Technology and Spirituality have been coexisting since time immemorial. And here are my points as regards to being a Christian.
God is the first ever known inventor by the virtue of his creation. He made all things out of nothing. Just like he made man in his image, man was given the permission to tap from the fountain of God's knowledge. Hence, all that we have created and the progress that technology has made so far, is all from God in one way or the other.
Technology has helped the church in achieving one of its main purposes — the spread of the gospel to all the four corners of the earth. Not only has technology made it possible for ministers to travel and organise programmes in foreign lands but it has also helped in conveying their messages right from their home to many homes all over the world. This swiftness in preaching the gospel is the sole doing of technology.
The same way technology has positively influenced spirituality, so has it brought a lot of negative effects on spirituality. The greatest effect of technology on spirituality is the enormous distraction it brought. People hardly have time for their maker anymore, mainly because there is a lot to be done with the phone. Even when they are in the church, they still won't give their whole attention because there is a lot to do on social media.
Furthermore, if man is able to solve all his problems and provide answers to all his questions through science, then man will have no need to accept the existence of a higher being — God. Man will see himself as a god. Why will he pray to his God, when he already has all he ever needs? This also is a very strong negative effect of technology on spirituality.
Some will say that all will be well if the relationship between technology and spirituality stays balanced. But the question is, how can we attain this equilibrium? Should it be based on personal efforts? Or will it be a collective one? Looking at trends so far, I see the society not buying into the idea. In fact, for those hoping to maintain the balance via personal efforts, the pressure from society won't let them do so for long.
Yes the progress seen by technology has been massive, and with this current trend we see ourselves achieving all things. Except one thing; the mystery of life and death will always be a mystery to man nor matter how we grow technologically.
In summary, technology and spirituality can live together. In fact they have been living together right from the beginning of the world. However, one is having an inevitable effect on the other, as the relationship between the two currently is an inverse relationship. Yes there's a need for balance but that won't be easy unless a direct relationship exists between technology and spirituality.
We all have a role to play in making sure that happens. Till we recognise that, technology and spirituality will be falling apart.
Thanks for coming around. The points here are solely my own views.
St. Filipz.