theFormed.life

Have you ever wondered how technology impacts your faith and daily life? In today's episode, we press into this question alongside Dr. Felicia Wu Song, a sociology professor and author of "Restless Devices." Expect to hear an in-depth discussion on our human tendency to humanize AI, the crucial need to question who benefits from our data, and how sensory experiences and imperfections ground human relationships. We'll also explore the "Freedom Project," a set of experiments encouraging healthier digital habits, and reflect on balancing our tech uses with a faith-based perspective. Join us for a compelling conversation that promises practical insights and spiritual guidance on navigating our tech-driven world.

Bio

In 1995, Dr. Felicia Wu Song discovered Marshall McLuhan’s The Medium is the Massage, sparking a lifelong interest in the influence of media and technology on modern life. With a BA in History from Yale, an MA in Communication Studies from Northwestern, and a PhD in Sociology from the University of Virginia, Dr. Song embarked on a career exploring the societal impacts of communication technologies. Her early research focused on online communities and digital motherhood, and she spent over a decade teaching Sociology at Westmont College, where she mentored students and developed the ideas that shaped her book Restless Devices (2021). This work has since led Dr. Song to numerous opportunities to consult and speak to Christian communities, colleges, and seminaries on navigating the digital age.

Quotes

"I think what's interesting about thinking about our relationship with technology as analogous to our relationship with food, is that food is something we have to eat, and many of us would argue, well, technology isn't something that I can just throw out the window."

— Dr. Felicia Wu Song

"We spend so much time talking about FOMO, like, missing out on what's happening online, but I think there's so much missing out on other things. Right? Like, we're actually cutting ourselves off with so many other things that we just kinda forgot."

— Dr. Felicia Wu Song

"Once we take some time to reflect and realize how dependent we might be on our devices, and perhaps we aren't terribly happy about that, then we can try to experiment with what we can change."

— Dr. Felicia Wu Song

3 Main Takeaways

1. Critical Examination of AI and Technology: It is important to scrutinize who creates and profits from AI and how our data is used. The discussion highlights the need to value and preserve human qualities and experiences that AI cannot replicate, such as sensory interactions and the inherent imperfections in human relationships.

2. Healthy Digital Habits: The episode introduces the "Freedom Project," which involves a series of experiments to foster healthier relationships with technology. These include tasks like a 24-hour digital fast and exercises to alter daily digital habits, such as starting the day without a phone or eating without looking at a screen. These practices aim to help individuals reflect on their dependence on technology and discover more balanced ways of engaging with it.

3. Technology's Impact on Spiritual Formation: There's a strong emphasis on the intersection of technology with faith and spiritual practices. The discussions explore how digital technology often aligns with cultural values of efficiency and productivity, which can conflict with spiritual values that cherish human limitations and the "friction" in relationships. Reflective living, as opposed to unreflective adoption of tech practices, is encouraged to better align one's life with faith-based principles.

Resources

Restless Devices - Felicia Wu Song
Dignity and Destiny: Humanity in the Image of God - John F. Kilner
Food Rules: An Eater's Manual - Michael Pollan

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction

04:03 Feeling stuck due to technology.

07:54 Sociology and technology.

11:07 Efficiency worship.

15:19 Conformity vs transformation.

18:52 Relationship with technology vs food.

23:37 Left technology, found true connection.

24:42 How are AI tools changing technology?

30:56 Embrace humanity; cultivate empathy.

32:22 Jesus’ divine humility.

36:26 Reflection on technology dependency.

39:20 Experiment with different habits.

43:46 Final question.

46:26 Join theFormed.life for more resources!

Hashtags

#TechImpact #DigitalAwareness #HumanExperience #TheologicalPerspectives #FaithAndAI #DigitalFasting #RestlessDevices #HumanConnection #SpiritualFormation #theFormedLifePodcast

Keywords

AI human-like qualities, AI profit motives, human sensory experiences, AI versus human interaction, human limitations in relationships, technology and humanity, image of God and technology, Freedom Project, digital fast, technology dependence, tech industry influence, sociological perspective on technology, historical context of technology, cultural values and technology, human worth and productivity, digital technology and faith, theological navigation of technology, sociology of technology, Felicia Wu Song, Restless Devices book, tech design motives, attention economy, technology self-regulation, Michael Pollan food analogy, mindful technology consumption, student tech experiments, non-digital activities, fear of missing out (FOMO), life beyond technology, church leaders technology guidance

READ the written blog on our website:
https://theformed.life/2024/09/learn-about-sacrifice-08/

READ the written blog on our website:
https://theformed.life/2024/09/learn-about-sacrifice-07/

What does it mean to practice faith in a secular age? On today’s episode we explore this question with Dr. Andrew Root, a leading scholar in youth ministry and practical theology. Joining host Paul Brandes and Gabe Coyle, Andy delves into the profound cultural shifts in modern spirituality, influenced by philosopher Charles Taylor’s concept of the secular age. Discover how today's belief systems are more fragile and contested, leading people to seek meaning through personal quests. Andy shares insights from his initiatives, like a unique photography and poetry project, and offers thoughts on re-personalizing the world through sacramental reality and community. Tune in for an enlightening discussion on maintaining faith amidst modern challenges and finding divine encounters in everyday interactions. 

