A Theology of Technology
[Lecture Narrative]
Ladies and gentlemen: the Global Pandemic of 2019 has in essence thrust the church “lightyears” into its technological future! Hence, those of us who have been chosen to navigate this new terrain—in such as time as this—must not only be theologically sound, but technologically savvy as well as! Charles Ryrie—in his book Basic Theology—acknowledges that
“In reality everyone is a theologian-one sort or another. There is nothing wrong with being an amateur theologian or a professional theologian, but there is everything wrong with being an ignorant or sloppy theologian” (Ryrie, 9).
I believe that holds true about one’s philosophical view of ministerial technology also. For whether you like it or not, your ability to effectively communicate and impact lives with the truth of God’s Word—in today’s and tomorrow’s world—will affected by technology, one way or another! Whether on the PULPIT end or the PEW end of the spectrum…technology will collide with theology! Everybody Googles for biblical and theological insights! Preachers do it…Parishioners do it. Ergo, technology will intersect with theology on both sides. So in this first portion of this lecture series, I want to address the development of your own personal theology of technology.
Allow me to begin by giving you my working definition of theology. Understand that theology at its core is merely how a person views aspects of creation, in light of the Creator.
Even those who discount, deny, or defy the Creator as they view His creation, are still forming a theology…and it is our theology that ultimately drives our actions and our reactions towards anything and everything created. And although you’ve been studious and probably have become steadfast on many theological positions…the probability is that you’ve seldom (if ever) systematically considered or positioned yourself theologically when it comes to your view and stance on the constant creation of new technologies with respect to the Creator.
Formulating a theology of technology is so critical because as rapidly as new media, devices, and platforms are coming into everyday life, the church needs to be ready! For example: What’s your theological position on VR (virtual reality) and AR (augmented reality)? Your theology of technology will help to inform your reaction when busts open your church doors! So now is a good time and develop for ourselves a Theology of Technology.
Well, the best way perhaps to navigate through a theological introspection, is by asking and answering questions. A good starter question to consider is:
