iGods

October 7, 2013
Detweiler (A Matrix of Meanings), who teaches communication at Pepperdine University, in Malibu, Calif., examines today’s technology, from Apple to Instagram, and its impact on Americans’ spiritual lives. He knows the literature, organizes it as a good information curator should, and cites the provocative and deeper thinkers such as Jaron Lanier and Kevin Kelly. He does forget that not everyone is on Facebook and that smart phones are common but not universal, which is understandable given that he teaches and so is surrounded by the wired generation. The balance between theological reflection and simple background reporting could be better tuned. Most of today’s technology writers don’t understand the lure of iDols. An excellent conversation starter recommended for classroom use; Detweiler has made a solid contribution to the growing literature about religion and technology.

November 15, 2013
Detweiler is a Christian who loves God and is attached to his iPhone. While the benefits of technology are indisputable, many questions remain as to technology's downside. Texting, social networking, and Internet research may not be enemies of faith, but Detweiler asks whether these activities and the technology behind them are making us more thoughtful, articulate, and loving people. How does the insatiable desire for ever-faster response time from our handheld devices square with the Christian virtue of patience? Technology can direct us to those things we'd like to see but Christians are asked to look at things they'd rather not, such as hunger and injustice. We must never confuse the digital world with our lived experience as embodied human beings lest we become disconnected from the pain and suffering around us. In sum, we must seek the divine, with technology as but one tool. Detweiler's analysis, although refracted through a Christian lens, is worthwhile reading for anyone concerned about the possibilities and perils of technology.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2013, American Library Association.)