Developing a Biblical Perspective on Technology

Erik D. Hanson

Today, technology permeates culture and plays an important part in daily life. We encounter it in many areas: home, education, business, government, and church life. The word technology originates from the Greek word technē and conveys the idea of craft, art, or knowledge. The Greeks used this term to express innovation and creativity in the physical world that benefits humanity. Technology is a culturally common and multifaceted word for both mundane and sophisticated creations and inventions. Respected teacher and author Tony Reinke writes, “Technology is now a household term for all the tools we wield.”[1]

A BIBLICAL FOUNDATION

In Genesis 1–11, God provides a biblical foundation of technology by giving specific examples of technological development, including language, clothing, cities, and large structures. God allows for technological advancement, which coincides with cultural identity and growth. This indicates that technology is not limited to human invention but is a divine gift to mankind imbued with moral qualities. As Christians who desire to glorify God through technology, we must build a biblical theology of technology to understand its cultural, moral, and theological implications and applications for today.