What the Bible and Scripture Tell Us About Technology and Faith
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
Today, I want to talk to you about the role of technology, innovation, and connectedness in the Bible. When we think of the Bible, we may not immediately think of these topics, but as we delve deeper into the Scriptures, we see that God has been using technology and innovation to further His plan since the beginning.
In Genesis, we see God creating the world in six days. This act of creation involved God using His divine power and knowledge to form the world and everything in it. This act of creation was, in a sense, an act of innovation, as God brought something new into existence. He created light, separated the waters, and formed the land, all through His divine power.
In Exodus, we see God using technology and innovation to bring about the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. God used the ten plagues to show Pharaoh and the Egyptians that He was more powerful than their gods and to ultimately free the Israelites. Later on, God gave Moses detailed instructions for building the tabernacle, a portable sanctuary that the Israelites could use for worship as they traveled through the wilderness. This tabernacle was a marvel of ancient technology, designed to be easy to assemble and disassemble, yet sturdy enough to withstand the rigors of desert travel.
As we move into the New Testament, we see Jesus using technology and connectedness to spread His message of love and redemption. Jesus traveled from town to town, preaching the good news and healing the sick. He used parables and stories to connect with people, using familiar imagery to explain complex concepts. He also used miracles to show that God's power was at work through Him.
After Jesus ascended into heaven, the early church used technology and connectedness to continue spreading the gospel. The apostle Paul, for example, wrote letters to the churches he had founded, using the latest technology of his day, the written word, to keep in touch and provide guidance.
Fast forward to today, and we see technology and connectedness continuing to play a crucial role in the spread of the gospel. We have access to the internet, social media, and other forms of communication that allow us to connect with people all over the world. We can stream sermons and worship services, share Bible studies online, and even use virtual reality to create immersive worship experiences.
But while technology and innovation can be powerful tools for spreading the gospel, we must also be mindful of their potential pitfalls. Technology can be addictive, and it can lead us to prioritize screens over real-life relationships. It can also be used to spread hate and division, as we've seen with the rise of online extremism and misinformation.
As Christians, we must approach technology and connectedness with a spirit of discernment, recognizing that these tools can be used for good or ill. We must use them in a way that is consistent with our faith and values, seeking to build connections and relationships rather than tearing them down.
In conclusion, the Bible shows us that God has been using technology, innovation, and connectedness since the beginning. These tools can be powerful means of spreading the gospel and building relationships, but we must use them with discernment and a commitment to our faith and values. May God guide us as we navigate this rapidly changing technological landscape. Amen.