GUEST BIO

Andrew Root is the Carrie Olson Baalson Professor of Youth and Family Ministry at Luther Seminary, USA. He writes and researches in areas of theology, ministry, culture and younger generations.  His most recent books are Churches and the Crisis of Decline (Baker, 2022), The Congregation in a Secular Age (Baker, 2021), The End of Youth Ministry? (Baker, 2020), The Pastor in a Secular Age: Ministry to People Who No Longer Need God (Baker, 2019), Faith Formation in a Secular Age (Baker, 2017), and Exploding Stars, Dead Dinosaurs, and Zombies: Youth Ministry in the Age of Science (Fortress Press, 2018).

QUOTES

"Having someone just journey with you in suffering and in joy, I do think brings something like enchantment back. At the very least, it becomes a place, I think, where God moves."

— Dr. Andrew Root

"Let's continue to pray for your children's children. I mean, there's there's a long view here, I think, that we that we lose inside of this kinda secular age, that we become very tunnel vision because there isn't any meaning out there other than the meaning we make for ourself."
— Dr. Andrew Root

"If god isn't actually moving, if god doesn't take what is dead and bring life out of it, if god isn't coming near to us, then it all is kinda, you know, kinda pointless."

— Dr. Andrew Root

THREE TAKEAWAYS

1. Understanding the Secular Age: Andy Root elaborates on the concept of the secular age, as influenced by Charles Taylor's work. The secular age is not merely about declining church attendance but a profound shift in how people conceptualize their beliefs. In this era, belief systems are more fragile and contested, prompting individuals to realize they could hold different beliefs and still coexist with varying viewpoints.

2. Navigating Modern Spirituality and Fragilization: Root discusses the cultural shifts that have led people to find meaning through non-traditional spiritual quests, such as intense involvement in fitness regimes or digital experiences. He emphasizes the importance of addressing "fragilization," where both believers and non-believers experience moments of existential doubt. During these moments, churches and pastors should guide individuals to seek meaning and God, employing classic Christian practices like prayer to navigate this secular age.

3. Re-personalization Over Re-enchantment: Root questions the possibility of re-enchanting the modern world but suggests an alternative approach — re-personalization. By fostering personal relationships, communal care, and sacramental practices, individuals can experience a deeper sense of meaning and presence of the divine. This concept is exemplified by initiatives like the 'Peel Project,' which focuses on personal encounters and mutual recognition to counteract superficial cultural trends like selfie culture.

RESOURCES

Books

A Secular Age - Charles Taylor
The Ethics of Authenticity - Charles Taylor
How (Not) To Be Secular - James K.A. Smith

The Deepest Belonging - Kara K. Root

Dr. Andrew Root’s Books:

Churches and the Crisis of Decline

Faith Formation in a Secular Age: Responding to the Church's Obsession with Youthfulness

Christopraxis: A Practical Theology of the Cross

The Pastor in a Secular Age: Ministry to People Who No Longer Need a God 

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Introduction

05:17 Expanded ministry focus resulted in a six-volume series.

09:33 Americans lie about the church; secular beliefs are fragile.

12:15 Secular age offers varied spiritual paths nowadays.

14:39 Where is God in moments of brokenness?

19:09 Classic Christian practices help counter modern life burnout.

21:56 Ministries must embrace prayer, despite uncertain outcomes.

25:31 We often rationalize events with secular imagination.

27:35 Can we re-enchant the world or not?

33:06 Analyzing culture's role for Christian college students.

33:59 Recommend deeper resources for thoughtful church readers.

38:02 Regrets not pursuing stand-up comedy sooner.

41:20 Undersell introductions for better audience reactions.

Hashtags

#SecularAge #CulturalShift #SpiritualQuest #FragileBeliefs #CharlesTaylor #FaithInModernity #ChristianPractices #Reenchantment #LifeAndMinistry #theFormedLifePodcast

Keywords

Andy Root, secular age, youth ministry, Paul Brandes, Gabe Coyle, Charles Taylor, A Secular Age, fragilization, spirituality, cultural shifts, CrossFit, modern beliefs, reenchanting the world, prayer practices, existential doubt, Christian practices, ministry in a secular age, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, relational ministry, Peel Project, selfie culture, sacramental reality, community posture, waiting on God, accelerated lives, burnout, spiritual meaning, human encounters, reimagining faith, theological discourse, modern Western society.

