Technopaganism


Pagans can be some of the most computer literate people I know. But every once in a while, I run into a blind spot.

Technopaganism doesn't quite have the mass-market appeal it had a few years back. But I still consider myself one.

Recently a very ernest Pagan told me in all seriousness that computers and electronics couldn't be magickal because they weren't "natural."

That was news to me.

As far as I know, there is no mysterious element from an "antimatter universe" that allows a computer to operate. Electrical engineering and circuit design is based on well-understood principles of natural law. Computer logic is a variety of human logic, computer math is human math, and a computer display is designed to be seen by human eyes.

This same person was wearing a few pieces of pagan jewelry. What made those magickal and not a computer?

I've long maintained that the internet is one of the most wonderful and magickal things that humanity as a species has ever done. With a few keystrokes I can get weather anywhere on the planet, headlines from any major news source, webcam feeds from thousands of places, and information on nearly any subject I desire?

What does a crystal ball have that my computer screen doesn't have more of? With sound effects no less.

I think this mindset goes back to Christian mythology. Yes, I know we are talking about Neopagans, but bear with me. There are certain varieties of Christianity that view humanity as somehow separate from the rest of the Christian Creation. This really influenced the Great Awakening and later, Victorian thought. The conclusion was that a "natural" existence was somehow purer and closer to the Christian God. And less corrupt.

I think that last sentence is worth stressing, because I think that many Neopagans see technology as somehow corrupting.

Me, I like my computer and my hot water on demand. I like clean sheets and glass windows. And I like music when I am ready for it.

Technopagan, that's me.

Posted: Fri - December 23, 2005 at 04:48 AM
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