Technology has always been an integral part of human life. Throughout history technology has allowed humans to communicate, build, explore, create, prosper, and survive, but also to exploit, dominate, destroy, and kill. Technological artefacts are part of the matrix of everyday life, and yet through them we recreate and remake the world. The creation and the use of technology gives rise to new environments, cultural expressions, and practices. In the Bible, technology is mostly mentioned in passing, as a footnote to human life. There are, however, points in the stories when it features more prominently: an ark becomes a means of God’s salvation (Gen 7-8), a tower a symbol of human hubris and oppression (Gen 11:1-9), the medium of tablets the conduit of divine law (Exod 24:12), a building built by human hands God’s dwelling place (1 Kings 8:10-11). Through images as such ‘potter’ (Jer 18:6-7) and ‘master craftsman’ (Prov 8:30), God himself is portrayed as a technologist, a yoke is used as a metaphor in a parable (Matt 11:28-30), a tool of execution takes the life of the Saviour of the world (John 19:18), and a city becomes the symbol of a future hope (Rev 21:1-3). If we intentionally look for it, we see that technology is mentioned all over Scripture.
For more information go to
Christian Faith and Technology on the Lausanne Movement website.
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This product was added to our catalog on Monday 18 November, 2024.