From the Garden to the City
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Technology -- from the first stone tool to the latest smartphone -- has changed our daily routine, the way we communicate, and even how we encounter God. We often laud the benefits of technology (increased quality of life, faster ways to spread the gospel) or bemoan the detriments of technology (decreased attention spans, reduced interpersonal contact), but fail to properly address its transformative power. Where does technology belong in the biblical story of redemption? From the Garden to the City deconstructs the concept of technology and examines it through the lens of Scripture. Studying Bible passages and insights from the best thinkers on technology, theology, and culture, John Dyer shows how technology left unexamined can enslave us rather than honor God and fulfill his plan for us. With helpful observations and practical application, Dyer issues an urgent challenge to live faithfully in this technology-saturated world. - Back cover.
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Short review: This is the best book on Technology and Christianity I have read. I have read a number and always thought they fell short, either because they started with a very negative view of technology but failed to show theologically why they held the view, or because they did not understand how technology worked or because they just uncritically accepted technology without proper reflection. John Dyer manages to explain how technology works on us (and he starts with a basic and broad idea of what technology is) and then reflects on how God has blessed our use of technology (making it one of the roles that we as humans have) but also shows how uncritical use of technology tends motivate us to think that we could become independent of God. Theologically sound and he gets technology, whether you are a techie or cannot program your DRV, the way we use technology is important. HIGHLY recommend this book.
Full review (almost 1700 words) is on my blog at http://bookwi.se/garden-city-dyer/
