum all over the place! I assume he leaves it to the reader to come up with specific applications but it would have been nice to get some hints.
November 3, 2019
Modern Technology and the Human Future was very profound, drawing insights from philosophy, economics, technology and theology all built on a solid Biblical foundation - Dr. Gay demonstrates he is truly a master of interdisciplinary studies. I wish I was 30 years younger so I could go take classes from the guy!
The nexus of money and technology is a critical one to which not enough attention is paid in contemplating the relationship between technology and society. While the role of institutions and corporations is touched upon, I would like to have seen more discussion of the innovation of the Joint Stock Company and large multi-national corporations as a means of amplifying the role of money.
While I certainly do not believe corporate forms of business to be inherently evil, the exclusive focus on "shareholder value" and executive compensation designed to maximize shareholder value in the short term as the exclusive focus of large publicly traded corporations certainly serves to amplify the role of money in driving the pursuit of technology as an end in itself without careful consideration of the longer term impact on society and being human.
The inherent nature of modern public corporations is oriented toward maximizing share price alone in the short term. For this reason, for better or worse corporations are inherently led towards the ever increasing embrace of technology to cut costs and to market newer and better technologies to the consumer as well as use of financial gimmicks and debt to increase the share price and maximize executive compensation. I am not making a value judgment, it is simply the way the corporate system is oriented and for that reason I am not optimistic that we will not enter (if we have not already) a "progress trap" which as described in the book is a situation where "societies can become trapped by their own development as they encounter unanticipated problems that they do not possess the resources and/or political determination to solve." When AI and robotics start displacing large swaths of the workforce in the coming decade we will see how well our society adjusts.
Well written and engrossing. Highly recommended.
The nexus of money and technology is a critical one to which not enough attention is paid in contemplating the relationship between technology and society. While the role of institutions and corporations is touched upon, I would like to have seen more discussion of the innovation of the Joint Stock Company and large multi-national corporations as a means of amplifying the role of money.
While I certainly do not believe corporate forms of business to be inherently evil, the exclusive focus on "shareholder value" and executive compensation designed to maximize shareholder value in the short term as the exclusive focus of large publicly traded corporations certainly serves to amplify the role of money in driving the pursuit of technology as an end in itself without careful consideration of the longer term impact on society and being human.
The inherent nature of modern public corporations is oriented toward maximizing share price alone in the short term. For this reason, for better or worse corporations are inherently led towards the ever increasing embrace of technology to cut costs and to market newer and better technologies to the consumer as well as use of financial gimmicks and debt to increase the share price and maximize executive compensation. I am not making a value judgment, it is simply the way the corporate system is oriented and for that reason I am not optimistic that we will not enter (if we have not already) a "progress trap" which as described in the book is a situation where "societies can become trapped by their own development as they encounter unanticipated problems that they do not possess the resources and/or political determination to solve." When AI and robotics start displacing large swaths of the workforce in the coming decade we will see how well our society adjusts.
Well written and engrossing. Highly recommended.
April 25, 2023
The author has a couple of original ideas
* modern technology threatens the GOd given creation priority of human embodiment
* technology is not neutral
* modern technology is not a tool - because its usage is not generically adaptable to multiple goals, it is a machine designed from the beginning with a single purpose- that to serve wealthy interests
This is merit worthy, but not without “the glass half full” corresponding argument. Unfortunately the book lacks this.
If you look at the author’s book list, you will find an academic who has to publish, and seems to recycle the same ideas. This is not a book written with a call to action, it is a book to pad a professors publishing record.
* modern technology threatens the GOd given creation priority of human embodiment
* technology is not neutral
* modern technology is not a tool - because its usage is not generically adaptable to multiple goals, it is a machine designed from the beginning with a single purpose- that to serve wealthy interests
This is merit worthy, but not without “the glass half full” corresponding argument. Unfortunately the book lacks this.
If you look at the author’s book list, you will find an academic who has to publish, and seems to recycle the same ideas. This is not a book written with a call to action, it is a book to pad a professors publishing record.
February 17, 2020
Exceptional. I wish I had the energy to say more right now. Gay's thoughtful reflection and rigorous studies conclude with careful and incisive suggestions for enjoying technologies' real benefits but defending against their dehumanizing effects.
It can feel like a heady read, but it is well worth a time it takes to chew on it.
It can feel like a heady read, but it is well worth a time it takes to chew on it.
December 15, 2019
A Good Primer
Gay has given us an excellent primer on the development and impact of technology from a Christian perspective. The book is a balanced combination of discussion of other works, combined with the author’s own insights.
Gay has given us an excellent primer on the development and impact of technology from a Christian perspective. The book is a balanced combination of discussion of other works, combined with the author’s own insights.
May 16, 2020
"For all of our concerns about modern technology and the diminution of ordinary embodied human existence, our technologies can surely also enable us to become more fully ourselves, more delightfully related to one another, more thoughtfully engaged in and with created reality, and better attuned to the voice and will of the living God. We just need to be clear that these things are, finally, what our technologies are FOR."
4.95/5
Incredibly balanced assessment of the place occupied by modern technology in our days. It successfully avoids the extremes of embracing tech uncritically and of rejecting it as necessarily damaging.
However, and precisely because it walks this thin line, it might sound too exoteric to some and not worried enough to others.
It is also a very thorough review of the matter, and it might spook some people. Very academic too. The fact that it took me a while to finish testifies to that, and justifies the 0.05 penalty. :)
However, the epilogue on Eucharist as a practical form of resisting the engraving attitude of modern tech was a grateful surprise, and it helps the reader to have at least one meaningful way to resist tech.
4.95/5
Incredibly balanced assessment of the place occupied by modern technology in our days. It successfully avoids the extremes of embracing tech uncritically and of rejecting it as necessarily damaging.
However, and precisely because it walks this thin line, it might sound too exoteric to some and not worried enough to others.
It is also a very thorough review of the matter, and it might spook some people. Very academic too. The fact that it took me a while to finish testifies to that, and justifies the 0.05 penalty. :)
However, the epilogue on Eucharist as a practical form of resisting the engraving attitude of modern tech was a grateful surprise, and it helps the reader to have at least one meaningful way to resist tech.
January 18, 2021
This book essentially changed my life and how I see and interact with the modern world. A must read for Christians, and a good read for secular persons as well.
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