|
Disciplines
• Computer Science
• Computer Engineering
• Electrical Engineering
• Industrial And Manufacturing
Religious links: Advances in technology
have long been tied to religious uses, from
the printing press disseminating copies
of the Bible, to the Internet, where information
and discussions about religion pervade.
As we advance into the 21st century, technology
will offer more tests to religion and ethical
beliefs, as well as more ways people can
express religious beliefs through technology.
Today's technology:
Today's computer science, engineering and
manufacturing include multimedia communication
and networking, human-machine-computer interfaces,
scientific visualization, intelligent information
management and systems, electronics, robotics,
semi-conductors, biomedical engineering,
and more. Designers and implementers in
these fields have exciting opportunities
for increasing human capability and learning
more about the world.
Historically, religion
has adapted to changing world-views and
technologies, both influencing and being
affected by them. For example, religious
themes are a growing market in the video
game industry. "Al-Quraysh," a
strategy game, tells the story of Islam's
first 100 years from the viewpoint of four
nations, Bedouins, Arabs, Persians and Romans.
A video game based on the "Left Behind"
series of Christian novels has drawn criticism
for allowing players to be virtually tempted
by forces of evil, convert others to Christianity,
or kill them.
Web sites devoted to information
and discussion of religions are pervasive,
with a popular feature asking people to
fill out virtual surveys to discover which
"faith," "biblical character"
or "faith leader" they are. Advances
in technology have also been useful in preserving
and disseminating religious texts. Today,
people can read the entire Bible, Koran
and other texts on-line, and many sites
are searchable by chapter, phrase or keyword,
even on hand-held electronic devices. Advances
in virtual visualization could also address
the challenge of translating religious experience.
Language: Computer
technology and engineering can create a
universal language. Technology draws on
expertise based around the world. It is
not uncommon to have engineers from various
languages, cultures and nationalities working
together on projects, as well as designing
for markets different from their own backgrounds.
However, one should not assume there is
not religious/cultural/ethnic diversity
among them because they function in the
universal language of technology. By understanding
different religions and cultures, engineers
can be sensitive to other markets' cultural
norms, as well as those of fellow colleagues.
Religion and technology
have in common the ways they can define
and direct the course of human life, for
positive or negative. Today, some people
talk of computers becoming "their religion,"
because they inspire such devotion. Anyone
debating pro-Mac or pro-PC might see as
potential a deadlock as those declaring
the superiority of their religious faith
over another.
Religion has indirectly
influenced the language of computing as
well. An example is the popular "avatar,"
the representation of a user of virtual
reality such as a computer role-playing
game, virtual community, Internet forum,
instant messaging or e-mail profile. In
Hindu philosophy, an avatar (from Sanskrit
"avatara," meaning "descent"),
commonly refers to the incarnation of a
higher being or the Supreme Being onto planet
Earth. The term is used primarily in Hinduism
for incarnations of Vishnu, whom many Hindus
worship as God. In Vedanta, a school of
philosophy within Hinduism, and non-theistic
schools of Vedic thought, an avatar is the
supreme perfection of a human yogic practitioner.
Today the word has gone from meaning a bodily
manifestation of a god to the bodily manifestation,
or incarnation, of an entity not oneself.
Issues today: Programmers
and engineers can find job opportunities
amid the growing industry and market for
religiously themed goods, from video games
to electronic religious references. As places
of worship become more high-tech, including
PowerPoint sermons, digital recording, podcasting,
and integrated lighting, visuals and sound,
there are increased opportunities in system
design.
Advances in technology
also invite ethical discussion. Are there
pros and cons to designing video games focused
on killing or oppressing, or that depict
one religion as superior to others? Does
blending human and machine improve quality
of life or replace human life? Is it ethical
to displace human workers by employing computers
and machines? Movies such as "The Matrix"
examined whether a computer can have a soul,
and whether computers would be concerned
with spiritual or religious issues. One
could ask, does our ability to create virtual
"life" make us virtual "gods?"
Those working in technological fields will
be at the forefront of these advances and
debates.
Zygon:
Journal of Religion & Science
Science
and Christian Belief
Theology
and Science
American
Academy of Religion Syllabi Search
Robots and Religion
Signe Cohen
University of Missouri
Affiliation of Christian Engineers
American Society of Engineers of Indian Origin
Association of Christian Engineers and Scientists: (503) 228-0779
Association of Christians in Mathematical Sciences
Association of Muslim Scientists & Engineers
Christian Engineering Society
International Muslim Association of Scientists & Engineers
Jewish High Tech Community
Pagan Internet Designers & Developers Association
• Also see listing for Business
• See a full list of professional associations and resources here.
|
