Center for Pastor-Theologians, 2019 Conference Report
One of my collegiate-friends pastors at a church in Oak Park, IL, just west of Chicago. His church hosts the Center for Pastor Theologians annual conference. Last week I attended for the second time; it's a refreshing conference. This year was on the subject of technology.
How do we think biblically, and as churches, about technology?
This week’s devotional is my synthesis of the sessions. How do we think rightly about technology? Can we use it well? How? This is a conversation we need to have more of and soon. Here's a start.
First, we need to “profane” technology.
To “profane” something means to remove it from its sacred-status. We need to recognize that technology is not neutral—it is not a mere “tool.” No, technology has an agenda—it intends something for our lives, and for our way of living. Like pagan gods of old, technology comes from a mind and genius that would have us live our lives centered on it. As we recognize this, we can begin to discern the theology or the worldview that technology serves. Once we name this intention, we can turn to it and say, "No." It will not have sacred, purpose-giving, identity-shaping power of us!
Second, we need to turn technology into an “instrument.”
When technology is presented to us as a “device,” it is attempting to control how we use it—in other words, it’s attempting to control us! It is saying to us, “Here’s what you need to do with me!” But after we’ve “profaned” it, we are now left with something. What do I want to do with this thing?
An instrument is an object that furthers our abilities to be truly human. It focuses us and allows us to do what we do better—eg. a hammer or a hearth. Technology does not want to be reduced to this mere servitude; technology wants to direct us toward its aims. But now that we see it for what it is, we may use it how we want. We can check email at specific times, and not always be notified,technology interrupting deep thinking or conversations. And we can use email for specific good ends—lovingly and carefully rather than haphazardly or snippy or confusing.
Profane tech and the turn it back into being an instrument.
And then read.
Lastly, in order to sustain this perspective against a barrage of hopeless or overly excited tech-news, invest in your ability to read. That is, attentively read physical books.
This has been proven, and observed, to strengthen our ability to pay attention and to empathize. In other words, it helps us be present and helps us connect with others. It has also been proven to literally change our lives—deep reading produces a qualitatively different kind of life change. Deep change, careful attention, real presence: these are things that God calls us to in the great, deep, book(s) He has given us: the One book containing sixty-six books.
Attentive reading forms our brains in precisely the ways that counter-act the reformations technology desires. Attentive reading of Scripture forms our spirits in precisely the ways that counter-act the deformations world-infused technology aims to produce.
Profane tech, only use it, and read books.
Here are a few suggestions for today. First, see if you can spend ten minutes without interacting with any technology--no podcasts, text messaging, typing, etc. Drive without the radio. Second, read a Psalm slowly. Don't move from one line to the next until you feel like you know what the first line meant. Be patient and firm.
What happens in you when you do this? Some adventures take you far; some adventures take you deep. Where did the Spirit take you?
In returning and rest we shall be saved; in quietness and trust shall be our strength. -Isaiah 30:15
