Introduction
The interaction of technology and society may be the one thing more than any other that gives society a meaning and defines us human beings. In recent years it has become popular to point fingers of accusation at technology as if it were "autonomous" and driving us all to perdition. I take other view.
No doubt the uses of technology and society interact strongly. I think it is unwise and very naive to think of aggressive technology affecting a passive society to cart away the things that give society value and leaving behind a rusted shell. Admittedly there always is the potential for abuse or misuse of a technology, but technology is not inherently destructive, I argue.
This proposal is an attempt to make a connection between scripture and technology. Here I would like to highlight my views on technology from different perspectives of Bible.
Technology's
Briefly, the extent to which a technology affects social systems has to do with basic patterns among social groups and the changing patterns of needs and need fulfilment resulting from technological change.[1] For e.g. industrial revolution made an impact on the society.
When the Industrial Revolution came about and particularly when the industrialization took place in the last century and first half of the present century, a number of social factors changed. Many of these changes impacted not only those directly involved in the process, but also those who chose not to be involved in the industrial boom.
Ethics in an Age of Technology
Dealing with ethical issues arising from technology and exploring the relationship of human and environmental values to science, philosophy, and religion shows why these values are relevant to technological policy decisions. "Modern technology has brought increased food production, improved health, higher living standards, and better communications,[2]" writes Barbour. "But its environmental and human costs have been increasingly evident." Most of the destructive impacts, Barbour points out, come not from dramatic accidents but from the normal operation of agricultural and industrial systems, which deplete resources and pollute air, water, and land. Other technologies have unprecedented power to affect people and other forms of life distant in time and space (through global warming and genetic engineering, for example). Large-scale technologies are also expensive and centralized, accelerating the concentration of economic and political power and widening the gaps between rich and poor nations. In examining the conflicting ethics and assumptions that lead to divergent views of technology, Barbour analyzes three social values: justice, participatory freedom, and economic development, and defends such environmental principles as resource sustainability, environmental protection, and respect for all forms of life. He presents case studies of agricultural technology, energy policy, and the use of computers.
Moral teachings and ethical questions about the creation and use of science and technology have been a part of religious and philosophical traditions from the earliest periods. Today, the challenges are more global in scope and are intensified by terrorists opposed to many dimensions of the scientific and technological world. New fields of ethical reflection--computer ethics, environmental ethics, communication ethics, and genetics--are emerging to deal with the world that science and technology have created.
Biblical Perspectives on Technology
1. Technology is the outcome of God’s mandate to human. There is nothing inherently evil in the nature of technology, as it is the natural outcome of the mandate which God gave to human in Genesis 1:27- 28. Human has developed science and technology in response to God’s commands to subdue the earth and to exercise dominion over creation.[3] Science is human’s attempt to observe, understand, and explain the operation of the universe and its inhabitants. Technology is the practical application of the knowledge gained by science for humankind’s benefit, bringing portions of the universe under his control. We are stewards of all of God’s creation, and as such we are responsible to Him for both the preservation and the productive use of all the world’s resources to the benefit of human, and for the glory of God.
2. Technology is to be used for human benefit and for God’s glory. The first technological feat recorded in the Bible was the building of the
The next technological feat recorded in the Bible however, was designed solely for human’s benefit, and not for God’s glory. The
The lives of these pioneers demonstrate that modern technology is good and useful when it glorifies the Lord. Perhaps the most important invention that has facilitated the Lord’s work on earth is the invention of the printing press by Johannes Gutenberg in 1450. One of the first books to be printed on his printing press was the Bible. The invention of printing has been one of the greatest blessings to the Lord’s work. Every one of us can now easily own a personal copy of God’s Holy Word and distribute copies of it to others. We can also have access to good Christian literature and articles through the printed page.
3. Technology must never replace God as the object of our trust. Psalm 20:7 brings this out very well: "Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God." Chariots were one of the proud accomplishments of ancient technology, used both in transport and warfare. As no weapon was regarded in ancient wars to be more formidable than the chariot, many kings and generals put their fullest trust in chariots to guarantee their victory. Therefore we must be careful not to have a misplaced trust. Our trust should always be placed in God, who will never fail us. Technology has been known to fail countless times, because of human mistakes, and often with devastating effect. The
Personal Reflection
Thus, when we are faced with any problem in life, it is most important that we seek the Lord’s help first, above whatever available technological solutions, which are often very costly. It is true that the Lord may choose to use technology to deliver us, just as He used the
What then should we do? We should always remember that modern technology is a good servant, but a terrible master. Let us therefore make good use of technology as a tool for God’s glory, and do not let it use us and distract us away from God.
Bibliography
Barbour, Ian G. Ethics in an Age of Technology.
Bonino, Jose Miguez. Toward a Christian Political Ethics.
Burtness, James H. Consequences: Morality, Ethics, and the Future. SCM Press, 2004.
Byrne, Kevin B., ed. Responsible Science: The Impact of Technology on Society.
Hopper, David H. Technology, Theology, and the Idea of Progress.
Stivers, Robert L. Hunger, Technology and Limits to Growth.
[1] Hopper, David H. Technology, Theology, and the Idea of Progress.( Roger E. Timm, (1992)) 301-302.
[2] Barbour, Ian G. Ethics in an Age of Technology. (Harpercollins: 1992)
[3] Stivers, Robert L. Hunger, Technology and Limits to Growth. Mark E. Solyst, (1985) 451-452.
[4] Byrne, Kevin B., ed. Responsible Science: The Impact of Technology on Society. Timothy H. H. Thoresen, (1988) 97-98.
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