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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.
Although no definition of technology is offered here, it is worth noting that the term includes both physical tools and techniques.
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:
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]]).
==Innovation==
Fundamental to the Biblical narrative is that God is innovative. God creates new things and acts in new ways. This is not just true of the Creation passages in Genesis, but reflected throughout the Old and New Testaments.
Even in the book of Revelation, God's gives people a new name ([[Revelation 2:17]], [[Revelation 3:12]]), there is a new Jerusalem ([[Revelation 3:12]], [[Revelation 21:2]]), a new song ([[Revelation 5:9]], [[Revelation 14:3]]), new heavens and new earth ([[Revelation 21:1]]), and a declaration that God is making all things new ([[Revelation 21:5]]). William Barclay points out (''The Daily Study Bible - The Revelation, vol 1'', p. 176) that "Greek has two words for ''new'', ''neos'', which means ''new in point of time'' but not necessairly in point of quality, and ''kainos'', which means ''new in point of quality''. ''Kainos'' describes a thing which has not only been recently produced but whose like has never existed before." It is the second of these words that is used in Revelation.
Whereas most of the comments in this article relate to physical ''tools'', in the Bible we also see an evolution of ''techniques'' -- new forms of government and law, methods of communication ([[Hebrews 1:1]]-[[Hebrews 1:2]]), approaches to ethics, and new mechanisms for salvation -- often actively promoted by God.
A significant aspect of being made in God's image is that humans share God's innovative nature. In our development and use of tools and techniques, we are co-creators with God.
== Metaphoric applications of technology ==
* The tongue is like a bow, shooting lies ([[Jeremiah 9:3]], [[Jeremiah 9:8]])
* Paul instructs us to put on the armour of God ([[Ephesians 6:13]]ff)
* Jeremiah is like a fortified city, an iron pillar and a bronze wall ([[Jeremiah 1:18]])
* God's heart laments for Moab like a flute ([[Jeremiah 48:36]])
* God's arrows can discipline us ([[Psalm 38:2]]), even the deadly arrow of famine ([[Ezekiel 5:16]])
* The kingdom of God is like a fishing net ([[Matthew 13:47]])
* Don't hide a lamp under a bowl ([[Mark 4:21]], [[Luke 8:16]], [[Luke 11:33]])
* Vineyards and wine-presses (e.g. [[Mark 12:1]])
==Technology in relation to Redemption==
Prior to The Fall, the Bible does not mention of any tool. God created a world in which technology was not required. Food was readily at hand, natural shelter was provided, and health was assured. So is technology just the result of sin and if so, should Christian's avoid using it?
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:
* 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 [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''') ==Technology before The Flood==There have been numerous discoveries of pieces of technology that dates back to the time of [[Noah]] and before. These include:*a battery in [[Egypt]]*evidence of radio and telecommunication capabilities*evidence of world travel and advanced transportation None of these are mentioned in the Bible, but are not disproved by the Bible either.
== Musical instruments ==
== Metal refining ==
The first mention of metalwork in the Bible is quite early: [[Genesis 4:22]] describes Tubal-Cain as a forger of bronze and iron tools. Silver money is first mentioned in [[Genesis 20:16]] and gold jewellery in [[Genesis 24:22]]. These Similar references to refined metal and metallic objects are spread throughout the Bible. Such references imply the existence and acceptance of mining, refining, furnaces, and weighing.
[[1 Kings 7:46]] indicates that bronze was fashioned into many ornate shapes by casting it in clay moulds.
The skills and the wisdom of craftsmen are bestowed by God ([[Exodus 28:3]], [[Exodus 35:31]]). In fact Wisdom herself is referred to as the craftsman at God's side ([Proverbs 8:30]]). One of the outcomes of God's craftsmanship is us -- "we are God's workmanship" according to [[Ephesians 2:10]]. God crafts us with the tools of love, grace, relationships with others, suffering and the Spirit of Christ Jesus within us. We have been manufactured for a purpose and to the extent that our creative workmanship honours God, we are functioning as designed.
