Last year, I was encouraged to write an academic review of Work Out Your Salvation: A Theology of Markets and Moral Formation by Glenn Butner Jr.
At first, I was uneasy. I only have a minor understanding of macroeconomics. However, after scanning the introduction, I realized this related to my technology focus and would be a good investment of my time.
Because markets are technologies.
I am following the definition of Jacques Ellul, who recognizes the relationship between techniques and technology, as well as the definition of Tony Reinke: “Technology is applied science and amplified power. It’s art, method, know-how, formulas, and expertise.”1
In other words, Henry Ford's invention was not simply a vehicle but a way of making a vehicle. The ways we do things, along with the associated norms and practices, are technologies.
I spent a good month reading the book and benefited from it greatly. You can read my review here: Work Out Your Salvation: A Review.
One aspect I especially appreciated was Butner’s theology of how God might be forming us morally, in good ways, through technology. (Of course, Butner only focuses on markets, but I’m applying the principle further.)
Butner says moral formation primarily happens through the church. However, God can work in his common grace through other means. This isn’t the only force at work. There is also social sin. Here’s how I summarized Butner in the review:
The common grace doctrine gives the book a positive angle; markets are a place where God works in us as we grow in sanctification, even if many aspects of markets detract from God in other ways. Butner builds on the work of James K.A. Smith, who says our shared patterns of living (such as visiting the shopping mall) act as quasi-liturgies, as “formative pedagogies of desire that are trying to make us a certain kind of person.”[6] In “freer” markets, the necessity of collaboration may act as a positive cultural liturgy where we can become more trustworthy and trusting through the societal norms (e.g. the price you see at the grocery store or on Amazon.com is the price you are charged – you trust the integrity of the system). But any market can also embed negative cultural liturgies. These may be akin to Paul’s concept of “principalities” and “power” that oppose us (Eph. 6:2). Butner notes that we mustn’t ascribe moral culpability to those powers themselves, whether they be laws, pricing policies, or otherwise.
This nuance allows us to affirm God’s sovereignty and providence—YHWH controls all things and can work them together for our good—while also affirming the dynamics of a sinful, fallen world.
The invisible hand is a kind one.
If you’re a student of economics, you should read this book. Pastors and theologians will benefit as well.
Ad Fontes (the journal that published this review) sometimes has some of their content behind a paywall.
My review is not currently behind a paywall, so now is a good time to read.
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One other note to add.
I recently had a great conversation with John Perritt about technology and the discipleship of teenagers. John is the director of resources for Reformed Youth Ministries, and he has a Substack that is all about movies called Family Movie Night.
He’s doing a podcast series for RYM on Digital Christianity, and I was glad to contribute. I’d like to write something about the first episode as in it I defend the concept of Faithful Presence against its adversaries. I’m not sure if I’ll get to it as I need to focus on my PhD work, but we’ll see. For now, you should listen!
Digital Christianity - Episode 1: What Does It Mean To Be Present? | Spotify | Apple
Digital Christianity - Episode 2: Why Does Technology Matter? | Spotify | Apple
See Reinke’s book: God, Technology, and the Christian Life, pg 14.