The Theology of Technology

Abstract

In this chapter, we consider another aspect of the nexus of religion and technology. This is the idea that theology can actually inform technology. We start off distinguishing the term “theology of technology” from “cybertheology.” Cybertheology still waits an adequate definition, but it is some vague notion that there is “theology” happening with technology simply because we call it such, and have a religious theme. Thus, we may find “theological” significance in the way the Internet “connects” people, as they may be “connected” in a spiritual bond, and call it “cybertheology.” However, the “theology of technology” is concerned with “conventional theology” being applied to technology. We examine six different patterns for the way that science and theology have been related, and consider how in AI, technology and theology are related in some special ways.