First Sunday in Lent (Invocabit)
Temptation: Technology, Health, and Faith
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
If you missed Theology on Tap this past week, we had a wonderful conversation regarding technology.
Here are the cliff notes from our discussion.
Technology is not inherently bad; it’s a gift of God’s good creation. But how we use technology matters and, like most things, can positively or negatively affect man.
As a gift, technology can connect us with family clearly around the world, puts the Bible in the palm of your hand, provides us with medical wonders, and helps to create some of the most brilliant modern marvels of creation.
Where we spent most of our discussion was how technology, like the smartphone, can rewire the brain. The constant use of our phones and tablets today makes us more anxious. The anxiety and depression rates among children are at all-time highs, and from the links I’ll share below, you’ll see how the mental health of young girls is significantly affected. Addiction centers are starting up all over the country to treat individuals who have become addicted to technology.
Moreover, with an alternative reality resting in the palm of everyone’s hand, society has also seen significant increases in the use of pornography and gambling. Sadly, these two items alone cause tremendous damage to a person’s faith, marriage, and family. We must know that children can and do have ways to access them, too.
I want to encourage you to read up on the use of technology more. Below, you’ll find links to books I recommend on the topic and a link to statistics regarding the effects of technology on mental health.
As always, if you have more questions, speak with me. I’m here for you and your families.
In Christ,
Pastor Rogness
Books:
- Irresistible: The Rise of Addictive Technology and the Business of Keeping Us Hooked by Adam Alter:
Website:
Statistics:
