The Social and Ethical Problems of Work and Unemployment in Technological Society Available to Purchase

Dr Everard introduces the article in these terms: Criticisms of the church for not getting to grips with contemporary problems of technology and work will be familiar to readers of this Journal. As a church member, I think such criticisms are well‐placed. It is therefore agreeable to have been part of an ecumenical initiative, led by the Home Mission Division of the Methodist Church, which brought together some sixty scientists, technologists and others to work on some of the ethical issues of technological change. The outcome is a report SHAPING TOMORROW which takes a positive and proactive view of the future. The final chapter, CAN WE SHAPE TOMORROW? ends with the words: ‘Don't just sit there lamenting the present situation — for God's sake do something!’ Moreover, the Report says how, in terms with which many trainers will be familiar. Four key areas of change are meatily discussed: the technology of living things; energy and material resources; the age of electronics; and the social and ethical problems of work and unemployment in technological society. With help from a trade unionist, an accountant and others, David Wright (a former industrial chaplain) and I wrote the chapter on work, its relation to wealth and reward, and the Protestant work ethic. Because it is so relevant to the Phoenix Scenario, you may like to think about what we have to say. Some of you will not agree with us: that is all to the good, because contemporary theology and sociology badly needs fashioning on the anvil of rational argument, rather than set on a pedestal of dogma and ideology.