Technology and Religion. What's the issue here...?

[Elijah19]

I'm just asking because I'm curious...

It seems to me that there are always an awful lot of religious groups out there, even various Christian denominations, that tend to reject technological development or usage... sometimes even to the point of calling it Satanic or Evil.

Case in point: the Amish or Mennonite groups, but there are others as well. This is not just the case among distant niche congregations either. It seems to be present everywhere. It isn't even a singularly Christian case...

Why is it that some religious people, whether Christian or not, tend to regard all/some modern change or technological advancement as evil?

I'm not saying that people who reject technology on religious grounds are necessarily ignorant or anything. I don't think doing so will hurt their souls. And no, I'm not an Atheist who's trying to make the whole "Christians and religion are unscientific" spin that they always pull. I'm just observing that some groups within the religious world, even among Christians, seem to needlessly and groundlessly condemn scientific advancements that are (by themselves) neither good nor evil.

An example of this might include an old man in church condemning a young believer who plays a hymn on an electric guitar because it isn't a pipe organ, or something to the effect...

Where do people get the idea that incorporating modern ideas is wrong? The Bible makes no such condemnations against technological usage. Nowhere does the Bible say "Thou shalt not use electricity," and that's not because people hadn't discovered it's usage in Biblical era yet either. The Bible is sufficient for all generations...

 

[TaylorTG]

An example of this might include an old man in church condemning a young believer who plays a hymn on an electric guitar because it isn't a pipe organ, or something to the effect...

Where do people get the idea that incorporating modern ideas is wrong? The Bible makes no such condemnations against technological usage. Nowhere does the Bible say "Thou shalt not use electricity," and that's not because people hadn't discovered it's usage in Biblical era yet either. The Bible is sufficient for all generations...

Give God what is God's and Caesar what is Caesar's.

Such technologies are morally neutral. They are either good or bad depending on their intended function.

Tell that to the "old man in church".

 

[atwhatcost]

I'm just asking because I'm curious...

It seems to me that there are always an awful lot of religious groups out there, even various Christian denominations, that tend to reject technological development or usage... sometimes even to the point of calling it Satanic or Evil.

Case in point: the Amish or Mennonite groups, but there are others as well. This is not just the case among distant niche congregations either. It seems to be present everywhere. It isn't even a singularly Christian case...

Why is it that some religious people, whether Christian or not, tend to regard all/some modern change or technological advancement as evil?

I'm not saying that people who reject technology on religious grounds are necessarily ignorant or anything. I don't think doing so will hurt their souls. And no, I'm not an Atheist who's trying to make the whole "Christians and religion are unscientific" spin that they always pull. I'm just observing that some groups within the religious world, even among Christians, seem to needlessly and groundlessly condemn scientific advancements that are (by themselves) neither good nor evil.

An example of this might include an old man in church condemning a young believer who plays a hymn on an electric guitar because it isn't a pipe organ, or something to the effect...

Where do people get the idea that incorporating modern ideas is wrong? The Bible makes no such condemnations against technological usage. Nowhere does the Bible say "Thou shalt not use electricity," and that's not because people hadn't discovered it's usage in Biblical era yet either. The Bible is sufficient for all generations...

Probably from the observation that technology has evolved incredibly (often to the point of pointlessness... like say texting on a phone -- why text when voice is faster, which was the whole genius behind "telephone" to begin with -- no more Morse Code!), while Man seems to be devolving.

The Amish aren't against technology. They wouldn't be using buggies and hooks if they were. They're against lavishness. Don't get more than you need. So, why should they buy a car to travel far, when they don't travel far? Why use buttons when hooks do the same trick? Buttons are to prove a point, to show off. Why indoor plumbing, when the well is right outside the kitchen door?

I do see a problem with technology. My dad has never come on the Internet because he never needed to. I spent the first 38 years of my life without it, so I didn't need it either. I do now. And yet, here we are, in the middle of the Fourth of July talking online instead of spending time with our family.

It's something like that.

 

[atwhatcost]

Give God what is God's and Caesar what is Caesar's.

Such technologies are morally neutral. They are either good or bad depending on their intended function.

Tell that to the "old man in church".

Why should young folks be teaching old folks? (And I ask that as an in-the-middle folk. lol)

 

[Miri]

What makes you think the amish and mennonite are Christians?

I stand corrected if I am wrong, but from the UK perspective they
seem be more of a cult. I don't think any Amish or Mennonite will see your question
on here to be able to answer it for you - just an observation.


