Emerging Technology

July 22, 2024

"For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind."

2 Timothy 1:7

Introduction

This month's article is an update on how the Elder Body is seeking to be aware of and provide teaching on emerging technologies. Long ago, Paul exhorted the Ephesian believers to be careful how they lived, and to be wise because the days are evil.[1] In our time, it can seem increasingly complicated to live wisely amid the accelerating pace of new technologies.

The Elder Body is actively working to better understand emerging technologies so that we can offer guidance in the wise use of technology. In a world fraught with sensationalized headlines, we want the church to be equipped to navigate emerging technologies with discernment rather than fear. We are reminded of Paul's encouragement to Timothy, “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”[2]

Emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), digital currency, the Metaverse, genetic engineering, and more present both opportunities and challenges that require wise consideration. Some of us are more connected to these technologies than others, and some of us may feel vulnerable or fearful. Yet God is over all, and the Holy Spirit is able to help us respond wisely.

The Impact of Technology

In the early days of the Internet, there was much uncertainty about its usefulness and the dangers it posed. However, today it is hard to imagine life without it. Many of us utilize it for work, household tasks, family conversations, and even things related to church, such as announcements, elder meetings via video calls, and listening to streaming AC sermons. Although there are negative aspects to technology, most of us have adopted the benefits of these advancements over time.

Paul instructed the Thessalonians to, “Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.”[3] We want to teach how to examine the impact of a given technology carefully, identifying what is helpful and what may be risky. Most technologies bring both good and evil. Rather than issue a blanket prohibition, we want to teach discernment while sounding early and clear warnings of spiritual dangers.

Considering the Internet again, some embraced its benefits unaware of dangers such as exposure to sexual content or theological confusion, not only to their own detriment, but often impacting their children. We may now be aware of these particular risks, but unaware of the risks of the next emerging technology. We intend to provide proactive guidance and warnings so that we can be “wise as serpents” as we begin to use new technologies.[4]

Technology is a Tool

Technological advancements are neither inherently good nor evil. They are tools. Looking back at history, we can observe how simple technologies have been utilized for good and evil:

Knives (an ancient technology) help feed people and aid in essential work but can also be used for harm.
The printing press enabled knowledge to be widely shared and God’s Word to spread to millions of people, but equally enabled harmful information and propaganda to be shared.
Smartphones provide access to helpful content such as the Bible in numerous translations, and apps like AC Central, but also allow easy access to evil apps and content.

Emerging technologies present opportunities and challenges. We must prayerfully understand the benefits and dangers. One of the guiding principles of Onward Media is to, “Harness technology: technology is a neutral tool that can be used for good or evil. When it can be practically used in a God-honoring way, we will adopt it.”

An example of technology as a neutral tool is in this very article. This paragraph has been drafted by an AI language model, ChatGPT. It demonstrates how AI can be a useful tool in achieving certain objectives, such as enhancing our communication and sharing of ideas.

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Worldview vs. Technology

When considering technology, it is tempting to associate it with particular beliefs or worldviews. However, it is important to differentiate between the tool itself and the belief system held by some proponents of a given tool. We can evaluate the risks and benefits of the tool while also discerning and avoiding the dangers of a false belief system.

For instance, fields such as genetics and artificial intelligence offer potential benefits for humanity such as improved health. However, we must be cautious of thought patterns that can emerge from these fields, such as the view that humanity can achieve immortality on its own. We know that our true hope lies in the promise of eternal life through faith in the resurrected Christ.[5] Additionally, discussions arise around the possibility of ascribing personhood to machines. This could lead to giving them similar value to humans, who alone are created in the image of God. Each of these worldviews is distinct from the technology itself. By understanding this distinction, we can better evaluate and use these tools in a manner consistent with our faith and God’s Word.

A Closer Look at Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence, such as ChatGPT has been a major topic in the news over the last year. As ChatGPT and other AI technologies gain prominence, they offer beneficial opportunities for dealing with complex and overwhelming quantities of information, streamlining processes, gaining insights, and making better decisions. However, they also raise ethical and spiritual questions that should be addressed.

AI can help us quickly access and summarize information on a range of subjects including spiritual topics. Just as we exercise caution when absorbing information from search engines or websites, we must exercise caution with responses from AI and carefully discern what is accurate and true.
AI can appear to understand and infer human mental states like beliefs and emotions. However, it doesn't truly grasp human emotions or consciousness and excels only at specific tasks within its training data. Just as it is unwise to develop an emotional connection to an unknown person through technology, it is foolish to use AI as a replacement for a human friendship
As AI advances, it is important to remember that humans are uniquely created in the image of God with eternal souls. This helps us stay grounded amid fears about AI developing “consciousness,” overstepping boundaries, or outpacing human intelligence.

For those who utilize AI, let’s consciously think through our purposes. Are we using AI to avoid doing hard things, and inadvertently choosing to outsource our thinking? Which activities can be outsourced to AI without compromising our spiritual well-being? Do some activities contribute to our physical, emotional, and spiritual development as individuals made in the image of God, and therefore should not be outsourced?

The issues related to emerging technologies are real and will impact us. Grounded in scripture and guided by God’s wisdom, we can navigate the complexities of emerging technologies. Wisdom in embracing advancements for good, while being mindful of their potential dangers, helps ensure our engagement with technology reflects our faith and values. In all aspects of our lives, we should seek to honor God and exalt the name of Jesus to his glory.

