Homebrewed Christianity

Michael Morelli: Jacques Ellul & the Technological Society

Jul 13, 2024

In this engaging discussion, Dr. Michael Morelli, an expert on Jacques Ellul and Assistant Professor of Theology & Ethics, dives deep into the ethical quagmire of modern technology. He critiques how technology has become a contemporary idol, demanding sacrifices from society. The conversation also explores the dark dynamics of power and its link to innovation, examining warfare and propaganda's role in shaping our realities. With an emphasis on critical reflection, Morelli connects the implications of technology to faith, identity, and modern life.

01:48:53

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Michael Morelli

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Quick takeaways

Jacques Ellul critiques technology as a pervasive force shaping human identity, urging caution against blind faith in technological progress.

The concept of 'technique' identifies a cultural obsession with efficiency, threatening human flourishing and promoting alienation and disempowerment.

Ellul’s insights offer hope through resilience and creativity, advocating for a reflective approach that prioritizes ethical considerations and human dignity.

Deep dives

Exploring Jacques Ellul's Critique of Technology

Jacques Ellul, a prominent philosopher and social critic, provides a critical lens through which to scrutinize the relationships between humanity and technology. He posits that technology is not merely a collection of tools but a pervasive force that shapes human identity and society. In his work, Ellul emphasizes the concept of 'technique'—the rational processes that prioritize efficiency over all other values, ultimately leading to dehumanization. This perspective prompts a re-evaluation of prevalent narratives surrounding technological advances, warning against unquestioned faith in progress and urging a more cautious approach to emerging technologies.

Intro

5min

Navigating Technology and Ethics

28min

Idolatry in the Technological Age: Examining the Ethics of Worship

5min

Power, Technology, and Humanity

20min

Politics, Media, and the Age of Technology

25min

Hope Amid Despair: A Journey of Faith

13min

Exploring Post-War Cinema Through Unpublished Manuscripts

3min

Engaging Education Through Film and Community

2min

On this episode, I am joined by a leading Jacques Ellul scholar, Dr. Michael Morreli, as we unpack his reflections on technology, idolatry, modernity, and Christian Anarchism. If you enjoy the conversation, check out his book Theology, Ethics, and Technology in the Work of Jacques Ellul and Paul Virilio.

Michael Morelli is Assistant Professor of Theology & Ethics and Program Manager, Life-Long Learning at Northwest Seminary & College (a founding member of ACTS Seminaries, and affiliate of Trinity Western University). He holds a PhD in Theological Ethics from the University of Aberdeen, Scotland, is the author of Theology, Ethics, and Technology in the Work of Jacques Ellul and Paul Virilio: A Nascent Theological Tradition (2021), and editor of Desert, Wilderness, Wasteland, and Word: A New Essay by Jacques Ellul and Five Critical Engagements (2023). He publishes and presents on a variety of topics within the fields of theology, morality, culture, politics, and technology. He has also worked in local church ministry and continues to serve the church in a lay capacity.

Follow Michael’s work on Twitter: @mchlmorelli