Customer Reviews

Beyond Paradise: Technology and the Kingdom of God

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On the title page of Beyond Paradise Swearengen introduces his book as a "prophetic primer for church leaders." From that page onward Swearengen does a masterful job of living up to his lofty promise. In true engineer turned educator style Swearengen systematically breaks down the intimidating subject of technology and its effects on the planet and our culture into chunks of information that the interested reader can digest. Starting with a synopsis of the development of technology from the beginning of recorded history up to present times, Swearengen methodically maneuvers his way through several millennia and boils down the major technological achievements of mankind and their effects on the environment and our society into the first three chapters of this ground breaking book. After laying this thorough basis for an in depth conversation on technology and its implications, Swearengen addresses the current social/spiritual impacts that these technological developments have already had and projects into the future what society can expect if it continues to mistake "growth for progress." Not wanting to leave his readers without a plan of action, Swearengen wraps up his book by giving practical advice for both church leaders and developers of technology.

While numerous books have been written in recent years dealing with the need for a "green" movement within the evangelical community, few have set out to deal so directly with both the religious and societal impacts of technology as rigorously as Swearengen does. I have yet to read a book on technology and culture that has been as thoroughly researched and clearly footnoted as Swearengen's text. This book truly serves as a superb jumping off point for the concerned individual that wishes to learn more about the spiritual impacts of the techno-centric society we live in. Swearengen's keen mind and sharp wit coupled with his thorough research and engineering background make this book truly live up to its promise of being a "prophetic primer."

The book brought out many interesting points that challenges the way society looks at technology and how it is used. There are many chapters that could be used as discussion starters for college courses and other types of book clubs.