From [[Exodus 26]] to [[Exodus 30]], God describes his design for the Tabernacle, and a list of the required furnishings, priestly garments etc. Then, in [[Exodus 31:1]] - [[Exodus 31:11]], God appoints Bezalel as the chief craftsman and Oholiab as his assistant. Note the phrases "I have chosen", "I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability and knowledge", and "I have given skill to all the craftsmen". The role of the craftsman is no less spiritual or dependent on God than those who serve in other ways. This is reminiscent of the selection of deacons in [[Acts 6]], where even the menial task of handing out food requried required candidates who were "full of the Spirit and wisdom". No less is true of modern technologists, who must still recognise that the abilities with which they serve God were given by God in the first place. To serve God as a computer programmer or engineer or doctor requires us to be filled with the Spirit and wisdom of God.
Bezalel and Oholiab were generalists, who could create artistic designs and undertake work in metal, stone and wood. They also lead and managed other craftsmen. In [[Exodus 35:30]] - [[Exodus 35:35]], Moses extends their mandate to include teaching. We continue to recognise leadership, management and teaching as important roles for technologists. The best technologists not only design and create, but also pass on their knowledge and act as role-models who show how a true craftsman brings glory to God.
== Design and construction ==
In the Old Testament accounts of Noah's Ark ([[Genesis 6]]) and the Tabernacle ([[Exodus 25]] - [[Exodus 31]]), God dictates a detailed design but says nothing at all about the construction methods. The design of Solomon's temple was communicated in a slightly different form: 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 when acting in the world is to delegate. God lets us know the goal and an ethical framework, even the wisdom and resources, but 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 directive 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. Altars were to be made of natural materials -- earth and stone -- rather than being manufactured. They were 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 likened to 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 118:22]], [[Luke 20:17]], [[Acts 4:11]], [[1 Peter 2:7]]).
The construction of the Tabernacle was a major undertaking, both technically and politically: the Biblical account spans 16 chapters, from [[Exodus 25]] to [[Exodus 40]]. Bezalel and Oholiab direct the project, but the work is not just carried out by professionals. [[Exodus 35:10]] - [[Exodus 35:29]] indicates that "all who were willing, men and women alike" brought their gifts and applied their skills to the task.
The temporary nature of the Tabernacle is alluded to by Paul when he describes our bodies as merely a tent that will be replaced by an eternal house in heaven ([[2 Corinthians 5:1]]). Even the Temple was temporary. When Jesus' disciples marvelled at the magnificent Temple, Jesus was not impressed ([[Mark 13:1]] - [[Mark 13:2]]). Within a generation, the Temple was destroyed. No building (or anything else built by people) is as magnificent or as sturdy as God. From [[John 2:19]] - [[John 2:21]] we understand that it is only the Temple of Jesus' body that can be destroyed and yet remake itself.
Paul goes further by describing ''us'' as a Temple, with Christ as the foundation. The wording of [[Ephesians 2:19]] - [[Ephesians 2:22]] applies that concept to the church collectively as well as to Christians individually. [[1 Peter 2:4]] - [[1 Peter 2:5]] says much the same thing -- that we, like Jesus, are living stones, being built into a spiritual house.
It is implied by both Paul and Peter that the builder is God. In fact, God is the builder of everything ([[Hebrews 3:4]]), the archetype of the very concept.
===Building on a solid foundation===
Every wise builder understands the need for a solid foundation, just as every software engineer needs a solid development platform, every scientist needs a robust experimental method, every mathematician relies on the axioms of set theory, and every mobile phone carrier needs a reliable infrastructure. Do we build our worldview with the same attention to the foundation?
As discussed above, both the Old and New Testaments point to Jesus as that foundation. Jesus claims the same about himself in [[Matthew 7:24]] - [[Matthew 7:27]] (repeated in [[Luke 6:46]] - [[Luke 6:49]]) -- people who put his words into practice are like wise builders who build on rock rather than sand.
