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Christ-centered vs. tech-centered: are the two mutually exclusive?
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Two comments on the article Technology and faith walk hand-in-hand, have sparked a continued dialogue:
Thanks Jennifer for creating a positive for meeting with God. Technology provides a healthy forum. This is a good idea.
I usually grumble about computers and cell phones and texting because the human component is absent. It feels like time to rethink my complaints and exercise my free will and/or discipline to avoid abuse even from technology." Sandy.
"The information on this site has been together helpful and challenging. Helpful to know some cool links. Challenging me to unravel myself from the technology to ensure that God is the center of my life." Becky (emphasis mine)
It is true, technology has the ability to draw us close, or to create distance. You can also abuse it, or allow yourself to be abused by it. However, does the embrace of technology mean we are automatically prone toward its abuse or to turning away from God? Does a center-focus on God mean technology has no place in it?
I asked a random sampling of believers on Facebook these questions and the response was as varied as the people who make up our faith.
Christine thinks, " I believe that technology was/is God's plan. Since we were made in His image, He fitted us with the intellect and the desire to relate to one another. Much good has come from technology. The Word has reached many more ears and eyes more readily than ever before. I believe this is one way that God can reinforce that no one will have an excuse for not knowing Him. I have connected with so many believers through Facebook in the last 4 months that I didn't know were saved. Old classmates, friends. And now it enables us to have an intimacy across the miles and share our faith with people who are open to this kind of intimacy, rather than face to face. It is still heart to heart, which is really what God is after."
Natalie chimed in, "technology enhances us and abuse/sin has always been there..."
Anna leans toward Becky's viewpoint, "I think it can make a relationship with God harder to focus on. Technology has a way of replacing the Jirah part - Provider if you will. The flesh has a tendency to be lazy and seek out easy solutions. We like to be in control. Technology lets us achieve both without the need to include God."
Elizabeth roundly disagreed: "No it does not mean that. I believe it means we have to accept the responsibility inherent in giving so much of our lives over to technology-- we have to accept the responsibility to be mindful. Being vigilant in mindfulness is something Christians strive for anyway; I believe this can be approached as another opportunity to a) gratefully accept His gift of technology to improve our practical lives, and b) practice mindfulness."
And Paul D. gave a most delightful riposte: "If we continue to consider time spent with God as having to 'eat our vegetables' and our other pursuits as 'dessert' then we are missing out; why not make God your dessert and place him first?"
Paul D's parry mirrors Sandy's comment from last week's article--meeting God should be a positive thing, and if you can enhance or maximize this with technology, it is a freedom to incorporate worship, prayer and study in fresh ways, rather than distance yourself from them.
Ultimately, the debate boils down to connection versus disconnection, rather than tech-centered versus Christ-centered. A devotional life is geared to work in two ways: vertical, between ourselves and God; then horizontal, between ourselves and our community.
The physical connection, the touch of paper, or the spoken Word can make the devotional experience for some. Others do not require such tactile experiences, they just appreciate meeting God and God's people wherever they are at--even if it's in front of a computer or with their iPhone.
When asked what was the greatest commandment, Jesus responded, "‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.'"
If your embrace of technology affords you more of God, and more Godly touch with your community, then you are fulfilling Jesus' command. However, if it distances you from God and others, then "unraveling" is probably to your benefit, as well as the benefit of others.
www.examiner.com/x-15670-LA-Faith--Community-Examiner~y2009m7d1-Technology-and-faith-walk-handinhand
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