Seven Laws of Technology

Over the next few months we will discuss a Christian view of various technologies. This episode kicks us off by offering a framework for thinking about technology.To help you follow along, here's a list of the seven laws of technology (pdf link here):These seven laws of technology are less like commands and more like a set of norms which function as a framework for thinking well about technology. If you master these, you will be better equipped to lead others and make disciples in a technological age. They summarize Andrew Noble’s approach to technology. 1.      All technology is good and cursed. Because we were created by a Creator to create, and because of the cultural mandate in Genesis 1 & 2, all technology is a good gift from God. And yet, the blessing is mixed with burden; “cursed is the ground” from which all technology is made. All technology has negative side-effects.2.      All technology changes you. The formative effect of technology is often underappreciated. We must recognize that after using any technology we become a different kind of person, as certain vices and virtues are inculcated through habit. Even something like the repeated use of a shovel changes your muscles, your back, and your view of the world (as you are less bothered by snow).   3.      All technology is God’s. To riff on a phrase from Abraham Kuyper, there is not a single technology in this world that God cannot point and declare, “Mine!” As the biblical prophets teach, even weapons of war are the Lord’s (Jer. 50:25, Isaiah 13:5). God is in control of technology and oversees it with his wisdom.4.     The telos of tech is true, good, and beautiful. Technology has a purpose beyond functionality and efficiency. Technology ultimately must be made to reflect the transcendental characters found perfectly in God: truth, goodness, and beauty. Technology should not be made to be deceptive, immoral, nor ugly.5.      Every human person is a heart-soul-mind-strength complex designed for love. This law was crafted by Andy Crouch, building upon Jesus’ summary of the greatest commandment. The great commandment to humans implies what humans were made for. We were made to love with each of the four aspects of what we are. Therefore, we must love with our bodies.6.     Every human person is masked by machinery. One of the first inventions of Adam and Eve was clothing, made to cover up their shame. Technology has a concealing effect; whether through tinted windows, headphones, or social media beauty filters, technology not only extends what we can do but displaces how we appear.7.     Every human person must consider, critique, and create technology. We must reflect on technology, including how it is designed and how it shapes us (its affordances), to properly use it. And we must all build. For we were not made to merely consume creation but to cultivate it for the good of others.In 2026, our Thinking About It podcast will focus on the most important aspects of living like a Christian. We hope you'll listen along and become more like Jesus.Each episode is produced at Grandview Church in Kitchener, Ontario. To learn more about Grandview Church, and the hosts behind this podcast, (Pastors: Jon Cleland, Jeremy McQuoid, and Tim Mudde; and Andrew Noble) please visit https://www.grandviewchurch.ca/.