I personally have no problem with technology if it is used for the right reasons.
I doubt anyone would on here, after all we are all using this website

I know though that many elderly people although not all, can find that their
ability to learn new things becomes harder. It's easier for them to continue to
do things the old school way. Much easier for example to pick up and phone and
call someone, than learn how to text. Also those small keyboards can be fiddly to
use for arthritic fingers and deteriorating eyesight etc.

Plus after 70, 80, 90 years of life or even more, elderly people will have seen all
sorts of trends come and go. They have probably experienced far more changes
in their lives than a young person can imagine.

Maybe when you get to 70 and they bring out Star Trek technology, you
will say the same to the young people around you!

Maybe next time someone is a bit critical why not show them your phone and explain
what it can do. I did that to a lady who is 84. She thought it was amazing
and said she never knew they could do so much. So now at 84 years old she
has her own phone and kindle which I bought her and she loves them! She has
also signed up for computer lessons.

As for anyone else who is simply not interested, just be nice to them and polite.
Respect their decision not to want to get involved in technology, you can afford
to be generous in that respect as you have youth on your side.

Oh and by the way, there are many older people who could run rings around
your technological knowledge.

 

[tanach]

Taylor TG I am an old man out of Church. I have been using IT since 1992. Back in those prehistoric days desktop Computers were still new and wonderful things. Microsoft Windows was an amazing novelty, but unless you worked somewhere
that needed computers such as Publishing or Banking there was very little chance of getting your hands on one. Internet Cafes didnt exist and Mobile Phones were still in their infancy. Many in my generation missed out on this technology and when you are older learning new things can be challenging. As for 'religious' people, well there are some groups who associate IT with the Antichrist, 666 and such, but then back in the days of Caxton the church thought printing was the work of the devil so times havnt changed much.

 

[Dude653]

I wonder if technology will eventually make people dumber. In 100 years will people be asking..
What's a book?

 

[JackRT]

I wonder if technology will eventually make people dumber. In 100 years will people be asking..
What's a book?

Most people today would not understand a stylus and clay tablet.

 

[tanach]

I remember a stylus. It was used to play records. They were flat discs that had Labels like RCA and Colombia on them.
As for books well there are a lot of people now who have a shaky aquaintance with them . Just read some of the answers
given on this site. The Bible in particular may as well be written on a clay tablets judging by some of the replies.

 

[BettyAnn]

I'll point out that Amish never have considered technology or electricity evil. I never heard preaching that it was evil or immoral of itself. But rather technology can put a person in a place that separates them from God. It can often lead to dangerous compromise, things that divide and create strife.

When you put that concept in to the Amish framework it takes a different dimension because Amish culture and life is more intricate than most english realize. I for one now love technology, however I'm very strict on it partially because of culture and partially because of conviction.

I'm just asking because I'm curious...

It seems to me that there are always an awful lot of religious groups out there, even various Christian denominations, that tend to reject technological development or usage... sometimes even to the point of calling it Satanic or Evil.

Case in point: the Amish or Mennonite groups, but there are others as well. This is not just the case among distant niche congregations either. It seems to be present everywhere. It isn't even a singularly Christian case...

Why is it that some religious people, whether Christian or not, tend to regard all/some modern change or technological advancement as evil?

I'm not saying that people who reject technology on religious grounds are necessarily ignorant or anything. I don't think doing so will hurt their souls. And no, I'm not an Atheist who's trying to make the whole "Christians and religion are unscientific" spin that they always pull. I'm just observing that some groups within the religious world, even among Christians, seem to needlessly and groundlessly condemn scientific advancements that are (by themselves) neither good nor evil.

An example of this might include an old man in church condemning a young believer who plays a hymn on an electric guitar because it isn't a pipe organ, or something to the effect...

Where do people get the idea that incorporating modern ideas is wrong? The Bible makes no such condemnations against technological usage. Nowhere does the Bible say "Thou shalt not use electricity," and that's not because people hadn't discovered it's usage in Biblical era yet either. The Bible is sufficient for all generations...

 

[atwhatcost]

I wonder if technology will eventually make people dumber. In 100 years will people be asking..
What's a book?

Eventually? People have been losing roughly 1.3 points of our I.Q. every ten years since 1870. No idea if the cause is technology but we are getting dumber.

 

[BettyAnn]

What makes you think the amish and mennonite are Christians?

I stand corrected if I am wrong, but from the UK perspective they
seem be more of a cult. I don't think any Amish or Mennonite will see your question
on here to be able to answer it for you - just an observation.


I personally have no problem with technology if it is used for the right reasons.
I doubt anyone would on here, after all we are all using this website

There's some of us around I believe,former of course. I've not known many general mennonites but there are some who are liberal and do use computers so I'm told.

