I’ve been appreciating Simon’s recent postings in Australia on his blog Simply Simon.
Simply Simon: Practicing theology resonates with me, for while I’ve taught and studied systematic theology, my heart lies very much with the connection of theological reflection and resourcing to everyday issues and spirituality. In my own research responding to narratives of apprehension (wonder + anxiety) about new technologies, I pose the everyday question, ‘why are human beings technological?’, and seek to answer it in a manner similar to the apologetic function of Paul Tillich’s ‘method of correlation’. (Which can be found in: Paul Tillich, “Systematic Theology, vol. 1”)
This method asserts that systematic theology ‘makes an analysis of the human situation out of which the existentialist questions arise, and it demonstrates that the symbols used in the Christian message are the answers to these questions’. For Tillich, human existence raises questions, particularly ontological ones, which are expressed philosophically. Theology’s task is to draw upon the symbols of revelation found within the Christian tradition to answer those questions in a form and language that connect with the situation of people in the everyday world. Tillich’s understanding is that these questions arise out of the human awareness of their finitude, their transience in this world, and the possibility of non-being. These things speak directly to the narratives of apprehension that are generated by technology in general, and transhumanist technologies in particular. Are there symbols within the Christian tradition that can apprehend and address the issues raised by human beings as technological creatures within the natural world?
Simon’s Simply Simon: Wellbeing in the neighbourhood comments upon the impact of acquiring material possessions and status upon overall human happiness and contentment. Shades of Alain de Botton’s ‘Status Anxiety‘ and the Epicurus part of ‘The Consolations of Philosophy‘. (I’ve read bits of the books, but watched the DVD’s of Status Anxiety and Philosophy: A Guide to Happiness. There’s a really interesting bit comparing different Christian views on status and wealth in the middle of the Status Anxiety DVD).
Simply Simon: Gates & gorillas observes the effects of ‘gated communities’ upon perceptions of the ‘other’. The emphasis here is upon residential communities, but could equally apply to spiritual ones which set up both real and virtual enclaves to keep safe from the world.
Plus, there’s stuff on food. Always a good thing.
Go and have a look.
