Transforming Mindsets from Tools to Lifestyle
Was reading the discussion that is going on at Engadget about Motorola and a letter that was posted there that was written by a former insider at Motorola. The opinions in both the letter and comments were a mix of passion and acknowledgment of what needs to change.
I found that one of the commenters said something that struck me as something that holds true, especially in light of the issues Christians, publishers, and software developers have had recently:
(my paraphrase) the people who run companies see computer/mobile tech as a tool while those using it see it as a part of their lifestyle...until the leadership matches or runs ahead of the users, the technology will always be doomed to [fall behind the times]
In talking to uses, developers, and companies, I get this feeling from Christians in tech. Too often we are just looking at it from the perspective of a tool, and not as the one where our current and future generations will see it as a lifestyle. From politics to just flat out lack of vision, we could do a lot more with the bits and bytes than we do. Unfortunately, its a mindset aspect that one cannot change.
As society evolves with new tech, mindsets and attitudes do change with it (and the Word remains the same). I just think though that it is very short-sighted on the side of people/companies today to just continue with the same old ways of doing business instead of pushing out into innovative and culture transforming methods of working with this stuff.
Sometimes, I don't know what it looks like to do things different. Else I'd be a Steve Jobs in my own right. But considering how mobile I and others are, maybe its not far off to think that we are making some kind of change that points people to God's redeeming love.
Labels: tech
posted by Antoine @ 3/27/2008 10:00:00 AM
2 comments
2 Comments:
Agreed.
I think that one problem that stands in the way of the church utilizing the web to its full potential is the hierarchies within the church. The web represents openness and community; online marketers know that the web is not where one can simply spew forth information about the company; rather, the internet is an interactive and communal environment where everyone should have equal say (assuming they are intelligent enough to articulate it!). If the product or service sucks, then make the problem right: use the online community to get real time feedback and make adjustments accordingly. There is an equality of voices.
But this equality of voices is typically absent in most churches. Most leaders still believe that their thoughts and opinions are better and more important than others (though many would be appalled at this accusation!). And many still think that their "sheep" are dumb and need marching orders. With this paradigm in place, there is no way the web could be fully utilized as a place to facilitate dynamic community. A shift in thinking would be required.....uh, let me see here....oh, yea, a new paradigm that goes something like this:
"Don’t let anyone call you ‘Rabbi,’ for you have only one teacher, and all of you are equal as brothers and sisters." Matthew 23:8
One of the problems that leadership has with those who are techies (technologically enabled) is that that knowledge is so new that to have it exercised without them knowing about it feels like a power-struggle. Some leaders are able to adjust and create avenues for this ability to come out cleanly; some people are able to submit to leadership and humbly display what they know. The fact that this is a new field makes it a difficult area for all.
And as I posted, the generational differences in using and understanding tech will make this harder for a short time. Having an ear on both sides of this change is good for all parties.
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