Description
Book SynopsisIn The Future of Religion and the Religion of the Future, Theodore John Rivers explores the changing relationship between technology and religion. Rivers draws upon his expertise in the fields of medieval and religious history to discuss how the promotion of Christianity and monasticism in the Middle Ages began a process that has lent religious undertones to the way in which we interact with modern technology. Rivers ultimately suggests that the growing presence of technology makes it a likely candidate for the next religious form, competing with all the major religions in place today.
Table of ContentsPreface Acknowledgments Chapter 1: Religion: An Attempt at a Definition Introduction Sociability Causality Practicality Rationality Belief System Conclusion Chapter 2: Christianization of Technology Introduction The Biblical Background Linearity of Time Monasticism Conclusion Chapter 3: Secularization and Its Effects on Technology Introduction Historical Background Technology's Essential Characteristics Technology's Fatalism Technology's Mediocrity Conclusion Chapter 4: Technology and Religion: A Metaphysical Challenge Introduction The Threat of Technology Religious Applications How Religion Was Perceived in the Past How Religion is Perceived in the Present How Religion Might Be Perceived in the Future Conclusion Chapter 5: Technological Theology Introduction The Nature of Technology Technological Theology Conclusion Chapter 6: The Future of Religion and the Religion of the Future Introduction Domination by Technology The Potentiality of Technology as a Religion Conclusion Bibliography Index
