Alastair Roberts - Technology, Redemption and Digital Bibles
Feb 19, 2025
auto_awesome
Join Alastair Roberts, a UK and US-based scholar on Christian ethics and biblical theology, as he dives deep into the relationship between technology and spirituality. He explores how technological advancements can both enrich and hinder our encounter with the divine. Roberts contrasts Babel's ambition with the hope of the New Jerusalem, discussing the impact of different Bible mediums on worship. He also highlights the early church's communal reading practices and warns against the potential spiritual pitfalls of digital reliance. This thought-provoking conversation is sure to inspire a reevaluation of your own tech usage.
Human civilization is driven by safety, reputation, and significance, reflecting our response to mortality and fulfillment through technology.
The relationship between humanity and technology is complex, showcasing both creative potential and the distortion caused by human sin post-Fall.
The evolution from scrolls to modern texts changes how believers engage with scripture, impacting community identity and relational contexts of faith.
Deep dives
Drivers of Civilization
Three core drivers of human civilization are identified: the desire for safety, the need for reputation, and the longing for eternal significance. These drivers are rooted in humanity's response to the challenge of death, which evokes a feeling of limitation and motivates individuals to seek fulfillment through technology and societal achievements. In the early chapters of Genesis, stories such as that of Cain and Babel illustrate how these drivers manifest in human innovation and ambition, as characters strive to make names for themselves and avoid scattering across the earth. While these pursuits are not inherently negative, they often contradict divine intentions for humanity, revealing a tension between human aspiration and God's purpose.
Technology's Fall and Redemption
The relationship between technology and humanity is described as complex, where technology becomes an integral part of human experience, yet it also reflects the distortion stemming from the fall. This connection emphasizes that while technology itself is not inherently evil, its use can be corrupted by human sin, manifesting in various cultural and social structures. For example, the rise of cities and music, as seen in biblical narratives, illustrates how technological advancements are intertwined with human identity and communal life. The potential for technology to express both creativity and rebellion highlights humanity's dual nature as both creators and fallen beings.
The Symbolism of Tools
Biblical narratives often depict the symbolism associated with various tools and instruments as a reflection of deeper character traits and societal dynamics. For instance, Saul's relationship with his spear symbolizes his paranoid approach to power and authority, echoing his evolution from a leader to an adversarial figure. In contrast, David's use of diverse tools—from his sling to his harp—exemplifies a more balanced and creative relationship with technology, showcasing his versatility and depth. These contrasting portrayals serve as a reminder of how one's relationship with technology can shape identity, values, and societal interactions.
The Evolution of Scriptural Mediums
The transition from scrolls to codices and printed texts marks a significant evolution in how scripture is communicated and internalized. The early church shared the gospel through letters that fostered community and connection, while modern texts often exist as mass-produced, individual possessions, shifting their relational context. This change impacts the way believers engage with scripture, emphasizing the importance of communal reading, performance, and memorization in building a collective identity. As a result, the physical form and medium of scripture profoundly affect its role and significance within the church community.
Navigating Technology Wisely
A balanced approach to technology involves recognizing its benefits while remaining vigilant about its potential harms. The discussion encourages believers to cultivate an awareness of their liberties and responsibilities in navigating technological advancements. The warning against idolatry of technology is echoed throughout scripture, reminding individuals to invest in things of eternal value rather than becoming enthralled by fleeting innovations. Ultimately, the gospel provides a framework for understanding technology's relationship with humanity, guiding believers toward thoughtful engagement that honors God and fosters communal well-being.
Alastair Roberts: Technology, Redemption and Digital Bibles
In a fascinating two-part discussion, Alastair Roberts traces the theme of technology throughout the Bible’s redemptive story — and then explores the impact of our Bibles’ physical medium (paper, digital etc) on the way we encounter God’s Word.
Alastair Roberts splits his time between the UK and the United States, writing, teaching, speaking and tweeting about a broad range of topics including Christian ethics, biblical theology and the sacraments. He works for both the Davenant and Theopolis Institutes.
Podcast Discussion Questions
Alastair says in his article ‘The story of building civilisation under the conditions of the Fall is a story of technology – language and politics wrenched out of the order they were meant to serve, used to serve grasped glory rather than the glory that is given’. How do you see that pattern play out in Genesis 11:1-9 and Daniel 4:1-37? What warning does that provide for us?
How does the New Jerusalem in Revelation 21:1-27 differ from Babel? What has made this difference? How could this vision guide and influence your everyday use of technology?
What do Acts 2:42-27, 2 Corinthians 3:1-3 and Colossians 3:16 show about the role of the Bible in our church gatherings? How can you grow in listening, meditating, singing, rejoicing in and sharing the Bible, especially with others? How might different physical forms of the Bible help or hinder you?
Are there ways technology might distract you from pursuing what God loves? Are there ways you might need to be more ‘inefficient’ in everyday life to pursue God’s purposes for relationships?
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
