A Christian Field Guide To Technology For Engineers And Designers

Our technology shapes the way we live, interact, work, play, and even worship. Technology and its power are both old and new—as is the wisdom we need to envision, design, build, and use it well. For Christians passionate about developing technology, it's not always clear how their faith and work intersect. How can designing and using technology actually be a way of loving God and our neighbors? Veteran engineers and teachers Ethan Brue, Derek Schuurman, and Steve VanderLeest provide a field guide for fellow explorers working with technology. Using numerous case studies, historical examples, and personal stories, they explore issues such as: biblical themes and passages that relate to technology the ethics and norms involved in technology design how engineering and technology tap into human dreams for a better world Along the way they acknowledge the challenges arising from technology but also point to the wonderful possibilities it offers us and its ability to contribute to the common good. For Christians studying and working in engineering, computer science, technical design, architecture, and related fields, this book is packed with wisdom and practical guidance. By sharing what they have learned, the authors encourage readers to ask harder questions, aspire to more noble purposes, and live a life consistent with their faith as they engage with technology.

We're constantly invited to think about the future of technology as a progressive improvement of tools: our gadgets will continue to evolve, but we humans will stay basically the same. In the future, perhaps even alien species and intelligent robots will coexist alongside humans, who will grapple with challenges and emerge as the heroes. But the truth is that radical technological change has the power to radically shape humans as well. We must be well informed and thoughtful about the steps we're already taking toward a transhuman or even posthuman future. Can we find firm footing on a slippery slope? Biblical ethicist Jacob Shatzer guides us into careful consideration of the future of Christian discipleship in a disruptive technological environment. In Transhumanism and the Image of God, Shatzer explains the development and influence of the transhumanist movement, which promotes a "next stage" in human evolution. Exploring topics such as artificial intelligence, robotics, medical technology, and communications tools, he examines how everyday technological changes have already altered and continue to change the way we think, relate, and understand reality. By unpacking the doctrine of the incarnation and its implications for human identity, he helps us better understand the proper place of technology in the life of the disciple and avoid false promises of a posthumanist vision. We cannot think about technology use today without considering who we will become tomorrow.

Digital technology has become a ubiquitous feature of modern life. Our increasingly fast-paced world seems more and more remote from the world narrated in Scripture. But despite its pervasiveness, there remains a dearth of theological reflection about computer technology and what it means to live as a faithful Christian in a digitally-saturated society. In this thoughtful and timely book, Derek Schuurman provides a brief theology of technology, rooted in the Reformed tradition and oriented around the grand themes of creation, fall, redemption and new creation. He combines a concise, accessible style with penetrating cultural and theological analysis. Building on the work of Jacques Ellul, Marshall McLuhan and Neil Postman, and drawing from a wide range of Reformed thinkers, Schuurman situates computer technology within the big picture of the biblical story. Technology is not neutral, but neither is there an exclusively "Christian" form of technological production and use. Instead, Schuurman guides us to see the digital world as part of God's good creation, fallen yet redeemable according to the law of God. Responsibly used, technology can become an integral part of God's shalom for the earth.

Crucial to the current public debate about schools, curriculum, testing, academic standards, and teacher training are the voices of successful teachers, like Kathy Greeley who speak to the dangers of an overemphasis on standardized testing and a punitive, back to basics approach. In this captivating and lively chronicle of a year in the life of a public school classroom, Greeley provides an alternative model of education and shows how a strong and supportive community is essential in helping students reach their highest potential. Included in her account are: Specific projects that explain in detail critical practices in the classroomClass discussions that show efforts to interweave academic study with personal awarenessExcerpts from student journals An honest and full description of daily failures and frustrations as well as successes and victories “While individuals remote from classrooms continue to dictate educational policy for the nation, gritty brigades of teachers across America continue their heroic efforts day by day. Kathy Greeley, one of the best teachers of young adolescents, tells a dramatic story of curriculum and community—a story that is never told by policymakers but which must be heard and retold if we are to have quality education for all children.” —Howard Gardner, Harvard Graduate School of Education “With humility, insight, and humor, Kathy Greeley tells us the story of a year in class with her lively kids and thereby shows us a way of learning and a kind of schooling that all American children deserve.” —Theodore R. Sizer, Coalition of Essential Schools

Following the Biblical story line of creation, fall-redemption-consummation, Spykman's "new paradigm" systematics represents a notable revision of the traditional loci method--Spykman has reordered the basic Christian dogmas in a bold attempt to overcome the rationalist-scholastic influences inherent in the older method.

Katla has everything she desires. Named a Victor for slaying her first dragon, she is content with the honorary festivities and congratulations, gifts and pride. Her success was never meant to attract an inescapable marriage contract with the King's nephew, to force upon her a title she never sought to bear.She sets off to carry out a deed so great, the honor to break the agreement will be undeniably hers. Whispers of a new sort of beast travel across the water, and her sword has never felt lighter. Her foe is clear. The only one who stands in the way of her freedom is the Dragon Rider, and every breath they still draw.Aidan knows something has changed. Never before has the barbaric Sigurd Clan moved quite like this; with human captives, an influx of warships for their growing armada, imprisoned dragons and stolen scales. The Sigurd are preparing, and a noose has slipped around the Voluspian Isles. He is no longer enough to force it back.A dragon waits at his back as a girl holds a blade to his throat, and they will find that worlds may need to converge, in order to save those from which they come.

As technology weaves itself more tightly into everyday life, socio-economic development has become intricately tied to these ever-evolving innovations. Technology management is now an integral element of sound business practices, and this revolution has opened up many opportunities for global communication. However, such swift change warrants greater research that can foresee and possibly prevent future complications within and between organizations. The Handbook of Research on Engineering Innovations and Technology Management in Organizations is a collection of innovative research that explores global concerns in the applications of technology to business and the explosive growth that resulted. Highlighting a wide range of topics such as cyber security, legal practice, and artificial intelligence, this book is ideally designed for engineers, manufacturers, technology managers, technology developers, IT specialists, productivity consultants, executives, lawyers, programmers, managers, policymakers, academicians, researchers, and students.

Digital Mission: A Practical Guide for Ministry Online is designed as a theological and methodological exploration of online ministry with the specific goal of aiding the reader in creating an implementable online ministry strategy for a church or ministry. We are in the midst of a digital eruption. Digital technology has done more than interrupt or disrupt our everyday lives: it has erupted and completely transformed the landscape around us. S.I.M. technology (Social media, Internet technology and Mobile technology) along with its younger sibling G.R.A.I.N. (Genetics, Robotics, Artificial Intelligence and Nanotechnology) are reshaping our world so fast that we rarely take the time to stop and take note of what is happening and how we are adapting (or not adapting) to the new digital landscape. This book is designed to help you to stop, observe, and adapt thoughtfully and purposefully. The following pages will attempt to answer the questions: What are the impacts of digital technology? What are the possibilities that they open for the church? What are the potential problems and risk factors? How do congregational leaders plan effective online ministry initiatives that will be faithful theologically to the nature of the church and the mission of God? How do churches move beyond simply transferring ministries online?