Democratizing the Theological Conversation

Last night the Theology after Google event began.  We heard from several theologians of the academic kind, including our host Philip Clayton.  Tony Jones and Tripp Fuller guided our conversation as to where the new medias are taking the theological conversation.

The overall message is simple, the new media is allowing for the theological conversation to leave the ivory towers of academia and get taken up by the people.  No longer can the experts be the arbitrers of truth.  Now this is very post modern and attractive, and while I'm on board to a great extent, I'm wondering where this leads.  How democratic should this be, and should we jettison all expertise?  I don't think that's the intent, but in our excitement, can this not be the message that gets caught.

So, in a few minutes we enter a new day, with new presentations, creating new conversations.  Therefore, to my TAG participants and to the blogosphere in general -- how democratic should it get?  And, to what extent should we bring in the voices of the "experts?"  I look forward to your thoughts!

Comments

Anonymous said…
That's an interesting question. So far, many of the presenters have in some way referenced this idea of wiki theology, but I haven't heard much in the way of actual discussion concerning the real-life workings of these ideas.
Anonymous said…
"can this not be the message that gets caught." You must be busy Bob, wrong word / punctuation.

"-- how democratic should it get?"

I say, a lot democtratic. We are all in the trenches, the experts maybe spend more time looking at the stars, I'll admit. Keep pointing them out and we'll do the same. David Mc
Anonymous said…
Matthew,

Can we make one like this, but more, or er, palatable may I say?

http://religion.wikia.com/wiki/Conservative_Bible_Project

maybe one like this would be useful too!

http://www.wikileaks.org/wiki/Wikileaks

David Mc

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