Journal: Detroit Baptist Seminary Journal
Volume: DBSJ 05:1 (Fall 2000)
Article: Communicating The Text In The Postmodern Ethos Of Cyberspace: Cautions Regarding The Technology And The Text
Author: Rodney J. Decker

DBSJ 5 (Fall 2000) p. 45

Communicating The Text In The Postmodern Ethos Of Cyberspace:
Cautions Regarding The Technology And The Text

Rodney J. Deckera

In today’s cultural vortex of rapid technological change, half-truths and outright falsehoods swirl around us, buffeting our common sense while lifting our imaginations to new heights of revelry. Every day we hear of the promises of cyberspace, the possibilities of the Internet, and breakthroughs in all manner of computer technologies.1

Technophiles wax messianic over new devices and bedazzle their auditors with “breathless prophecies of social regeneration” through the latest technology.2 Cyberspace has been nearly deified.3 There have been

DBSJ 5 (Fall 2000) p. 46

utopians throughout history and contemporary technology has now produced its share of “digitopians.”4 On the other hand, there is no end to the nay-sayers (both secular and religious) who are convinced that Armageddon is just around the corner—cyberspace is the kingdom of Antichrist. But we need to view all this carefully before we adopt the technological panaceas that will certainly bring in the kingdom—or before we retreat to non-technological enclaves to await our deliverance at the Rapture.5 Unfortunately, getting a handle on cyberspace is “akin to corralling a tornado.”6 Due to the complexity of the issues and the enormous volume of information written about the information age, this paper could easily have become a book-length treatment. Instead temporal necessities have enforced a highly selective look at the situation. Hopefully a few of the more crucial aspects of the discussion have been highlighted.7

DBSJ 5 (Fall 2000) p. 47

Cyberspace And Postmodernity

Cyberspace did not appear from nowhere on the late 20th century scene. It has long roots, both technological and philosophical. “The introduction of new technologies reflects previous philosophical trends, reinforces these trends in novel ways, and sparks the creation of new ideas and patterns of culture.”8 The technical antecedents are obvious; the philosophical ones less so. I would suggest that cyberspace and postmodernity are closely intertwined.You must have a subscription and be logged in to read the entire article.
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