There are many useful thought-provoking insights which will be helpful to those wishing to gain a deeper theological perspective on the internet and its impact on all our futures.
A hitchhiker's guide to questions about the Net - combines basic information about cyberspace with some major ethical issues, all from a thoroughgoing Christian perspective. Well worth reading and reflecting on.
CYBERNAUTS AWAKE! is an important contribution to how the Church of England is responding to this debate. It asks challenging and, sometimes uncomfortable questions about both Luddite rejection and unquestioning acceptance of these new technologies.
The title of this report may give the impression that it is only directed to those working with, or responsible for, computer systems. However, the sub-title "Ethical and spiritual implications of computers, information technology and the Internet" gives a clearer indication of the report's wider topic and audience. The report is not only very concise, it uses clear simple language that makes it ideal for the non-specialist as well as the specialist. Although I find the words cybernauts and cyberspace rather off-putting (perhaps because they are so evocative), they are a useful shorthand. Consideration of new technologies can quickly become out of date but the book is so well researched that I suspect it will be useful for many years. The only indication that it is two years old is the reference to the then impending effects of the millennium bug.
After a general introduction, the report explains some of the basics of the technologies. This section can be glossed over by the expert but will be very useful for the lay person. I suspect that most readers will conclude that the effects of these new technologies are becoming more profound and pervasive than they had realised. In relation to cyberspace the report discusses the questions What is true? What are real relationships? Who has the power? and What is a person? In considering the last question, it brings some sensible arguments to a subject in which there are wild claims from the strong Artificial Intelligence camp.
The chapter entitled "Space Probing" is an excellent example of how to apply Christian principles to a complex area of life. The final questions, or probes as it calls them, are addressed to anyone who wants to use the technology responsibly. Although written from a Christian perspective, the report would be useful for all those who are concerned about human good and human flourishing.
It is a very balanced report which gives both the dangers and benefits of the new technologies. For example, it not only outlines the ill effects of cyberspace on communities but also points to the way cyberspace can positively help communities in our complex world. The ethical concerns affect all our lives now and these concerns will continue to grow as the technology advances.
There is advice for those who are responsible for implementing computer systems as well as those who purchase and use computers including parents and guardians. Heeding the advice in this chapter would, I am sure, have reduced the problems we have heard about during the introduction of computer systems in various public departments. Finally, there is a Christian perspective on these developments.
This report is of a very high standard. It could easily be used in a parish discussion group with great benefit. The report does not give easy answers to the many problems cyberspace raises. Rather, it explains the issues involved so that we are more able to make good decisions. The report ends with a very useful annotated bibliography. An excellent report which deserves wider publicity