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4.31 AVERAGE
4.31 AVERAGE
I think I would have enjoyed this book more if I had read a physical copy, but I listened to the audio book . At times it’s a bit heady and if you aren’t paying close attention, you miss things. I also felt frustrated at times with it. I’m not sure if that was me feeling convicted by a good point that I don’t want to accept, or if I actually disagree. But, all that to say, it’s a great book and it’s thought provoking. I especially like how much of the Gospel and truth is woven into it, leaving you feeling hopeful in the midst of a lot of discouraging information.
Forgot to review this right after I finished it and now I'm not sure what I would rate it. I know I took some notes so maybe I'll find those and then update this review eventually.
informative
reflective
fast-paced
I came into reading this thinking it would answer the question “how can I, as a parent and a Christian, wisely consider and use technology in my home with my kids?” Given that the many books I read these days are parenting related, I was surprised to realize this book was not that. Instead, this book so greatly made me reflect on my own tendencies & motivations towards using technology and how I so often put its ever-addicting qualities before Christ. The internet and everything that comes with it is a tool with so many helpful qualities that can be used for good, but also can create an idol in our lives that emphasizes comparison, cultural relevance, and the worship of “self”. A really good read!
From the start I knew this was likely to be a five star read as soon as I saw multiple references to CS Lewis and Tim Keller! And oh boy it did not disappoint! I’m sure I will be referencing it again and again as I continue to live in the digital world we find ourselves in. I especially appreciated how James talks about how the medium is the foundational issue that many have with internet addiction. This idea was convicting and put into words what I have been feeling recently as I’ve found that limiting certain media doesn’t entirely solve the issue. Ultimately, how the internet is structured is the biggest battle we have when it comes to overcoming internet addiction. To do this James encourages us to recognize where we’re trying to find Godly things online and instead turn to where we can truly find those things—in God!
4.5 stars. A very philosophical and spiritual discussion on digital technology and how it affects not just our habits but our culture and beliefs. I learned so much. Some parts felt like they went over my head but I also had quite a few “ah-hah!” moments during the book. I probably need to read (listen to) it again
I really appreciated that this book emphasized the importance of the reclamation of thought in a digital age. Where it might have been easy to cultivate a simple argument against social media and all of its dangers to the mind and emotions, in many instances engaging in social media is necessary, and perhaps even profitable, and it is thereby necessary to not disengage with it entirely, but to use it mindfully. The book also imitates C. S. Lewis in the way it challenges modern issues (in this case of technology) against rational thought, all the while contrasting how the very nature of digital discourse can challenge rational thought. Overall I think it’s a very worthwhile read for anyone looking to evaluate their own thoughts on how to be a good steward of the technology they possess or if they simply want to reexamine their relationship with it.
challenging
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
One of the best Christian Living books I have read this year. James is an excellent writer with deep and profound points and he ends the book with so much hope. I highly recommend this book.
I keep trying to figure out why I am so upset with this book. I think it comes down to that I believe it is *harmful.* Ironically, I believe that it is inhibiting the work of God by proclaiming to do the opposite. This author has far too much prejudice to be taken seriously. I do not believe him to be a digital native. There are whole chunks of this book that would be better worked out with a therapist than with a reader.
I listened to the book, but this book has good biblical theology to our device infatuated world, and it makes me want to ponder what he says and read the print book