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Technology and religion: A metaphysical challenge

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  • John Rivers, Theodore

Abstract

This paper describes how technology threatens conventional religions, but it also proposes that technology itself may become a religion. Although technology does not challenge religion with deliberate intent, nevertheless it is a challenge because it contains several inherent characteristics that collectively strengthen technology as a likely candidate for a religion. The importance of religion in past and present societies is discussed as well as its role in future societies. In addition to technology's inherent characteristics, technology is also aided by historical events that concern the weakening of Christianity and the Christian conception of the universe since the 16th century. This weakening or dissolution of Christianity has secularized the modern age, which conflicts with the religious premise of Western civilization. In addition to secularization, the modern age is characterized by nihilism, which has filled the void caused by this dissolution and which concerns the negation of traditional values (religious and non-religious), or at least the sublimation of higher values to lower ones. Technology has become religiously important because of the development of all these factors.

Suggested Citation

  • John Rivers, Theodore, 2006. "Technology and religion: A metaphysical challenge," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 28(4), pages 517-531.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:teinso:v:28:y:2006:i:4:p:517-531
    DOI: 10.1016/j.techsoc.2006.09.003
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    Cited by:

    1. Coccia, Mario, 2014. "Socio-cultural origins of the patterns of technological innovation: What is the likely interaction among religious culture, religious plurality and innovation? Towards a theory of socio-cultural drive," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 36(C), pages 13-25.

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