Islamic and Christian Perspective on Computer Science - Essay Example

Islamic and Christian Perspective on Computer Science Various religions hold various beliefs about many aspects of life. While science attempts to define many concepts based on their testability, it is astonishing how widely people subscribe to various religious positions that are non-empirical. Whether it is true or not that religion is the opium of the masses, as Marxist may assert, or not, one for sure is that religion plays a crucial role in determining how human beings make their decisions. It is immaterial which religion people subscribe to, the common denominator is that all religions point out to some supernatural being whose powers people believe in. It is from such beliefs that people various perspectives emerge, all shaped by the specific dogmas of the time. As such, one would expect that at any particular time, it is highly likely that various perspectives will root out from various religious beliefs. For the purposes of this paper, the paper shall research and analyze Islamic and Christian perspectives on computer science. My major is computer science. It encompasses the study of software and hardware development and management to meet societal needs. While studying computer science, we also study contemporary issues around computer science such as religious perspectives on computer science. Under religion, a unit in computer science, we also study philosophy, critical theory and psychology. Given the interdisciplinary approach my university adopts, the course on religion is also designed to teach on various religious beliefs held by various societies that practice such religions. This assists one to be able to interact cordially with others as a computer scientist in a dynamic world. The goals of the major are to prepare one to be in a position understand the dynamism that exists in the society. Apart from instilling skills and technical know-how, the course also prepares one to embrace the concept of diversity and be prepared to accept others without any discrimination based on their religious beliefs. It is also apparent that the course prepares one to function properly in the current global village where various cultures, values and practices are increasingly becoming evidenced in the work place. Islamic Perspective on Computer Science One may observe that Islamic perspective on computer science is one that varies largely from Sunni to Shiite sects; they tend to converge on certain principles. Many teachings of the Sunni sect are derived from the Al-Kutub Al-Sittah, implying the six books of the religion sect, together with the holy Quran, are the basis of Sunni Islamic law. They approach contemporary worldview from such positions as best illustrated in the law books. Shiite perspective of the Quran has some differences from Sunni views although all of them are generally similar. This is to mean that while the text in the Quran is exactly similar for both of them; both sects have slightly varied ways of interpreting the Quran. As such, their views as pertains to computer science, form Islamic perspective on computer science. One may observe that Islamic perspective on computer science is one that has allot to do with ethics. It is the kind of ethical dimension as taught in their holy book of Quran. It is pertinent to mention that Islamic perspective on computer science is that computer science is acceptable but judged from its outcomes. It is common to find many Muslim countries in the contemporary Islam societies embracing computer technology although with slight regulations. As the Muslim fraternity embraces computer technology, they use the technology for various purposes. Some of the most common perspectives about computer science common from the two sects are that the computer science is good, but that one may also use it to propagate false doctrines or propaganda. Sometimes various governments block certain websites from being accessed on various grounds. In short, Islamic perspective on computer science is one that may be seen as a mix between trust and mistrust. There is the embracing of technology based on its benefits as well as fear for unknown possible negative consequences. Even so, as long as there are no ethical issues in question, many Muslim’s perspective on computer science is one that is positive (Bunt 71). Many modern Muslims readily welcome the technology. In fact, Mohamed Nizam et al, in their research about ethical communication in it project from an Islamic perspective; observe that as long as ethics is followed, then technology has room in among Muslims (Nizam et al 4). But if the technology is used to make contacts between a man and a woman who are not married, nor are blood relations, then that is unethical and is prohibited. From this, may note that Islamic religion only regulates the outcomes of technologies used as products of computer and science but does not prohibit computer science in its totality (Sharaf et al 2). Christian Perspective on Computer Science With regards to Christian perspective on computer science, there have been various contemporary interpretations and opinions. It is vital to point out well in advance that there has never been a wide scale declaration against computer science. This is not to imply pockets of concerns do not exist. Actually, there are various concerns about computer science among contemporary Christian irrespective of their denominations. Such concerns have majorly been about issues that touch on ethics and morality. Even so, one may observe that the major concern about the computer science pertains to how one may use computer in a manner that does not glorify God or promote unacceptable dogmas and doctrines (Tickle 56). Therefore, rather than Christianity perspective focusing on computer science in its entirety as a discipline, it focuses on the outcomes of using such technology directly associated with computer science. Many leading Christian denominations recognize that there is a need for man to continue working to complement God’s creation. As long as the application of computer science is geared towards making work easier, and there is neither ethical deviance nor dogma misrepresentation, then many Christian followers have nothing to hold against computer science (Tickle 63). In fact, many Christians use computer science technology for the greater good of serving God’s people. It is only in circumstances the rise of pornography on the internet, or negative portrayal of doctrines of the church is what may be seen as a sacrilege that Christian perspective may be concerned about computers science. In fact, many christen families are usually concerned about the content that their children watch on the internet. As such, one may observe that Christian perspective on computer science is approached with a lot of tolerance and acceptance. Christianity is majorly concerned with how one uses such technology Other scholars have also analyzed Christian perspective on computer science from a deeper perspective that analyses fundamentals of computer science and comparing them against Biblical provisions