As an integral component of the student fellowship program at the Center for Apologetics and Cultural Engagement at Liberty University, students are encouraged to craft book reviews that correlate with their personal interests and the Center’s thematic focus. In this context, the appraisal of Gerald Hiestand’s and Todd A. Wilson’s book, Technē, stands as a notable addition to this ongoing endeavor.
Amidst the contemporary backdrop of technological progress, it becomes imperative for the church to grapple with the ethical quandaries posed by the swift evolution of new technologies. Technē: Christian Visions of Technology presents the viewpoints of fourteen authors who draw upon theological studies, biblical anthropology, and church history to address a spectrum of technological issues.
The book scrutinizes the intricate interplay between technology and the human condition, underscoring that the development of technology has perennially mirrored fundamental inquiries about human nature. The ethical and philosophical concerns entwined with domains such as artificial intelligence and reproductive technology demand a comprehensive comprehension of human identity and the theological ramifications of these advancements. Authors in Technē engage in extensive deliberations on how a biblical comprehension of humanity influences these particular subjects, furnishing a valuable contribution to contemporary discussions on the impact of technology.
Additionally, the book references the annals of Christian tradition to decipher the challenges brought forth by technological progress. Authors consistently interact with the works of Christian theologians spanning through history, accentuating the significance of imbibing the wisdom of the past. Through instances such as the symbiotic association between the church and the printing press during the Protestant Reformation, the book underscores the readiness of past theologians to embrace and collaborate with the technological developments of their era.
Technē also casts its gaze towards the future, acknowledging the perpetually evolving nature of technology and the ethical dilemmas it gives rise to. Although the compendium of writings in the book does not delve into every issue at length, it provides a wide-ranging panorama of the ethical intricacies of technological progress. Authors Hiestand and Wilson contribute to the endeavor of enlightening the church on how to respond to a rapidly changing world, whilst anchoring the reader in the unchanging truth of Christ as the cornerstone.
Cameron Bonin, an undergraduate student at Liberty University, furnishes a unique perspective on the impact of technology, drawing from his academic interests in theoretical computer science and theology. His assessment of Technē offers a discerning response to the ethical challenges posed by technology, proffering a valuable contribution to the ongoing discourse on the juxtaposition of faith and technology.