Technology: Blessing or Curse?

As leadership, we have been assessing some technologies that could help us with child check-in procedures, online giving, facility management and attendance tracking. The possibilities are really exciting. But most of you know that I am a bit of a “late adopter” when it comes to technology. I have a sort of love/hate relationship with new gadgets.

• I have this really great Bible software program with thousands of volumes at my fingertips. I can search huge volumes in seconds to find exactly the information I need. But sometimes I feel in bondage to the technology. In reality I only have these volumes as long as I keep paying to upgrade and maintain the software. As soon as I stop paying “tribute” to this company, my library vanishes.
• We have this “computer” that controls our heating and cooling functions here at the church. We are able to maintain regular schedules and function efficiently. We can even make changes remotely. But when the “computer” becomes obsolete and no longer supports the new software platforms, we are forced to limp along or shell out a couple thousand dollars to upgrade hardware. Where were those manual thermostats again?

So how do we assess technology? Is it good or is it bad? Technology in itself is neutral. Our use of the technology on the other hand is either wise or foolish, good or evil, useful or destructive, selfish or selfless. Like everything else, our engagement with technology is impacted by the presence of sin in the world. So we should utilize technology (after we have thoughtfully considered its impact on our lives). But we should not depend on it, idolize it or look to it for our happiness.

Photo credit: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Post-PC_era