Habits of the High Tech Heart: Living Virtuously in the Information Age (Updated and Expanded Edition)
Available April 2024
Author: Quentin J. Schultze
Foreword by Martin E. Marty
Paperback ISBN: TBA
Ebook ISBN: TBA
LCCN: TBA
Total Pages: 330
Price: $30.00
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DESCRIPTION
In this updated and expanded edition, Schultze and invited guests consider the moral and social costs of today’s sophisticated technology, arguing that the benefits of a cyberculture can be better appreciated by refocusing on the traditional Judeo-Christian values of discernment, moderation, wisdom, humility, authenticity, and diversity. Contributors reflect on Schultze’s original offering —first published more than 20 years ago—and evaluate its arguments in light of today’s fast-paced, ever-changing technological landscape. Contributors suggest ways in which Schultze’s original arguments and critiques offer continued hope and a clear path forward in digital environs filled with personal and institutional burdens. Theoretical connections between past and present are explored, while daily communication practices to help cultivate faithful Christian engagement are put forth. Students of technology and culture will delight in this book’s timeless insights that transcend platform-specific architecture and the latest digital advancement.
ENDORSEMENTS
“What a delight! On every page I found insight, depth, and compelling thought. With moral and ethical integrity, Schultze cuts through the Internet hype and vapid online culture. Next time you’re stressed out by your computer, refresh yourself with a chapter from this book.”
—Clifford Stoll, author of Silicon Snake Oil
“‘Luddite!’ ‘Reactionary!’ I will not be surprised if such abuse is hurled at this important book, but the hurlers will have entirely missed the point. The point is that putting excessive hopes in a computer upgrade may degrade our humanity. The point is that the techno-utopian promise of a global village may lead to a globe of village idiots, especially moral idiots. To really get the point, get, and read, this book.”
—Richard John Neuhaus, editor in chief, First Things
“Schultze has written extensively on the intersections between religion and media, covering both old media and new media. In contrast to the typical issues-oriented approach to cyber-ethics, Schultze offers a richly researched and elaborated virtue ethic for the information age. . . . This book is highly recommended for all levels, especially faculty, students, and information technology professionals.”
—J. Gresham, Choice
“Distracted by our high-tech skills, we can fail to note that they do not make obsolete our negligible human, moral values. Quentin Schultze’s book is a guide to doing what we can do, not irresponsibly but responsibly—which means virtuously, with patience, kindness, and the hard work demanded by wisdom, under God.”
—Walter J. Ong, S.J., author of Orality and Literacy
“What are the new information technologies ‘doing’ to use as human beings? Quentin Schultze’s exploration of this question has amazing breadth and offers profound insights. This is a virtuous book about cultivating the virtues in an information age.”
—Richard J. Mouw, president, Fuller Theological Seminary
LIST OF CONTRIBUTORS
Introduction: Kevin Healey, University of New Hampshire
Chapter 1: Geri Forsberg, Western Washington University
Chapter 2: Nick Pertler, Point Loma Nazarene University
Chapter 3: Chase Mitchell, East Tennessee State University
Chapter 4: Derek Schuurman, Calvin University
Chapter 5: Denise Edwards-Neff, LCC International University
Chapter 6: Read Schurhardt, Wheaton College
Chapter 7: Paul Soukup, Santa Clara University
Chapter 8: Kevin Schut, Trinity Western University
AUTHOR BIO
Quentin J. Schultze is Professor Emeritus at Calvin University, Department of Communication, where he received the Presidential Award for Exemplary Teaching. He has written many articles and books, including Communicating with Grace and Virtue, An Essential Guide to Public Speaking, An Essential Guide to Interpersonal Communication, and Communicate Like a True Leader. Dr. Schultze was one of the founders of the Gospel Communications Network, which created the online Bible Gateway. He serves on the Board of Directors of Baker Publishing Group. He is a Senior Fellow at the Christianity and Communication Studies Network (theccsn.com). He leads teaching, publishing, and faith-integration seminars at universities and seminaries.