Technology: The Accelerating Innovation We Discern and Steward

Today’s reading continues in Section VII: Technology – The Accelerating Innovation We Discern and Steward. Read here.

Sin adversely influences the use and development of technology.

We affirm that sin influences all aspects of human activity and so the influence of sin mars not just the use of technology but, in some cases, the innovation itself. We therefore acknowledge that the development and use of technology may hinder human flourishing and care of the natural world in ways that are not immediately obvious. For this reason, technological innovation often gives rise to deep and unsettling anxieties, to misplaced dependence and focus, to harmful manipulation of human fears, to a false sense of security, or to dehumanising manifestations. Because of sin’s influence, technology often becomes idolatrous by worship of the created thing rather than the Creator. (Rom 1:25)

Many recent innovations have made technology much more manifest in our lives, in society and in the church. Because technology has the capacity to become our immersive environment, it easily distracts us from the fact that we “live and move and have our being” in God. The development and application of all technologies are motivated and shaped by values, many of which run counter to the biblical admonition to actively focus on what is true, noble, and praiseworthy. (Acts 17:28; Phil 4:8)

Christians are called to prophetically critique and engage technology.

We acknowledge that media technologies have increased the ease with which people may be deceived. We lament the fact that in their use of these technologies Christians have not always “renounced secret and shameful ways” or resisted the temptation to deceive their audience or to distort the message of the gospel for personal gain. Instead, Christians must place people first and truthfully share their stories, witnessing to the power of the gospel in their lives. It is essential that such use of media and communication technologies be underpinned by the truthfulness found in the very gospel being shared. (2 Cor 4:2)

We recognise that many Christians, especially the young, are addicted to social and digital media and are in effect being “discipled” by them because of the disproportionate amount of time spent using such technologies. We also acknowledge that, while digital technologies have often been adapted for church growth and evangelistic purposes, efforts to do the same for discipleship have lagged behind. We therefore call all churches and leaders to engage technologies of the digital age for disciple-making. We call for faithful presence in digital spaces, faithful contextualization through connected devices, faithful teaching of digital literacy, and faithful practice of hospitality for forming healthy usage habits.