Techno-faith is a term I have chosen to use to describe the use of technology within a religious culture. It’s all about what technology is doing in the lives of those have expressed a specific religious belief that is evident in their day to day lives. Has technology, in any way provided effectiveness or ineffectiveness in religious methods, and in what way? What does the faith culture have to say about technology? I hope to provide the religious perspective of this diverse tool.
Personally, my faith is a big part of my life. It has helped to shape who I am as a person today, and will continue to greatly effect me in the future. If technology is playing such a big part in something that I choose to make a priority, its safe to say that it’s important to know what effects it is having. I have been a Christian since I was a small child, and grew up in a Christian culture my entire life. Over the years I have seen many technological involvement in the methods of my faith. I want to know what its doing and why, as we continue to utilize it in various aspects of not only our Jesus culture, but others as well.
For this very reason I chose this topic of religion so that I can find out what role technology plays in all the various faiths around the world. I would define religion as an organized belief in a higher power beyond humanity, characterized by methods of living, literature, and rituals. Could this possibly be an area that different religions will have similar opinions about, although they maintain different beliefs. I hope to find out how technology has contributed to those who have chosen to expressively live against religious beliefs. Has the religious culture’s relationship with technology affected their views in any way? I want to know why the religious cultures have chosen to partake of the opportunities technology has to offer and are there religions out there that are opposed to the idea that technology and religion can work hand in hand. Being that there is such a variety of beliefs around the world I hope to find many different ways technology has formed a new techno-faith culture. Meaning, has technology been adopted in many religious rituals? I wonder if any conclusions can be drawn about whether technology has effected the rate at which people are joining religions. What do the religions have to say about this techno-faith?
With me being a Religious Studies minor I think this will be 1 of my favorite blogs to follow. I actually thought about using this as my topic but my mind seemed too limited to do this. After reading your intro I think the fact that you seem to be covering more than 1 religion and all aspects of the effects of technology on religion not just the positives will make this more interesting than some my limited ideas. I know technology has really affected my religious experience as a Christian. Some things you can blog about can be the use of streaming services, Bible and Quran apps, and I have even seen bible study sessions sold on Itunes. With mega-churches you can even research the type of technology they use within the church. Like certain sound systems and some even offer computer courses within the church. I kind of wish I was doing this topic now. Have fun.
ReplyDeleteI definitely can relate to your topic. Growing up a Catholic, I was part of a generation that grew up in the age of little or no technology, AND in the age of a burst of technology. When I think back on my childhood, I realize that most to all of my friends were from either school or Church. It makes me wonder how technology and the Internet has changed me in terms of my faith. Am I a better or worse Catholic because of it? Interesting topic.
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