Outer Rim Territories

9 Responses to “ Macintosh Fanaticism = Idolatry? ”

1. # 1 Pastor Cholak Says:
   March 11th, 2006 at 2:45 pm

   Perhaps it could get there… but one can’t disagree - even if you are a Microsoft person - that Macintosh is a finely engineered tool for today’s workforce. I have often shown my computer to some one without saying much of anything to eventually have them say they want one. That is kinda like evangelism, isn’t? couldn’t be? But to the end of worshiping it?? It is entirely possible for some people. Luther once quipped that your god is whatever your heart clings to and if it is a Macbook pro… then it’s a Macbook pro. Protect us from this, dear Heavenly Father!

2. # 2 Christopher Gillespie Says:
   March 11th, 2006 at 8:48 pm

   The laptops always are appreciated for their engineering. There is something about an aluminum chassis and 1″ of thickness (and perhaps light weight) that makes it all the more practical.

   But are you just fostering their greed by flaunting the hardware before them? :) If I lost my Apple’s I’d still have the will to live and serve God so I guess we’re okay here!

   The “lack of software” panning has gotten so boring. Even in regards to the MacBookPro, the critics citing the lack of “universal binary” software miss the point. The software IS available and even the shareware/freeware is better than the dredge we get out of the Windows camps. I’d rather use Ubuntu linux or the like.

   Two days to go!

3. # 3 Phil Nardulli Says:
   March 12th, 2006 at 7:42 am

   Having owned a Mac in one form or another since May of 1984 and having raised two macophiles, i have come to the conclusion that it is less evangelism and more genetic qualities. (I am typing this on my son powerbook just to make my point). Can I help it that he sneers at anything windows? I am proud that he knows quality when he sees it.

   I have quit preaching all things Mac to the windows world and have learned that they must discover it on their own. I also must agree with Chris: the “lack of software” arguement just doesn’t hold water. I often interact with the windows word without their knowledge. Maybe the new intel macs will bring them to the light. We can pray.

4. # 4 Pastor Cholak Says:
   March 12th, 2006 at 11:34 am

   Chris… I was a laptop man from the beginning of my Mac conversion and just bought an iMac. It too has some amazing accomplishments… the engineering is just superb. I don’t think I ever thought the software excuse was much of an excuse at least since my Apple days began four years ago.

   And yes, there is something about seeing quality and acknowledging it. I guess I go farther than your son, I don’t stop with a sneer. But turning to a desktop has made me realize that I can survive without my Apple everywhere I go. I too still have the will to live and serve God! Yep! We ARE okay…!

5. # 5 Rev. P. T. McCain Says:
   March 12th, 2006 at 1:28 pm

   Hail Macintosh, all hail!

   Using a Macintosh is a heavenly experience.

   Here I stand. I can not do otherwise.

6. # 6 Christopher Gillespie Says:
   March 12th, 2006 at 4:34 pm

   Two further comments:

   Some people say they have learned their best liturgical and homiletical techniques from Joel Osteen. Joel pales in comparison to Steve. I have been avidly watching Apple Expo Keynotes (and other special events) for years now. We even drove as a family to the Apple store in Woodfield, Illinois to watch the unveiling of the PowerMacG5. In all these keynote presentations, Steve Jobs has been able to cast what many call the “Reality Distorition Field” or RDF for short. This altered state of being for the hearers allow them not only to accept whatever product Steve foists on them BUT also to tell others which the same great enthusiasm.

   It seems this isn’t a whole lot different than preaching (except we’ve got the Word of God and the Spirit working through it.) Even so, like in today’s pericope who in their right mind would accept a life of suffering and “cross bearing”? Yet, the Gospel through God’s messengers can cast the same sort of RDF over the hearer. Not only do we accept this message but we are compelled to tell others…. in joy!

   Second, many people fail to see what has ultimately made Apple so popular, lifestyle. I too have owned Apple computers off and on since my first Apple II+ clone. What Apple represents is not all that dissimilar to the life of a Christian as well. It is life-changing, holistic, and cultic. The way we think, act, and behave changes as a result of the gift. For some, their Mac obsession has elevated their beloved Macintosh to god. We can see this demonstrated in the so-called “cult of the Mac.” Regardless, Apple makes lifestyle products. These are simply tools but their alter and change our way of life. Looking at the iPod, we see a model example of the change in the way people listen to music. Sound fidelity aside, the practical concerns which brings music to us in any and every environment cannot be underestimated.

   A quick look over the product selection offered will show that EVERYTHING they offer was created not for a specific task per se but rather to accomplish it in a certain way with strong consideration of its practical use. This philosophy has born products like the flat-panel iMac, the iPod Nano, all the iPod “sock” products, the iPod Hi-Fi, and more. They take existing product categories and rethink them in a way to make them more useful practical and specific.

   All it takes is one PC to make a Mac user repent of his apostacy and return to the flock. If that’s not effective evangelism, what is?

7. # 7 ghp Says:
   March 22nd, 2006 at 5:16 pm

   IIRC, Apple was, back in the day, the first (computer) company to actually give someone the title of “Evangelist”, which they did with Guy Kawasaki.

   I tolerate, and even grudgingly respect, Windows.

   I have an admiration & strong respect for Linux (i.e., Open Source *NIX).

   But, I “get” the Mac on a more visceral level. When I look at some of the advertising that first surrounded the Mac back in 1984, I still get that same feeling, one that I can’t completely explain. Apple (at least under Jobs, but not Sculley, Amelio, etc.) has always been so darned *cool* - and I’ve always wanted to be a part of that. The best part, these days, is that the monetary barrier to entry is no longer what it was.

   With a Mac, I feel like I have an ally in getting my work accomplished.

   With Windows, I feel like I’m in the middle of an uneasy truce with a beast that I’m technically able to subdue & control, but there’s always the possibility that it could rebel & spit the bit at any time.

   Like I wrote over at my place (And After a 15 Year Hiatus:

   22 years after I first wanted one (but settled for a IIc instead)…
   18 years after I first got one (an SE)…
   15 years after I went over to the PC/Intel/DOS/Windows side…
   I’m finally going back.
   Back to the Mac!

   :)

   -ghp

8. # 8 Christopher Gillespie Says:
   March 26th, 2006 at 2:28 pm

   I’m convinced “once-a-Mac-user ALWAYS-a-Mac-user.” The Windows folks just don’t get it. It’s alot like the Gospel. You don’t get it until the Spirit does his work!

   PCs never floated my boat. I think its a simple GUI design issue that it appears Vista doesn’t fix. Wrong color palette, font choices and graphics behaviour.

   Chris

9. # 9 Outer Rim Territories » Blogging Bad for the Seminarian? Says:
   September 30th, 2006 at 9:10 pm

   [...] If it is a given that we act with caution, being considerate of our brothers…. What are we scared of? Seminarians who think and are interested in discourse with others outside the community? I’m not so sure. Perhaps its remaining in contact with others outside our circuit or district? I don’t know… I’d hate to put in 4 years of effort only to be denied a call over my “Macintosh Fanaticism = Idolatry?” post! (that is sarcasm FYI!) [...]

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