===Walls===
Many cities in Biblical times were encircled by walls. When the Israelites spies returned from Canaan, they reported "walls up to the sky" ([[Deuteronomy 1:28]]). The people were daunted, but God empowered them to destroy all 60 walled cities in Bashan alone ([[Deuteronomy 3:4]] - [[Deuteronomy 3:5]]). Putting aside the problematic theme of such a violent God, one lesson from this is that God's people need not fear the technology of their enemies. That point is made explicit in [[Deuteronomy 20:1]].
The Israelites themselves spend a lot of time constructing walls, for example when they returned to Jerusalem from exile in Babylon -- that's one of the main themes of [[Ezra]] and [[Nehemiah]].
===Other references===
Other references to construction include:
* While in Egypt, the Israelites were given a quota on brick making ([[Exodus 5]])
* Hezekiah built a tunnel to bring water into city ([[2 Kings 20:20]], [[2 Chronicles 32:30]])
* Solomon built houses, and reservoirs to water his gardens ([[Ecclesiastes 2:4]] - [[Ecclesiastes 2:6]]), but realised that it was meaningless ([[Ecclesiastes 2:11]])
== God's people appropriate technology from other cultures ==
Christians should not act as though technology developed by "us" is any better, either technically or morally, than that developed by other cultures. The Bible contains several examples of God's people approving of and appropriating technology from other cultures:
* The process of embalming was used by the Israelites as a result of Joseph's exposure to Egyptian practice ([[Genesis 50:2]], [[Genesis 50:26]])
* Solomon imports a foreign craftsman to assist in the building of the Temple ([[1 Kings 7:13]] - [[1 Kings 7:14]], [[2 Chronicles 2:13]])
* Solomon imported chariots from Egypt and resold them to other nations ([[2 Chronicles 1:17]])
== Communication technology ==
== Medicine ==
An important aspect of Jesus' mission was to heal the sick, and although he tended to do so by supernatural means, the Bible reflects a positive attitude to towards doctors and medical treatment. For example,
* Physicians and embalming ([[Genesis 50:2]] -- mentions physicians and embalming, probably concepts that Joseph learnt from his time in Egypt[[Genesis 50:26]])* A poultice of figs is used to heal a boil ([[2 Kings 20:7]] and , [[Isaiah 38:21]] -- a poultice of figs is used to heal a boil)* [[Ezekiel 30:21]] -- the The use of a splint for a broken arm* ([[Luke 10Ezekiel 30:3421]] -- the )* The Good Samaritan used bandages, oil and wine to treat the victim of a mugging([[Luke 10:34]])* Jesus likens himself to a doctor ([[Colossians 4Luke 5:1431]] -- )* Paul refers to Luke as the beloved physician* ([[1 Timothy 5Colossians 4:2314]] -- )* Paul advises Timothy to "use a little wine because of your stomach and your frequent illnesses" * ([[Revelation 31 Timothy 5:1823]] -- )* God recommends that the Laodiceans buy salve to put on their eyes([[Revelation 3:18]])
The Biblical view, however, is that medical technology and techniques are not the whole story.
* [[2 Chronicles 16:12]] -- King Asa is criticised for not praying about his illness, but only seeking the advice of doctors.* ([[Jeremiah 82 Chronicles 16:2212]] -- )* Surely there are doctors and medicine in Gilead, but none of them can heal the spiritual/emotional wounds of Israel.([[Jeremiah 8:22]])
What doctors cannot heal, Jesus can! -- the women who had bleed for 12 years is a good example ([[Mark 5:26]]).
== Agriculture and biology ==
Given that the Bible was written over a millenium before the industrial revolution, it is not surprising that agricultural themes abound. But note that whereas people in a hunter-gatherer society take whatever they can find, an agricultural society modifies the natural state of both plants and animals using invented techniques and tools. The following selection of verses imply the use of such technology:
In a passage encouraging generosity, Paul notes that it is God who provides both seed to the sower and bread for food ([[2 Corinthians 9:10]]). The first is fairly obvious: seeds are part of the natural order whose creator is God, and for that we should give thanks. But what is less obvious is that God is the provider of bread as well. Although people harvest the grain, process it into flour and cook it to make bread, the grain, the wood for the fire, the iron for the baking tray, and our creative ingenuity were all provided by God. Regardless of the role we play as co-creators, and regardless of the control we can impose over nature using our technology, in the final analysis, all things come from God.
