What if the true power of technology lies not in its ability to advance, but in its purpose to reflect divine wisdom? From Noah’s Ark to Elon Musk’s Mars, human innovation has reached for the stars—yet can it ever fill the void of our deepest longings? As we navigate the tech age, are we building arks of faith or towers of rebellion? Dive into this thought-provoking journey through history, faith, and the future of technology.

God, Technology, and the Christian Life

Driving through Nebraska, if you slow down and glance at a cornfield, you might spot the name REINKE on a giant sprinkler. This name, tied to agricultural technology, represents a legacy of innovation. The author's grandfather, despite an eighth-grade education, held numerous patents and contributed to the advancement of farm irrigation systems and other technologies. His fascination with aluminum led to creations like windmills for rural electrification and even an aluminum violin, which thankfully, was a one-time experiment.

This inventive spirit runs in the Reinke family and is emblematic of humanity's broader story with technology. From ancient times, people have marked history by technological ages—stone, bronze, iron, and now, the digital age. Technology, at its core, is applied science and amplified power, evolving from simple tools to today's microprocessors, which conduct more energy per gram than any living thing.

Consider the biblical tale of David and Goliath, where technology plays a crucial role. Goliath, a giant with advanced weaponry, faced David, a shepherd with a sling. Though Goliath was equipped with the latest armor, David's technique with a simple sling was superior at range, demonstrating how faith and technology can coexist and amplify human potential.

Today's world is a complex ecosystem of interconnected technologies, creating what Kevin Kelly calls the "technium," a self-reinforcing system akin to an evolutionary life form. This raises questions about technology's role in our lives and its relationship with faith. While some view this as a dystopian future or a utopian blend of man and machine, The author finds himself as a tech optimist, trusting in God's providential orchestration over all things.

This narrative, through historical voices and biblical texts, aims to debunk myths about technology's role in our lives and encourages a thoughtful engagement with the innovations that shape our world. It urges us to navigate the future with both faith and an appreciation for human ingenuity, recognizing technology's potential for both harm and good.

Can Faith and Technology Harmoniously Shape Our Future?

When we consider technology through the lens of faith, it's fascinating to see how ancient stories like those of Noah's Ark and the Tower of Babel resonate even today. In Genesis, God instructs Noah to use tar (pitch) to waterproof the Ark, a technological marvel of its time. This represents a divinely guided use of technology for salvation and preservation. 

Fast forward, and we see the people of Babel using similar materials—tar and fired bricks—to construct a tower reaching to the heavens, a symbol of human ambition and rebellion against God. Here, technology becomes a tool for self-glorification and defiance.

These stories illustrate two fundamental ways technology can be perceived: as a means of fulfilling divine purposes or as a manifestation of human hubris. God's response to Babel was to scatter humanity and confound their languages, introducing diversity in thought and culture. This diversity acts as a check against the unchecked adoption of any single technology, a theme that persists in today's globalized world. For instance, while facial recognition technology is embraced for convenience in some cultures, it is vehemently opposed in others due to privacy concerns.

Isaiah 54:16–17 further emphasizes God's sovereignty over technology. He creates both the blacksmith who forges weapons and the ravager who wields them. This divine orchestration reassures us that no innovation, however destructive it may seem, operates outside God's providence. The Spirit inspires human creativity, driving advancements even among those who may not acknowledge God. Yet, every inventor and invention serves a role in God's ultimate plan, whether to heal or to test.

Thus, we're left with a crucial question: "What’s the tar for?" Are we using technology to build arks of faith or towers of rebellion? As we navigate the modern world, this question guides us in making ethical decisions about our engagement with technology, reminding us of the divine narrative that we are all part of.

Tech, Tar, and Theology: Navigating Faith in a Digital Age

Where does technology come from? The Latin phrase "ex nihilo," meaning "out of nothing," suggests creation springs from an empty void. Yet, despite this notion, all human innovation is built upon existing elements. Take the iPhone, for instance; Steve Jobs didn't invent new technologies but rather combined existing ones like music players and web browsers into a single device. Our creations are confined by the materials and concepts around us.

