Christians and Technology, Part 1: Just Because We Can, Doesn't Mean We Should

PREPPED with James Spencer, PhD

Can technological advancement pull us away from our divine purpose? In this episode of PREPPED, James Spencer, PhD, is exploring how technology shapes our spiritual journey, using the Tower of Babel as a framework to examine the tension between innovation and faith.

By drawing insights from Nassim Taleb’s iatrogenics, Marshall McLuhan’s Four Laws of Media, and Nick Bostrom’s Vulnerable World Hypothesis, join us in discussion of how unchecked ambitions—then and now—can distance us from God’s plan. As AI, social media, and modern conveniences reshape our daily lives, are we losing sight of what truly matters?

We’re diving into the ethical dilemmas of technology, contrasting Albert Borgman’s distinction between things and devices to help us discern whether our digital habits align with our spiritual priorities. Through the story of Martha and Mary, we’re challenging our listeners to reflect: does technology bring us closer to God, or is it quietly displacing meaningful practices in our faith?

(00:00) Navigating Technology in the Christian Life
(05:03) Human Capacity
(15:52) Technology, Ethics, and Christian Discernment
(21:56) Impact of Technology on Human Engagement
(34:21) Reflections on Technology and Christian Living

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