Or, I hope so. It sounds promising. At least they are asking the question. We’ll have to see what the conversation brings.
Interesting that this is happening; I’ve been looking allover for people excited/energized by Social Media/New Media/â€online faith†that are NOT solely entranced by the “evangelism/get “the message out there†aspect; this to me seems to ignore the McLuhan insight that “the medium is the message†– the idea that theology and how it is “conceived†and “thought†and “articulated†is somehow unaffected by the channels by which it comes and goes.
Hence the urgent need for a conference to empower pastors, laypeople, and the up-and-coming theologians of the next generation to do “theology after Google,†theology for a Google-shaped world. Thanks to the Ford funding, we’ve been able to assemble a stellar team of cultural creatives and experts in the new modes of communication. We are also inviting a selection of senior theologians, and well as some of the younger theologians (call them “theobloggersâ€) whose use of the new media (blogging, podcasts, YouTube posts) is already earning them large followings and high levels of influence. For two and a half days, in workshops and in hands-on sessions, in lectures and over drinks, these leading figures will be at your disposal to teach you everything they know.
Theology After Google | Transforming Theology
Of course, this conference frustrates me that it is in California. Not exactly the most accessible place for those of us East of the Mississippi.
Nevertheless, I’ll be watching whatever is “put out there†on all the available channels.
Yes, Ryan! Thanks for commenting. I have been looking hard at Twitter Lists trying to find church folks who see this. I hope this is an event that will generate enough momentum and success to bring it to the other coast, or some place central. Glad to see Claremont hosting it.
I totally agree – we have the 'tech is neutral' camp, so you use tech in any way you can to spread the gospel. Then we have the prophetic Luddite camp — just say no to tech. There are very few who look to immerse themselves in this world completely aware of the strength of the these tech powers, completely aware of the dangers, yet looking to embody their faith in the midst of a very different world. The way forward is not an absolute yes or no to google, but those options seem to be the major players today…
Yes, Ryan! Thanks for commenting. I have been looking hard at Twitter Lists trying to find church folks who see this. I hope this is an event that will generate enough momentum and success to bring it to the other coast, or some place central. Glad to see Claremont hosting it