Here is an interesting article about how technologies are not universally adopted by groups of people even in a bordering village or across a river, for no apparent reason. Even when certain technologies, whether in weaponry, tools, architecture, or modern conveniences, are visibly superior and advantageous. In part:
One commenter to this article brought up the issue of forks vs. chopsticks. I agree. And no one can really explain why a culture would continue to use chopsticks when forks are verifiably easier.
Consider what this may say for how we "do church". Is power point better than hymnals? What do each say about our identity? Are lapel mics for speakers or even small groups something that we have adopted or avoided because of our identity as "seeker sensitive" or "fundamentalist" or whatever would be altered? Very interesting sociological observations.
"Technologies have a social dimension beyond their mere mechanical performance. We adopt new technologies largely because of what they do for us, but also in part because of what they mean to us. Often we refuse to adopt technology for the same reason: because of how the avoidance reinforces, or crafts our identity....
We should expect technology to continue to exhibit ethnic and social preferences. Groups or individuals will reject all kinds of technologically advanced innovations simply because. Because everyone else accepts them. Or because they clash with their self-conception. Because they don't mind doing things with more effort. I know an author who writes science fiction books today in long hand. At least the first draft. Efficiency and productivity may, in the future, be seen as something to avoid."
One commenter to this article brought up the issue of forks vs. chopsticks. I agree. And no one can really explain why a culture would continue to use chopsticks when forks are verifiably easier.
Consider what this may say for how we "do church". Is power point better than hymnals? What do each say about our identity? Are lapel mics for speakers or even small groups something that we have adopted or avoided because of our identity as "seeker sensitive" or "fundamentalist" or whatever would be altered? Very interesting sociological observations.