Technology has had revolutionary effects throughout history. New weapons, materials for roads, and more have changed the paths of nations and empires.
Gutenberg invented the printing press in 1436, which impacted the church since the first book printed, the Bible, could be owned and read in everyone’s home. In part, this led to the popularity of the Protestant movement.
New technologies have arrived at an alarming speed over the past century, from televisions to personal computers to smartphones. As technology shapes our culture, the church adapts, as well.
These changes have had positive and negative effects. On the positive side, it can be a great tool for many tasks. On the negative side, used poorly, it keeps us from in-person, regular relationships. Technology can be a great tool but can’t replace the human relationship required in the Body of Christ. So, what are some positive and negative impacts it has on the church every day?
Here are eight impacts of technology on Christian living that we should consider.
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The church exists for all people, and technological advancements have significantly transformed the lives of Christians with disabilities. It has offered innovative solutions to enhance accessibility, inclusion, and participation in various aspects of Christian life.
For example, assistive technologies like screen readers, text-to-speech software, and voice recognition programs, enable individuals with visual impairments or learning disabilities to access and engage with digital content—including the Bible, religious literature, and online worship services. Additionally, adaptive devices such as Braille displays and tactile graphics provide tactile feedback for individuals with visual impairments, allowing them to read and study Scripture independently.
Advanced communication technology—such as video conferencing platforms and live streaming services—allow people who cannot attend church in person due to health concerns or mobile impairments to participate in religious gatherings virtually. Online communities and social media platforms also offer opportunities for fellowship, support, and spiritual encouragement for individuals with disabilities, fostering connections and relationships within the global Christian community.
Moreover, technology systems like ramps, elevators, and assistive listening systems have enabled churches and religious organizations to improve physical accessibility in their facilities.
However amazing these developments are, they should never be an excuse for people to neglect spending time with people who have disabilities. Technology can tempt us to think our work is done, but everyone requires human relationships and personal assistance.
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Technology has transformed multiethnic Christian communities. Tools like language translation have facilitated communication, understanding, and collaboration even when members speak different languages.
Unlike in the past, translation work does not take days or weeks of time. Tools—such as translation apps, software programs, and web-based platforms—utilize machine learning algorithms and natural language processing techniques to provide accurate, instant translations in multiple languages. The tools empower Christians from different cultures to communicate effectively. They can also engage with scripture, religious texts, and sermons in their native languages, fostering inclusivity and accessibility for diverse linguistic communities.
Other technological advances make it possible for messages in different languages to be shared worldwide. Thanks to video conferencing platforms and live streaming services, Christian content can go beyond sharing content worldwide. Churches, ministries, and Christian organizations can also broadcast their work in multiple languages, ministering to believers worldwide in their preferred languages.
While these technologies can foster communication across cultures, there’s nothing like learning a new language as an act of love. Learning another person’s language is difficult and takes time, but that effort reveals deep love and desire to communicate in someone else’s heart language. A person’s language is key to how they think, as the words’ structure and complexities affect more than we think. Learning a language personally, especially fluently, helps us understand people, better love them, and better communicate God’s truth.
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Different translations of the Bible abound. Technological advancements have made them far more available and accessible, revolutionizing how Christians engage with Scripture.
One key advancement is the Bible being digitized, which has enabled people to create vast digital libraries containing many Bible translations in many languages. Websites, mobile apps, and e-readers give Christians instant access to a wealth of Bible versions at their fingertips. They can explore and compare translations, delve into deeper insights, and enhance their understanding of scripture, all instantly.
Advanced translation software and digital publishing technology have also benefitted efforts to share the Bible across nations. Automated translation tools and collaborative platforms enable translators to work more efficiently and accurately. They can provide what many Christian communities across the world need, in all their languages’ diversity.
Not all Bible translations are created equally, however. Some are direct translations. Others are paraphrases. Sadly, some have been designed to twist orthodox Christian doctrine. We still need pastors and trusted leaders to help us engage with different translations. We also weren’t meant to study the Bible in isolation. Ready availability shouldn’t justify a “just me and Jesus” mentality that dismisses how the Body of Christ is necessary to teach and disciple us.
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Technology has given us phenomenal access to sermons and devotional content, empowering us to engage with spiritual teachings in unprecedented ways.
One significant advancement is how digital platforms and streaming services provide on-demand access to work by so many pastors, theologians, and Christian leaders worldwide. Through websites, podcasts, and video-sharing platforms, Christians can now access sermons and devotional content anytime, anywhere. Sermons of famous or influential pastors from centuries ago can even be found easily and read aloud.
Mobile apps and digital resources offer convenient access to sermons, devotionals, and study materials. Christians can go about their day while downloading sermons, accessing daily devotionals, participating in Bible studies, and more. They can integrate spiritual practices into their daily routines and lifestyles with little effort.
Moreover, online communities provide opportunities for sharing and discussing these sermons and devotional content. Christians can connect with like-minded individuals around the world, share insights and reflections, and receive encouragement and support, fostering community and accountability.
But how do we know what good and bad doctrine is? The Bible does delineate between good and bad doctrine and teachers. We need trusted leaders and mentors to help us sift through content in community. Access to online content shouldn’t replace engagement with a local body of Christ and a local pastor who knows us personally.