This sandbox of creation is attributed to a divine being, God, as described in Genesis 1:1. God crafted the universe from nothing, dwelling in "unapproachable light"—a self-sufficient existence, needing nothing from creation. This divine creativity contrasts sharply with human innovation, which merely rearranges what already exists.

The Bible tells of Cain and Abel, two brothers who brought offerings to God. Abel's offering was accepted because of his faith, while Cain's was rejected, leading to jealousy and murder. Despite Cain’s sin, God spared his life and marked him for protection, allowing his lineage to flourish in innovation. Cain's descendants pioneered urban planning, music, metalwork, and more, highlighting how technology often emerges from unexpected sources, even from those who may not honor God.

This pattern of innovation continues today. Technologies evolve from simpler forms, like farming, into more complex systems. Ancient agricultural techniques, taught by God, laid foundations for massive modern advancements. Every discovery reflects the Creator’s wisdom embedded in the natural order, calling forth human ingenuity.

Yet, technology has limits. It can't solve humanity's deepest needs. Innovations reveal aspects of God’s creation but do not redeem us. They are gifts meant to ease life’s burdens under the curse of sin, like thorns and thistles, but they remain under that curse. Even brilliant minds often stray from God, creating idols out of their own genius rather than acknowledging the divine source of their inspiration.

Ultimately, all innovations should point back to the Creator. They are meant to inspire awe and gratitude, not replace or overshadow God. As we navigate the technological landscape, we must remember that our advancements are not just human achievements; they are reflections of divine generosity. In this way, technology serves the church, providing tools for God’s people to fulfill their mission on earth.

In our pursuit of innovation, let’s keep our eyes on the heavenly city to come, built by God himself, where true fulfillment and joy reside. Until then, let us use technology wisely, as stewards of creation, always returning our thanks and praise to the Creator.

Is Technology Merely Rearranging God's Creations?

Humanity's quest for transcendence has long driven us to reach for the stars, as seen in our fascination with space travel. In 1958, the Soviets launched Sputnik, marking the dawn of human-made objects in space. 

A decade later, the Apollo 11 mission captured the world's imagination as Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin set foot on the moon. Ray Bradbury, a sci-fi novelist of the time, believed space exploration would unite mankind. He imagined that the loneliness of space would make us realize our collective solitude on this small planet, thus binding us together in a common cause.

Astronauts often experience the "overview effect," a profound shift in perspective when viewing Earth from space, which makes them question the significance of terrestrial conflicts. However, despite these awe-inspiring moments, global peace remains elusive. Elon Musk, a modern-day space pioneer, shares a similar optimism, envisioning a future where humanity becomes a spacefaring civilization. For him, Mars represents the ultimate goal, a new frontier that could unify humanity and provide an escape from Earth's environmental challenges.

Yet, space travel and technology, despite their promise, have not delivered the utopia some envisioned. Historically, technological advancements, like those of the 19th century, transformed society but left the human heart unsatisfied. The Gospel of Technology, promising salvation through innovation, echoes the idolatry of Babel, where man sought to reach God through his creations.

At the core of this narrative is a timeless truth: technology, while a gift, cannot fulfill the soul's deepest longings. Psalm 20 reminds us that true confidence lies not in human inventions but in divine sovereignty. Despite advances, technology cannot conquer death, the ultimate enemy. Christ's resurrection offers the only true hope, transcending the temporary promises of technological salvation. In a universe vast and mysterious, the message is clear: our ultimate trust and satisfaction must be found in something greater than the works of our hands.

From Sputnik to Musk: The Cosmic Quest for Unity Beyond Technology's Promises

Imagine a world where technology is not just a tool but a religion, where Silicon Valley replaces Jerusalem as the new Holy City. Jaron Lanier and Yuval Noah Harari ponder this techno-religion, predicting salvation through algorithms rather than divine intervention. 

Cities, epicenters of innovation, become the new cathedrals, promising happiness and even eternal life on earth. But history warns us through the biblical tale of Babylon, a super-sized Babel, where human innovation and arrogance collide. This city of opulence and self-sufficiency eventually crumbles, judged by God for its idolatry.

