God's Sovereignty and Man's Dominion
In a world increasingly shaped by rapid technological advancement, the Christian is called to a thoughtful and prayerful engagement with these powerful tools. A biblical ethic of technology does not begin with the devices themselves, but with the eternal God who is the Creator and Sustainer of all things. From the very beginning, God established His sovereignty over creation and bestowed upon mankind a unique role within it. The book of Genesis reveals God's commission for humanity to actively participate in the development and stewardship of creation.
And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.
This "dominion mandate" is not a license for exploitation, but a charge to govern and cultivate the earth responsibly, reflecting God's own orderly and creative nature. Technology, in its broadest sense, is an outworking of this mandate – the application of human ingenuity to subdue, organize, and utilize the resources of creation. It is the means by which man extends his reach, multiplies his efforts, and seeks to improve his earthly condition, always under the watchful eye of the Almighty.
Technology as a Reflection of the Imago Dei
The capacity for technological innovation is a testament to the fact that man is created in the image of God (imago Dei). Just as God is the ultimate Creator, so too has He endowed humanity with the ability to create, design, and problem-solve. This inherent creativity is a divine imprint, enabling us to transform raw materials into useful instruments, to build structures, and to develop systems that enhance life.
Even in the earliest chapters of Genesis, we witness the nascent forms of technology emerging from human endeavor. Adam was tasked with tilling the ground (Genesis 2:15), requiring rudimentary agricultural tools and techniques. After the Fall, the need for clothing led to the innovation of garments (Genesis 3:7, Genesis 3:21). The lineage of Cain, though marked by sin, also reveals the development of various crafts and technologies:
And Adah bare Jabal: he was the father of such as dwell in tents, and of such as have cattle.
And his brother's name was Jubal: he was the father of all such as handle the harp and organ.
And Zillah, she also bare Tubal-cain, an instructer of every artificer in brass and iron: and the sister of Tubal-cain was Naamah.
From animal husbandry and music to metallurgy, these early examples demonstrate that technology is not inherently evil, but rather a neutral expression of human capacity. It is the heart and purpose behind its use that determines its moral standing.
The Fall and the Perversion of Technology
While technology itself is a neutral byproduct of God-given creativity, the entrance of sin into the world through the Fall corrupted not only human nature but also our intentions and the potential uses of our inventions. What was intended for good, for the glory of God and the benefit of mankind, can be twisted for selfish, prideful, or destructive ends. The Bible provides a stark illustration of this perversion in the account of the Tower of Babel.
And they said, Go to, let us build us a city and a tower, whose top may reach unto heaven; and let us make us a name, lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth.
Here, human ingenuity in brick-making and construction was employed not for God's purposes, but to establish human autonomy, pride, and a unified rebellion against God's command to fill the earth. Their motivation was to "make us a name," seeking self-glory rather than divine glory. This narrative serves as a timeless warning: advanced technology, when wielded by fallen humanity apart from God, can become a tool for arrogance, control, and ultimately, a direct affront to His sovereignty. It reminds us that our greatest inventions, if not submitted to divine wisdom, can become monuments to our own folly and instruments of our downfall, leading to confusion and separation.
Redemption and the Purpose of Technology
The redemptive work of Jesus Christ extends its influence over every facet of human existence, including our engagement with technology. Just as the Fall distorted human endeavors, so too does redemption offer the possibility of reclaiming and redirecting them for God's glory. Technology, once perverted for selfish ambition, can now be sanctified and employed as a powerful instrument in the hands of God's people for the advancement of His kingdom.
In the modern age, we see countless ways technology facilitates the Great Commission. The internet, digital media, and communication networks enable the rapid dissemination of the Gospel to remote corners of the earth, fulfilling, in a sense, the command to "Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature" (Mark 16:15). Medical advancements, engineering feats, and agricultural innovations, when developed and applied with biblical motives, can alleviate suffering, promote justice, and demonstrate the love of Christ to a broken world. The ultimate aim of all human activity, including technological development, should be to bring glory to God, as the Apostle Paul exhorted:
Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.
When technology is used to serve others, to spread truth, to foster genuine community, and to magnify the name of Jesus, it fulfills its highest redemptive purpose. It becomes a means by which God's dominion is expressed, His character reflected, and His benevolent purposes furthered.
Principles for a Biblical Ethic of Technology
To navigate the complex landscape of modern technology faithfully, Christians must adhere to foundational biblical principles. These principles serve as a compass, guiding our choices and ensuring that our use of technology aligns with God's will and purpose:
Conclusion: Walking Wisely in a Technological Age
The biblical narrative, from creation to redemption, provides a robust framework for understanding and engaging with technology. It is a gift from God, an expression of the imago Dei, yet one that has been tainted by the Fall and carries the potential for both immense good and profound harm. As believers, we are called to be neither fearful Luddites nor uncritical enthusiasts, but discerning stewards of these powerful tools.
Our interaction with technology must be rooted in a deep love for God and a genuine concern for our neighbour. It requires constant prayer, wisdom from above, and a commitment to evaluate every innovation through the lens of Scripture. Let us strive to use technology not for self-aggrandizement, fleeting entertainment, or destructive purposes, but as instruments in the hands of the Almighty to proclaim His truth, alleviate suffering, build His church, and bring Him the glory He alone deserves. In this way, we can truly redeem the time and ensure that our technological prowess serves the eternal purposes of God.