theFormed.life Christ Community Church - KC

READ the written blog on our website:https://theformed.life/2024/04/experience-the-holy-spirit-in-contemplation-05-2/

READ the written blog on our website:https://theformed.life/2024/04/experience-the-holy-spirit-in-contemplation/

What does technology have to do with faith, and how does it shape our human story? Prepare to be challenged and inspired as John Dyer, PHD explores the profound impact of technology on our human story, from ancient biblical narratives to the digital age, and its implications for humanity and community. Together, we'll examine the theological dimensions of modern tools, wrestle with questions of AI and human uniqueness, and understand why technology can never be neutral. Join us for this enlightening episode of theFormed.life.
THREE KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Defining Technology: John Dyer redefines technology not just as digital gadgets but as any tool, device, or process that humans use to shape the world. From baking to the symbolism of the cross, technology encompasses all transformative practices.Media Ecology & Theology: Technology molds us as much as we mold it. John dexterously traces its impact from biblical times to today's social media-centric landscape. He shares how media ecology and the philosophy of technology are crucial in understanding the societal shifts influenced by tech advancements.Human Aspect & AI: In an age where AI questions often mirror deep, personal inquiries about worth and divine existence, John emphasizes the critical importance of community and personal connections. He advocates for balance and discernment in our increasingly automated world.

#TechnologyAndFaith #JohnDyerInsights #TheologicalPerspectives #HumanCreativity #DigitalDiscipleship #MediaEcology #TechImpactOnSociety #AIandTheology #CommunityAndConnection #theFormedLifePodcast

GUEST BIO: 
John Dyer is the Vice President for Enrollment and Educational Technology and assistant professor of Theological Studies at Dallas Theological Seminary. Having pursued theology at DTS, he obtained his Master of Theology (ThM) degree in 2008, followed by a PhD in sociology of religion from Durham University in 2019. Notably, he initially studied biochemistry and genetics at Texas A&M, even securing a patent on a molecule at one point. Since around 2000, John has been immersed in coding, gradually expanding his roles to include thoughtful reflection on technology's impact. His endeavors extend to teaching seminary students, delivering speeches at conferences, and crafting various tools such as bestcommentaries.com, biblewebapp.com, yallversion.com, and worship.ai. Many of these tools are open source and are utilized by prominent entities like Apple, WordPress, Microsoft, and the Department of Defense. Residing in the Dallas region, John shares his life with his remarkable wife, who serves as a literature and philosophy professor, and their two delightful children, a son and a daughter.

 
QUOTES:
"I do wanna make this distinction between older tools and then modern devices. So we talk a little bit about that, and I think the newer edition of my book spends some more time on that just so that we think about how a shovel might form us in a different way than a device or a screen might form us."
— John Dyer

“I think the AI movement that we're in right now is the generative AI stuff that really came out sort of the the fall of 22 in some way. And so all the stuff from text generation, image generation, and then now, you know, lots of the deep fake type videos are much much easier to produce."
— John Dyer

"Technology in that day meant something more like learning how to make stuff. So technology was the knowledge of making stuff. And so, eventually, the word technology becomes the stuff itself, and that was, you know, physical machines, and now it's, like, digital machines."
— John Dyer

RESOURCES:
From the Garden to the City: The Place of Technology in the Story of God - John Dyer
People of the Screen: How Evangelicals Created the Digital Bible and How It Shapes Their Reading of Scripture - John Dyer
From the Garden to the City: The Redeeming and Corrupting Power of Technology - John Dyer

KEYWORDS:
theology and technology, John Dyer, Dallas Theologica

READ the written blog on our website:https://theformed.life/2024/04/experience-the-holy-spirit-in-contemplation-03-2/

READ the written blog on our website:https://theformed.life/2024/04/experience-the-holy-spirit-in-contemplation-02/

How do Christians navigate the complex arena of cultural engagement with grace and truth in today's polarized society? In this episode of theFormed.life, Dr. Darrell Bock shares his insights on reconciling the tenets of faith with the demands of compassionate societal governance. We’ll explore the virtues of humility and respect in our interactions, and the importance of distinguishing between those who pose a threat and those who contribute positively to our communities. Join us for a discussion that aims to equip believers with the tools for thoughtful, effective, and loving cultural engagement.

THREE KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Compassionate, respectful approach to cultural engagement in a world of hostility and dogma, simply listening well without interjecting can win trust for a more fruitful conversation.Living out an authentic Christian faith that is positively engaging, inviting dialogue with humility and love rather than operating from a position of fear.The importance of listening to and understanding diverse cultural dynamics to foster meaningful, gospel-centered conversations within society.

#CulturalEngagement #CompassionateImmigration #ChristianLove #SpiritualDisciplines #EvangelicalismToday #RespectfulDialogue #LivingFaith #GospelHope #DrDarrellBock #theFormedLifePodcast

GUEST BIO: 
Dr. Bock has earned recognition as a Humboldt Scholar (Tübingen University in Germany), is the author of over 40 books, including well-regarded commentaries on Luke and Acts and studies of the historical Jesus, and work in cultural engagement as host of the seminary's Table Podcasts. He was president of the Evangelical Theological Society (ETS) from 2000 to 2001, served as a consulting editor for Christianity Today, and serves on the boards of Wheaton College and Chosen People Ministries. His articles appear in leading publications. He is often an expert for the media on NT issues. Dr. Bock has been a New York Times best-selling author in nonfiction; serves as a staff consultant for Bent Tree Fellowship Church in Carrollton, TX; and is elder emeritus at Trinity Fellowship Church in Dallas. When traveling overseas, he will tune into the current game involving his favorite teams from Houston—live—even in the wee hours of the morning. Married for over 40 years to Sally, he is a proud father of two daughters and a son and is also a grandfather.
 
QUOTES:
"So cultural intelligence is how to walk into that mix and how to interact well with that mix. The real key in the book is talking about becoming a good listener and engaging with people in a way in which your concerns and, in some cases, your agenda might need to be set aside for a while just to establish the relational connection you need in order to have the challenging conversations that inevitably come up because the the plate tectonics are rubbing against each other and pressure could be building."
— Dr. Darrell Bock
"I'm talking about films that are made that really ask live questions and what people are struggling with and wrestling with. And if you keep your ear close to the ground, you can see that they're wrestling with the value of family or the importance of legacy or the importance of test, there are values that pop up, because even though, you know, theology says we're totally deprived, it doesn't mean that we're we're as bad as we could be. It just means that we're that we're messed up, that it's not aligned, that it's dysfunctional. But there are some things about who we are in our instincts that actually reflect having been made in the image of God and being responsive to people. And you're looking for those kinds of things."
— Dr. Darrell Bock
"But in the end, if you don't have something positive or something aspirational to move the person towards that takes them towards the gospel and the good news, all you've done is critique them."
— Dr. Darrell Bock 
RESOURCES:
Cultural Intelligence: Living for God in a Diverse, Pluralistic World - Dr. Darrell L. BockJes