Analog Church: Why We Need Real People, Places and Things in the Digital Age

Abstract

ANALOG CHURCH: Why We Need Real People, Places and Things in the Digital Age by Jay Y. Kim. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2020. 192 pages. Paperback; $18.00. ISBN: 9780830841585. *There is a thought-provoking irony about this book. Analog Church: Why We Need Real People, Places and Things in the Digital Age by Jay Y. Kim was written prior to the 2020 pandemic, and published at its first peak around March of that year. The book serves as a creative warning about the church "over-embracing" modern technology and all that the digital age offers, at the cost of stifling its original purpose, a purpose steeped in analog principles of empathetic relationship. Fair enough! But along come the COVID-19 restrictions, and the church (and every other part of our institutionalized life) jumps full steam ahead as digital technology becomes essential. My own perspective is from Canadian Presbyterianism. It, with some exception, has been slow to embrace many technological advances when it comes to "doing church." Nonetheless, it and many other churches have been dragged into the twenty-first century with near abandon. The number of churches doing meetings and Sunday worship via YouTube, Zoom, Facebook, and other platforms has skyrocketed. *The prophetic voice inherent in Analog Church is speaking to the church community at a time when it is relying on digital technology to continue functioning. The introductory section of the book focuses on how technology, in and of itself, is not adequate to reach those who are searching for a transcendent meaning and purpose in life, and may, in fact, steer people away from such a relationship. In an introductory section entitled "When Values Turn Vicious," the author notes that "the digital age's technological advancements boast three major contributions to the improvement of human experience ..." (p. 15). These are speed, choices, and individualism. He notes that when such values unduly influence the church and aren't held accountable, "they turn vicious." Speed has made us impatient, choices have made us shallow, individualism has made us isolated. *It is on this premise that the author uses the remainder of the book to detail his warnings and his reasons for hope. The chapter titles are provided here, as they are descriptive of the content. Part 1 has two chapters which examine worship: "Cameras, Copycats and Caricatures: Worship in the Digital Age"; and "To Engage and to Witness: Analog Worship." Part 2 considers community: "Rebuilding Babel: Community in the Digital Age"; and "A Tax Collector and a Zealot Walk into A Crossfit: Analog Community." Part 3 looks at scripture: "Jackpot: Scripture in the Digital Age"; "HowToReadABook: Analog Scripture"; and "The Meal at the Center of History: Communion." *An example of the author's approach can be taken from the section on worship. He has the reader consider "how the digital age and technology's influence have subverted much of what worship life of the gathered people of God is meant to be" (p. 35), in part in the church's effort to reach new generations. Here he invokes the wisdom of Canadian philosopher and media guru Marshall McLuhan. He notes how McLuhan's 1960's prophetic voice is making a return due to the precise nature of his pronouncements, and how they match current circumstances. He summarizes McLuhan's "Four Laws of Media" (media in a very broad sense), as applicable to our use of technology today in the church, and, in this case, worship. The laws are summarized as follows: what does it enhance, what does it push aside, what does it retrieve that was previously pushed aside, and, what does it turn into when pushed to an extreme? As Kim moves into the value of analog worship, he notes that "digital informs," but "analog transforms," and similarly, "digital entertains, analog engages." *The author works into his narrative a number of stories based on his own life experiences, and pastors and speakers will find these worthy of using in their own teaching. While there are biblical references scattered throughout, this reviewer particularly appreciates the detailed way some scriptural passages are handled. For example, in the section regarding analog community, the author takes an extended look at the list of the first disciples in Matthew 10:2-4. He pays particular attention to the unique descriptors for two of them: Matthew, a tax collector; and Simon, a zealot. These two would have been bitter enemies, yet we read nothing of the animosity that would have existed between them. There was something, a force, contained in their leader that was much stronger than their own histories and opinions of one another. Kim later notes that there is the need for this kind of communal relationship, as "the digital age has disconnected and detached us from one another in ways completely unique to our current moment in history. True analog community is what the world is hungry for, whether they know it or not" (p.113). *The author is certainly no luddite. He applauds the use of digital technology when properly focused. He himself lives in the heart of Silicon Valley, and, in many ways, he has been at the cutting edge of digital technology and its use in the church. He is the lead pastor of teaching at WestGate Church in the same area, and until recently was teacher-in-residence at Vintage Faith Church in Santa Cruz. He cohosts The Regeneration Podcast. He has a very useful website (jaykimthinks.com), and he makes himself readily available via Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. All this is to say that Jay Kim has considerable credibility concerning the subject matter of this book. In fact, on the March 22, 2020, version of Regeneration Podcast, there is a specific commentary about the book, with some pandemic perspective as well. One of the book's phrases which is featured in the podcast discussion is "the temptation to pursue relevance at any cost." The podcast is a good resource for those considering getting the book. *ASA/CSCA members might well be wondering if the book is primarily for pastors and church leaders (which group, of course, includes a number of our members). As for those involved with the scientific endeavor, there are also some worthy considerations. This reviewer has long considered scientific activity as a form of worship, and the work of the ASA as an important ministry in itself. Many of the warnings that Jay Kim provides in his book can be easily transferred to those who share the importance of a vital science and faith relationship. In fact, it is about relationship. Digital "spectacle" may be a useful and inspiring aspect of short-term events and conferences, but the purpose of both church and our individual witness is quite different. It requires an analog approach, enhanced by a subtle and reflective use of technology which builds upon the purpose of churches and congregations, but does not replace it. In conclusion, I would recommend this book to ASA members interested in how digital technology shapes the church. *Reviewed by Bob Geddes, a geologist and minister (retired) in the Presbyterian Church in Canada, Hamilton, ON L9A 4Y2.