Abstract
History is a tapestry woven with episodes of technological advances clashing with spiritual convictions. From the Luddites’ violent opposition to weaving machinery, fearing job loss and the devaluation of artisanal skills, to the Parisian tailors who protested Barthélemy Thimonnier’s sewing machine, technological progress has often been met with resistance. The Catholic Church’s infamous battle with Galileo’s heliocentric model, based on a literal interpretation of scripture, and 19th-century objections to anesthesia in childbirth, viewed by some as thwarting divine punishment, further illustrate this trend. In Japan, the shunning of firearms to preserve samurai culture and resistance to Christianity to maintain social harmony paralleled China’s fierce opposition to the opium trade, which caused societal decay. Early Islamic resistance to the printing press stemmed from fears of corrupting the Quran’s sanctity. Darwin’s theory of evolution rattled religious leaders, while stem cell research and IVF face modern moral objections over embryo use. The Amish, with their selective rejection of technology, embody a living tradition of resistance aimed at preserving their way of life. Today, artificial intelligence stirs similar anxieties about job displacement and ethical quandaries, echoing past fears. This paper delves into these patterns of resistance, revealing how deeply held spiritual values have shaped—and been shaped by—our relentless march toward technological innovation. By unpacking these historical precedents, we gain a richer understanding of how to navigate the complex interplay between progress and tradition in our own era, offering insights into managing contemporary technological disruptions with respect for cultural and religious traditions.
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
2025 Special Focus—Fragile Meanings: Vulnerability in the Study of Religions and Spirituality
KEYWORDS
Technological, Resistance, Spiritual, Objections, Cultural, Preservation, Artificial, Intelligence, Historical, Patterns
