Jun
13
Technology
Filed by Becky Albrecht Under Uncategorized | Leave a Comment
The age in which we live has been referred to as “The Information Age.” Just as those living in the 18th and 19th centuries experienced an Industrial Revolution, so those living in the late 20th and beginning of the 21st centuries are living through a revolution in technology. Like all things, these new discoveries can be used for good or for ill. Consider some benefits.
Benefit to writers.
Word processors and spell checkers have made the writing and saving of documents much easier. Within the word processor are a dictionary and thesaurus, and instant formatting of margins and paragraphs. Damaged documents do not have to be “re-typed,” but rather just printed again.
Benefit to communication.
God’s Word tells us, “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver” (Proverbs 25:11, New King James Version). The internet has made the possibility for communication of encouraging words to be delivered instantaneously. Communication tools include email, Facebook and Facebook chat, and “Instant Messaging.” Cell phones have the capability of text messaging. God’s Word tells us, “As cold water to a weary soul, so is good news from a far country” (Proverbs 25:25). That good news from a far country can arrive speedily in this Information Age.
Benefit to education.
To increase communication between teacher and student is to benefit education. In addition, with the advent of internet communication, courses can be offered online. Teachers can be in Minnesota, with students in Pennsylvania, Virginia, and even Afghanistan. In addition, YouTube videos provide excellent supplementary instruction to a teacher’s lesson.
Benefit to safety.
Emergency communication has improved in this age of advanced technological equipment. When traveling on an unfamiliar highway, one feels safer knowing that a cell phone can be used to communicate with loved ones, and a GPS can direct the traveler back to familiar roads.
Benefit to work.
From advertising an available position, to sending and receiving resumes, to scheduling an interview, to work done on a job, technology has enhanced the work environment. Just as Gutenberg’s invention of the printing press initiated advances in book production in his time, computer graphic arts have added to on the job production.
Benefit to play.
The internet can be used for purchases of movie or concert tickets, restaurant or hotel reservations, or to purchase the airplane tickets needed to travel to a destination.
Benefit to life.
MRI’s and CAT scans are used today for essential early detection of medical problems. Advances in technology help pre-mature babies to survive.
Sadly, technology can also be used for scams and to perpetrate immoral activities. God’s Word tells us, “Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” (I Corinthians 10:31). Technology, like anything else, can be used for evil, or for God’s glory. When God blessed Adam, He said, “Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth” (Genesis 1:28). These same marching orders are given to His children today as they subdue modern technology, and use it for His glory.