But yes, while historical anabaptists are Biblical the Amish and other plain Mennonites are a cult. Hard to admit it, even for non amish because of the romantic view, but it's true.

 

[Miri]

Thanks for the clarification. I only know about them from what I see on
TV, which isn't always that clear

 

[BettyAnn]

A good video about side Amish life is called Amish a people of preservation. I think hulu has it for free and YouTube.

 

[pwrnJC]

I just left a church that uses all technology as part of worship. That is why I left. A typical Sunday morning scenario: Music plays as two extra wide screens, one above the pulpit and one on the front wall of the church, facing the pulpit are displaying various landscapes, along with upcoming events in the church. Then, at a prescribed moment, the sceenery changes as the service starts. Music is played and a preselected opening song name and full lyrics are displayed as the congregation is told to stand. Immediately after the song, the pastor quotes along with the monitor "PLEASE be seated.
Various updates begin to be posted again on screen, some with past pictures that are entertaining. A Bible passage is displayed and read in unison, followed by a written prayer on the wall. Another lyrical song appears as congregation sits this time and sings along with a little bouncing ball above each word. Offeratory time comes around and another preselected song is shown, as well as a command to "PLEASE STAND". Another prayer displayed and read by pastor. The command "PLEASE BE SEATED" and the crowd gets to watch a video of a gospel song as the offering plate is going around. Offering is over...another command "Please stand up" is produced and the words to "Praise God from whom all blessings flow" doxology is displayed. Another 'Please be seated" and then the scriptural reference is posted for the sermon. The congregation reads along with pastor and then, as pastor speaks, his words are also on display. At conclusion of sermon, congregation is asked to Stand and the lyrics of another pre-selected song is displayed, followed by another selected closing Prayer. A big THANKYOU for being here today" is shown and beautiful landscapes are displayed as congregation exist from auditorium.

Do you see something wrong here? NO place allowed for the movement of the Holy Spirit. Even prayers are pre-selected. No invitation given to allow people to make spiritual decisions. All that was missing was a concession stand, complete with popcorn..although coffee and donuts were served just prior to the service in the banquet hall. It is so robotical that it's actually not worth my time to watch an hour movie each Sunday morning, but sadly..that is what a lot of churches consider their once a week worship service to be. Modern technology has reduced us to this point.

 

[BettyAnn]

Technology misused is going to be a separation from God. Just from what I've seen.

 

[Siberian_Khatru]

We're having a discussion about the rejection of technology on an online message board...c'mon, that's kind of rich.

Different strokes for different folks, really.

 

[Miri]

I just left a church that uses all technology as part of worship. That is why I left. A typical Sunday morning scenario: Music plays as two extra wide screens, one above the pulpit and one on the front wall of the church, facing the pulpit are displaying various landscapes, along with upcoming events in the church. Then, at a prescribed moment, the sceenery changes as the service starts. Music is played and a preselected opening song name and full lyrics are displayed as the congregation is told to stand. Immediately after the song, the pastor quotes along with the monitor "PLEASE be seated.
Various updates begin to be posted again on screen, some with past pictures that are entertaining. A Bible passage is displayed and read in unison, followed by a written prayer on the wall. Another lyrical song appears as congregation sits this time and sings along with a little bouncing ball above each word. Offeratory time comes around and another preselected song is shown, as well as a command to "PLEASE STAND". Another prayer displayed and read by pastor. The command "PLEASE BE SEATED" and the crowd gets to watch a video of a gospel song as the offering plate is going around. Offering is over...another command "Please stand up" is produced and the words to "Praise God from whom all blessings flow" doxology is displayed. Another 'Please be seated" and then the scriptural reference is posted for the sermon. The congregation reads along with pastor and then, as pastor speaks, his words are also on display. At conclusion of sermon, congregation is asked to Stand and the lyrics of another pre-selected song is displayed, followed by another selected closing Prayer. A big THANKYOU for being here today" is shown and beautiful landscapes are displayed as congregation exist from auditorium.

Do you see something wrong here? NO place allowed for the movement of the Holy Spirit. Even prayers are pre-selected. No invitation given to allow people to make spiritual decisions. All that was missing was a concession stand, complete with popcorn..although coffee and donuts were served just prior to the service in the banquet hall. It is so robotical that it's actually not worth my time to watch an hour movie each Sunday morning, but sadly..that is what a lot of churches consider their once a week worship service to be. Modern technology has reduced us to this point.

It it does seem a little mechanical, I haven't personally come across a church
which conducts its services like this.