Description
Book SynopsisPeople of the Screen traces the history of Bible software app development, showing the unique and powerful role evangelical entrepreneurs and coders have played in shaping its functionality and how their choices in turn shape the reading habits of millions of people around the world.
Trade ReviewA fascinating, inside view from a scholar and programmer of the promise and perils of digital technology for Bible readers, and of the people behind the effort. Exciting stuff! And a valuable addition to understanding the Bible for readers today. * Kristin M. Swenson, author of A Most Peculiar Book: The Inherent Strangeness of the Bible *
Digital Bibles aren't just the wave of the future. They're the past and the present. And their growing use has tremendous implications for Christian publishing, worship, training, and devotional experience. With a rare combination of beautiful prose and a programmer's expertise, John Dyer explores the fascinating history (longer than you think) of digital Bibles, where they fit in the Christian publishing economy, and their future influence on the Christian church. This is a must-read book for every serious student of 'the Bible' in all its various forms. * Samuel L. Perry, Professor of Sociology and Religious Studies, University of Oklahoma *
People of the Screen is a marvelous work of scholarship. John Dyer charts new and much-needed territory in our understanding of evangelicalism, technology, business, and the social life of scriptures. * James S. Bielo, Associate Professor of Anthropology, Miami University *
Dyer's clear and engaging narrative style, combined with his self-reflexive critical thinking on what drives evangelicals towards missional technological innovation, makes this a highly readable and timely book. Dyer's work demonstrates the importance of identifying and unpacking the ideological and theological platforms that motivate religious technological endeavors, as well as how these roots frame public and communal perceptions of the Bible in a digital society. This is a must read for scholars of media, religion and culture and those seeking to understand evangelical discourse and influence in contemporary culture. * Heidi A Campbell, Professor of Communication & Presidential Impact Fellow, Texas A&M University *
This book provides valuable insights. It is a good example of the possibilities offered by the sociology of religion into knowledge-making practices. * Samjung Kang Hamilton, Restoration Quarterly *
People of the Screen gathers and analyzes new data on an important topic and does so with the help of relevant theoretical perspectives. It is a well written, carefully researched and highly relevant study that helps us to better understand evangelicalism and lived religion in a digital age. * Joel Halldorf, Church History *
Table of ContentsAcknowledgements Preface Chapter 1: Introduction Chapter 2: Studying Technology and Faith Chapter 3: Evangelicals, the Bible, and Technology Chapter 4: Four Waves of Bible Software Development Chapter 5: Programmers and the Business of Bible Software Chapter 6: A Portrait of Evangelical Bible Readers Chapter 7: The Influence of Digital on Evangelical Reader Behavior Chapter 8: Conclusions Appendix: Bible Software List Works Cited Index