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Before the internet exploded, Christians needed a library or plenty of money to access commentaries and concordances. Much of this expensive material is available for cheap or free, profoundly impacting how Christians study and engage with scripture.
To begin with, digitized reference materials have helped create vast online libraries of Bible study resources. Through websites, mobile apps, and e-readers, Christians now have instant access to commentaries, concordances, lexicons, and language tools, helping them delve into what scripture means.
Furthermore, advancements in search and indexing technology have made it easier to use those digital reference materials. Thanks to advanced search algorithms and cross-referencing tools, we can quickly locate specific passages, words, or topics in Bible reference material. Study and research has become more efficient and effective.
Mobile apps and digital tools also offer portability and convenience, allowing Christians to carry their entire Bible reference material library wherever they go. With just a few taps, we can even explore Scripture in its original Greek and Hebrew.
As much as we enjoy this access, our discipleship happens through relationships—modeled by Christ on earth and through people like Paul and Barnabas. We must resist being educated without being discipled. This is the local church’s role, to disciple us through spiritual conversations with people who know us and can keep us accountable.
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When the COVID pandemic hit, every church went online. Now, online worship services are widely adopted, and these digital platforms have revolutionized how Christians gather, engage, and participate in worship. Connection, accessibility, and outreach has shifted.
With online worship services, we reach a global audience. Through live streaming and video conferencing platforms, churches can transcend geographical boundaries and time zones. And, as mentioned earlier, individuals who cannot attend in person due to distance, illness, or other constraints can participate in worship remotely. Unity and community among believers regardless of physical location have become possible.
Online worship services also offer flexibility and convenience. Virtual worship services often incorporate elements such as live chat, prayer requests, and interactive polls, enabling worshippers to participate in real-time.
However, if the availability of online worship services gives us an excuse to stay home instead of gathering with the saints, we have an issue. Part of belong to a community is sacrificing our time to be in the same place at the same time, as we do when we gather with family. As the family of God, we make our gatherings important. Online services bless people who might need to miss one Sunday or be bedridden, but it’s not the same as physically worshipping in the same place. We also remember that the bedridden need personal visits more than another sermon. We must take time to worship together and to spend in-person time with church members we cannot see every Sunday in the church sanctuary.
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As with commentaries and concordances, the digital age has made expensive ancient texts readily available for low cost. Like commentaries, concordances, and various Bible translations, these texts are now easy to find in digital libraries. Christians now have instant access to the writings of the early Church Fathers or the Christian philosophers like Augustine and Aquinas, regardless of physical location or access to traditional libraries.
Studying these texts has never been easier, thanks to sophisticated search algorithms and cross-referencing to quickly locate specific passages, themes, or authors. While a few decades ago these resources required huge computers that could not be transported, mobile apps and digital tools allow Christians to carry their entire library of ancient texts wherever they go.
With two thousand years of church history, many Christian pastors, priests, and philosophers wrote down their thoughts and insights. This access can be a treasure alongside modern translation since mainstream Christianity has forgotten or dismissed much. At the same time, with the Church fathers and others, these men and women had flaws, and regular discussions with pastors and leaders helped us navigate these writings in the community.
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Advancements in technology have revolutionized how the local and global church communicates. Connections, collaboration, and support can occur on a global scale. Through websites, forums, and social networking sites, believers can share prayer requests, testimonies, and words of encouragement, fostering a sense of belonging and unity among diverse faith communities.
Furthermore, video conferencing and live-streaming platforms allow Christian communities to meet through virtual gatherings and events. Apps offer convenient ways for Christians to stay connected and engaged with their faith communities on the go. Just a few taps on a smartphone provide access to church directories, event calendars, and communication channels. Christians can stay informed and connected with fellow believers wherever they are. Local church groups can get on a text stream or email list or use messaging apps like Slack to engage with others, make plans, and encourage one another. For missionaries, some apps are more secure from spying and useful in countries with governments hostile to the government.
Staying connected to spiritual family across the country or globe is invaluable. At the same time, these connections don’t substitute for meeting and gathering in person. Inclusion on an email list doesn’t equate to being an engaged and productive community member. These avenues of communication are tools to facilitate choosing to come together as God’s family.
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We have benefitted immensely from technology. We also have to consider when we are misusing it.
For example, younger Christians who have grown up with smartphones and social media may see being on a platform or following a certain person as important and even the same as gathering locally. Technology can be a phenomenal tool, but it can also be abused. We must all remember that worship isn’t about convenience. It’s about sacrifice. As David said, “I will not worship God with what costs me nothing.”
We can see easily that technology is not enough. For example, we have more access to the Bible and reference materials than ever. Yet younger generations are more unchurched and unaware of biblical ideas than ever before. We should be thankful for technology, but not let it rob us of the growth and discipleship that only relationships can bring.
The technology isn’t evil. Our uses can be. We must continue to guard our hearts in all things to apply our lives to following Jesus and loving others, using these tools when appropriate.
Peace.
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This article is part of our larger resource library of Christian questions important to the Christian faith. From core beliefs to what the Bible says about angels, we want to provide easy to read and understand articles that answer your questions about Christian living.
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