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In the Old Testament accounts of Noah's Ark ([[Genesis 6]]) and the Tabernacle ([[Exodus 25]] - [[Exodus 31]]), God dictates a detailed design but not say nothing at all about the construction methods. That type of delegation seems typical of God, who often sets us a goal and relies on our initiative to work out the details. The design of Solomon's temple was handled differently. In slightly different: in [[1 Chronicles 28]] we are told that David gave his son Solomon written plans "that the Spirit had put into his mind" (v12). "The hand of the Lord was upon me and he gave me understanding in all the details of the plan" (v19). In each case, it can be assumed that God expected the people to make whatever use of technology was appropriate to achieve the goal. Perhaps this is no surprise, but we should not overlook the fact that there could have been other approaches. God could have made tools unnecessary, or provided all the tools that were necessary. God could have specified exactly what to do rather than leave so much open to Noah, Moses and Solomon's initiative. But God's typical approach to acting in the world is by delegation. God let's us know the goal and an ethical framework, and then relies on our initiative to work out the details. One exception to this pattern is the instructions about building altars. [[Exodus 20:24]] - [[Exodus 20:25]] is very specific in the instruction that unhewn stones be used, undefiled by tools. In particular, the use of iron tools is forbidden ([[Deuteronomy 27:5]], [[Joshua 8:31]]). The reason for this prohibition is not made explicit. They are to be made of natural materials -- earth and stone -- rather than being manufactured. They are to be unadorned, perhaps so that no symbol or image will lead to superstition and detract from the worship of God alone. Such altars are temporary and eventually superseded by the sacrifice of Christ. Jesus is a cut stone, formed not by human hands ([[Daniel 2:34]], [[Daniel 2:44]] - [[Daniel 2:45]]) and although he was rejected by the builders he has become the foundation stone of everything that God has built ([[Psalm 118:20]], [[Luke 20:17]]).