== Military technology ==
== Idolatry ==
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".
[[Psalm 115:2]] - [[Psalm 115:8]] describes the futility of worshipping idols of silver and gold, made by human hands. In the modern world we rarely see this kind of superstitious approach to idols, and yet passages like this remain powerful as commentary on a materialist worldview. The materialist atheist cannot see God in the world and asks us where he is, blind to the fact that God is sovereign. They can manufacture all manner of goods, even computers and robots. But such creations are a poor imitation, not really seeing or speaking or hearing or smelling. Of course, in this age, the manufactured goods are far more sophisticated than the idols of old, and computers can indeed perceive and respond to the environment. Nevertheless, they are mere machines, lacking the inner life of humans. Those who believe otherwise end up suggesting that we too are mere machines: perfectly fulfilling the prediction in [[Psalm 115:8]]. And even if they were to succeed in making machines with human powers, they would be no closer to understanding the God who made heaven and earth nor being open to God's blessing ([[Psalm 115:15]]).
Isaiah adds to this by explicitly posing the question of whether any idol could be greater than God ([[Isaiah 44:6]] - [[Isaiah 44:20]]). Yahweh is the first, last and only God. A blacksmith or a carpenter may fashion an idol, but so what? The blacksmith still gets hungry, tired and thirsty like anyone else. The carpenter uses the same wood as his carved idol for kindling a fire to cook on! Can't he see that the wooden idol he created is a lie? (A sub-text here is that craftsmen and technologists should have a sense of humility about their work.)
Jeremiah uses a humorous picture to say much the same as Isaiah: A craftsman shapes an idol with a chisel, adorns it with silver and secures it with a nail to stop it falling over -- but it is no more powerful than a scarecrow in a melon patch! ([[Jeremiah 10:3]] - [[Jeremiah 10:5]]). Furthermore, every goldsmith should be shamed but their idols: their images are frauds; worthless objects of mockery ([[Jeremiah 10:14]]), as is everything that seeks to displace God from the centre of our worship.
== Measurement ==
Measurement is an essential component of technological development and requires its own forms of technology.
The Old Testament frequently warns against dishonest instruments or standards of measurement ([[Leviticus 19:35]] - [[Leviticus 19:36]], [[Deuteronomy 25:13]] - [[Deuteronomy 25:16]], [[Proverbs 11:1]], [[Proverbs 20:10]], [[Proverbs 20:23]], [[Amos 8:5]], [[Micah 6:11]]). Fair measurement is a pre-requisite for a just economy.
Measuring lines and plumb lines are mentioned in both literal and figurative contexts (e.g. [[2 Kings 21:13]], [[Isaiah 28:17]], [[Amos 7:7]] - [[Amos 7:8]], [[Revelation 11:1]])
The Bible records numerous census undertakings, including the Roman census that brought Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem ([[Luke 2:1]]).
All these forms of measurement highlight a mindset that values quantity over quality, which is a basic foundation for technical thought.
== Responsibility ==
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.)
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.
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]]).
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.
People in positions of power have additional responsibilities in their use of technology:
* The responsibility to use measuring instruments and standards fairly ([[Leviticus 19:35]] - [[Leviticus 19:36]], [[Deuteronomy 25:13]] - [[Deuteronomy 25:16]], [[Proverbs 11:1]], [[Proverbs 20:10]], [[Proverbs 20:23]], [[Amos 8:5]], [[Micah 6:11]])
* The responsibility to not deprive others of the technology they require to make a living. For instance, [[Deuteronomy 24:6]] points out that one should not take someone's millstone as security for a debt.
== Trust God rather than technology ==
{{returnto}} [[Christianity]] -> [[Christianity and technology]]