A Book for the Digital Age
The digital age is a stressful place: social media, the 24-hour news cycle, and an endless stream of new content are constantly begging for my attention. In our present moment, being still and knowing the Lord is difficult.
This is why I am thankful for Jason Thacker’s new book Following Jesus in a Digital Age. In it, Thacker guides readers on how to pursue wisdom, truth, responsibility, and identity in the digital, post-truth, and highly polarized age in which we find ourselves. As such, Thacker points out how Jesus is calling us to be disciplined by the goodness of Christ rather than the technology we happen to have.
Thacker tells his readers right off the bat that this book is not “a book about tips and tricks to use technology better” (Emphasis in original). Instead, Thacker seeks to point out “all the ways technology is profoundly shaping [us]” and calls us to develop a “moral, holistic, and deeply biblical way” of navigating technology (6). In an age where technology becomes ever more invasive—and convenient—this book is a helpful tool for guiding us on maintaining a commitment to subject all things to Christ.
Thacker’s book is easily accessible to the average reader. It is not packed full of technical jargon but is, instead, written to help inform the heart and mind of the “person in the pew.” Both pastors and their congregants will be able to read and implement the advice and wisdom Thacker gives.
Further, this book is highly relatable. Thacker addresses issues with anecdotes from his own life. One can tell that he has written this book as much to himself as to his readers. All-in-all, reading is a pleasant experience.
Finally, the book is practical. While Thacker doesn’t provide a strict list of dos and don’ts, he does lay some philosophical groundwork for making decisions. This is a strength in that it adds versatility to the book’s application. No book can cover all situations, but it can lay a set of principles the readers can apply regardless of circumstances.
My only complaint is that the book isn’t longer. Thacker’s treatment here scratches the surface of a really deep topic, and I wish for a comprehensive treatment. However, most people don’t read books of that depth or length, and Thacker has written this book well for his intended audience.
Conclusion
If you are a parent, pastor, teacher, or church-goer of any kind, you should consider picking up a copy of this book. Thacker will help you think critically about technology, the role it plays in your life, and how to consider these things in a concerted effort to follow Jesus.
Tyler is the content editor for the Land Center Journal. He holds MA degrees in Apologetics and Philosophy and is currently pursuing a PhD in Philosophy of Religion at Southwestern. In his spare time, you can find Tyler writing about classical education, worldview, and philosophy at tylerwbauer.com or co-hosting the God and Other Small Stuff Podcast. A few times a year, his wife will laugh at his jokes.
