Review from The Expository Times May 2000, posted by kind permission.

The aim of this high-powered group is to produce a book which will be read both by the near beginner and by the expert. The book is published in full on the Internet at www.cybernaughtsawake.net.

In their introductory first chapter they outline the way computers have had a pervasive and profound impact on the whole of life, producing great benefits and creating great problems. The moral questions which this raises are so novel and so completely outside the existing moral consensus that it is necessary to figure out right and wrong all over again. I had not realized that the term ‘cyberspace’ was coined by William Gibson in a science fiction novel published in the ominous year 1984.

The second chapter of the working party’s report examines what cyberspace means to us, and explains such things as Internet service providers, bulletin boards, search engines, and the storing of information in digital form. This leads into the discussion of some of the ways in which cyberspace is changing our thoughts, feelings and actions, and even the way we perceive the truth. The group believes that Christians should seek to play an active role in the shaping process and thus influence cyberspace.

The report proposes that the basis of such action should be ‘the Christian story’ of creation, sin and reconciliation through Christ, even though biblical ‘proof texts’ are sometimes offered in the discussions. Christians should acknowledge that God is ultimately responsible for what happens on earth, live in grateful love, endeavour to include all human beings, recognize human frailty, and seek to grow into the fullness of humanity through the Holy Spirit. All this is then related to the development and use of the technology of cyberspace.

From here the report moves to consider relationships, which the Internet makes possible across the world, seeing this as a ‘good thing’. Yet immediate, physical relationships remain important because, although cyberspace relationships are ‘real’, human beings are not disembodied spirits and relationships which are fully human must be physical, within space and time. Other issues concern businesses, electronic commerce, and change work patterns. The new situation disturbs traditional attitudes towards property, theft and personal privacy.

Looking into the future, the members of the working party suggest that the time is not too far away when it will be possible to implant computers into human brains. And in the final chapter sharply pointed advice is offered to those directly involved with cyperspace. An Appendix contains an annotated bibliography. This is a useful compendium of information and comments.

The members of the working party, however, are all enthusiasts, and the opportunities and benefits of computers and information technology dominate over harm and loss. There is inadequate recognition of the dangers that Dr Habgood hints at. While not quite an apologetic for the Internet, it comes close to it. I am disturbed by the suggestion that ‘compassion’ should be shown for those refusing to engage with cyberspace, even when this is balanced by compassion for those who find it exciting and life-transforming. So, a valuable report, which needed to take a more critical view than it does.