Technology in the Bible - Revision history

MatthewClarke: Added section on innovation

2011-08-01T04:14:33Z

Added section on innovation

MatthewClarke: /* Communication technology */

2011-03-08T17:28:46Z

‎Communication technology

MatthewClarke: /* Communication technology */

2011-03-07T19:50:23Z

‎Communication technology

Kathleen.wright5: Reverted edits by Dirty gay slut (Talk) to last revision by Master Frederique

2010-12-13T03:38:44Z

Reverted edits by Dirty gay slut (Talk) to last revision by Master Frederique

Dirty gay slut: /* Metaphoric applications of technology */

2010-12-12T17:26:01Z

‎Metaphoric applications of technology

Master Frederique: /* Technology in relation to Redemption */

2010-05-30T07:39:48Z

‎Technology in relation to Redemption

MatthewClarke: I think I've said all that I want to -- eventually!

2010-05-29T03:40:53Z

I think I've said all that I want to -- eventually!

MatthewClarke: /* Trust God rather than technology */

2010-05-28T20:27:31Z

‎Trust God rather than technology

MatthewClarke: /* Idolatry */

2010-05-28T18:56:16Z

‎Idolatry

MatthewClarke: /* Responsibility */

2010-05-28T18:45:08Z

‎Responsibility

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 On the page [[Biblical references to technology]], we have tried to catalogue and comment on specific verses that mention technology of any kind. That catalogue provides the raw data for the more thematic comments on this current page.
 There are no passages in the Bible that explicitly prescribe a Christian response to technology. Nevertheless, a close reading of the Bible can inform Christian attitudes in several ways:
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 In the end, there is no fundamental difference between how Christians should decide about the use of technology and how they should decide about most of life's questions. When there is no definitive Biblical statement on the topic, we apply core principles of Christian discipleship such as the call to stewardship over creation, the Great Commandments ([[Matthew 22:37]] - [[Matthew 22:40]]), a desire for holiness, a total reliance on God, a commitment to the community of faith, and an expectation that God will give us wisdom ([[James 1:5]]).
 == Metaphoric applications of technology ==

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 According to the story about the Tower of Babel ([[Genesis 11]]), God deliberately caused people to have multiple languages so we would not understand each other. Some may say that if God has imposed that restriction on us then we ought not work against it by developing better ways to communicate. But an approach with more Biblical support is one that parallels our response to the curses in [[Genesis 3]]. Although God says women will have pain in childbirth and men will have to toil hard to gather food, we do whatever we can to reduce that pain and toil. Correspondingly, it is completely in line with God's process of redemption that we seek to overcome barriers to communication. It's interesting that in the early Christian church, God used the opposite strategy from what he employed at Babel: empowering the apostles to speak ''multiple'' languages so that all people would understand the news of the risen Christ ([[Acts 2]]).
-The first reference in the Bible to writing is in [[Exodus 17:14]], where God instructs Moses to write on a scroll so that the defeat of the Amalekites would be remembered. Moses also writes on stone -- the second copy of the Ten Commandments in [[Exodus 34:28]]. About 1400 years later, Zechariah uses a writing table ([[Luke 1:63]]) and Paul requests Timothy to bring his scrolls and parchments ([[2 Timothy 4:13]]). Job wishes that his words could be written on a scroll or engraved so that they would endure forever ([[Job 19:23]] - [[Job 19:24]]).
+The first reference in the Bible to writing is in [[Exodus 17:14]], where God instructs Moses to write on a scroll so that the defeat of the Amalekites would be remembered. Moses also writes on stone -- the second copy of the Ten Commandments in [[Exodus 34:28]]. About 1400 years later, Zechariah uses a writing tablet ([[Luke 1:63]]) and Paul requests Timothy to bring his scrolls and parchments ([[2 Timothy 4:13]]). Job wishes that his words could be written on a scroll or engraved so that they would endure forever ([[Job 19:23]] - [[Job 19:24]]).
 Trumpets are used for communication, especially for signals during battle or to sound an alarm. Moses was specifically instructed to make two silver trumpets to call the community together in [[Numbers 10:1]] - [[Numbers 10:10]]. Paul makes reference to this type of signalling in [[1 Corinthians 14:8]] and [[1 Thessalonians 4:16]].

