Section VII – Technology: The Accelerating Innovation We Discern and Steward: This is an audio reading of Section VII of the Seoul Statement, exploring Christian responsibilities in ethically stewarding rapidly advancing technologies. To read the full text, visit lausanne.org/statement/the-seoul-statement.
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.226412654Section seven of the Soul Statement Technology, the accelerating innovation we discern and steward introduction technology has always been with us. 2 00:00:10,506.226412654 --> 00:00:18,996.226412654 However, the speed at which all technologies are advancing today is unprecedented, as always, such rapid changes to human potential and human behavior. 3 00:00:19,356.226412654 --> 00:00:24,306.226412654 Raise moral and ethical concerns in terms of their impact on society and on the planet. 4 00:00:24,876.226412654 --> 00:00:34,746.226412654 Several modern innovations lend themselves to the merging of humans with technology or the creation of immersive environments in which humans may become subjected to technologies domination. 5 00:00:35,586.226412654 --> 00:00:47,76.226412654 These potentialities arise from areas such as genetic engineering, cloning, biotechnology, mind uploading digital media, virtual reality, and artificial intelligence. 6 00:00:47,631.226412654 --> 00:00:53,1.226412654 The Christian worldview informs our responses to and stewardship of these technological advancements. 7 00:00:53,661.226412654 --> 00:01:13,461.226412654 Biblical wisdom is vital to enable the church to be discerning and definitive about the moral and ethical implications of emerging technologies, even as it embraces and stewards the fruit of God given human creativity and innovation, including in ways that accelerate evangelism and discipleship One. 8 00:01:13,911.226412654 --> 00:01:18,831.226412654 Technological ability reflects the creativity of human beings created in God's image. 9 00:01:20,511.226412654 --> 00:01:33,381.226412654 Technology refers not only to the tools that help enhance human ability and productivity, but also to the knowledge and processes of invention and innovation, and even to cultures shaped by technological development and usage. 10 00:01:33,891.226412654 --> 00:01:41,421.22641265 We affirm that technological innovation is an expression of the image of God because human creativity reflects the creativity of God. 11 00:01:42,36.22641265 --> 00:01:44,766.22641265 God created human beings to be technological. 12 00:01:45,156.22641265 --> 00:01:50,886.22641265 That is to reshape the world so as to promote human flourishing and to care for his creation. 13 00:01:51,666.22641265 --> 00:01:59,526.22641265 As a reflection of God's image, technology is integral to the work and vocations that the Creator has called all human beings to engage in. 14 00:02:00,366.22641265 --> 00:02:08,316.22641265 In this sense, technological activity is not only about solving particular problems or overcoming human limitations, but more importantly. 15 00:02:08,676.22641265 --> 00:02:15,276.22641265 About obeying God's mandate to care for others and the world, and to glorify the creator by our creative abilities. 16 00:02:16,626.22641265 --> 00:02:20,826.22641265 Second sin adversely influences the use and development of technology. 17 00:02:22,566.22641265 --> 00:02:31,236.22641265 We affirm that sin influences all aspects of human activity, and so the influence of sin Mars, not just the use of technology, but in some cases the innovation itself. 18 00:02:31,776.22641265 --> 00:02:36,396.22641265 We therefore acknowledge that the development and use of technology may hinder human flourishing. 19 00:02:36,981.22641265 --> 00:02:40,101.22641265 Care of the natural world in ways that are not immediately obvious. 20 00:02:40,821.22641265 --> 00:02:55,521.22641265 For this reason, technological innovation often gives rise to deep and unsettling anxieties to misplace dependence and focus to harmful manipulation of human fears, to a false sense of security, or to dehumanizing manifestations. 21 00:02:55,521.22641265 --> 00:03:03,291.22641265 Because of sins influence, technology often becomes idolatrous by worship of the created thing rather than the creator. 