It's The Irony

So, what invention am I thinking of?

First of all, technology can probably be traced all the way back to any improvement created to provide greater efficiency to an existing item or system.

The first guy to sharpen a piece of stone then tie it to the end of his arrow may have been appreciated as a clever and masterful hunter, or they may have just rolled their eyes at him while whispering about his eccentric approach to archery.

But sometime in the 1400s, there was an invention that propelled us significantly into the information age. The printing press came to life… and we have never been the same.

All of a sudden, several things changed. Now, everyone could receive identical information at the same time. Additionally, the printed page became an equalizer (at least among the literate) – the written word was no longer only available to the elite (consider the Reformation). Also, there was now the opportunity to build upon previous information, since it could be universally accessible.

How long do I cook a turkey? Did Matt Damon ever win an Oscar? When was the War of 1812? Who can I get to fix my leaking roof? Where can I find a petroglyph?

When we want information, where do we turn? Most of us go right to the internet. But that’s a relatively recent solution. Prior to the convenience of having a personal computer, it was necessary to access information from the printed page at a central location of printed materials. These are commonly called libraries. And, in this particular sense, personal computers are really just a modern extension of these printed storehouses. And this is the irony – the invention that propelled us into the information age is the printing press, and the printed page is rapidly becoming obsolete. Documents are now created, edited, sent and stored electronically. After all, aren’t you reading this blog?

So, what is my point?

Technology is not new… only new technology is new.

What I really want to explore is the reaction of Christianity to technology. I have seen Christians for many years cast a suspicious eye toward new technology - and sometimes toward anything new; i.e. music, fashion. Is this legitimate? Are we spiritually justified in rejecting new technology?

These answers may not come as easily as the answers to my earlier questions.