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 According to the story about the Tower of Babel ([[Genesis 11]]), God deliberately caused people to have multiple languages so we would not understand each other. Some may say that if God has imposed that restriction on us then we ought not work against it by developing better ways to communicate. But an approach with more Biblical support is one that parallels our response to the curses in [[Genesis 3]]. Although God says women will have pain in childbirth and men will have to toil hard to gather food, we do whatever we can to reduce that pain and toil. Correspondingly, it is completely in line with God's process of redemption that we seek to overcome barriers to communication. It's interesting that in the early Christian church, God used the opposite strategy from what he employed at Babel: empowering the apostles to speak ''multiple'' languages so that all people would understand the news of the risen Christ ([[Acts 2]]).
-The first reference in the Bible to writing is in [[Exodus 17:14]], where God instructs Moses to write on a scroll so that the defeat of the Amalekites would be remembered. Moses also writes on stone -- the second copy of the Ten Commandments in [[Exodus 34:28]]. About 1400 years later, Zechariah uses a writing table ([[Luke 1:63]]) and Paul requests Timothy to bring his scrolls and parchments ([[2 Timothy 4:13]]). Job wishes that his words could be written on a scroll or engraved so that they would endure forever ([[Job 19:23]] - [Job 19:24]]).
+The first reference in the Bible to writing is in [[Exodus 17:14]], where God instructs Moses to write on a scroll so that the defeat of the Amalekites would be remembered. Moses also writes on stone -- the second copy of the Ten Commandments in [[Exodus 34:28]]. About 1400 years later, Zechariah uses a writing table ([[Luke 1:63]]) and Paul requests Timothy to bring his scrolls and parchments ([[2 Timothy 4:13]]). Job wishes that his words could be written on a scroll or engraved so that they would endure forever ([[Job 19:23]] - [[Job 19:24]]).
 Trumpets are used for communication, especially for signals during battle or to sound an alarm. Moses was specifically instructed to make two silver trumpets to call the community together in [[Numbers 10:1]] - [[Numbers 10:10]]. Paul makes reference to this type of signalling in [[1 Corinthians 14:8]] and [[1 Thessalonians 4:16]].

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 In the end, there is no fundamental difference between how Christians should decide about the use of technology and how they should decide about most of life's questions. When there is no definitive Biblical statement on the topic, we apply core principles of Christian discipleship such as the call to stewardship over creation, the Great Commandments ([[Matthew 22:37]] - [[Matthew 22:40]]), a desire for holiness, a total reliance on God, a commitment to the community of faith, and an expectation that God will give us wisdom ([[James 1:5]]).
-[[File:CrappyWhore.jpg]]
+== Metaphoric applications of technology ==
-MAKE SOAP FROM KIKES!!!!!! GLORY TO THE HOLOCAUST!! VANDALISM FOREVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 == God's use of technology ==

@@ Line 15: / Line 15: @@
 In the end, there is no fundamental difference between how Christians should decide about the use of technology and how they should decide about most of life's questions. When there is no definitive Biblical statement on the topic, we apply core principles of Christian discipleship such as the call to stewardship over creation, the Great Commandments ([[Matthew 22:37]] - [[Matthew 22:40]]), a desire for holiness, a total reliance on God, a commitment to the community of faith, and an expectation that God will give us wisdom ([[James 1:5]]).
-== Metaphoric applications of technology ==
+[[File:CrappyWhore.jpg]]
+MAKE SOAP FROM KIKES!!!!!! GLORY TO THE HOLOCAUST!! VANDALISM FOREVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 == God's use of technology ==

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 * Technology is almost always designed to overcome an effect of the Fall. It, therefore, can function redemptively and yet simultaneously represent the inadequacy of our attempts to live without God. ('''Redemption''')
 * When technology fails, rather than causing us sadness and grief, they offer us a chance to reorient our hope away from our technology and toward Christ’s return. So when you get a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blue_Screen_of_Death blue screen of death] or an iPhone lockup, rather than curse in disgust, it should be an opportunity to say, “Come, Lord Jesus, Come!” ('''Restoration''')
 == Musical instruments ==

