In the last chapter we discussed three emerging themes: reality, relationship and power. These themes are central in Christian ethics. In this chapter we consider what principles in Christian ethics are applicable to our exploration of cyberspace.
Many of the implications of cyberspace remain unexplored and the future of the technology is unknown. The opportunity to contribute to the development and use of cyberspace is available now. The speed of change need not deter us from elucidating and applying right principles for participation. The liturgy of Christian worship and prayer, offering as it does a glimpse of eternity, lifts us out of the onward rush of technological change and provides a distinctive point from which to discern which of many possible attitudes to technology, and which of its many applications, are the true and good ones. Our challenge in cyberspace, as in all other areas of our lives, is to discover God's will and to enact it.
The Christian story provides the foundation from which to derive principles of action. The story itself invites a response, and the principles suggest what that response should be. First, we shall outline the story; then we shall identify and apply the principles which seem to us to be apposite to our task of probing cyberspace. The chapter finishes with three 'probes' by which to assess developments and uses of the new technology, to assist the thinking of those who wish to participate in it responsibly.