Spirit Tech: The Brave New World of Consciousness Hacking and Enlightenment Engineering

In this stimulating look into the technologies that could shape the future of spirituality, Wildman (Religion and Science) and Stockly (High on God) explore a range of brain-based tech designed to trigger, enhance, accelerate, modify, or measure spiritual experiences. Investigating the intensifying interaction between technology and religion, the authors talk to innovators and early adopters who are “hacking the spiritual brain” using ultrasounds to help practitioners meditate and experimenting with “high-tech telepathy” to build a social network of meditative brains. While critics may question “spirit tech’s efficacy, elitism, and ethics,” Wildman and Stockly are careful to note that religious believers have always used tools—including mantras, mandalas, prayer beads, and palm reading—to enhance spiritual experiences. The difference now, they write, is the sheer number of “customizable and exploratory practices at the threshold between cutting-edge tech and the soul,” such as psychedelic trips in lieu of Holy Communion and LED orbs meant to foster connection between congregants. Wildman and Stockly’s revealing introduction to this brave new world of transcendent tech will give both pious pioneers and defenders of traditional religiosity something to consider. (May)