What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun. ~Ecclesiastes
You and I, we all have a philosophy about technology. If we’re using hymnals, we’re using printing press technology from the 15th century. If we’re using projectors for our lyrics, we’re using digital technology that is very recent. But unless we’re operating strictly with an oral tradition, we’re all using some kind of technology. We’re all operating with some kind of assumption about how much of it we want to use, from what year, and to what end.
The point is to think through what those assumptions are, and to be able to verbalize our philosophy about technology. So let me lay down a couple of my thoughts as a starting point. I’m not trying to convince you to agree with me, I’m asking you to think through what it is you think and disagree with me if you like.
I would argue that in and of itself, technology is fairly inert. Using old technology is a statement unto itself. It could be a we’re-out-of-touch statement or it could be a hipster statement. Using the latest technology makes another statement, perhaps one saying we’re relevant to what’s happening today. I would argue that ultimately technology should be a means to some other end. Knowing that end is what should inform our choices. Technology makes a lousy end unto itself – just because we can do something doesn’t mean we should. Our (human / relational) values should also drive our choices. Finally, I would argue we’ve successfully used technology when the technology disappears from the experience.
Right now a single worship leader and Ableton Live on a laptop can flexibly and dynamically trigger lights, lyrics, loops – the whole shebang in real time. It won’t be long before we can download a Chris Tomlin hologram to lead his latest song, or maybe even our own latest song, in real time with our own band. So we ought to engage with technology and these conversations and think some things through.
p.s. kids react to the hologram pop star 😉
What is your approach to technology?