As some of you may have picked up from the Emerging Scholars Network Facebook Wall, What is the Hope for Humanity? A discussion of technology, politics, and theology (1:26:47) has been receiving my attention this weekend. What is the Hope for Humanity? is a Veritas Forum featuring theologian N.T. Wright and Peter Thiel (founder of PayPal). I offer their dialogue and our own interactions with it as a helpful tool in considering/reflecting upon the source of “our hope” (individually and corporately in our various communities) as we enter the fall term with our “eyes on the prize(s) set before us”. I encourage you to watch the video with some friends (e.g., hangout for an evening in person and/or share on-line to discuss over the course of several days).
Some questions I’ve asked myself (in the context of the larger question “In what manner does a Christian bring a unique perspective to the discussion?”) and pass along to you.
- What is the difference between hope and optimism?
- What is the fount (or is the image of a “deep well” more appropriate) from which we find our sense of hope springing/flowing?
- How much have I/we been disappointed by the modernist narrative? Why?
- Why have I/we been reluctant to engage the post-modernist “narratives”?
- What do I/we truly have to offer in its place?
- Is cynicism knocking on my/our door? With what do I/we resist cynicism?
- Who do I /we consider an inspiring leaders (historical, current)? Why?
- How do they shape my/our sense of hope?
- What societal and/or technological change to I/we truly desire? And at what pace?
- How do I/we care for my head, heart, and hands in a manner which truly expresses love for God, neighbor, and creation all the days of my life — whether shorter or longer than expected? How much should I/we strive to live longer “in this life”?
- How do I/we envision the new heavens and the new earth? Is it a flashback to a previous era, similar to the current time, a futuristic vision, a unique blending together of times?
Feel free to post some responses (and additional questions). In addition, stay tuned not only for some of my reflections, but also more questions. Brainstorm:Â maybe I should ask some of our resource friends (e.g., interviewees to join the conversation.
Note: I came across this video while exploring the relevant blog page on the Christian Engineering Society’s website. Derek Schuurman, a computer science professor at Redeemer University College and author of the recent book Shaping a Digital World: Faith, Culture and Computer Technology (IVP, 2013), posted it on his blog. Yes, this book is in the “review queue” 🙂