Everything's Amazing and Nobody's Happy

Sometimes we need a vehicle like humor to remind us how amazing our technology is.

Blockheaded Idolators

Isaiah 44:12-20 shows the foolishness of making and worshiping idols - really worshiping any created thing besides God. A man takes half of some wood and burns it for warmth and cooking; with the other half he shapes an idol and worships it. His first action shows his own power over the material, while his second action shows he thinks the material now has power over him.  Beyond this humorous and pointed picture, I have a few observations related to technology.

Engineering Inspired By Creation

Take a look at this article from Wired: Mother Nature as Engineer. While I take the creationist stance and I assume the author does not, we have applied a great deal from designs we see in nature to our technology.

Personally, I think of it as imitating God, the ultimate engineer.

Simple Technology Can Go A Long Way

Take a look at this video about the Forgotten Foundation. Be warned that there are some graphic images in there.

Starting around 10:00 or so, they talk about the relatively simple technology they offer the Karen people when they arrive. With just a few things, they can get started creating a new home and can even find new life through the Bible being read in their native language.

Praise God for the work done among these people, and for the technology that plays a small part in it.

Nehemiah The Project Manager

When we lived in Texas I was part of a men's breakfast study group at our church. For a time, we studied the book of Nehemiah. Over the course of this study (and teaching a few times) I became fascinated with him. Many Biblical figures such as David and Peter are held up as great examples of manhood for their courage and boldness. Nehemiah can and should be considered part of that group of men we can look to. Besides his prayerfulness, leadership, and courage, he was a skilled project manager.

Gadget Love

According to this blog, a survey run by Intel showed that a large number of Americans really love their technology gadgets, more than family and more than their favorite food. Some caveats: I can't find a link to the original survey & results, so it is difficult to draw conclusions from this. I don't know what population they surveyed, how they surveyed them, what questions were asked, how they define "gadget" (iPhone, iPad, or pencil sharpener?) etc.

Still, I'm sure there are people that love their gadgets this much. As Calvin says, our hearts are idol factories. Our gadgets are good a providing personal comfort, entertainment, and a sense of independence from others. They immediately respond obediently and are focused on our personal pleasure, unlike a spouse, children, and other relatives where we have mutual needs we need to meet. This self-focus is one of their great attractions.

If anyone out there finds a link to the original report, please leave it in a comment.