As someone who works in computer technology, I find it interesting that religion is a term that is now often used in reference to issues that have nothing to do with God. Some people who like the Apple Macintosh or Free Software are sometimes labeled as religious, even though they may in fact be atheists. Indeed, Apple Computer began using religious terminology back in the 80’s by creating a position in their company called “Evangelist” with the intention of spreading enthusiasm for their products.

I believe the use of the term “religion” in reference to technology is instructive in understanding the problem of people’s negative perception of religion today. I find two reasons why a person may be accused of being religious in his support of a technology. One is when he ceases to use rational argument in support of his position, and moves on to personal attacks and other coercive techniques. The other reason is when he makes a claim for his technology that is seen as too universal, such as when a Free Software advocate states that people should only use software licensed under the GPL.

I find the first association of religion with non-rational coercion to be unfortunate and unnecessary. As I stated earlier, I believe that faith and reason can work together. Christian belief is not irrational, and a Christian can communicate much of the truth of the Christian faith to a non-Christian by using a common language of reason and human experience.

The association of universal claims with a religious view are much more justified. Even then, however, I believe that the Catholic Church, in its statements about other Christian denominations and non-Christian religions, has shown that it is possible to assert universal claims of the truth of one’s own religion and at the same time admit the varying levels of truth in other religions. In the case of Computer Religion, a Free Software advocate can strongly state the case for the superiority of the GPL, but still admit that there are merits to the BSD license. He can even admit that at this time some people will find it necessary to use some Microsoft products, and that they should not be condemned for doing so, while he is at the same time hoping and working for the day when the capabilities of free software will exceed that of all commercial software.