Whenever new technology comes out – like the new i-Phone which can do just about everything but cook dinner -- there are those who rave about it and those who bemoan the loss of “old values” because of the new technology.  Years ago I had an elderly Christian gentleman tell me that the downfall of our civilization was the invention of the automobile.  Prior to that, he opined, people spent more time together talking on long, slow rides in horse-drawn buggies!  He had a small point, I guess.  But I couldn’t help but compare a complaint that I’m sure elderly gentlemen made in the days when alphabets and writing and scrolls were first created:  “Well, there goes the need to memorize things!  Now everyone’s brain will turn to jelly and the younger generation won’t remember anything!”

Conservative people believe in “conserving” old values and practices, things that we know are good because they’re tried and true.  As a result we often have knee-jerk reactions against new things.  We see all the dangers and refuse to see any blessings that may come with new things – perhaps because accepting such blessings would force us to change something in our thinking or behavior, and change is uncomfortable.

Others – I almost said ‘most’ -- plunge in almost mindlessly and accept new technology because of the “good” they see without ever considering possible adverse side effects.

How should Christians deal with new technologies?  I have found it helpful to ask four questions -- three of which I heard raised by social critic, Neal Postman, and one which I think every Christian should ask about everything – if we are going to be wise about our approach to new technologies.

What is the problem to which this technology is the solution?  Take cruise control, for a harmless example (since it is now standard on most vehicles and therefore a non-issue).  Cruise control solves the problem of having to keep your foot on the gas pedal.  Wow.  Big problem.  Perhaps for those who drive interstates for long distances on a regular basis, but for most of us, is that really a problem?  And if not, is it really necessary technology – or is it just another of the meaningless bells and whistles of life that wastes our money?  And if it’s the latter, do I really need to buy it?

 Whose problem is it?  With money they had saved, my children purchased i-pods.  Music is very important in their lives, and on bus trips with school groups listening to music of your own choice is often preferable to participating in some of the other things that go on in the bus.  So, the i-pods solved a ‘problem’ for my kids.  Hurrah.  But when my children turn to me and say “Dad, you should get an i-pod!!!” I can only respond that music is just not a big part of my life, so an i-pod would be a big waste of money.  My problem is having enough silence in my life – not enough personally selected musical favorites!  Purchasing technology just for the sake of saying that you have it is pride – or avarice.

What other problems will be created by my using the new technology?  The technology of the internet is a superb source of information, but it opens the door to a number of problems.  Some are obvious, like the undesirable information within the click of a mouse (like pornography and how to make bombs), or the possible theft of my identity or abuse of my credit cards via the hacking of online sales sites.  Some are more subtle, like the undermining of the ability to conduct face-to-face and verbal personal interaction because of the ease of the more “anonymous” instant message.

For me and my family, to date, the adverse side effects of having cable has outweighed the benefits of having cable TV.  Instead I purchased a good VCR and DVD player that allows me much more selection and control in what we watch.

I’m not saying that having cable is sinful;  just that each form of technology brings problems with it, and each presents new challenges that our souls need to be aware of and weigh and measure.  Some challenges make certain technologies less useful to some, and more useful to others.  Each of us must be wise as serpents in such decisions and not give a foothold to the enemy -- just for the sake of being up-to-date.

How can I be fruitful for the kingdom of God using this new technology?  Christians ought to be asking this question about everything in their lives.  I-pods and the internet and cell phones certainly have their downsides.  But like radio and TV before them, they can also be an extremely fruitful tool in God’s service if used rightly.

Let each seek the kingdom of God in these things.  Let each walk in faith, being convinced in his own mind.  Let each stand or fall before his Master.