This book explores the nature of the word and its meaning in contemporary society. It examines how the word has been devalued and misused in modern communication, leading to a decline in meaning and understanding. The author analyzes the impact of technology and mass media on language, arguing that they have contributed to the degradation of the word. The book also explores the theological implications of the humiliation of the word, suggesting that it reflects a broader spiritual crisis. It calls for a renewed appreciation for the power and importance of the word in human life and faith.
Jacques Ellul's 'Theological Ethics' is a monumental work that explores the complexities of Christian living. Structured around the themes of faith, hope, and love, the treatise delves into the ethical implications of each. Ellul challenges traditional moral frameworks, emphasizing the importance of individual freedom and responsibility within a divinely ordained order. The work is characterized by its dialectical approach, highlighting the tensions between the human and the divine, the individual and society. It remains a significant contribution to theological discourse, prompting ongoing reflection and debate.
This book delves into the multifaceted contributions of Jacques Ellul, a prominent 20th-century thinker. It examines his insights on presence and communication within the context of postmodern society. The authors explore Ellul's unique perspective on technology, society, and faith, highlighting their relevance to contemporary issues. The book offers a fresh perspective on Ellul's work, making it accessible to a wider audience. It encourages readers to engage with Ellul's ideas and apply them to their own lives and understanding of the world.
Jacques Ellul's 'To Will and To Do' is a profound exploration of ethical decision-making within a Christian context. The work delves into the intricacies of human will, examining its capacity for both good and evil. Ellul challenges traditional ethical frameworks, offering a nuanced perspective shaped by his understanding of technology and society. The treatise emphasizes the importance of individual responsibility and the tension between human agency and divine grace. It remains a significant contribution to theological ethics, prompting ongoing discussion and debate among scholars and theologians.
Written in 1931 and published in 1932, 'Brave New World' is a dystopian novel set in a futuristic World State where humans are bred in vitro and predestined into a rigid social hierarchy. The novel explores themes of technological advancement, social conditioning, and the loss of individuality and freedom. The story revolves around characters such as Bernard Marx, an Alpha who questions the society, Mustapha Mond, the World Controller, and John, a 'Savage' from a reservation who introduces elements of emotion and individuality into the highly controlled World State. The novel critiques the optimism of technological progress and its potential to create a society that values stability and happiness over humanity and freedom[2][4][5].
In 'The Technological Society,' Jacques Ellul discusses the concept of 'technique,' which he defines as the totality of methods rationally arrived at and having absolute efficiency in every field of human activity. Ellul argues that modern society is dominated by this 'technique,' which is focused on efficiency and has infiltrated all aspects of human existence, including science, automation, politics, and human relations. He warns that this technological system threatens human freedom and responsibility, and that it has taken on a life of its own, independent of human control. The book explores the historical rise of 'technique,' its characteristics, and its profound impact on society, highlighting the need for a critical reevaluation of the role of technology in human life[1][2][5].
In 'Presence in the Modern World', Jacques Ellul explores how Christians can make a difference in the face of complex forces like technology and the state. He emphasizes the need for a radical awareness of our situation and a 'ferocious and passionate destruction of myths' to become mediums for God's action in the modern world. This book is a classic that remains relevant today, offering insights into the challenges of modern society and the role of Christians within it.