The David Lochhead Institute for Religion, Technology and Culture Society (IRTC)

Purpose of IRTC
To promote:

Reflection on religious, philosophical and ethical issues pertaining to the interaction between information technologies and  cultures

Use of information technologies to empower religious and cultural minorities and to foster social justice.

To provide:

Resources on matters concerning technology and its use

Goals of IRTC

Sponsor conferences on religious, philosophical and ethical dimensions of technology and culture

Provide consultation on issues of religion, technology and culture

Publish an electronic journal and newsletter devoted to religious, philosophical and ethical reflection on technology and culture

IRTC Directors

Kenneth Bedell
kenbedell2002@yahoo.com
B.A., M.Div., M.A., M.Th., Ph.D.

Keith Knight
kknight@pwrdf.org


D. Gordon Laird
dglaird@telus.net
B.Com., B.D., C.A.

John A. (Ian) MacKenzie
Ian_MacKenzie@ecunet.org
B.A., L.Th., B.D., S.T.M., D. D.

Kenneth MacQueen
marken50@telus.net
BA, MDiv, MA, PhD

What has technology to do with religion?

by the Venerable Dr. John A. (Ian) MacKenzie, D. D., President


Steven Levy describes two interactive astronomy programs by Google and Microsoft. ( Newsweek, March 31, 2008, “From Search Wars to Star Wars”).  200 million plus viewable galaxies are now available for viewing on our desktop computers.  Eli Bressert, who helps this process claims “Google Sky and WorldWide Telescope will democratize the universe”.  Will it also democratize God?

David Lochhead, our founding President, noted  that “Christ, culture, and the technologies of every age are never completely separable”.  Could it be that in this 21st century that unity will be shattered?  There are those who have noted that the digital technology of the computer with its ability to open global communication to everyone may eliminate diverse cultures.  Will it also eliminate religion?  It will certainly transform it. 

While many religious institutions are using technology to try and communicate their message, there is an urgent need to reflect on the implications of life in cyber space.  The David Lochhead Institute for Religion, Technology and Culture has been established to promote discussion and reflection on technology from a theological and philosophical perspective. Through conferences and publications, the Institute brings together those who are concerned with the significance – cultural, philosophical, religious, spiritual – of emerging technologies. 

Who was David Morgan Lochhead?
The Wikipedia article indicates the many aspects of David Morgan Lochhead who was Professor of Systematic Theology at the Vancouver School of Theology.  Some of the titles in his article indicate the breadth of his interest and experience:

  • Academic studies
  • David Lochhead's Theology
  • Bibliography of David Morgan Lochhead
  • Computer pioneer
  • Buddhist-Christian Dialogue


David Lochhead by Wikipedia

Additional Resources
David Lochhead Tribute
Links to David's home page, research and writing
Theology in a Digital World
Reflections by David Lochhead
IRTC Newsletter
NOW ONLINE! Click Here.

Updated: May 1, 2008