Friday, March 5, 2010

A Great [Computer] Cloud of Witnesses

Cloud Computing is Theology After Google computing.  Users depend on a network of servers, but then accesses and modify information from a user station.  In other words the millions of people doing Facebook don't depend on their computers and mobile devices to contain and do the computing required to run and sustain Facebook, they merely access the Computer Cloud that does it. 

Does "Theology After Google" rely upon a network/cloud of servers/witnesses?  Yes!


"Therfore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of wintesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us..." Hebrews 12:1

On Tuesday our class skyped with Brian McLaren about his new book, "A New Kind of Christianity."  It was a good conversation, and Brian shared a lot of anecdotes.  I left with the distinct feeling that Brian, as well as everyone else in the room depended on a network of connections or a cloud of witnesses that have helped in developing one's faith.

With the internet, the people with whom one can connect, and the witnessing that help to form one's faith are different than ever before.  There can be no doubt that the cloud of witnesses literally surrounds each person.  Faith in this context, is to rely upon the cloud of wintesses, to let go of the heavy things that slow one down and to run with perseverance.

3 comments:

Hannan said...

The Cloud is channel agnostic.

Tripp said...

great metaphor!

Brian said...

Interesting blog, Wes. It gets ya thinking.