Technology, Apologetics
The world is changing so rapidly it’s bewildering and sometimes overwhelming to experience. Every month it seems like there is a new gadget or some improvement of existing technology that is marketed as the next best thing.
In the office at church, we are always watching for updates and upgrades in our computer software and platforms. For some the google platform makes sense. For others the Microsoft platform works best. There is the apple platform and apps and then there is Samsung that has just as many products and their own platform to operate. The key is to pick the one that’s best for you and until you can’t work with it any longer stay with it. Because of the necessity of technology, we really don’t have a choice but to be a part of the movement and swings of technology.
Yet in the midst of this sea of change the people of God are still called to bring glory to God. Instead of viewing technology as a necessary distraction, we should view technology as a Kingdom Building necessity. Take the deep dive in learning more about technology because ultimately it will help us spread the word of God. Technology can save us hundreds to thousands of dollars in travel when family members are easily assessable via phone, tablets, social media and other online platforms etc.
As technology continues to advance, we should be reminded that God is the same yesterday, today and forever. Advancements in technology and new discoveries in science don’t minimize or negate the presence of God and our faith in Jesus the Christ. In fact, technology and scientific discoveries point us to God.
For thousands of years, questions of cosmology (origins) have been at the center of humanity’s questions. Who created me (us) or humanity? Why am I here? And what is wrong with the world and humanity? These are questions of cosmology (origins) but they are at the center of theology. In fact, every religion asks and answers these questions.
The one thing that we do know about life is that all life starts some place. The ancient Greeks believed in the concept of Creation out of nothing. We know that nothing just exists. There was and is a cause for everything that exists. All life has a common source. When trying to figure out how something came into existence you always have to peel back the layers. At a certain point there is a beginning.
According to NASA, the Big Bang Theory is how astronomers explain the way the universe began. Its’s the idea that the universe began as a single point, then expanded and stretched to grow as large as it is presently and still expanding and stretching. It’s ironic that this theory that seems to leave out God was initially suggested by a Belgian Priest, Georges Lemaitre.
During the 1960’s the Big Bang Theory became popular and held in high regard in scientific circles. Some said this big bang proved there is no God. Others surmised that the Big Bang Theory proved the existence of God because God caused the Big Bang.
William Lane Craig, well trained in Philosophy and Theology is a world-renowned Christian apologist. A Christian apologist is someone who offers argument(s) in defense of the existence God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit and the Christian Faith. Christian Apologist defend the faith against heresy and those who try to tear the Truth of the Gospel down. Christian Apologetics is a branch of theology. But to be honest apologetics is something that scripture encourages all believers to do.
As Christians we are instructed in 1 Peter 3:15, “in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.”
This scripture which essentially requires and asks all Christians to be ready to defend the Christian faith.
We live in a society that has a value system that is in direct opposition to the Gospel and the Kingdom of God. To be honest Christianity has always been in opposition to the dominant cultural narrative. That’s what made Christianity so revolutionary.
William Lane Craig has spent a lifetime studying and explaining the Kalaam Cosmological Argument for the existence of God which is one of many arguments used to prove God’s existence. The argument is summarized below:
- Whatever begins to exist has a cause
- The universe began to exist
- Therefore, the universe has a cause
Some would argue that the Big Bang started it all, but the question becomes what caused the Big -Bang. It’s possible that God caused the Big Bang (if there was a Big Bang). We should familiarize ourselves with apologetics as a subject area because we are required to give a defense of the faith. Ultimately studying how what we believe is true is good wisdom because we are living in a time where it feels like God is being erased from our society and culture.