22 00:03:03,801.22641265 --> 00:03:06,21.22641265 For reference, see Romans 1 25. 23 00:03:06,801.22641265 --> 00:03:12,111.22641265 Many recent innovations have made technology much more manifest in our lives in society and in the church. 24 00:03:12,651.22641265 --> 00:03:21,741.22641265 Because technology has the capacity to become our immersive environment, it easily distracts us from the fact that we live and move and have our being in God. 25 00:03:22,311.22641265 --> 00:03:34,371.22641265 The development and application of all technologies are motivated and shaped by values, many of which run counter to the biblical admonition to actively focus on what is true, noble and praiseworthy. 26 00:03:35,91.22641265 --> 00:03:37,101.22641265 For reference, see Acts 1728. 27 00:03:37,791.22641265 --> 00:03:39,821.22641265 Philippians 4, 8. 28 00:03:39,821.22641265 --> 00:03:44,301.22641265 3 Christians are called to prophetically critique and engage technology. 29 00:03:46,11.22641265 --> 00:03:50,91.22641265 We acknowledge that media technologies have increased the ease with which people may be deceived. 30 00:03:50,631.22641265 --> 00:04:02,601.22641265 We lament the fact that in their use of these technologies, Christians have not always renounced secrets and shameful ways, or resisted the temptation to deceive their audience or to distort the message of the gospel for personal gain. 31 00:04:03,381.22641265 --> 00:04:09,531.22641265 Instead, Christians must place people first and truthfully share their stories witnessing to the power of the gospel in their lives. 32 00:04:09,951.22641265 --> 00:04:17,421.22641265 It is essential that such use of media and communication technologies be underpinned by the truthfulness found in the very gospel being shared. 33 00:04:18,291.22641265 --> 00:04:20,61.22641265 See, second Corinthians four, two. 34 00:04:21,51.22641265 --> 00:04:26,481.22641265 We recognize that many Christians, especially the young, are addicted to social and digital media. 35 00:04:26,886.22641265 --> 00:04:33,786.22641265 Are in effect being discipled by them because of the disproportionate amount of time spent using such technologies. 36 00:04:34,296.22641265 --> 00:04:44,826.22641265 We also acknowledge that while digital technologies have often been adapted for church growth and evangelistic purposes, efforts to do the same for discipleship have lagged behind. 37 00:04:45,456.22641265 --> 00:04:51,516.22641265 We therefore call all churches and leaders to engage technologies of the digital age for disciple making. 38 00:04:52,26.22641265 --> 00:05:04,776.22641265 We call for faithful presence in digital spaces, faithful contextualization through connected devices, faithful teaching of digital literacy and faithful practice of hospitality for forming healthy usage habits. 39 00:05:06,6.22641265 --> 00:05:14,256.22641265 Fourth, Christians must discern technologies that are motivated by the idea that neither nature nor human nature should be allowed to limit human freedom. 40 00:05:16,86.22641265 --> 00:05:21,216.22641265 We call Christians to discern carefully genetic technologies, which are based on increasing human power. 41 00:05:21,561.22641265 --> 00:05:30,651.22641265 To reshape the very building blocks of the physical human person and life, and which give rise to very real questions about their ethical use and long-term implications. 42 00:05:31,311.22641265 --> 00:05:38,631.22641265 The potential of genetic therapies to address complex medical conditions is immense, but with this technological application comes significant questions. 43 00:05:39,201.22641265 --> 00:06:03,966.22641265 Are we reduced to being the product of our genes? What are the implications of inheritable genetic modifications? How much of our humanity is linked to genetic combinations, and what are the implications if we reshape ourselves away from that? These raise additional ethical questions about how surrender to the sovereignty of God and about access to such technologies and their potential to exacerbate existing forms of discrimination. 