Michael Morelli: Jacques Ellul & the Technological Society

On this episode, I am joined by a leading Jacques Ellul scholar, Dr. Michael Morreli, as we unpack his reflections on technology, idolatry, modernity, and Christian Anarchism. If you enjoy the conversation, check out his book  Theology, Ethics, and Technology in the Work of Jacques Ellul and Paul Virilio. Michael Morelli is Assistant Professor of… Read more about Michael Morelli: Jacques Ellul & the Technological Society

On this episode, I am joined by a leading Jacques Ellul scholar, Dr. Michael Morreli, as we unpack his reflections on technology, idolatry, modernity, and Christian Anarchism. If you enjoy the conversation, check out his book  Theology, Ethics, and Technology in the Work of Jacques Ellul and Paul Virilio.

Michael Morelli is Assistant Professor of Theology & Ethics and Program Manager, Life-Long Learning at Northwest Seminary & College (a founding member of ACTS Seminaries, and affiliate of Trinity Western University). He holds a PhD in Theological Ethics from the University of Aberdeen, Scotland, is the author of Theology, Ethics, and Technology in the Work of Jacques Ellul and Paul Virilio: A Nascent Theological Tradition (2021), and editor of Desert, Wilderness, Wasteland, and Word: A New Essay by Jacques Ellul and Five Critical Engagements (2023). He publishes and presents on a variety of topics within the fields of theology, morality, culture, politics, and technology. He has also worked in local church ministry and continues to serve the church in a lay capacity.

Follow Michael’s work on Twitter: @mchlmorelli

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Dr. Morelli
04:31 Michael Morelli’s Academic Journey
14:03 Jacques Ellul’s Background and Influences
19:25 Understanding Technique and Its Implications
32:28 The Idol of Technology and Its Consequences
37:09 Power Dynamics and Non-Power in Modernity
46:54 The Dark Side of Innovation
47:12 War and Technology: A Chilling Connection
48:04 Propaganda and Political Power
51:29 The Seduction of Technology
54:39 The Role of Idols in Modern Society
57:42 The Ethics of War and Political Decisions
01:00:38 The Future of Technology and Society
01:14:16 Christian Anarchism and Local Governance
01:22:47 Hope and Despair in Modern Times
01:36:26 Upcoming Projects and Final Thoughts

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