God.online – Faith Connections and Internet Metaphors An Author
Interview with James Wetherbe, PhD By Lisa M. Hendey
In his book god.online: Seeking God in the 21st Century (Mead
Publishing, October 2003, paperback, 137 pages), author and
Information Technology professor James Wetherbe, PhD gives
skeptics practical metaphors to assist them in the quest for
spiritual truth. Wetherbe’s book abounds with technological
references, giving documentation to his own exploration of
life’s most important questions. The book looks at some of the
most challenging questions about life and death, the existence
of God, and faith topics.
The book begins with four pivotal questions and attempts to aid
the reader, not only in answering the questions, but also in
deepening his own “God online” connection. Wetherbe reflects in
the book’s conclusion that “Seeking is a magnificent lifetime
journey.” For the many who find themselves at any point along
the expedition towards an active and rich faith life, god.online
would be an excellent map and reference manual with which to
enjoy the trip. In the following interview, Wetherbe discusses
god.online and the importance of making your own connection.
Q: A special thank you to James Wetherbe, PhD, author of
god.online, for your participation in this Book Spotlight
interview. Dr. Wetherbe, please share with our readers your
background as an author and educator. A: I have served on the
faculty at the University of Houston, University of Minnesota,
University of Memphis and Texas Tech University. Industry
experience includes Computing and Software Inc., NCR, Tenneco,
and CSC.
Q: For our readers who have not yet read god.online, would you
please briefly summarize the book. A: The book is written for
the strong willed, spiritually challenged skeptic who struggles
with the true existence of God. The title is based upon an
Internet metaphor. A personal computer has a great deal of
ability but by connecting to the Internet its ability is
exponentially enhanced. This connection can be wireless, so
there is no physical evidence of being connected other than the
access to information and processing previously not available.
Similarly, we as human have a great deal of ability, but when we
connect to God, wirelessly, we have access to wisdom and
guidance that was previously not available to us. The book
provides evidence of and guidance for getting online with God.
The book uses a faith/logic approach to seeking God that is
based upon what the reader has/can experience and reason for
themselves. The book illustrated how faith is both logical and
rewarding.
Q: Coming from the world of academia and technology, it seems
odd that you would take on the subject of proving God's
existence. What prompted you to write this book and who is your
intended audience?
A: Because the most important questions of life center on God
and His existence. These were issues that troubled and
challenged me most of my life, especially after my best friend
suddenly died at age 18. The field of computer technology taught
me to be disciplined and logical in my thinking. Being a
professor taught me to be scientific and skeptical in my
thinking (which is why so many academics are atheists). I needed
to resolve my faith issues in the rigorous way I had learned to
think. I would pray to God, I want to believe but my brain works
against me. Through time and patience, God helped me resolve my
faith issues. The book is documentation of what I learned. Q: As
a lifelong believer, I've always assumed that faith in God was
ultimately a giant "leap", not something that could actually
empirically be proven but my husband, a physician, is much more
into the logical reasoning behind believing. Can we really
actually ever "prove" one of life's greatest mysteries?
A: In my experience men are more skeptical of God. Women seem to
have a greater intuitive sense of faith. I wish I weren't so
stubborn. I believe you can empirically arrive at faith in God.
Empirical means experiential or based upon experience. Once you
experience a sense of God -- seeing your child being born -- you
can truly work towards an online connection. Once you respond to
His guidance, which is usually contrary to your own will, God
reveals more of Himself to you. That is part of the experience
that is convincing.
Q: I love the technological analogies you use in your book! Why
do you feel that the computer paradigm works so well when
describing building and nurturing a personal relationship with
God?
A: First Christ was a great user of metaphor for teaching. He
used the wind to illustrate the Holy Spirit. You can't
physically see it, but you can see the effect of it. For many,
the concept of an omnipresent, invisible God that can be reached
worldwide by everyone is a real intellectual stretch. If I had
told people of the Internet 30 years ago that would not likely
believe me. But here is this man-made marvel. That people were
talking about "wireless" connection to God through prayer
thousands of years ago seems incredibly reasonably and
insightful in that context.
Q: What message do you hope to spread with god.online? A: I just
want to help those who struggle with faith with an approach that
is based upon logic and reasoning. Both seem important to many
in their faith search today. A consequence of the high tech 21st
century is people think differently. That is why the Internet
metaphor seems to fit the times.
Q: Dr. Wetherbe, author of god.online, thank you again for your
time and participation in this interview. Are there any last
thoughts you'd like to share with our readers?
A: God.online relies heavily on the promise made throughout the
Bible -- seek and you will find. It has to be heartfelt seeking,
but God keeps his promise. Perhaps this book can help you or
those you care about in seeking. If not, don't stop seeking,
just find another bridge to help you make the most important
connection of life.
For more information on god.online: Seeking God in the 21st
Century visit
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1883096030/digitalcropper-
20
Lisa M. Hendey is a mother of two sons, webmaster of numerous
web sites, including http://www.catholicmom.com and
http://www.christiancoloring.com, and an avid reader of Catholic
fiction and non-fiction.
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