44 00:06:04,956.22641265 --> 00:06:12,126.22641265 We also call Christians to discern artificial intelligence technologies, which confront us in different but not less significant ways. 45 00:06:12,726.22641265 --> 00:06:15,426.22641265 The development of digital systems that appear to reason. 46 00:06:15,861.22641265 --> 00:06:20,301.22641265 Behave and act in ways that we would consider distinctly human raises. 47 00:06:20,301.22641265 --> 00:06:24,531.22641265 Questions regarding the uniqueness of human creativity and rationality. 48 00:06:25,41.22641265 --> 00:06:27,381.22641265 Artificial intelligence raises other questions. 49 00:06:27,921.22641265 --> 00:06:56,691.22641265 Will it become an existential threat to humanity and the wider world? What will its effects be in the workplace and for human work? And how will governments and other actors use it in surveillance and security contexts? As innovation in artificial intelligence accelerates, we call for Christians, especially those who work in this industry, to engage both in the development and use of this technology that honors the creator and human creativeness by promoting safe, equitable, and dignifying applications. 50 00:06:58,881.22641265 --> 00:07:02,211.22641265 Five Christians are called to faithfully steward technology. 51 00:07:03,891.22641265 --> 00:07:09,531.22641265 We call all Christians to pursue technological innovation and use with love, justice, and faithfulness. 52 00:07:09,876.22641265 --> 00:07:12,96.22641265 Both before God and toward others. 53 00:07:12,666.22641265 --> 00:07:20,556.22641265 We recognize that technology shapes the environments in which humans live, play, relate, and work, as well as how Christians fellowship with one another. 54 00:07:20,856.22641265 --> 00:07:27,156.22641265 Pray, read scripture, grow in faith and character, worship God and share the gospel. 55 00:07:28,176.22641265 --> 00:07:34,236.22641265 Therefore, Christian development and use of technology must seek the welfare of our neighbors and enemies. 56 00:07:34,686.22641265 --> 00:07:36,576.22641265 Promote human flourishing and dignity. 57 00:07:37,161.22641265 --> 00:07:42,441.22641265 Having fixed our eyes more fully on the future that awaits us in the new heavens and the new Earth. 58 00:07:43,911.22641265 --> 00:07:48,741.22641265 For reference C Micah six eight, Luke 10 25 to 37. 59 00:07:49,221.22641265 --> 00:07:56,301.22641265 Genesis nine, six, James three nine, Genesis 1 31, and Revelation 21, 1 to eight. 60 00:07:57,891.22641265 --> 00:08:04,936.22641265 As digital technology is negotiated and adapted within church communities today, we see existing church life practices shaped by it. 61 00:08:05,376.22641265 --> 00:08:17,76.22641265 Along with new church practices emerging from it, recognizing that digital technology is not monolithic, the church must use its discernment to judge when, how, and where different technologies should be adopted. 62 00:08:17,406.22641265 --> 00:08:22,446.22641265 With the focus always on how the gospel of Jesus Christ is proclaimed and honored in their use. 63 00:08:22,956.22641265 --> 00:08:34,686.22641265 We therefore call Christians and churches to explore and adapt digital technologies for the worship of God, the bridging of divides, the shaping of Christ honoring culture and the work of Christian discipleship. 64 00:08:35,346.22641265 --> 00:08:43,926.22641265 Finally, we applaud the church's evangelistic drive that has led to increasing technological adaptation and unprecedented opportunities for sharing the gospel. 65 00:08:44,706.22641265 --> 00:08:58,176.22641265 We delight that technology has extended the reach of the gospel into many regions of the world that have previously been inaccessible, hastened the work of Bible translation, and facilitated the movement and ministry of God's people around the world. 66 00:08:58,806.22641265 --> 00:09:04,356.22641265 We pray that gospel motivated, faithful stewardship of technology will help a new generation to follow. 67 00:09:04,791.22641265 --> 00:09:08,391.22641265 And bear witness to Christ in our increasingly technological world. 68 00:09:10,291.66874599 --> 00:09:21,226.66874599 If you have enjoyed this reading of the Soul Statement and would like to engage further with our resources, then we invite you to visit our website@wwwanne.org.
