So to some definitions…
The English suffix – ology
- as in technology and theology simply for our purposes here
refers to the study of a particular subject.
The English term theology
is derived from the theologia (θεολογια) was originally was
used with the meaning "discourse on god". Today it has multiple
technical meanings but within the Christian tradition I think these can be
thought of as the study of the teachings and history of the Biblical texts.
The English term Technology
derives from Techne which, with the ology part, means the study
of arts skills and crafts. Today and often mention comment and complaint is
that technology has come to mean not the study of techne but techne itself – as
in biotechnology.
The transforming vision
part of the title has a double meaning.
1.
In the first meaning – it
is a hope that this blog is another voice towards reforming the Christian
understanding of technology; and
2. The voice I want to add
is one that recognises that ‘transformation’ – the creation of new things is part
of human DNA. The impulse to create is surely part of image of God (as broken
as it may be). From language (which technically probably cannot be classified
as technology) through to flint axes, fire and the technologies of first
peoples (for example the boomerang in Australia and bentwood cedar boxes in
British Columbia through to the cultivation of wheat. Humans where
technological long before the wheel, writing and smelting and those
technologies are thousands of years old.
Although, I am bit of a latecomer to this
particular dimension of the consideration of technology, I have spent more than
20 years researching and working within the fields of innovation studies and
science, technology and innovation policy.
- On technology and geography here http://econscapes.blogspot.com/
- On science policy here: http://scipol-velocity.blogspot.com/
I can recommend the blogs of 2 others that I have
met working on this topic:
- Rosie Perera and ex-programmer who holds a
Masters of Christian Studies from Regent College here in Vancouver http://faithandtechnology.org/blog/ .
- Dave Stearns also an ex-programmer who holds a
PhD in Science and Technology Studies. http://techsoulculture.org/
Both are
great bloggers and probably a bit more frequent than myself. My goal is to add
one solid think piece per month.
I hope you
will come back and visit.
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