What Would Jesus Tech

Join Jeffrey Bilbro, a professor and author of "Words for Conviviality," as he unpacks the nuanced relationship between media technologies and human connection. He argues that the digital age is not as novel as we think, discussing how both print and digital media shape our communities. Bilbro highlights the importance of metaphors in understanding technology and emphasizes the need for intentional disconnect to foster deeper connections. Explore how podcasting can cultivate intimacy and conviviality in our increasingly digital lives!

How might we be misunderstanding anxiety and mental health? Is it really an addiction crisis rather than a mental health crisis?This episode is a far-ranging conversation with WWJT co-host Andrew Noble (PhD Candidate, Nottingham University) and Matthew LaPine, author of The Logic of the Body (PhD from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School). We dive into different visions for viewing human persons, how science might inform our understanding, and Matt's own growth and challenges amidst his work.0:00 - Intro05:35 - Undoing the "anxiety as sin" paradigm and The Logic of the Body15:30 - Is the mental health crisis really a digital addiction crisis?20:05 - Embodiment and Neuroplasticity27:10 - Loneliness30:15 - PhD Experience and ChallengesMatthew LaPine (PhD, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School) is the Christian Education Director at Citylight Omaha. His book, The Logic of the Body, was a finalist for Christianity Today's book of the year in 2022.Andrew briefly references a tiered Thomistic Anthropology: https://www.whatwouldjesustech.com/all-episodes/a-thomistic-case-for-ai-souls (see links in that episode)To learn more about What Would Jesus Tech and to support the show visit whatwouldjesustech.com

Alastair Roberts, a PhD expert from Durham University and a prominent voice at Theopolis Institute, engages in a thought-provoking discussion on God’s preferred mediums for communication. He explores how the incarnation exemplifies divine revelation and the role of scripture. The conversation dives into technology's impact on worship, stressing the balance needed when adopting new media. Alastair also examines the parallels between contemporary technology and idolatry, encouraging listeners to navigate tech with spirituality and awareness.

Within the last week, Bluesky has grown in popularity with many Christian authors and pastors announcing that they are moving to the new platform. Some have even considered deleting Twitter altogether.We hope this episode helps Christian leaders consider whether or not to use Bluesky, as well as better consider how the social internet is changing overall. In this episode we discuss: What is Bluesky? Why did it grow now? We discuss how the idea of link impression isn't new. It's the new ecosystem of the internet. Bluesky may buck the trend of that ecosystem, but that won't change the internet. Or will it? Is decentralized social media the solution to billionaire control? Or is just another media fad?Thanks for listening. Note: ChatGPT was used to create one of the background images for the YouTube thumbnail. Support us at whatwouldjesustech.com

We discuss the results of the election as Christians and technologists.How impactful were podcasts in this election? Is society moving on from woke rhetoric? What will happen to Elon Musk? To Bitcoin and associated companies? To Christians? To Canadians? This is a wide-ranging conversation between three Christians: Andrew Noble (Technology and Theology PhD Student), Austin Gravely (Social Media Guru), and Joel Jacob (Tech Futurist).0:00 - Intro0:59 - Surprised?3:04 - Voting, Social Media, Podcasts Making The Difference18:12 - Bitcoin, Regulation, and Internet Culture IS THE CULTURE26:08 - Tired Woke Rhetoric and Young Men36:39 - Build Things39:23 - Impact on CanadaPrevious Episode: Internet Culture Is CultureWhite Horse Inn's breakdown of Elon Musk's ideology.Jake Meador's article on The Doug Election and America After the Great Dechurching.Link to join our Discord. Note: link will expire after 7 days. Cohosted by Andrew Noble, Joel Jacob, and Austin Gravley. Original Music by Abigail Neale. To learn more about What Would Jesus Tech and to support the show visit whatwouldjesustech.com

Are we underestimating just how radical the upside of AI could be?Dario Amodei, the CEO of Anthropic, recently wrote a five-point essay to outlines how great the benefits of AI might be based upon recent history, current AI technologies, and the potential future of work.Joel Jacob, Andrew Noble, and Austin Gravely discuss the valuable insights that Amodei offers, as well as the shortcomings. Link to his essay: https://darioamodei.com/machines-of-loving-grace

Delve into the fascinating world of internet culture by exploring fraternity, fandom, and fantasy. Discover how digital interactions shape modern identities and social connections. Learn how online subcultures mirror religious communities, creating belonging in a digital age. The evolution of fandom reveals its powerful influence on global culture and personal belief systems. Plus, find out why thoughtful engagement is crucial for Christians navigating this complex digital landscape. Join the conversation in a new Discord community!

Timothy Jacobs, a Thomistic scholar at The Davenant Institute, dives deep into the interplay of body and soul through the lens of Aristotle and Aquinas. He explores whether advanced AI can replicate human sensory perceptions and emotional responses, emphasizing the unique intellectual capabilities of humans. The discussion also delves into the philosophical distinctions between knowing God and merely knowing about Him, raising thought-provoking questions about the potential for AI to experience love and consciousness. A fascinating blend of philosophy, theology, and technology!

In response to our technological age, many want to adapt a set of disciplines. Many of these disciplines are good. But what if, upon reflection, we realized that our solutions are embedded within a deeper technological problem? What if we are reducing persons to inputs and outputs and expecting machine-like productivity instead of recognizing what it means to be human? In this episode, Andrew, Austin, and Joel are joined by theologian and writer Kirsten Sanders. The article that led to this conversation was: What's the deal with "Rules of Life"?Also referenced in this episode:Tending the flameModern MothersFor more of Kirsten's writing, please visit her Substack: In Particular.0:00 - Intro3:12 - Quick Questions (Writing, Feedback, Fav Tech, Teen Tech Restriction, Aspiring Theologian Advice, Aspiring Writer Advice)8:52 - "I think sin, and its opposite, grace, is the chief misunderstanding we are having in our technological age."20:04 - Beyond the self-correcting impulse28:00 - Technological concerns33:50 - Insecure Christians and doing "Enough"45:00 - Is your life a project?What Would Jesus Tech is cohosted by Andrew Noble, Joel Jacob, and Austin Gravley. Original Music by Abigail Neale. To learn more about What Would Jesus Tech and to support the show, visit whatwouldjesustech.com

Meta launched a new product. But this is about more than putting Augmented Reality into glasses. This is about mana, power, the blocking of reality, and the myth of progress.0:00 - Are Glasses The Next Platform?5:19 - Reasons to be Skeptical12:14 - Creepy Hidden Cameras16:28 - S-Curve of Technology Growth20:58 - Is Progress Good?25:28 - What Motivates Companies Like Meta?35:16 - Distracting From Real Human Connection38:50 - Benefits of AR Glasses47:13 - What We're Working OnEpisode on Neo-Calvinism and Herman Bavinck with Jess Joulstra.Our first episode on Mark Zuckerberg and the Meaning of Life.Our episode on Apple Vision Pro.Austin's article on internet culture.Andrew's article on how headphones block reality and love.Cohosted by Andrew Noble, Joel Jacob, and Austin Gravley. Original Music by Abigail Neale. To learn more about What Would Jesus Tech and to support the show visit whatwouldjesustech.com