From the Garden to the City: The Place of Technology in the Story of God

by John Dyer

MP3 CD Format From ancient tools to modern devices, technology is part of what it means to be human and honor God

Christian discussion of technology tends to focus along prescriptive lines. Don't look at the wrong pictures. Don't interact with pride or wrath on social media. Be careful not to join an immodest TikTok trend. Listen only to Christian music and Christian podcasts.

But a biblical perspective on technology goes far deeper than how tools are used, and involves much more than the electronics that pervade today's world. Technology is, in fact, a foundational part of what it means to be human--and it extends back to the very beginning of Creation. Technology was included in what God declared "good." But like all things impacted by the fall, it has immense power to rewire us for good or bad.

John Dyer's popular From the Garden to the City is back in this fully revised and updated edition, moving beyond moralism in order to examine the very nature of technology as essentially human and totally transformative. Perfect for both classroom use and individual contemplation, this book encourages listeners to open their minds to see our technological world with biblical vision.

Genres: Technology

1 pages, Audio CD

Published September 13, 2022

Reviews

[jenna tucker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Genuinely had no expectations going in, read for a class and was pleasantly surprised! How he discusses technology’s impact on society and culture as a whole was really interesting. He argues that technology isn’t neutral. Definitely lost me in some parts talking about bitcoin and web3 but definitely found a lot he had to say to be very interesting!

[Adam Bloch · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book has a lot of good insights about technology and spiritual (all of life spirituality) practices. There were some minor theological things I could disagree with, but overall the book does a good job forcing the question(s) of what role technology has and does play in the lives of God’s people.

[Lillian McCulloch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Totally changed how I view technology as a Christian! I didn't realize before just how much the Bible has to say on technology. Insightful and influential. I hope to apply this book to my life this year, and recommend it to all Christians seeking answers on how to live God-fearing lives in a world filled with technology.

Reread: It holds up :).

[Christine · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have very mixed thoughts about this book. On one hand, I noticed that it was raising really important questions in my own life and how I viewed the role of technology in our world/faith, so, goal of the author achieved! I've referenced it in multiple conversations now. However, I found some of the arguments a bit reductionist, and the Biblical interpretations often felt like a bit of a stretch (needing a very broad definition of technology to find it in the Bible, so conclusions based on that perhaps felt a bit forced to me?).

If you're a fast reader, read it! If you're someone like me who will slog through if a book isn't truly piquing your interest, perhaps see if he has a podcast or lecture instead?

[Justin Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very thought-provoking.