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 ==Technology in relation to Redemption==
 In [http://donteatthefruit.com/2009/11/four-questions-for-technology-from-the-biblical-story Four Questions for Technology from the Biblical Story] and [http://donteatthefruit.com/2009/07/from-the-garden-to-the-city-technology-in-the-story-of-redemptive From the Garden to the City: Technology in the Story of Redemption], John Dyer suggests that:
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 * All technology has the potential to be used for sin. Technology is inseparably tied to humanity’s rejection of God and God’s grace toward humanity in allowing us to continue. ('''Rebellion''')
 * Technology is almost always designed to overcome an effect of the Fall. It, therefore, can function redemptively and yet simultaneously represent the inadequacy of our attempts to live without God. ('''Redemption''')
-* When technology fails, rather than causing us sadness and grief, they offer us a chance to reorient our hope away from our technology and toward Christ’s return. So when you get a blue screen of death or an iPhone lockup, rather than curse in disgust, it should be an opportunity to say, “Come, Lord Jesus, Come!” ('''Restoration''')
+* When technology fails, rather than causing us sadness and grief, they offer us a chance to reorient our hope away from our technology and toward Christ’s return. So when you get a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blue_Screen_of_Death blue screen of death] or an iPhone lockup, rather than curse in disgust, it should be an opportunity to say, “Come, Lord Jesus, Come!” ('''Restoration''')
 == Musical instruments ==
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 As Job tells his friends ([[Job 28]]), our many achievements do not lead to real wisdom. Humanity mines for silver and iron, refines gold and copper, turns dark into light, digs deep for sapphires, tunnels through rocks, and explores the sources of rivers (vv1-11). But do we find wisdom (v12, v13, v20)? It cannot be bought (vv15-19) and it is hidden from the eyes of every living thing (v21). "God understands the way to it and he alone knows where it dwells" (v23). "The fear of the Lord – that is wisdom, and to shun evil is understanding" (v28).
-We might imagine that our money makes us impregnable like a well-built castle ([[Proverbs 18:10]] - [[Proverbs 18:11]]) or that chariots will protect us ([[Psalm 20:7]], [[Isaiah 31:1]]), but in the end security only comes from trusting God. Israel often found that by trusting God they could overcome enemies who had superior technology: walled cities ([[Deuteronomy 3:4]] - [[Deuteronomy 3:6]]), chariots ([[Judges 4:13]] - [[Judges 4:16]]) and giants with swords ([[1 Samuel 17]]).
+We might imagine that our money makes us impregnable like a well-built castle ([[Proverbs 18:10]] - [[Proverbs 18:11]]) or that military superiority will protect us ([[Isaiah 31:1]]), but in the end security only comes from trusting God. Israel often found that by trusting God they could overcome enemies who had superior technology: walled cities ([[Deuteronomy 3:4]] - [[Deuteronomy 3:6]]), chariots ([[Judges 4:13]] - [[Judges 4:16]]) and giants with swords ([[1 Samuel 17]]).
 The Lord has a day planned when all human arrogance -- lofty towers, fortified walls, trading ships, idols or silver and gold -- will be be brought low ([[Isaiah 2:12]] - [[Isaiah 2:22]]). Although this is a condemnation of arrogance rather than of technology, how often does humanity show its arrogance by seeking power and control through technology? In the end, humans are an insubstantial breath (v22).
-== God is greater than any technology ==
+There should be no doubt that God is greater than any technology. Everything was created by the power of God's Word. That divine Word is sharper than any double-edged sword ([[Hebrews 4:12]]) and provides the cornerstone of our faith. "Some trust in chariots [i.e. human technology] and some in horses [i.e. the natural world], but we trust in the name of the Lord our God" ([[Psalm 20:7]]).
 {{returnto}} [[Christianity]] -> [[Christianity and technology]]

