When we chiefly accessed the Internet from computers, Christian commentary about using the net was mainly focused on the need to choose websites and content wisely (avoiding online pornography, for instance). Once smartphones became commonplace, we started to use the Internet from almost any location, at any time. Sermons then turned to warning of the time that we could waste online and of the dangers of continual and chronic distraction. This award-winning book addresses even deeper issues.

What James argues is that Internet technologies embed a kind of liturgy, a series of practices, habits, beliefs, and desires that form us and shape us in particular ways. They are rewiring our brains and shaping our souls. The problem is that this re-shaping is unhealthy for human flourishing and flies in the face of Biblical ways and wisdom.

The book identifies and evaluates five "digital liturgies" to see where they run counter to Biblical patterns for acquiring wisdom (namely, the way to live well in this world). Five chapters each address a different digital liturgy - authenticity, outrage, shame, consumption, and meaninglessness - each of them undisputed hallmarks of the online world.

James is not anti-technology though - his short book is not another call for periodic fasts from social media nor is it a plea for Christians to abandon the Internet and live "off the grid". He doesn't offer easy solutions to the quandary of living in an Internet-soaked world. The book concludes with some pointers for practices and habits that can "shape our character in the direction of our justified identity". James makes a strong argument for prioritising the physical gatherings of local church over online church. In so doing, he presents the most coherent case I've heard yet for avoiding the trap of trying to mediate one's church involvement solely online.

Rather like when Jesus spoke parables, the reader is largely left to think through the implications of what has just been said. I have looked at other reviews of this book (online, of course!) and one recurring theme is that the book offers little practical guidance and help for responding to the challenges discussed. I'm inclined to think that this is a little unfair as the pointers that he gives, despite their brevity, are deep and profound. Following them is a lifetime task, but one every Christian should already have embarked upon. What the book does not address is how the church might adapt to communicate more effectively with people whose thinking and worldview is being radically reshaped by their use of technology. That's a discussion for another time.

I recommend this well-crafted book, but be prepared to read it slowly and to engage your thinking as you do!