THE TECHNOLOGICAL REVOLUTION AS A CHALLENGE FOR THE CATHOLIC CHURCH IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA IN THE 21ST CENTURY
THE TECHNOLOGICAL REVOLUTION AS A CHALLENGE FOR THE CATHOLIC CHURCH IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA IN THE 21ST CENTURY

Summary/Abstract: The aim of this article is to examine how the technological revolution has become adefining feature in contemporary American society, influencing the religious life of the faithful. Itexplores the challenges the Catholic Church faces in fulfilling its mission within this technologi-cally immersed context. The study addresses the following questions: What impact does the tech-nological revolution have on the religious life of the faithful in the United States? What challengesdoes it pose to the Catholic Church in the 21st century? How can the Church fulfill its mission inAmerican society? Answers to these questions are derived from an analysis of Church documents,especially teachings of the Church in the United States, and publications by American theologiansand sociologists. The article starts with a brief introduction, followed by an analysis of the historicalcontext of the technological revolution. It then examines the use of technology in improving humanexistence, as well as the humanizing and dehumanizing effects of technology. The dangers of mis-using digital technology and its impact on religious life are also discussed. The final section offersan analysis of proposals for the pastoral activities of the Church in the USA in response to thechallenges of the technological revolution.

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