Going Beyond Technology

Perspectives: a series which considers the latest news, statistics, media, opportunities, etc from our unique perspectives.

Going Beyond Technology

I love technology. I love to read about it. I love to see the amazing things we can do with it.  I love to play with it. Most importantly, I love to utilize it to enhance work and life.  There is just something so intriguing about innovation.  I am always so impressed by the amazing things that people can achieve when they use their God-given gifts. 

I get especially excited about the latest innovations that are coming out in the green industry like backpacks with mini solar cells on them, shoes that capture energy, and miniature wind turbines for you house.  These technologies often help us to make a positive impact to a degree that would not have been possible otherwise. 

On Monday, Jon shared a good word about supporting a culture of innovation.  As consumers we need to demand this innovation especially in industries that have lagged.  However, we also need to be sure to implement the helpful technologies that already exist.  Technology does us no good if it just sits in a lab.

That said, there is another side to this coin.  Technology alone is not the answer.  We cannot hope to simply innovate and buy our way to caring for God’s creation.  I have seen so many people or organizations that buy a Prius or install solar panels on their roof and think that solves the problem, that they are done.  As Christians we are called to transformation, a process that continually molds us in the image of our Savior.  There are times when we simply must do the hard work of following Jesus in caring for creation. 

 Electric cars, energy efficient doodads, fancy irrigation systems, and sustainable wood are great.  But there comes a point in our journey where we ought to seek more than eco-bling.  A time where we ought to sacrifice some to care for God’s creation.  A time where we ought to garden, compost, walk or ride bikes as transportation, or forego products because they are harmful to creation.  For so many of us it is natural to try and buy things to solve our problems.  Perhaps it is time that we also accept the challenge opportunity of change that comes at a cost.  What do you think?  Are you up for it?

“The problem is not technology, the problem is you. You lack the will to change.”

– Keanu Reeves, The Day the Earth Stood Still

Also consider:

The Culture of Innovation

Definitions: Creation Care

Picture of Voltaic Systems Backpack

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