Monday, June 30, 2008
The New Culture War
In my opinion, the last major social upheaval this country suffered was in the 1960's. Since then we have beign dealing with the ramifications thereof. I am wondering if there is not another one brewing. My friend Russ at Eagle and Child seems to think there is and he is working to engage it. He is calling it "Geek Culture:
Why is this a paradigm cultural shift? Well, consider further Russ' description:
With the exception of the lack of concern for the less enlightened, this strikes me as a more Biblical means of organization that what we currently operate under. The key question is, can the church harness this kind of energy, or, will we be so threatened by the lack of central authority that this represents as to shun it?
As I said, the willingness to be dismissive is problematic. Also problematic is the often impersonal nature of these social interactions. While not exclusively "cyber" they are often distant. We need the human touch in how we do church.
Thoughts?
"Geek culture is the subculture of high tech high flying programmers, developers, systems designers, and general tech-heads who basically rule the internet. These aren't the people who put up groups on Facebook....they're the people who build Facebook. They're a global community, connected more by shared values than by racial-ethnic ties. And they are flexing their muscle.The studies of the latest generation - "Millenials?" show that something quite different than ever before is emerging.
Why is this a paradigm cultural shift? Well, consider further Russ' description:
Geek culture is ruthlessly libertarian. "No whining" is a mantra in many circles. Geek culture thrives on a Do it Yourself approach to life: you're smart and savvy and nothing is stopping you from building the life you want, so get busy. Quit whining and get busy. However concomitant with that "get busy" attitude is a generosity with knowledge and willingness to help. For those who are looking to improve themselves, Geek culture offers abundant advice and assistance.This will mean a huge, and I mean HUGE, change in what leadership looks like in this nation and especially in the church.
Wikipedia is the prime example. You want an article there...just get off your keyster and put it up.... and then other people will help you perfect it.
[...]
The libertarian streak also entails a certain desire to be left alone. Slick salesmanship earns scorn and derision. The ethos is one of a meritocracy of ideas ... present your ideas honestly and be willing to fight for them ... in the end truth will out. Fools are not given much quarter (unless they are able make fools out of themselves in such an entertaining way that they merit repeat visits).
With the exception of the lack of concern for the less enlightened, this strikes me as a more Biblical means of organization that what we currently operate under. The key question is, can the church harness this kind of energy, or, will we be so threatened by the lack of central authority that this represents as to shun it?
As I said, the willingness to be dismissive is problematic. Also problematic is the often impersonal nature of these social interactions. While not exclusively "cyber" they are often distant. We need the human touch in how we do church.
Thoughts?
