4 ms·
Where did the term evangelist come from, in a tech context?
by jiggy2011 13y ago
Where did the term evangelist come from, in a tech context?
- crabasa 13y agoMy understanding is that the first (self-described) technology evangelist was Guy Kawasaki at Apple: http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guy_Kawasaki http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guy_Kawasaki
- rietta 13y agoIt is a term that fundamentally bothers me in terms of technology. In my mind, evangelism is about spreading the good news of God, especially related to preaching of the Christian Gospel. I understand the term being applied metaphorically to software and technology, but it rubs be the wrong way personally in that context.
- glibgil 13y agoAt my company we call them technology high priests for this reason. Almost every religion has priests of one kind of another. This way, we don't offend anyone.
- pekk 13y agoSo "Muslim evangelism" would be a contradiction in terms? I don't think so.
- rietta 13y agoThat would not bother me. Its the word being used for a decidedly non-religious context that seems to trivialize the word. A programming language or system is a tool and is likely to be supplanted in the years to come. This is not the same as a religious or life philosophy that could well guide a man or woman for his or her entire remaining life. Software just is just not as important in the grand scope of things.
- benologist 13y agoSome marketing department probably.
- gregorymichael 13y agoEvangelism means "spreading the good news," which is why it's adopted by Christians, but it didn't originate there.