Although all of us enjoy the benefits of technology, many are unaware of the subtle ways it has diminished our lives. Richard R. Gaillardetz, associate professor of systematic theology at the University of St. Thomas School of Theology in Houston, Texas, believes that this modern tool has devalued the mundane spheres of human life. Taking his cue from the writings of Albert Borgmann, a social philosopher, the author argues that technology "makes it increasingly difficult to be open to the grace and blessings that come to us in our basic human activities."

Gaillardetz salutes the communal spirituality of Christianity and delineates ways in which the church functions as "a school of discipleship." Here the Trinitarian God meets us in everyday life and stands in opposition to an overly technologized existence. Gaillardetz hurrahs the "focal practices" of church communities such as baptismal initiation, lectio divina, and devotional activities. The liturgy, or the work of the people, resists the commodification of things and, through eucharistic-feasting and gift-giving, celebrates the Incarnation. Gaillardetz concludes that the role of the church in the twenty-first century is to open us up to the transforming experience of grace.