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 == Trust God rather than technology ==
-* Tower of Babel [[Genesis 11]]
+As technology advances, the temptation to believe that we can solve all our problems via technology grows stronger, and the perceived need to trust God diminishes. The tendency to overstate our independence from God is evident from as early as [[Genesis 11]], when humanity sought to "make a name for ourselves" by building a city and a tower that reached to heaven.
-* [[Exodus 20:4]]
-* [[Deuteronomy 6:10]] ff, [[Deuteronomy 8:10]] ff
+In good times, it becomes easy to fool ourselves into thinking that we achieved technological Utopia by our own cleverness. [[Deuteronomy 6:10]] - [[Deuteronomy 6:12]] and [[Deuteronomy 8:10]] - [[Deuteronomy 8:14]] warn against forgetting the Lord in such times of prosperity. Perhaps more than ever, humanity in the 21st century thinks that our technological creations are making a perfect life for us. But in reality, we accept something far inferior to the abundant life that God intended. This is exactly what God said of the Israelites in [[Jeremiah 2:13]] -- God offers a spring of living water, but we are content with broken cisterns of our own creation.
-* [[Job 28]]
-* [[Psalm 20:7]]
+As Job tells his friends ([[Job 28]]), our many achievements do not lead to real wisdom. Humanity mines for silver and iron, refines gold and copper, turns dark into light, digs deep for sapphires, tunnels through rocks, and explores the sources of rivers (vv1-11). But do we find wisdom (v12, v13, v20)? It cannot be bought (vv15-19) and it is hidden from the eyes of every living thing (v21). "God understands the way to it and he alone knows where it dwells" (v23). "The fear of the Lord – that is wisdom, and to shun evil is understanding" (v28).
-* [[Proverbs 18:10]] f
-* [[Isaiah 31:1]]
+We might imagine that our money makes us impregnable like a well-built castle ([[Proverbs 18:10]] - [[Proverbs 18:11]]) or that chariots will protect us ([[Psalm 20:7]], [[Isaiah 31:1]]), but in the end security only comes from trusting God. Israel often found that by trusting God they could overcome enemies who had superior technology: walled cities ([[Deuteronomy 3:4]] - [[Deuteronomy 3:6]]), chariots ([[Judges 4:13]] - [[Judges 4:16]]) and giants with swords ([[1 Samuel 17]]).
-* [[Jeremiah 2:13]]
-* [[John 10:1]] - [[John 10:13]] Consider technology playing the role of thief in this parable. Technology cares nothing for the sheep. People who look for a technological shortcut into paradise will be disappointed.
+The Lord has a day planned when all human arrogance -- lofty towers, fortified walls, trading ships, idols or silver and gold -- will be be brought low ([[Isaiah 2:12]] - [[Isaiah 2:22]]). Although this is a condemnation of arrogance rather than of technology, how often does humanity show its arrogance by seeking power and control through technology? In the end, humans are an insubstantial breath (v22).
 == God is greater than any technology ==

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 == Idolatry ==
-One of the pitfalls of technology is that it can draw our sight away from God and in the end makes us think we can do without God. That leads to idolatry and brings a new kind of enslavement.
+Perhaps the most significant risk of technology is that by allowing some degree of control over our environment, technology can lead us to assume that we have no need for God. That leads to idolatry and brings a new kind of enslavement.
 Old Testament warnings against idolatry frequently include comments on the technological origin of idols. For instance, in the incident when Israel grew impatient waiting for Moses and started to worship a Golden Calf, it is clear that Aaron gathered gold jewellery, melted it, cast it into the shape of a calf, and fashioned it with a tool ([[Exodus 32:2]] - [[Exodus 32:4]]). When confronted by Moses, however, Aaron denies the use of tools ([[Exodus 32:24]]). This may imply a belief that what occurs naturally is good, but that manufactured goods are not. But more likely, it is simply a denial of responsibility, like a child's "I didn't touch it, it just broke".

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 == Responsibility ==
-[[Deuteronomy 22:8]]
+Tools are subservient to their user: an axe cannot raise itself above the one who swings it ([[Isaiah 10:15]]). In this context, God is wielding Assyria as a weapon against Israel and it is inappropriate for Assyria -- as the tool -- to think that they acted independently. A similar point is made in several places (e.g. [[Isaiah 29:16]], [[Isaiah 45:9]], [[Romans 9:21]]) about the relationship between a clay pot and the potter. As a more general saying, however, this verse points out that no technology is greater than it's wielder, but merely a tool in the wielder's hand. (As a side note, Jacques Ellul has argued that technology in the modern world has taken on a substantially different mode of operation in which human control plays virtually no part.)
-[[Deuteronomy 19:5]]
+Nevertheless, the Bible accepts that accidents will happen with technology ([[Ecclesiastes 10:9]]) and that nobody may be at fault. One purpose of the designated "cities of refuge" was so that people could escape retribution for such accidents. [[Deuteronomy 19:5]] describes, as an example, how an axe head might fly off and kill someone. As long as there is no malice in the act, the user of technology is not to blame for unintended negative side-effects.
-Honest measures: [[Leviticus 19:35]]
+Jesus also makes it clear that the ''victims'' of technological accidents are not to blame, as though the accident was punishment for their personal sin ([[Luke 13:4]]).
-[[Luke 13:4]]
+On the other hand, we cannot simply divorce ourselves from the damage that technology may do. Israel's first OH&S policy is recorded in [[Deuteronomy 22:8]]: people should build a railing around their roof to prevent anyone from falling off. From this verse and [[Leviticus 19:16]], we could infer a general principle that people have a responsibility to pre-empt technological dangers. Modern legal interpretations of negligence and duty of care reflect the same idea.
 == Trust God rather than technology ==