Chapters 9 & 10: The Role of Faith in Technopoly

“The third idea (of scientism) is that faith in science can serve as a comprehensive belief system that gives meaning to life, as well as a sense of well-being, morality, and even immortality.”  (p. 147)  Throughout this book, I have been trying to understand where faith fits in.  This comment by Postman in his 9^th chapter helps me understand why it does not fit in.  As Postman indicates in this chapter, many people are looking for explanations as to how things work – laws that govern the processes of the world and also human behavior.  So they put their “faith” in science (something they can control and figure out) instead of a God that they cannot see.  I use faith loosely here because I don’t think they really have faith at all.  From what I have learned, “Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” (Hebrews 11:1)  They say they have faith, but it is in something they can see and rationalize and prove.  It is not complete trust in something.  Webster says that faith is “Complete trust or confidence in someone or something.”  Even with this definition, we could not say that they actually have faith. 

            There was much discussion in this chapter about the differences and similarities between science and social science.  It was interesting to see our religion and belief in God as a social science.  Science requires being able to do experiments to reveal that something could be false.  Since there is no evidence to show that there is no God, it falls in the realm of social science.  In the social science world, it was hard to hear Postman put Jesus on the same level as other sociologists that tell good stories.   What all this came down to is that all of these sciences were attempts by humans to try and explain our lives and experiences.  Again, there is a lack of faith and trust.  Some things aren’t meant to be understood and explained.

            So then, why do we do what we do each day?  I appreciate that Postman brought this idea up related to education in chapter 10.  It is important to consider what learning is for and what the purpose of education is.  He pointed out how the purpose of education was different for so many people throughout history.  At this point, I figured it would make sense to point to what could be considered one consistent reason throughout history – “that learning is done for the greater glory of God and, more particularly, to prepare the young to embrace intelligently and gracefully the moral directives of the church.”  (p. 178)  But even this is downplayed as something that could not be achieved in Technopoly.  What do you think?  Is it possible to hold this as a basis for education, even in a Technopoly?  What might be missing from this simple purpose?  What important elements are included in your schools’ mission statement?  Could these items be true for a public or private school?