Is There Morality in Technology?

Recently as I was driving down the main street of my hometown, I happened to see what struck me as a very strange sight: A man dressed in the full vestiges of a priest, with long, dark hair pulled out of the way with a hair band, and a nearly equally long beard flowing down his gaunt chest.

Perhaps that’s not such a strange sight in some cities, but what struck me about it was that he was talking on a cell phone. Believe it or not, that’s what I found odd. Not the long hair and full beard, not even the flowing black cassock on an especially warm day. It was the mix of what seemed such a dated display of his chosen faith (the haircut…or should I say lack thereof, and the garments) combined with modern-day technology.

Which led me to the obvious question: why did I find that such a dichotomy? His manner of dress indicated a passion for his faith, that’s true. Perhaps a faith that includes sacrifice and being labeled as “different.” But why should I automatically assume he would separate himself from the modern age of technology?

So… is there a moral question attached to technology?

I suppose that depends on whom you ask, but certainly it’s true as far as how technology is used. Modern day weaponry is used to kill people. Computers are rife with potential for all kinds of sin, from pornography to cyber-bullying. But is the simple use of convenient technology somehow out of sync with old-fashioned faith?

What about other things that can be used for good or ill—like music, for example? Rick Warren (A Purpose Driven Life) says there’s no such thing as evil music, just evil lyrics. That suggests music can be used for evil, just like technology can, too. But in and of itself, music isn’t evil. It can be used for great good (Amazing Grace, anyone?) and so, I’m sure, can technology. After all, the complete Word of God can be found with any Google search, making the Bible available to anyone in a matter of moments.

Perhaps I should write an Amish novel and dive into research about why technology should be shunned…

Or maybe not. My cell phone is ringing, gotta run…