In the early days of Mere-O, I thought about carving out a niche as a cautious critic of the technological developments that are happening all around us.
Everywhere I looked in those early days, Christians were talking about embracing new technologies (though not as often doing it) without carefully considering the ramifications. My concerns led me to publish a chapter on the topic, and I occasionally floated book proposals to publishers to see if there was interest.
And then I started reading John Dyer and forgot all about those ambitions. Not, mind you, because I think I don't have anything to say about the intersection of technology and theology, but because it was clear that John was going to say them better, more clearly, and more robustly.
Since its inception, John's blog has been the place for Christians to think critically about the intersection of technology and Christianity. And as the below podcast demonstrates, John's careful eye and discerning heart never plunge into paranoia or generalizations--try as I might to push him in that direction.
But enough. The whole thing is worth a listen, if only to get a sense of how a thoughtful critique of technology can exist with careful engagement and use. And while you're at it, bookmark John's site and make it a regular visit.
The music is again "I Was Doing All Right" by the legend Oscar Peterson.
Matthew Lee Anderson
Matthew Lee Anderson is an Associate Professor of Ethics and Theology in Baylor University's Honors College. He has a D.Phil. in Christian Ethics from Oxford University, and is a Perpetual Member of Biola University's Torrey Honors College. In 2005, he founded Mere Orthodoxy.
