In my last blog entry I introduced the topic of the church and how biblical Christianity asks us to make a sacrificial commitment which benefits us in the future rather than the present. I want to explore more specifically exactly what the differences are between the beneficial commitment Christianity asks and the conveniences that our day to day lives offer. The first part of our day to day lives I want to examine is technology. Each one of us uses technology everyday whether it be a computer, television, smart phone or MP3 player. Technology offers to us a more efficient use of time and the advantage of not having to labor as heavily keeping up with schedules, getting work done or entertaining ourselves. Technology gives us the ability to have control and power over our lives by offering us many options of how to efficiently use time (Mac or PC? Laptop or I-Pad?) and how to entertain ourselves (listening to MP3s, playing with apps or watching our favorite movie in surround sound on a 3D television). Technology keeps us comfortable by providing limitless opportunities for excitement by constantly upgrading itself and offering something new for us to feed our appetite for better products. Finally, technology allows us to have relationship with a minimum of cost. For example, instead of having to ask out the girl I’ve got a crush on I can simply send her a text. If I want companionship without the frustration of face to face communication I can send a message on my Facebook account.

Christianity, on the other hand, takes our options away proclaiming that Christ alone offers salvation. Christianity, in contrast to ever developing technology, is old and boring. The church is now over two thousand years old with the generally same beliefs in place that it held over two thousand years ago. There is no I-Bible 4 or I-Christ 4S. Finally, probably the biggest difference between Christianity and our technologically savvy world is Christianity teaches dependence upon a person greater than ourselves. Christ, and faith in him alone, is the way of deliverance. He chose to love me and to die for me when I did not want him. Therefore, my life is ultimately Christ’s, not mine. Our culture teaches that deliverance comes from my ability to independently chose what piece of technology will serve me best. Once that piece of technology fails to serve me then I simply chose a new piece of technology. If we’re honest with ourselves these differences seem to make the church look unattractive. Why should I be committed to her if commitment means less independence and fewer options? For this discussion, stay tuned next week.

Rev. Kyle Perret
Cascade Presbyterian Church

Tags: christianity, technology