A Theological View Of Jacques Ellul’s Philosophy Of Technology

Jacques Ellul is a famous contemporary French philosopher,sociologist,theologian and openly recognized Christian-Anarchist.His philosophy of technology widely absorbs and draws lessons from the technical critiques of Karl Marx,Max Weber,and also from the theologians Karl Barth and S(?)ren Kierkegaard among the most prominent.He was a great distinguished writer in the twentieth century in the field of the philosophy of technology,thanks to his analysis of the impact of technology on modern society and especially recognized worldwide for his concept of the phenomenon of "technique".Ellul argues that modern society is being dominated by "technique",and he defines it as a series of means that are established to achieve an end.The "technique" like the instrumental rationalization is not only based on a rational process focused on the concept of efficiency but also both share the characteristic of artificiality,among others.According to Jacques Ellul,this technological phenomenon was the reason why modern society lost its industrial essence,and its common factor became technological in all areas.For this reason,he named the new society as a "Technological Society".Hidden in his expansive technological and sociological writings,is Jacques Ellul’s analysis of the ongoing spiritual tension between God and the dominant power of society,“technique”.The presence of God and the “Scripture” outlines the Ellulian characteristics of “technique” as embodied in the Christianity.He brings his most profound,most moving theological statements.He believes that society,because of the "technique",has become a world of dependency and necessity and It seemed to him that society has reached that point described in Scripture when God turns his back and is absence.In his writings he promotes the Christian faith and hope in order to escape from the “technique”.Jacques Ellul believes that the salvation of society from the "technique" must be achieved through an eschatological way,with Jesus Christ being the eschatological son of God,the one in charge of liberating us.In addition,the French theologian is very optimistic because he maintains a soteriological position called "Universal Salvation" where it is stated that the final destiny of humanity after being oppressed by the "technique" and all oppressive forces,will be that including all people,faithful and unfaithful,they will finally be saved from all threats.This paper seeks to explore the correct approach of Jacques Ellul’s philosophy of technology on the basis of an accurate understanding of Jacques Ellul’s original work.By analyzing Jacques Ellul’s theological thoughts and his dialectical method,we can accurately understand the essence of his “technique” concept and its impact on the modern societies.Therefore,it provides some inspiration and reflection for the study of China’s philosophy of technology.