Techno-demonology

Naming, Understanding and Redeeming the A/Human Agencies with Which We Share Our World

Authors

  • Bronislaw Szerszynski Lancaster University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1558/ecot.2006.11.1.57

Keywords:

New Testament, technology

Abstract

In this paper I argue that an important strand of ecotheology should be an articulated techno-demonology—an understanding of the ways that technologies increasingly confront us as indifferent or malign agencies. Drawing particularly on the New Testament language of spiritual agencies, I consider in turn three necessary components of techno-demonology. First, techno-demonology needs a taxonomic nomenclature, one which ‘names’ techno-demonological phenomena in a manner that reveals the specific ways in which the technologies can stand before us as autonomous powers. As a contribution to this task I distinguish between elementals (stoicheia) and powers (dynameis)—between technical systems which have become treated as ends in themselves, and have thus started to control human action, and technologies whose unanticipated side-effects overwhelm their intended purposes. Second, I suggest that techno-demonology should include an understanding of how such techno-demons arise; I thus give historical explanations for the proliferation of technological elementals and powers in the contemporary world. Finally, I argue that techno-demonology should include the redemptive task of restoring technology to its rightful place in creation.

Author Biography

  • Bronislaw Szerszynski, Lancaster University
    Senior Lecturer, Institute for Environment, Philosophy and Public Policy, Furness College, Lancaster University, Lancaster LA1 4YG, UK

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Published

2006-02-24

Issue

Section

Articles

How to Cite

Szerszynski, B. (2006). Techno-demonology: Naming, Understanding and Redeeming the A/Human Agencies with Which We Share Our World. Journal for the Study of Religion, Nature and Culture, 11(1), 57-75. https://doi.org/10.1558/ecot.2006.11.1.57