Current Events Monday: Would Jesus be High Tech?
The Austin American Statesmen gave front page space to the thriving and growing tech sector of our city. Nearly twenty percent of all jobs in the metro area are now tech industry related, growing by 3.5% even during the pandemic. In fact, some tech analysts are now referring to Austin as “Silicon Valley 2.0.” You can read the quite interesting article by clicking on the link here: Austin’s tech sector quietly boomed amid the COVID-19 pandemic (statesman.com).
All the talk about surging technological advancement and job creation has me pondering: what would Jesus think about this? The Lord was largely silent about technology, per se, but he did teach constantly about the roots of human thinking and ingenuity. Consider that the greatest commandment is to love the Lord with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength as well as to love your neighbor as yourself (Matthew 22:37-40). The use of technology pretty much hangs on these two teachings! God gave us creative minds and a terrific sense of ingenuity. Consequently, it is possible to utilize technological progress as a way of loving God and translating that love into workable and applicable ways of loving neighbors as we are led by the Holy Spirit. The greatest commandment also helps us to discern what technology to keep and what to throw in the trash. For instance, some social media and other internet technology—while inherently useful—can be utilized for tearing down one another and spreading hatred. Ought we to be more careful with these concoctions? Remember that out of the heart the thumbs text and tweet (Luke 6:43-45).
Let’s think however about some of the advances in medical technology. Throughout my pastoral career, I’ve seen mindboggling tech used in healing people. What were once scary surgeries that required at least a week-long hospital stay are now straightforward outpatient procedures. Consider too the medications that help people overcome debilitating physical and mental illnesses. We certainly live in fascinating times in which our neighbors can have access to incredible technological advancement for the prolonging of quality life.
It may also help us to know that Jesus lived in an era of high tech. We would likely not consider first century AD Roman advancements on par with anything we have today. Yet, the Romans are well known for their architectural designs, development of important agricultural implements, tunnels, and even sewers. In fact, the Romans gave us the knowledge for what would eventually lead to clean running water and indoor bathrooms. For these things I am intensely grateful.
With technological progresses being made almost hourly in our day, perhaps we should ask some questions such as these:
- How can this technology be used for good or for evil?
- Does this technology help my neighbor or just me?
- How can I temper my use of technology in order to benefit others?
- Would Jesus want me using this? Viewing this?
- How can this piece of technology become an idol?
- If I am addicted to technology, how can I seek help to overcome it?
- What is the best way to utilize this technology to make disciples and spread the gospel?