The Christian and Technology
Every generation of Christians must tackle the rise of new technologies; however, our generation appears poised to sink or swim in an ocean of innovation. For Christians to live faithfully in this fallen world, we must begin to ask basic questions - how can we use these advances for the benefit of God’s glory? how do these advances prove both advantageous and averse to our walk with Christ? Faithful Christians must first be thoughtful Christians. In his short book, The Christian and Technology, J.V. Fesko seeks to ask these very questions from six technological innovations - screens, social media, the automobile, the book, virtual reality, and the internet. Some of these technologies are new, and some are old, but both provide a healthy framework for us to think critically in the Age of Innovation.
Instead of providing an in-depth review on the book (Brandon Randle and Wayne Williams will be doing so in our June Sunday School class), let me make two observations on technology as a whole. First, our primary goal is conformity to Christ, to holiness. Every decision in our life should cater around this fundamental priority. However, how often does this factor into the equation? If we take social media as an example, we often hear others extol the benefits of getting in touch, of staying in the loop, and so forth. These are praiseworthy elements, but are they priorities? Paul often places an emphasis on flesh and blood relationships (Rom. 1:11; 2 Tim. 1:4), but social media replaces the flesh and blood with bits and bytes. What time has told us is that those with a higher use of social media tend to have lower quality relationships with real people, that the perfect pictures of some have led to brokenness in others, that “bearing one another’s burdens” has become “liking one another’s update.” We should ask both “Is this promoting my holiness?” and “Is this promoting our holiness?”.
Secondly, our primary goal is the worship of God, to be amazed at Him and His works. Tell me something - when is the last time you’ve seen an original movie? When is the last time you’ve read an author or poet on the level of Faulkner, Shakespeare, or George Herbert? Who was the last great critical thinker you read? Great artist you saw? The fact is that we will not see as many nor as great of artists in our lifetime. Technology not only shortens our attention spans, but it shrinks our imagination. We have lost our sense of wonder. The loss of wonder greatly affects our worship. When our hearts have become callous and our understanding darkened, we are as a man trying to enjoy a famous museum by the glow of a smart phone. As Christians, we must be thoughtful as the psalmist who said, “I will remember the days of old; I meditate on all Your works; I consider the work of Your hands.” (Ps. 143:5) If we give little thought to technology, we will give little thought to God.
In short, I am not advocating a “cold turkey” approach to technology. (Obviously, I typed this on a computer for viewing online!) However, we must be mindful of the weakness of the flesh and allow no opportunity for it to fulfill its sinful desires. We must weigh the proper use of technology - in church, in our community, and at home. As Brandon and Wayne will discuss in coming weeks, we must begin to ask: will these innovations grow me in conformity to Christ and in love for Christ?
