John Paul Arceno – OralityTalks

Orality and Digitality: Extending and Limiting Human Communication

John Paul Arceno — Mon, 26 Oct 2026 01:14:12 +0000

This article aims to show how digital technologies (or simply, digitality) extend and limit human communication, specifically orality. It is divided into four parts. The first part sets the background that language, speech, or communication is one of the first technologies found in Genesis 1-2. Then, it demonstrates that today’s cultural language is digitality. The second part answers the question: “If today’s cultural language is digitality, how then should Christians understand and navigate this techno-digital age?” In this part, the article presents the themes of human flourishing and fallenness. The third part explores current perspectives on digital technologies and clarifies that the extension of human communication is part of en-fleshed realities. It is embodied and holistic. Moreover, while digitality extends hu-man communication, it also limits it; extension is not equivalence. The fourth part offers a concluding thought.

Watch the related webinar presentation.

Digital Identity & Orality

Jun Marc Dapitan and John Paul Arceno — Thu, 09 Jul 2026 05:38:53 +0000

Our webinar speakers, Jun Marc Dapitan and John Paul Arceno, explored the intersection of digitality. They acknowledged and warned of the dangers while also highlighting the opportunities and obligations for Christian ministry in the digital space.

Here are some takeaways summarized by one participant:

Digital technology is not just a tool. It has become an extension of the self.
Technological platforms, especially social media, are not merely channels for communicating information. They are powerful cultural forces that shape how we think, relate to others, and ultimately form our identity.
The church needs to understand how digital technology and digital spaces reshape human identity and how these influences can challenge the identity of believers, whose true identity is rooted in Christ.
As followers of Christ, we are called not only to use technology wisely but also to discern how it shapes our hearts, minds, and understanding of who we are in Christ.

Read JP’s related article.