Yet, Christians are called to thrive within these cities, integrating into their fabric while resisting their godless spirit. Jeremiah advised the exiled Israelites to build, marry, and pray for Babylon's welfare, setting a precedent for modern believers to engage with urban life. Cities may ostracize those who reject the Gospel of Technology, but faith remains a beacon of hope.

As we await a divine exodus from these cities of man, our worship serves as resistance against technological idolatry. The Bible foretells the fall of man-made metropolises, paving the way for the New Jerusalem—God's city, where human innovation will find its true purpose in glorifying the Creator. Until then, we live in cities, enjoying their gifts while holding onto a hope as vast as the cosmos, awaiting the divine city where technology and faith harmonize in eternal light.

Is Silicon Valley the New Jerusalem of Techno-Religion?

In the tech age, we face a challenging dilemma: How do we use our innovations ethically and wisely? The book of Proverbs urges us to seek wisdom, a quality that technology itself cannot provide. As pastor Ray Ortlund puts it, without wisdom, technology simply amplifies our capacity for folly. 

Our pursuit of innovation, like the ancient practice of mining described in the Book of Job, is a testament to human ambition and ingenuity. Yet, despite our technological advances, wisdom remains elusive. Job's story highlights that wisdom and meaning are not found within creation itself but in God, the Creator.

This pursuit of discovery extends beyond the earth. As we explore new frontiers like nuclear fusion or the potential of mining the moon, we realize that our innovations reflect God's patterns in creation. However, they cannot answer life's ultimate questions. Instead, we must listen to both creation and Scripture, balancing technological advancement with ethical considerations. Our actions should honor God's design, respecting the environment and human dignity.

Technological progress poses ethical questions, especially as we approach potentially radical changes like AI and genetic modification. These innovations challenge our understanding of what it means to be human. As we navigate these changes, we must remember that true wisdom and purpose come from God.

In the age of AI, where technology might replace many jobs, our primary vocation remains: to love God and others. This call to love transcends economic value and technological prowess. As we engage with technology, we must do so with gratitude and a focus on human flourishing. Our innovations should enhance our ability to connect with God and each other, not detract from it.

Ultimately, technology is a tool, not a savior. It cannot fill the spiritual void or answer the deepest questions of existence. Only through a relationship with God can we find true meaning and wisdom. As we innovate, we should remember that our progress is under God's sovereign control, and our ultimate hope lies in Him, not in our creations.

Ray Ortlund's Wisdom Quest: Navigating Tech's Ethical Maze

Exploring technology's role in our lives reveals a fascinating blend of human innovation and divine orchestration. The historical progression from simple tools to advanced systems reflects humanity's quest to amplify power and capability. Yet, technology's potential is dual; it can fulfill divine purposes or manifest human hubris. This dichotomy is illustrated in ancient stories, highlighting the importance of ethical engagement with technology.

The concept of the "technium" suggests a self-reinforcing technological ecosystem, raising the question of technology's relationship with faith. While some view the future as dystopian or utopian, a faith-based perspective encourages trust in divine providence over all innovations. Historical and biblical narratives debunk myths about technology, advocating for thoughtful and ethical engagement, recognizing both its potential for harm and good.

Technology cannot fulfill the soul's deepest longings, as true satisfaction lies beyond human invention. Despite promises of salvation through innovation, the ultimate hope transcends technological advances, resting in divine sovereignty. In the tech age, wisdom remains crucial, urging a balance between advancement and ethical considerations. Our innovations should enhance human connection and flourishing, reflecting God's design.

Ultimately, technology is a tool, not a savior. It must be used wisely, with a focus on loving God and others. Only through a relationship with God can we find true meaning and purpose, as our progress unfolds under His sovereign control.

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God, Technology, and the Christian Life

Tony Reinke

7 Key ideas

18 MINS

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What if the true power of technology lies not in its ability to advance, but in its purpose to reflect divine wisdom?

From Noah’s Ark to Elon Musk’s Mars, human innovation has reached for the stars—yet can it ever fill the void of our deepest longings?

As we navigate the tech age, are we building arks of faith or towers of rebellion?

Dive into this thought-provoking journey through history, faith, and the future of technology.