.226412654Section seven of the Soul Statement Technology, the accelerating innovation we discern and steward introduction technology has always been with us. 2 00:00:10,506.226412654 --> 00:00:18,996.226412654 However, the speed at which all technologies are advancing today is unprecedented, as always, such rapid changes to human potential and human behavior. 3 00:00:19,356.226412654 --> 00:00:24,306.226412654 Raise moral and ethical concerns in terms of their impact on society and on the planet. 4 00:00:24,876.226412654 --> 00:00:34,746.226412654 Several modern innovations lend themselves to the merging of humans with technology or the creation of immersive environments in which humans may become subjected to technologies domination. 5 00:00:35,586.226412654 --> 00:00:47,76.226412654 These potentialities arise from areas such as genetic engineering, cloning, biotechnology, mind uploading digital media, virtual reality, and artificial intelligence. 6 00:00:47,631.226412654 --> 00:00:53,1.226412654 The Christian worldview informs our responses to and stewardship of these technological advancements. 7 00:00:53,661.226412654 --> 00:01:13,461.226412654 Biblical wisdom is vital to enable the church to be discerning and definitive about the moral and ethical implications of emerging technologies, even as it embraces and stewards the fruit of God given human creativity and innovation, including in ways that accelerate evangelism and discipleship One. 8 00:01:13,911.226412654 --> 00:01:18,831.226412654 Technological ability reflects the creativity of human beings created in God's image. 9 00:01:20,511.226412654 --> 00:01:33,381.226412654 Technology refers not only to the tools that help enhance human ability and productivity, but also to the knowledge and processes of invention and innovation, and even to cultures shaped by technological development and usage. 10 00:01:33,891.226412654 --> 00:01:41,421.22641265 We affirm that technological innovation is an expression of the image of God because human creativity reflects the creativity of God. 11 00:01:42,36.22641265 --> 00:01:44,766.22641265 God created human beings to be technological. 12 00:01:45,156.22641265 --> 00:01:50,886.22641265 That is to reshape the world so as to promote human flourishing and to care for his creation. 13 00:01:51,666.22641265 --> 00:01:59,526.22641265 As a reflection of God's image, technology is integral to the work and vocations that the Creator has called all human beings to engage in. 14 00:02:00,366.22641265 --> 00:02:08,316.22641265 In this sense, technological activity is not only about solving particular problems or overcoming human limitations, but more importantly. 15 00:02:08,676.22641265 --> 00:02:15,276.22641265 About obeying God's mandate to care for others and the world, and to glorify the creator by our creative abilities. 16 00:02:16,626.22641265 --> 00:02:20,826.22641265 Second sin adversely influences the use and development of technology. 17 00:02:22,566.22641265 --> 00:02:31,236.22641265 We affirm that sin influences all aspects of human activity, and so the influence of sin Mars, not just the use of technology, but in some cases the innovation itself. 18 00:02:31,776.22641265 --> 00:02:36,396.22641265 We therefore acknowledge that the development and use of technology may hinder human flourishing. 19 00:02:36,981.22641265 --> 00:02:40,101.22641265 Care of the natural world in ways that are not immediately obvious. 20 00:02:40,821.22641265 --> 00:02:55,521.22641265 For this reason, technological innovation often gives rise to deep and unsettling anxieties to misplace dependence and focus to harmful manipulation of human fears, to a false sense of security, or to dehumanizing manifestations. 21 00:02:55,521.22641265 --> 00:03:03,291.22641265 Because of sins influence, technology often becomes idolatrous by worship of the created thing rather than the creator. 22 00:03:03,801.22641265 --> 00:03:06,21.22641265 For reference, see Romans 1 25. 