About Christian Learnings from Islamic Perspectives on Technology
| Authors | Deffenbaugh, Max |
|---|---|
| Date | 2015 |
| Proceedings | Proceedings of the 2015 Christian Engineering Conference |
| Place | Seattle Pacific University, Seattle, WA |
| Vol / Pages | pp. 12u201325 |
| URL | https://drive.google.com/file/d/11k9zlyvaVh2XJeuoxg-btM7RZlgRQ-PN/view |
Type: Conference Paper
Tags: Christian Engineering
Abstract
The imperative to understand technology in the light of faith is felt deeply in both Christianity and Islam. Although the two faiths are clearly different in many respects, the questions posed and answers given about technology are remarkably similar. English language Islamic scholarship on technology occasionally cites Christian sources, though Christian scholars seem unaware of the work of Muslims. This paper suggests that there is a significant opportunity for Christians to evaluate methodologies, gain new insights, and challenge conclusions about technology by looking into the mirror of Islamic scholarship. Parallels between Christian and Islamic perspectives are noted in three areas: scientific exegesis; the doctrine of the oneness of God (tawhid) and its implications for science; and the role of religious law in civil government. In each case, insights for Christians are suggested.