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An insightful critique of the often unthinking technophilia that pervades our culture, as viewed through the lens of the spiritual writings of Thomas Merton.
We are becoming a nation of superficial and distracted consumers of instant messages and images, a state of being which does not aid engagement in religious and other deep commitments that require a sustained level of reflection and contemplation.
In his thought-provoking work, Phillip M. Thompson analyses the shadow elements of technology - nuclear armaments, the bio-engineering of humans, and the distancing of humanity from the natural world - through the fascinating insights of the spiritual writer and monk Thomas Merton (1915-1968). Merton's work offers an important critique and healing resource for contemporary, technology-saturated culture through constructive recommendations which include a balanced approach to work, the careful management of technology, and an appreciation of the recuperative aspects of nature.
While understanding the positive influences of technology, Merton urges us not be naively optimistic about its benefits, but to consider the threat it poses to a life of humanity and spiritual connection. A consideration of the profound issues discussed in this book will interest any reader concerned with the intersection between spirituality and technology, and how to maintain spiritual integrity in a technological world.
We are becoming a nation of superficial and distracted consumers of instant messages and images, a state of being which does not aid engagement in religious and other deep commitments that require a sustained level of reflection and contemplation.
In his thought-provoking work, Phillip M. Thompson analyses the shadow elements of technology - nuclear armaments, the bio-engineering of humans, and the distancing of humanity from the natural world - through the fascinating insights of the spiritual writer and monk Thomas Merton (1915-1968). Merton's work offers an important critique and healing resource for contemporary, technology-saturated culture through constructive recommendations which include a balanced approach to work, the careful management of technology, and an appreciation of the recuperative aspects of nature.
While understanding the positive influences of technology, Merton urges us not be naively optimistic about its benefits, but to consider the threat it poses to a life of humanity and spiritual connection. A consideration of the profound issues discussed in this book will interest any reader concerned with the intersection between spirituality and technology, and how to maintain spiritual integrity in a technological world.
Price: $29.99
Pages: 132
Publisher: Boydell & Brewer Inc.
Imprint: Lutterworth Press
Publication Date:
31 January 2013
Trim Size: 9.02 X 5.98 in
ISBN: 9780718892951
Format: Paperback
...a thought-provoking and engaging critique of our contemporary technology-saturated culture, based on the insights of the monk Thomas Merton. [...] This book is an interesting contribution to our contemporary state of technological materialism and deserves a wide readership.
— Fiona Gardner
What Thompson provides is a contemplative way of reframing the questions posed by technology based on the rehumanization of society. It will be of interest to those interested in the place of technology in society and also to Merton scholars interested in a fresh angle in looking at him.
— Richard A. Davis
Professor Phillip M. Thompson proposes a critique of technique, targeting three topics: the risks of a nuclear war, the excessive amount of information, and overall the obsessive omnipresence of technology in our everyday life, from work to leisure, with direct consequences for our ways of thinking.
— Yves Laberge
Thompson's familiarity with and deep understanding of Merton's work enables him to convey Merton's insight and wisdom through a deft and intelligence use of his lucid and elegant prose. And this prose resonates with the reader, for even those unfamiliar with Merton become rapidly aware that this was a contemplative who lived apart from the world and yet was able to engage fully with it.[...] There is much more , of wisdom, warning and consolation, to be found in this rich and necessary book, and I would urge all of you who are reading this to take it up, to absorb its message and to give it out to the world.
— Fiona Gardner
What Thompson provides is a contemplative way of reframing the questions posed by technology based on the rehumanization of society. It will be of interest to those interested in the place of technology in society and also to Merton scholars interested in a fresh angle in looking at him.
— Richard A. Davis
Professor Phillip M. Thompson proposes a critique of technique, targeting three topics: the risks of a nuclear war, the excessive amount of information, and overall the obsessive omnipresence of technology in our everyday life, from work to leisure, with direct consequences for our ways of thinking.
— Yves Laberge
Thompson's familiarity with and deep understanding of Merton's work enables him to convey Merton's insight and wisdom through a deft and intelligence use of his lucid and elegant prose. And this prose resonates with the reader, for even those unfamiliar with Merton become rapidly aware that this was a contemplative who lived apart from the world and yet was able to engage fully with it.[...] There is much more , of wisdom, warning and consolation, to be found in this rich and necessary book, and I would urge all of you who are reading this to take it up, to absorb its message and to give it out to the world.
Preface
Acknowledgements
Introduction
List of Abbreviations
Chapter 1 A Contemplative Critique
Chapter 2 Avoiding the Nuclear Apocalypse
Chapter 3 Reforming the Information Age
Chapter 4 Choosing to be Human or Transhuman
Chapter 5 Some Balm for Gilead
Conclusion: From the Watchtower
Bibliography
Acknowledgements
Introduction
List of Abbreviations
Chapter 1 A Contemplative Critique
Chapter 2 Avoiding the Nuclear Apocalypse
Chapter 3 Reforming the Information Age
Chapter 4 Choosing to be Human or Transhuman
Chapter 5 Some Balm for Gilead
Conclusion: From the Watchtower
Bibliography