Growing Down: Theology and Human Nature in the Virtual Age

Growing Down: Theology and Human Nature in the Virtual Age

Growing Down explores the theological and psychological implications of humanity’s fascination with technology. Author Jaco Hamman examines how our virtual relationships with and through tablets and phones, consoles and screens, have become potentially addictive substitutes for real human relationships. At the base of the technological revolution, as Hamman shows, are abiding theological questions--questions about what it means to be and to become a person in a technological world.   Hamman argues that the appeal of today’s communications technologies, especially the need to be constantly connected and online, is deeply rooted in the most basic ways humans develop. Human relationship with technology mirrors the holding environment established between young children and their primary caregivers. The virtual world plays upon humanity’s deep yearning to reestablish that primary life-giving environment and to recall those first loving and caring relationships. By handling a phone and engaging online, humans revisit the exhilaration, fear, relief, and confidence of belonging, discovering, and gaining knowledge. Technology affords a space where the self can play, feel alive, and be real.   Growing Down draws together theology, anthropology, neuroscience, object relations theory (especially the work of D. W. Winnicott), and empirical research to identify necessary intelligences for human flourishing in an increasingly virtual world. Humans can flourish in the face of the continued onslaught of rapid technological advances--even if they must grow down to do so. This book, written from the heart of the pastoral psychotherapeutic tradition in a fresh, contemporary way, invites an embracing of the importanceof any and all healing work that allows human beings to thrive and to be fully alive. Hamman’s book pushes us to accept that this work is probably harder than it has ever been, but also to believe that it is still possible, and may just yet save us. -- C. D. Mayer ― Journal of Religion and Health Growing Down is an enriching read, inviting reflection about human nature, growth, interpersonal relating, and Christian spirituality. It avoids superficial judgments and polarities; rather, it invites readers to ponder and grapple with the nature of humanness awash in technology, particularly from a Christian perspective. -- Dan Sartor ― Christian Scholar's Review This volume is a rich meditation on formation, technology, and the embodied connections that human beings need in order to flourish. -- Aaron Klink ― Religious Studies Review In this highly technological world, I highly recommend taking the time to read this book. It will leave you wanting to grow up to be a grown-down. -- Travis Jamieson ― Calvin Theological Journal In this beautifully crafted book, Jaco Hamman guides readers on a journey to become more fully who we are in an age when technology offers the tantalizing allure of becoming someone else. Hamman helps us reach into ourselves and cultivate innate intelligences, even as we reach outward to connect with others in civic and social life. Hamman provides both the theoretical framework and practical suggestions to assist readers in mindful rather than mindless use of technology. As a skilled theologian and counselor, Hamman prompts readers to engage in reflective philosophical, psychological, and theological questions in order to navigate with courageous wisdom through the thicket of life-giving and deal-dealing choices available at the flip of every technological switch. -- Michael S. Koppel, Howard Chandler Robbins Professor of Pastoral Theology & Congregational Care and Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, Wesley Theological Seminary Jaco J. Hamman is Associate Professor of Religion, Psychology and Culture at Vanderbilt Divinity School, where he is also the Director of the Program in Theology and Practice. In addition, Hamman is Extraordinary Professor of Practical Theology at The University of Stellenbosch in South Africa.