The digital theology dilemma

Abstract

This paper is the result of a reflection related with the research work of a theologian and a digital media researcher team. The conversation in the context of digitization, which affects theology, allows us to focus the goal of our paper on analyzing the tensions that appear during the collision of two different perspectives concerning the mutual relationship between theology and digital technologies. The first perspective assumes that theology has its place outside the paradigm of modern sciences, which, according to their opinion, are not capable of grasping man’s humanity. At the same time, it contradicts the assumption that the change in the tools a theologian uses, which takes place thanks to digital technology, entails a change in the way of thinking and applying the theological method. Thus, there is no continuity when applying digital technologies and the content of thought. The writings of Plato or the Bible speak to the mind and touch the heart in a way completely independent of the use or non-use of the entire apparatus provided to us by digital technologies. The second perspective arises from the question posed to theology: is technology really not able to capture man’s humanity, has it anything to say about the “human element”? Heidegger points out that it is technology that will reveal the ultimate meaning of being. In this landscape, there is a controversial thesis from the perspective of the essence of theology stating that when a theologian uses digital technologies, they influence his theological thinking. In this sense, “digital theology,” by analogy with other types of theology, suggests that the “digital” is an area that significantly shapes our humanity. He raises “digital” to the rank of a participant in the human drama.