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This article aims to critique the ideals of digital modernity through a theological reading of 1 Corinthians 13:12.

April 19, 2026Theology Today0 citations

Through a Screen Darkly: 1 Corinthians 13:12 and the Illusion of Digital Transparency

Key Points

This article aims to critique the ideals of digital modernity through a theological reading of 1 Corinthians 13:12.
Philosophical-exegetical reading of biblical texts
Close analysis of metaphors in 1 Corinthians 13:12
Exploration of theological implications of digital epistemologies
Argues that human knowledge is mediated, fragmentary, and relational
Suggests knowledge is grounded in being known by God
Demonstrates the importance of eschatological reserve as a safeguard against epistemic totality

Abstract

This article develops a philosophical–exegetical reading of 1 Cor 13:12 as a theological critique of digital modernity's epistemic ideals of transparency, immediacy, and self-grounding knowledge. Through close analysis of Paul's metaphors of mirror, enigma, and eschatological temporality, it argues that human knowing is constitutively mediated, fragmentary, and relational. Against digital epistemologies that equate visibility, data access, and optimization with truth, Paul articulates an anthropology in which knowledge is grounded in being known by God and reordered by love as an epistemological corrective. The study shows that eschatological reserve and patience function as theological safeguards against epistemic totality, preserving openness, dependence, and hope as conditions of faithful knowing.

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