READ the written blog on our website:
https://theformed.life/2024/09/learn-about-sacrifice-06/

READ the written blog on our website:
https://theformed.life/2024/09/learn-about-sacrifice-05/

How should we understand and navigate the complex interplay between gender as a social construct and theological teachings, within the context of the broader biblical narrative of creation, fall, redemption, and new creation? Throughout the episode, Fellipe do Vale and the hosts dig into various aspects of this question, discussing how gender is understood in theological circles, the implications of viewing gender through a social constructionist lens, and the need to situate these discussions within the deeper story of God's work in the world. They explore the ethical and theological considerations of gender, emphasizing the role of love and the guidance provided by scripture and community in making sense of gender in today's cultural contexts.

Bio

Dr. do Vale’s research is primarily on the connection between moral theology and theological anthropology. He focuses on gender, but also writes and teaches on political theology, theology of race, and other aspects of human identity, especially from an eschatological point of view. He is passionate about helping students see how the gospel of grace can richly saturate every aspect of human life. He is the author of Gender as Love: A Theological Account of Human Identity, Embodied Desire, and Our Social Worlds, along with articles in the International Journal of Systematic Theology, Pro Ecclesia, and others. He is also the winner of the 2023 “Emerging Public Intellectual” award, given by Redeemer University. Dr. do Vale enthusiastically supports Liverpool Football Club and the Brazilian National soccer team; he is fond of horror movies and fiction, wistful landscape paintings, and Richard Curtis rom-coms. He is married and has two kids. His family enjoys reading, going for walks, and generally getting outside.

Quotes

"So you have these two ways of trying to answer the question, what is gender? The social constructionist answer and the gender essentialist answer. And I'm trying to say that these both of these alternatives, they're they're entrenched in the conversation, but they're not very good. And so maybe we need to go back to the drawing board and start asking some better questions and coming up with some new categories."

— Fellipe Do Vale

"So the gendered world is out there. Right? Like, not to sound 2 x files on you. Right? The gendered world is out there, and we're all walking around in it."

— Fellipe Do Vale

"But in the in the face of these objections, a lot of people have opted for this other few thing that that gender is socially constructed, which is the one that I give the most time and attention to in the book just because that this is probably the view that if you go into a gender studies class in if you're in college and you go to gender studies class or if you pick up a book on gender studies or even, like, it's probably the majority view within theological circles, is this view that gender is socially constructed."

— Fellipe Do Vale

3 Main Takeaways

1. Gender as a Social Construct - Dr. Fellipe Do Vale explains that gender is largely understood as a social construct within theological circles, shaped by cultural norms and social contexts rather than fixed biological traits.

2. Theological Integration in Gender Discussions - Dr. Do Vale emphasizes the need to consider theological perspectives in discussions about gender, situating these conversations within the larger narrative of God’s creation, redemption, and restoration.

3. Love as the Ethical Framework - The discussion highlights love as the core framework for understanding gender and ethics. Evaluating gender roles and social goods through a lens of God-centered love helps navigate complex ethical dilemmas.

Resources

Gender As Love - Dr. Fellipe Do Vale

Timestamps:

00:00 Book "Gender as Love" explores theological identity.

04:54 Gender versus sex, often seen as incompatible.

08:43 Christian history, pastor opposes women's suffrage.

12:15 Gender is social construction, body + expression.

15:28 Challenges gender concepts, seeks better theological answers.

18:35 Paul's language in Ephesians about divine plan.

21:18 Musing about wisdom and gender in Proverbs.

25:59 Gender identity formed through social experiences and goods.

27:00 Our loves shape who we are deeply.

30:05 Gender defined by everyday discipleship, not just rules.

36:39 Flexible ethics for diverse contexts, emphasizing love.

38:03 Changed relationship with coffee, ethic of love.

41:28 Bible framework for ethics and gender discussion.

46:27 Fall wrecks love, turns hate, seeks control.

47:24 Jesus redeems and reshapes love and gender.

50:22 Waiting for dinner, anticipating Christian eschatology. Gender struggles.

53:36 Grateful for TED's role in church development.