23 00:03:06,801.22641265 --> 00:03:12,111.22641265 Many recent innovations have made technology much more manifest in our lives in society and in the church. 24 00:03:12,651.22641265 --> 00:03:21,741.22641265 Because technology has the capacity to become our immersive environment, it easily distracts us from the fact that we live and move and have our being in God. 25 00:03:22,311.22641265 --> 00:03:34,371.22641265 The development and application of all technologies are motivated and shaped by values, many of which run counter to the biblical admonition to actively focus on what is true, noble and praiseworthy. 26 00:03:35,91.22641265 --> 00:03:37,101.22641265 For reference, see Acts 1728. 27 00:03:37,791.22641265 --> 00:03:39,821.22641265 Philippians 4, 8. 28 00:03:39,821.22641265 --> 00:03:44,301.22641265 3 Christians are called to prophetically critique and engage technology. 29 00:03:46,11.22641265 --> 00:03:50,91.22641265 We acknowledge that media technologies have increased the ease with which people may be deceived. 30 00:03:50,631.22641265 --> 00:04:02,601.22641265 We lament the fact that in their use of these technologies, Christians have not always renounced secrets and shameful ways, or resisted the temptation to deceive their audience or to distort the message of the gospel for personal gain. 31 00:04:03,381.22641265 --> 00:04:09,531.22641265 Instead, Christians must place people first and truthfully share their stories witnessing to the power of the gospel in their lives. 32 00:04:09,951.22641265 --> 00:04:17,421.22641265 It is essential that such use of media and communication technologies be underpinned by the truthfulness found in the very gospel being shared. 33 00:04:18,291.22641265 --> 00:04:20,61.22641265 See, second Corinthians four, two. 34 00:04:21,51.22641265 --> 00:04:26,481.22641265 We recognize that many Christians, especially the young, are addicted to social and digital media. 35 00:04:26,886.22641265 --> 00:04:33,786.22641265 Are in effect being discipled by them because of the disproportionate amount of time spent using such technologies. 36 00:04:34,296.22641265 --> 00:04:44,826.22641265 We also acknowledge that while digital technologies have often been adapted for church growth and evangelistic purposes, efforts to do the same for discipleship have lagged behind. 37 00:04:45,456.22641265 --> 00:04:51,516.22641265 We therefore call all churches and leaders to engage technologies of the digital age for disciple making. 38 00:04:52,26.22641265 --> 00:05:04,776.22641265 We call for faithful presence in digital spaces, faithful contextualization through connected devices, faithful teaching of digital literacy and faithful practice of hospitality for forming healthy usage habits. 39 00:05:06,6.22641265 --> 00:05:14,256.22641265 Fourth, Christians must discern technologies that are motivated by the idea that neither nature nor human nature should be allowed to limit human freedom. 40 00:05:16,86.22641265 --> 00:05:21,216.22641265 We call Christians to discern carefully genetic technologies, which are based on increasing human power. 41 00:05:21,561.22641265 --> 00:05:30,651.22641265 To reshape the very building blocks of the physical human person and life, and which give rise to very real questions about their ethical use and long-term implications. 42 00:05:31,311.22641265 --> 00:05:38,631.22641265 The potential of genetic therapies to address complex medical conditions is immense, but with this technological application comes significant questions. 43 00:05:39,201.22641265 --> 00:06:03,966.22641265 Are we reduced to being the product of our genes? What are the implications of inheritable genetic modifications? How much of our humanity is linked to genetic combinations, and what are the implications if we reshape ourselves away from that? These raise additional ethical questions about how surrender to the sovereignty of God and about access to such technologies and their potential to exacerbate existing forms of discrimination. 44 00:06:04,956.22641265 --> 00:06:12,126.22641265 We also call Christians to discern artificial intelligence technologies, which confront us in different but not less significant ways. 45 00:06:12,726.22641265 --> 00:06:15,426.22641265 The development of digital systems that appear to reason. 