Stephen D. LOWE and Mary E. LOWE. Ecologies of Faith in a Digital Age. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2018. Pp. 259. $22.50 pb. ISBN 978-0-8308-5205-5. Reviewed by Francis BERNA, La Salle University, Philadelphia, PA 19141.

Directing a graduate program in Theology and Ministry for over twenty years, I have had my share of skepticism about online programs. Administrators who have touted the potential for increased revenue fueled the fire of skepticism. More recent experience, however, and Ecologies of Faith in a Digital Age have doused some of the flames.

   Stephen and Mary Low present a well-researched text. Supported by the Wabash Center their work rests on a three-year consultation as well as the academic work of a wide range of scholars. On the one hand their correlations between biblical texts and the science of ecological systems can appear somewhat artificial. Their evangelical perspective can contribute to initial doubt. On the other hand, particularly when the reader pays attention to the academic scholarship, one recognizes some depth of insight.

The authors concern themselves not only with theological education. Critical for church ministry, they likewise concern themselves with spiritual formation. With particular regard for spiritual formation, the Lowe’s emphasize the communal dimension of Christian existence. As they note, this contrasts with a culture and often educational models that have become too individualistic.

Highlighting the need for intentional design and modes of collaborative learning, the authors correctly observe that similar attention can and must be given to both in-person and online programs. A professor and students in a classroom do not automatically form a collaborative community. Nor does a classroom guarantee attention to spiritual formation. In fact, some graduate programs and theological schools intentionally distance themselves from spiritual formation in order to emphasize their academic quality. The Lowe’s text provides some practical strategies to enhance the online experience for academic and spiritual growth.

Using various theories of sciences of ecology the text opens up some new ways of understanding the spirit of community reflected in the letters of St. Paul. Likewise, the authors, with solid biblical scholarship, bring to the fore some of the radical moves of the Gospel Jesus. Their emphasis on “holiness as more contagious than uncleanliness” (p. 191) suggests the power of grace available in physical and digital modes of experience.

    Reading the book got me to think about some of my more recent experience, Increasingly I use a digital platform when teaching my in-person courses. Additionally, I am a member of the secular institute Voluntas Dei. We have one team whose members meet online each month for prayers and discussion. Recently elected to our district council, I now participate in our online council meetings. While online communication certainly has its challenges, in-person communication certainly does not come challenge free. The Lowe’s text is worth reading for all those interested in theological education and spiritual formation in our digital age.