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High-Tech Worship?: Using Presentational Technologies Wisely (Book)
Quentin Schultze, Author.  Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House, 2004.

Having encountered both fruitful and poor uses of presentational technologies in worship services, Quentin Schultze argues that liturgical wisdom should guide our technological adaptations: "we should adapt technology to authentic, meaningful, and God-glorifying worship. The love of the Lord is foundational to all true worship (John 4:23). Technology should nurture such love."

Technology fails at such nurturance when churches move too quickly to acquire and apply it, when they lose sight of its purpose, and when they exclude the people and talents needed for implementing it wisely. An unanticipated result is that the spiritual foundations of such liturgical practices as confession, proclamation, prayer, affirmation of faith, offering gifts, communion, and benediction are diminished.

Schultze also reminds readers of a theological tension between technology and worship: technology "tends to create human hearts and minds bent on control" while worship calls us to remember who and whose we are.

Nevertheless, the author sees many instances when technology, appropriately applied, can truly aid worship and liturgy. A key question to consider in making technological choices is whether and to what extent those choices support worship that fosters gratitude and love towards God and neighbor. Another key question is whether it enhances the worship space, making it "a joy to behold, fitting and inspiring" for praising God.

Congregational leaders who expect to employ presentational technologies in worship soon, or who have tried them in the past with ill effect, will want to tap into Schultze's wisdom and advice.

Available from the publisher or from Amazon.

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