The Spiritual Formation Conference this past Saturday was a fantastic experience. I was edified and encouraged by the largely unified teaching, led by Dr. Rebecca Letterman’s keynote, namely:

– that our physical bodies matter because Christ has one
– by our mental and spiritual habits we actually create pathways in our brains and bodies
– and likewise, physical patterns influence our inner patterns

The spiritual topic I was invited to speak into in one of our workshops was technology and the accelerating power for good or ill that it poses in our era – answering the question, “How can we guard our minds and take control of technology rather than having it enslave us?” Starting with some theology and ending with a practical step, here is a summary of that response:

Technology and Christian Theology: A Balanced Perspective

Technology is everywhere. It shapes how we work, connect, rest, pray, and worship. It quite literally forms our minds, spirits, and bodies. Knowing this, how should followers of Jesus engage with it? Should we embrace it wholeheartedly, reject it as a dangerous distraction, or can the Word of God show us a way our Father intended it to be for our flourishing and His glory?

From a Christian perspective, technology can be understood through three lenses: the good, the bad, and the Gospel – in light of Jesus’ reconciling and redeeming all things to Himself.

The Good: Technology is a Gift from God

At its core, technology is the application of knowledge, tools, and systems to solve problems and extend human capabilities. In Genesis 1:26-28, God commands humanity to “subdue” the earth and have dominion over it—a mandate that includes culture-making and innovation. This means that technology, when used rightly, is part of God’s plan for human flourishing.

Biblical examples show technology as a means of honoring God. In Exodus 31:1-6, God gives Bezalel and Oholiab the skill to craft the Tabernacle, demonstrating that creativity and craftsmanship can be divinely inspired. Technology, then, is not inherently evil—it is a tool that can be used for good.  God created all things and affirmed that they were “good”.

The Bad: Technology Distorted by The Fall

However, because of sin, even good gifts can be distorted. The Fall (Genesis 3) introduces corruption, and technology is no exception. Throughout history, it has been used to exploit, dehumanize, and wage war.

An iconic example is found in the Tower of Babel narrative (Genesis 11), where human ambition and pride lead people to use technology to glorify themselves rather than God. This story serves as a warning: when technology drives and serves human ego instead of God’s fatherly purpose, it leads to chaos, division, and destruction.

The Gospel: Technology Redeemed

God intends to restore all things to Himself through the God-Man Jesus. Despite its potential for harm to humanity, technology has also played a key role in advancing God’s Kingdom. Famously, the printing press fueled the Protestant Reformation. In the same way today, digital media spreads the Gospel in restricted nations, and online platforms provide new ways for believers to connect and grow.

Christ’s redemptive work calls us to use technology for God’s glory, human flourishing, and the spread of His Kingdom. Revelation gives us a glimpse of a restored world, where redeemed human culture—including technology—has a role to play in eternity.

Technology as Liturgy: The Power of Daily Habits

Have you ever considered that technology shapes your soul in the same way worship does?
I invite you (as the Church has since the time of Exodus) to use the technology of liturgy to begin to heal some of the distorted pathways.

Liturgy is a structured, repeated practice that forms our spiritual lives. In the 2023 book Digital Liturgies, author Samuel D. James explores how our daily engagement with technology functions much like religious liturgy. The repetitive nature of scrolling through social media, responding to notifications, or watching endless streams of content subtly influences our thoughts, values, and behaviors—often without our awareness, forming us in ways that are hard to shake without intentionality.

What Can We Do? Practical Steps for Followers of Jesus

The goal is not to reject technology, but to engage with it mindfully and prayerfully so it serves rather than enslaves. Here’s how:

1. Establish Healthy Digital Habits

Just as we set aside time for prayer or Bible study, we should create routines that include digital detoxes or reflection periods away from screens. This helps prevent technology from overwhelming our lives.

2. Reflect on Values

Ask yourself: What values are being reinforced by my digital habits? Do they uplift your spiritual life, or do they distract from your core beliefs? Awareness is the first step to change.

3. Harness Technology for Good

While caution is needed, technology can also be a powerful tool for sharing the Gospel and building community. Use digital platforms intentionally to spread encouragement, foster healthy relationships, and edify others.

Final Takeaway: Reclaiming Control Over Your Digital Liturgy

Technology should serve humanity—not the other way around. By adopting a mindful approach to digital interactions, setting intentional boundaries, and using technology for human flourishing, we ensure that our engagement with technology deepens – rather than detracts – from our faith.

Jesus calls us to wholeness in Him—which includes stewarding our minds well in the digital age. Let’s embrace technology with wisdom, ensuring that it aligns with His purposes for our lives and communities.

In Closing

If you’ve borne with me this far, and if you enjoyed or would enjoy the experience of a practical spiritual formation tool, the Examen, an age-old prayer rhythm, is perfect for taking that first step to replacing negative pathways in our lives and spirits with ones that will unite us to Jesus.  I invite you to consider giving the Examen a try, replacing time maybe looking at your phone or watching TV at the end of the day before you sleep.  If you have any questions about how to try or apply the Examen, feel free to reach out at creative@browncroft.org.

I will leave you with this word from the Apostle Paul for Christians like you: “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will.”