Can Religion Withstand Technology?
A conversation between a devout Muslim scientist, a skeptic, and a sociologist of religion
Participants:
-Iqbal Muzaffar Ph.D. (Muslim Scientist)
-Michael Schermer (skeptic)
-Donald Miller (sociologist)
Summary:
There are two main topics in their conversation:
1) How does technology interact with religion?
2) Does technology force a divide (fundamentalist vs extremist) within specific religions? (Islam, Judaism)
Topic 1:
Muzaffar argues that humans have a need for deep self understanding, but technology serves to distract one from reaching those understandings. Further, technology has permeated society to the extent that one cannot escape it. We are constantly bombarded by the effects of technology. Muzaffar uses the example of taking a pilgrimage to Mecca. In the past it would take an extended period of time, by camel, and it would involve long periods of isolation allowing for the “concentration” of one’s inner being. Today, cell phones, and other forms of
technology, have made this end goal much more difficult to
achieve.
In response to Muzaffar, Schermer argues that escaping technology is as simple as turning off one’s cell phone.
Technology does not have to interfere with religion. Miller’s and Schermer’s arguments share some similarities. The former also posits that technology does not necessarily interfere with one’s religion. He goes further
by claiming that it can support it. Eg. Churches using high quality speakers
for their services.
Topic 2:
Schermer claims that religions are responsible for encouraging violence. He uses the example of the Islamic extremists responsible for the attacks on the World Trade centre. Muzffar posits that one cannot equate fundamentalism with extremism because the fundamental tenets of Islam are to be moderate. Miller
responds by claiming that religion is not solely responsible. Other isms also deserve blame (Nationalism).
Technology is credited with widening the divide within certain religions (Islam, Judaism).
It encourages some to return to more traditional understandings of their religion while others go the opposite direction through the adoption of technology.
Key Terms:
Fundamentalism: a reactionary movement against modern religious interpretations with the intent
of returning to a ‘purer’ understanding of any given religion.
Participants:
-Iqbal Muzaffar Ph.D. (Muslim Scientist)
-Michael Schermer (skeptic)
-Donald Miller (sociologist)
Summary:
There are two main topics in their conversation:
1) How does technology interact with religion?
2) Does technology force a divide (fundamentalist vs extremist) within specific religions? (Islam, Judaism)
Topic 1:
Muzaffar argues that humans have a need for deep self understanding, but technology serves to distract one from reaching those understandings. Further, technology has permeated society to the extent that one cannot escape it. We are constantly bombarded by the effects of technology. Muzaffar uses the example of taking a pilgrimage to Mecca. In the past it would take an extended period of time, by camel, and it would involve long periods of isolation allowing for the “concentration” of one’s inner being. Today, cell phones, and other forms of
technology, have made this end goal much more difficult to
achieve.
In response to Muzaffar, Schermer argues that escaping technology is as simple as turning off one’s cell phone.
Technology does not have to interfere with religion. Miller’s and Schermer’s arguments share some similarities. The former also posits that technology does not necessarily interfere with one’s religion. He goes further
by claiming that it can support it. Eg. Churches using high quality speakers
for their services.
Topic 2:
Schermer claims that religions are responsible for encouraging violence. He uses the example of the Islamic extremists responsible for the attacks on the World Trade centre. Muzffar posits that one cannot equate fundamentalism with extremism because the fundamental tenets of Islam are to be moderate. Miller
responds by claiming that religion is not solely responsible. Other isms also deserve blame (Nationalism).
Technology is credited with widening the divide within certain religions (Islam, Judaism).
It encourages some to return to more traditional understandings of their religion while others go the opposite direction through the adoption of technology.
Key Terms:
Fundamentalism: a reactionary movement against modern religious interpretations with the intent
of returning to a ‘purer’ understanding of any given religion.
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