46 00:06:15,861.22641265 --> 00:06:20,301.22641265 Behave and act in ways that we would consider distinctly human raises. 47 00:06:20,301.22641265 --> 00:06:24,531.22641265 Questions regarding the uniqueness of human creativity and rationality. 48 00:06:25,41.22641265 --> 00:06:27,381.22641265 Artificial intelligence raises other questions. 49 00:06:27,921.22641265 --> 00:06:56,691.22641265 Will it become an existential threat to humanity and the wider world? What will its effects be in the workplace and for human work? And how will governments and other actors use it in surveillance and security contexts? As innovation in artificial intelligence accelerates, we call for Christians, especially those who work in this industry, to engage both in the development and use of this technology that honors the creator and human creativeness by promoting safe, equitable, and dignifying applications. 50 00:06:58,881.22641265 --> 00:07:02,211.22641265 Five Christians are called to faithfully steward technology. 51 00:07:03,891.22641265 --> 00:07:09,531.22641265 We call all Christians to pursue technological innovation and use with love, justice, and faithfulness. 52 00:07:09,876.22641265 --> 00:07:12,96.22641265 Both before God and toward others. 53 00:07:12,666.22641265 --> 00:07:20,556.22641265 We recognize that technology shapes the environments in which humans live, play, relate, and work, as well as how Christians fellowship with one another. 54 00:07:20,856.22641265 --> 00:07:27,156.22641265 Pray, read scripture, grow in faith and character, worship God and share the gospel. 55 00:07:28,176.22641265 --> 00:07:34,236.22641265 Therefore, Christian development and use of technology must seek the welfare of our neighbors and enemies. 56 00:07:34,686.22641265 --> 00:07:36,576.22641265 Promote human flourishing and dignity. 57 00:07:37,161.22641265 --> 00:07:42,441.22641265 Having fixed our eyes more fully on the future that awaits us in the new heavens and the new Earth. 58 00:07:43,911.22641265 --> 00:07:48,741.22641265 For reference C Micah six eight, Luke 10 25 to 37. 59 00:07:49,221.22641265 --> 00:07:56,301.22641265 Genesis nine, six, James three nine, Genesis 1 31, and Revelation 21, 1 to eight. 60 00:07:57,891.22641265 --> 00:08:04,936.22641265 As digital technology is negotiated and adapted within church communities today, we see existing church life practices shaped by it. 61 00:08:05,376.22641265 --> 00:08:17,76.22641265 Along with new church practices emerging from it, recognizing that digital technology is not monolithic, the church must use its discernment to judge when, how, and where different technologies should be adopted. 62 00:08:17,406.22641265 --> 00:08:22,446.22641265 With the focus always on how the gospel of Jesus Christ is proclaimed and honored in their use. 63 00:08:22,956.22641265 --> 00:08:34,686.22641265 We therefore call Christians and churches to explore and adapt digital technologies for the worship of God, the bridging of divides, the shaping of Christ honoring culture and the work of Christian discipleship. 64 00:08:35,346.22641265 --> 00:08:43,926.22641265 Finally, we applaud the church's evangelistic drive that has led to increasing technological adaptation and unprecedented opportunities for sharing the gospel. 65 00:08:44,706.22641265 --> 00:08:58,176.22641265 We delight that technology has extended the reach of the gospel into many regions of the world that have previously been inaccessible, hastened the work of Bible translation, and facilitated the movement and ministry of God's people around the world. 66 00:08:58,806.22641265 --> 00:09:04,356.22641265 We pray that gospel motivated, faithful stewardship of technology will help a new generation to follow. 67 00:09:04,791.22641265 --> 00:09:08,391.22641265 And bear witness to Christ in our increasingly technological world. 68 00:09:10,291.66874599 --> 00:09:21,226.66874599 If you have enjoyed this reading of the Soul Statement and would like to engage further with our resources, then we invite you to visit our website@wwwanne.org.
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