to justify certain aspects about computer science. One needs to note that the Bible is the book upon which Christians base their faith. One can sufficiently justify any positions adopted from a Christian perspective from the Bible, which spells out how to live a holy life as a Christian. For instance, Joel C. Adams while writing on why Christians should study computer science observes that when God created humankind, he also commanded them to subdue and rule over his creation (Adams 1). He highlights that if one may regard computing as part of God’s creation, then it would straight away turn out to be in line with this command. He observes that on the book of Psalms 24, the phrase “rule” has been used to imply that humankind actually do rule as stewards on God’s behalf, not on their own behalf. That is why many Christian denominations summarize that whatever one does, he/she should do it for the greater good of God. There is no particular way that churches do describe of doing things, apart from that they must be good conducts that do not constitute sin in thought, word, and deed. Sin is defined in various contexts in Christianity but generally, it means that which is not right before the eyes of the Lord. Again, the definition of right in Christianity context is broad but one may observe that it represents values rather than vices. It also implies connotations to do with justice and fairness, good rather than evil. One may also observe that right in Christianity context has to do with that which promotes equity, unconditional love, mercy, forgiveness, humility, amongst others. Therefore, the Christian perspective on computer science is that computer science is acceptable as it promotes all the right things about Christian living. It is however intriguing to note that some Christians may consider computer science and any secular careers as having less spiritual satisfaction. From the perspective of careers, some Christians have been observed to shun computer science on the basis that it gives them no spiritual satisfaction. It is difficult to categorize such opinions as perspectives although they could lead to perspectives if adopted by a considerable majority. However, Derek C. Schuurman observes that since the Bible does not directly give any opinion about computer science, it may be difficult for Christians to develop a commanding perspective about computer science unanimously (Schuurman 4). Schuurman proceeds to analyze that since the Bible uses the word “shalom” to refer to the way things are supposed to be, and given that the word also means universal flouring, wholeness and delight, computer science may be part of the universal flourishing. Even so, observes that there is no direct attribution to that as a fact. He notes that the Bible does not inform us about contemporary issues such as computer science, but maintains that the most valuable thing is to use everything in a manner that brings glory to the Lord. In fact, he goes ahead to point out that a reformed Christian perspective has only identified that the only significant themes that one may deduce from the Bible are the creation of man and the universe, the fall of man, and finally man’s salvation (Schuurman 5). In what appears to be a little twist from reformed Christian perspective, Schuurman asserts that such dominant themes go along the way into shaping Christian worldview, and computer technology may be understood from such as Biblical worldview. Without showing whether they dismiss computer technology resulting from computer science, another Christian perspective claims that technology may have developed because of the fall. Christians holding such perspectives ponder that would there have been the need for technology had everything remained the way they were created? For what would a perfect creation need technology? In short, one may observe that although Catholic and protestant Christians hold different opinions about computer science, Christian perspective on computer science is one that is generally acceptable as long as it does not contribute to committing of anything perceived to be sinful (Bass 112). Similarities and Differences Similarities in Christian and Muslim perspectives about computer science are that both are guided by their holy books. To decide on whether computer science is bad or good is something that is checked through the prism of religion doctrines. Besides, both have emerged to be concerned about outcomes of computer science rather with elaborate focus on ethics. Leading perspectives in both religions observe that as long as there are no negative ethical issues involved, or anything contrary to the teachings of their holy books, then there is nothing wrong with embracing computers science (Bowker 63). With regard to differences, what emerge out are tremendously significantly issues that constitute a deviation from the norm. This is especially so given that Sunni and Shiite Muslims interpret the same holy book differently. This is unlike in Christianity where teachings and interpretation of the Bible seem consistent among Catholics and Protestants. Conclusion One may observe that largely quite a number of similar factors guide Christian and Islamic perspectives on computer science. It emerges that the primary concern in both is that they tend to be more focused on the consequences of using the technology rather than what the technology can do. Both religions understand that Computer science may have negative outcomes and as such rely on their sound teachings to guide its usage. In short, one may observe various positions held by Christian and Muslim religions on selected contemporary issues. One may also note that the topic has also served to broaden understanding of motivating factors for taking certain positions. Works Cited Adams, Joel C. Why Christians Should Study Computer Science (and other technical disciplines). Computer Science Department Calvin College Grand Rapids, MI 49546. Web. http://cs.calvin.edu/documents/christian/Vocation2002.pdf. Bass, Diana. Christianity for the Rest of Us: How the Neighbourhood Church Is Transforming the Faith. New York: Harper One, 2007. Print. Bowker, John. World Religions: The Great Faiths Explored & Explained. London: DK ADULT, 2006. Print. Bunt, Gary R. Islam in the Digital Age: E-Jihad, Online Fatwas and Cyber Islamic Environment. London: Pluto Press, 2003. Print. Nizam, Mohamed et al. Ethical Communication in IT Project From an Islamic Perspective. World of Computer Science and Information Technology Journal Vol. 2, No. 4, 142- 146, 2012. Schuurman, Derek C. Forming a Christian View of Computer Technology. Department of Computer Science Redeemer University College, 2007. Web. http://www.acmsonline.org/journal/2007/schuurman.pdf. Sharaf, Gehad et al. An Examination of Social Networking Sites Usage Among Muslims Student in Islamic Perspectives. International Journal of Engineering and Advanced Technology Vol. 1 (4), April 2012. Print. Tickle, Phyllis. Emergence Christianity: What It Is, Where It Is Going, and Why It Matters. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Books, 2012. Print. Read More