Editor's Introduction

What possibilities – and risks – do faith and science raise for one another?  
by Ryan P. Cumming
On the surface, it would appear that the two conversations featured in this issue of JLE could not have less in common.Yet on a deeper level, both conversations share a central concern: what principles ought to shape our relationship to technology, inside and outside our churches?

Genetics, Ethics, and the Beginning of Life

A Discussion of Procreative Ethics: Philosophical and Christian Approaches to Questions at the Beginning of Life
   by Jennifer Hockenbery Dragseth
As Christians, both authors (Oehlschlaeger and Hinlicky) echo the familiar refrain that we are called to be “servants of all,” particularly servants to those who depend upon us for life itself. This writer’s refrain is similar, however, she finds that the conversations concerning the moral questions surrounding the beginnings of human life must center upon a relational understanding of the self.

The Virtual Church: Technology, Ecclesiology, and Ethics

Narcissism Gone Wild or Religion 2.0?
   by Susan Barreto
Adam’s initial question is a complicated one: “Are computers making us dumber, more globally aware, less religious, more spiritual?” In looking for an answer, he points to a long tradition of religion selectively embracing technology. His view is that ultimately believers will “bring to bear their sense of what is most important and most decisive in their faith.”  Operating in the 21st Century, this might be easier said than done.

The Question Concerning Metriopathic Technophilia
   by Clint Schnekloth
Since almost all reflection on technology, and perhaps especially digital technology, seems to run to the extremes, A.K.M Adam's refreshing and important contribution to the genre is his metriopathic technophilia. His love of technology is "measured."

Technology, Lutheranism, and the Proclamation
   by Eric Berg
In this essay, I will argue that technology itself is neither good nor bad, it is neutral, and the moral responsibility lands on us and how we use it. For Lutherans, it is how we use technology in service of the neighbor, and in terms of Lutheran religious practices, it is how it is used in relation to the Proclamation.

Technology as Tool and as World: Response to The Question Concerning Technology and Religion
   by Gregory Walter
A. K. M. Adam’s essay urges caution; it also charges communities to carefully evaluate technology from the various teachings and orientations that arise from the adherent’s specific tradition and practices. His position encourages communities to evaluate technologies case-by-case. This moderation depends upon an idea that technologies are tools. Though this is largely the case, there are other ways of considering technology as a world that need to be considered in order to fully develop Adam’s orientation.

Book Reviews

Review Essay: Transformative Lutheran Theologies: Feminist, Womanist, and Mujerista Perspectives
   by Jacqueline Bussie
Following Luther, who allowed experience—especially his Anfechtung moments of suffering, pain, and grief—to authentically shape his theology, the courageous women in this book transform traditional Lutheran patriarchal theology by likewise engaging it with the evangelical and prophetic power of their own lived experience.

A Seasonal Essay