New ebooks From Canadian Indies
Description
Our ancestors saw the material world as alive, and they often personified nature. Today we claim to be realists. But in reality we are not paying attention to the symbols and myths hidden in technology. Beneath much of our talk about computers and the Internet, claims William A. Stahl, is an unacknowledged mysticism, an implicit religion. By not acknowledging this mysticism, we have become critically short of ethical and intellectual resources with which to understand and confront changes brought on by technology.
Awards
- , Winner of the 1999 Saskatchewan Book Award for Scholarly Writing
Editorial Reviews
''Stahl's book is a welcome critique of our technological culture that is not overwhelmed by the latter's negative potential. Understanding technology and culture as a 'seamless web' compels us to rethink our collective beliefs, values and goals. While these critical reflections may not affect the practices of IBM, Microsoft, Nortel, and other technology corporations, discussing the social practices underlying today's technology raises public awareness that computers are not in control. Once we realize that the computer is not an autonomous agent nor even a 'magic box,' we begin to ask critical questions regarding the purposes and values of society. Stahl's book is important because it challenges us to think critically about a society that reveres the 'magic box.' ''
— The Ecumenist
''Stahl exhibits impressive intellectual breadth and depth in providing a provocative interdisciplinary critique of the mystique that is associated with technology generally and computers and communications technology specifically.''
— Reginald W. Bibby
''We live in a technological society....the machine and the culture of technology are part of our daily lives. But do we have to worship them?''
— from the author's introduction
''God and the Chip: Religion and Culture of Technology by William A. Stahl... uncovers the implicit religion of the computer and technology in a fascinating, interdisciplinary analysis. Stimulating for group and individual study.''
— The United Church Observer
''Stahl uncovers the cultural expectations we place on technology, showin g how religion, pop culture, and the media interact to fan our hopes and fears that technology will alternatively save us and destroy us. His discussion of 'redemptive technology' is one of the most rich, profound, and illuminating discussions of religion and technology in recent years.''
— Ronald Cole-Turner
''Mysticism needs to be understood to confront the changes and ethical consequences brought on by technology.'' Rating **** (very important for the development of science and spirituality)
— Science and Spirit