[1] Ephesians 5:15-16

[2] 2 Timothy 1:7

[3] 1 Thessalonians 5:21

[4] Matthew 10:16

[5] 1 Peter 1:3-4

[6] Colossians 3:17

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Always thankful

October 21, 2026

As we approach the end of fall and the harvest season, we often focus our attention on Thanksgiving Day. We are fortunate to live in a land that recognizes the need to pause and give thanks to our great God for the many blessings he bestows upon us. However, the Bible calls us to be thankful in all times and circumstances – not just once a year. “O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good.” [i] “In every thing give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” [ii] These two verses are similar and yet can be interpreted differently if quoted in isolation. Thanking God for his goodness seems an easy commandment to obey; however, some circumstances are more difficult to appreciate. Giving thanks or being thankful is referenced over one hundred times in scripture. And naturally it can seem easier to give thanks when circumstances are pleasing. It is easier to thank God when a loved one repents. It is easier to thank him when we are sitting in church, listening to his Word, worshipping in song, surrounded by faithful believers. It is easier to recite 1 Thess. 5:18 when the trials of life are light and well-spaced. But what happens when life is not going well, circumstances seem impossible, or difficulties seem to pile up? Can we have thankful posture in dire situations or through sad experiences? It is clear in the Bible that by God’s grace and with intentional effort, we can have a thankful spirit and respect toward God even when the load is heavy. Scriptures in Job provide an excellent Old Testament example. After hearing a series of devastating reports about his family and possessions, Job was able to say “The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.” [iii] After being struck with sore boils from the sole of his foot to his crown and having been ridiculed by his wife for retaining his integrity, Job said “Shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil?” [iv] Job did not minimize the pain of the evil he was experiencing, but in the midst of the devastation he focused his attention on the goodness and faithfulness of God. Likewise, the disciples in the New Testament were often faced with seemingly insurmountable obstacles as they spread the Word of God. Yet they looked upon their afflictions as a privilege. After being beaten and commanded to not speak in the name of Jesus, “They departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.” [v] At the same time, when Stephen was stoned, they grieved deeply at the devastating loss, yet trusted in God’s grace and goodness to see them through and somehow redeem the worst of circumstances. -----------------CONTINUED PORTION BELOW-------------------- Remembering the Lord's graciousness and track record of bringing good out of evil can help us maintain a thankful heart despite the challenges we face. Whether amidst hard circumstances or easy, we can focus on the goodness and faithfulness of God. Without intentional focus, we can tend to overlook gratitude when life is good because the very simple and basic needs of life are so easily realized. An abundance of material blessings can lead us to take basic needs for granted. However, being grounded in a thankful spirit can help carry us when sometimes things do not seem abundant. Simple disciplines or practices can help us foster this thankful spirit. Taking the time to pause and write a list of all we have received from God, giving him thanks for his goodness can help us turn from an entitled mindset toward a thankful mindset. Remembering God's goodness can be especially helpful when life is hard. The practice of gratitude journaling helps us remain focused on God above all during these overwhelming times. Beyond the physical needs that can be so easy to count, he also provides many spiritual blessings. In time of need, he provides us with an abundance of grace that gives us love we do not deserve and helps us serve him in ways far beyond what we could do of our own ability. God’s wisdom and his compassion assure us that he will provide for all our needs, and yet he will also withhold what is harmful if we will allow him to do so. He knows our needs and in his infinite wisdom he will supply all our needs. A practice of worshipping God can also help grow our spiritual life and encourage grateful hearts. God’s truths can be engraved into our minds as we sing and praise him, no matter the circumstances. In addition, our church body encourages us to connect, travel, and grow together as believers, helping one another during both joyous and hard times in life. This spiritual connection with others is a spiritual blessing that can easily be forgotten. Finally, many of us have been born into families where we were taught the truth of God’s Word, being exposed since we were young to the promise of salvation through Jesus Christ and the knowledge of our great and loving God whom we can call Father. This thankful spirit is often born out of knowing the Father, whose image we carry. Having a clear vision and understanding of God’s character and attributes can help us develop a thankful spirit. Among the many reasons to thank God are his power, his grace, and his mercy. We thank him for the love he showed when he sent his only begotten son, allowing us to have forgiveness of our sins and victory over death through repentance, confession, and faith in his name. He provides his Word, giving us a perfect source of wisdom and direction for our lives. His Holy Spirit provides believers with comfort, conviction, and guidance toward all truth. In addition, there are many other attributes of God to consider such as his goodness, presence, sustenance, protection, and many more. The implications for our lives of the many attributes in this list, which could be much longer, are beyond human comprehension but worth contemplating more deeply as we practice a life of gratitude. Whether you are in a joyous time of life or a time when life is difficult, may the remembrance of these many truths provide a new understanding to the Scripture’s challenge to, “In every thing, give thanks.” [vi] May this Thanksgiving holiday remind you of our great and good God, the loving sacrifice of Jesus, and the faithful presence of the Holy Spirit who has come to guide us not only in the good, but also in the difficult of life. And may this testimony of thankfulness greatly affect our own lives and the lives of those around us. [i] Psalm 107:1 [ii] I Thess. 5:18 [iii] Job 1:21 [iv] Job 2:10 [v] Acts 5:41 [vi] I Thess. 5:18