SECULARISM IN THE DIGITAL AGE

INTRODUCTION

The blog discusses the profound impact of globalization and the digital revolution on the structure of contemporary society. Alvin Toffler and Daniel Bell’s reflections emphasize the transition to an information society, where knowledge and information become fundamental resources. The information technology revolution is portrayed as both a catalyst for globalization and a challenge to the traditional state.

The author introduces the concept of a “society of trust” for traditional societies and a “society of uncertainty” for the information society, drawing on the terminologies of Ulrich Beck and Father Janusz Mariański. The term “society of trust” suggests accepting the existing reality, while “society of uncertainty” alludes to the challenges and uncertainties of technological progress.

Inspired by Catholic thinkers Teilhard de Chardin and Thomas Merton, the passage reflects on their perspectives on societal changes. Teilhard de Chardin introduces the concept of the noosphere, a thinking shell above the biosphere, as the next stage of human evolution. On the other hand, Thomas Merton raises concerns about human responsibility for changes driven by economic and technological progress, warning against unchecked modernity.

The blog concludes by discussing the digital age’s unique characteristics, positioning cyberspace as a reflection of the real world with continuations and contradictions of human activities. It touches on the immaterial, immeasurable, and undefined nature of cyberspace as evidence of human demiurgical predispositions in creating and constantly transforming this virtual realm.

AIM OF SECULARISM IN THE DIGITAL AGE

1. Impact of Technology on Religion and Science:

   – Technological advancements have sparked discourse on the relationship between religion and science.

   – Arguments challenge the assumption of science secularizing societies, asserting a weaker influence, particularly in medicine and biotechnology.

2. Partial Secularization and Dynamics of Religion and Science:

   – Partial secularization is acknowledged, highlighting areas where the interdependence of religion and science is revealed.

   – The dynamic process of secularization is emphasized, suggesting ongoing changes in the relationship between religion and science.

3. Research Questions on Catholic Researchers Merton and de Chardin:

   – Questions are posed to evaluate whether Merton or de Chardin had a more accurate diagnosis of the future regarding the impact of technology.

   – Exploration of how digital technologies influenced the implementation of de Chardin’s concept of the “thinking shell of the earth.”

   – Examination of humanity’s demiurgical aspirations reflected in attempts like self-creationism and transhumanism.

4. Impact of Digital Technologies on Religion:

   – Interest lies in understanding the influence of digital technologies on religious practices and communication between religion and the exact and social sciences.

5. Deepened Secularization or Autonomization of Religion and Science:

   – Key questions address whether the age of digital technologies has led to deepened secularization, a new form of it, or the real autonomization of religion and science.

   – The focus is on highly developed and technologically advanced countries, especially in the Western tradition.^[1]

6. Author’s Long-term Interest and Methodology:

   – The author’s long-term interest in the influence of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) on international relations is highlighted.

   – Methodology involves participant observation with historical analysis and the analysis of Polish-language sources connected to the Catholic Church and atheistic perspectives.

7. Evolution of Technology’s Impact on Social Reality:

   – The study traces the evolution of technology’s impact on social reality, emphasising changes in the perception of religion by Internet users.

   – Focus on transhumanism as a competing trend with traditional religions and the robotization of religious rituals.

8. Utilization of Sources:

   – Sources from the scientific community linked with the Catholic Church and researchers with atheistic worldviews (e.g., S. Gawkowski) are analyzed.

   – In-depth exploration of the subject includes examining how religion is perceived by Internet users and the emergence of trends like transhumanism.

9. Ethical Factors in Technological Development:

   – Acknowledgment of ethical factors related to secular state control over research processes (bioethics) and social consent for medical interference in human life and health.

DIGITAL FACE OF SECULARISM

1. New Religious Phenomena and Digital Technologies:

   – Researchers observe the emergence of new religious phenomena facilitated and deepened by digital technologies.

   – Non-religious religiosity, described as a “pluralistic and discontinuous biography trajectory,” gains attention.

2. Impact of Digital Technologies on Traditional Secularization Theories:

   – Changes in postmodern society challenge traditional secularization theories, particularly in technologically advanced countries.

   – The institution of religion loses direct impact on social life and political spheres, diminishing its credibility as the sole source of meaning.^[2]

3. Role of the Internet in Shaping Religious Views:

   – Internet users, especially young adults and teens, no longer accept faith blindly but test and verify information.

   – Quick access to information and the ability to verify it poses challenges to religion, making them dependent on meeting the demands and emotional needs of users.

4. Religious Presence on the Internet:

   – Religious issues proliferate on the Internet through religious websites and services, exhibiting varying degrees of interactivity.

   – Different user profiles exist in countries with secular traditions (e.g., USA, France) compared to countries with strong religious influence (e.g., Poland).

5. Usage Patterns of Religious Websites:

   – In secular traditional countries, websites are platforms for exchanging ideas, while in religiously influential countries like Poland, they serve more for information and interpreting official religious positions.

   – Research from 2015 indicates that young adults use religious websites in the range of 10-12%, correlated with subjective religiosity.

6. Weakening Religious Authority and Pluralism on the Internet:

   – The Internet contributes to the weakening of religious authority by creating a pluralistic and open environment for new social movements.

   – Religious websites, often set up by amateurs and laymen, challenge the traditional hierarchy and may confuse users about the credibility of religious content.

7. Challenges in Assessing Religious Content Online:

   – The internet’s democratic nature, allowing anyone to set up religious websites, leads to challenges in distinguishing between originality and credibility.

   – Users, expecting innovative forms, may struggle to assess content conflicting with their religious formation.

8. User Expectations and Minority Seeking Doctrinal Interpretation:

   – The internet reflects the process of weakening religious authority, creating an environment open to diverse perspectives.

   – While many users seek religious knowledge and advice online, a minority actively seeks doctrinal interpretation or spiritual advice.

CONCLUSION

The analysis of contemporary phenomena suggests that digital technologies contribute to an increased divide between science and religion. In technologically advanced societies, biotechnological experiments and inventions coexist with religious beliefs, and scientific progress unfolds beyond the confines of religious norms. This challenges the traditional concept of secularization, emphasizing the evolving dynamics of technological advancement.

Simultaneously, religious institutions and believers actively embrace technological tools, utilizing data access and digital substitutes for direct human involvement in rituals. The perception of religion in the digital age leans towards greater utilitarianism, shifting away from strict ideological considerations.

As humanity pursues the dream of bodily immortality, a departure from the traditional non-interference principle in creation, a role often emphasized in religions, becomes evident. This aligns with T. Merton’s observation that modern humans assume the role of demiurges. Using the Genesis metaphor, science acts as humanity’s tempter, presenting alluring technological possibilities that challenge tradition.

Author(s) Name: Nikita Shrivastava (Rajasthan School of Law for Women)

Reference(s):

^[1] Digital Technology as a Tool of Secularization of Contemporary ‘Digital Technology as a tool of secularization of contemporary society’, <https://depot.ceon.pl> accessed 27/1/2024

^[2] Networked Christianity in the Digital Age ‘The digital domain . . . carries with it the possibility of “religious valorization” or of reimagining “sacred space.” —E. M. Forster, Howards End (1910, chaps. 22 and 19) By David N. Hempton <https://bulletin.hds.harvard.edu> accessed 27/1/2024