Hashtags

#GenderTheology #SocialConstructs #CulturalContexts #TheologicalPerspectives #ChristianEthics #LoveAndDesire #BiblicalFramework #CommunityGuidance #DrFellipeDoVale #theFormedLifePodcast

Keywords

Gender, sex, cultural roles, theological perspective, universal truths, natural truths, sin, gender essentialism, socially constructed gender, social construction, personal example, cultural contexts, moral evaluation, theological view, biblical story, wisdom in creation, creation, fall, redemption, new creation, human relationships, desires, love, domination, creaturely goodness, social goods, gendered nature, daily activities, identity language, Augustine's thoughts, ethical considerations.

READ the written blog on our website:
https://theformed.life/2024/09/learn-about-sacrifice-04/

READ the written blog on our website:
https://theformed.life/2024/08/learn-about-sacrifice-03/

Welcome to theFormed.life podcast, where today we are discussing essential spiritual practices for navigating political engagement through a faith-driven lens. Emphasizing the crucial roles of fervent prayer, unity, and maintaining a non anxious presence amidst polarization, this conversation offers actionable insights. Learn how informed voting, prioritizing identity in Jesus Christ, and cultivating a virtuous life can ensure your political involvement aligns with your calling as citizens of God's kingdom.

Quotes

"We were created for connection, relational connection. We're redeemed with connection and mind. So I think the presence piece also reminds each one of us of the importance of connection, practicing the presence of God in our daily life, experiencing his empowered presence wherever God has called us, and then also in community."

— Tom Nelson  

 "So I mean even though it's not perfect, even though it's hard, I do think we have a stewardship of voting and I think faithful presence as a Christians, there's more than voting, of course. But we should vote."

— Tom Nelson

"We talked about praying together but you know we were created to be connected to one another. And one of the great concerns I have, the evil one, is that the tendency of polarization and some of the things we're dealing with, it becomes very isolating. It's driven by fear and anxiety. And God designed his church and people to find connection with each other, encouragement, not fear but connection."

— Tom Nelson

3 Main Takeaways

1. The Power of Prayer: Highlights the importance of fervent and regular prayer for spiritual awakening in the church, culture, and nation, promoting a renewed love for Jesus and profound societal impacts.

2. Faithful Presence in Politics: The episode emphasizes Christians maintaining their primary identity in Jesus Christ while engaging in politics. It discusses "faithful presence" and the cultivation of virtues like love, peace, and patience for meaningful and non-polarizing engagement.

3. Community and Informed Conversations: Emphasis is placed on being informed voters, especially at the local level, and fostering sensitive, face-to-face discussions within the community. The goal is to normalize conversations about differing opinions and focus on personal and communal growth during election seasons.

Resources

Scripture

The Lord's Prayer - Matthew 6:9-13 

Virtues from Scripture - Galatians 5:22-23

Divine Virtue - 2 Peter 1:2-4

Books

Faithful Presence: Seven Disciplines That Shape the Church for Mission - David E. Fitch  

Deeply Formed Life: Five Transformative Values to Root Us in the Way of Jesus - Rich Villodas  

The Common Rule: Habits of Purpose for an Age of Distraction - Justin Whitmel Earley  

Timestamps

00:00 Three cultural postures drawn from biblical principles.

05:40 Equipping for Monday life: prayer is vital.

09:29 Boldly pray for wisdom, persistence in prayer.

11:24 Citizens of kingdom get things done through prayer.

16:19 Prayer transforms us into hopeful, realistic people.

18:13 Emphasizing God's daily presence and relational connection.

22:52 Voting is hard but a stewardship.

23:58 Encourage wide reading, understanding, and balanced perspectives.

28:22 Caution urged for online communication and virtue formation.

30:31 Reflect on election season, cultivate virtue, discuss tensions.

34:06 Strive for virtues to grow in knowledge.

37:06 Virtue and fruit of the spirit explained.

39:56 Balancing work and fatherhood with personal liturgy.

44:28 Art gallery visit, friend captivated by painting.

47:14 Prayer for impact and guidance throughout the week.

Hashtags

#FaithfulPresence #SpiritualAwakening #PrayForLeaders #UnityInChrist #VirtuousLiving #EngageWell #HopeInJesus #PoliticalWisdom #ChristCenteredIdentity #CommunityCare

Keywords

fervent prayer, spiritual awakening, God's sovereignty, church unity, praying for wisdom, political context, government leaders, voting challenges, informed decision-making, digital engagement, face-to-face conversations, primary identity in Jesus, spiritual warfare, faithful presence, local elections, listening well, meaningful engagement, Formed Out Life podcast, biblical principles, postures and practices, kingdom citizenship, routine prayer, historical spiritual awakening, differing opinions, cultivating virtue, non-anxious presence, thoughtful engagement, mission of the podcast, political engagement, fruit of the spirit.