It is believed that polytheistic Greek philosopher Aristotle (384–322 BC) developed the first formal philosophy of science. His view dominated the world for approximately two thousand years. Part of this philosophy was an assumption that motion is due to whimsical activities of the gods. Motion would then be a spurious event and, consequently, there was no reason to look for any principles of motion that might govern the universe.
When Christianity was founded in the first century (AD), the church (universal) tacitly accepted Aristotle’s philosophy of science until Isaac Newton (AD 1643–1727) questioned it. As a Christian, Newton objected to a view of science based on polytheism and he specifically rejected the assumption that motion is due to whimsical activities of the gods. He sought a philosophy of science based on the monotheism of Christianity that taught the universe was created by a benevolent, rational, predictable Creator who built creation based on timeless universal principles (TUP).
Surprisingly, the church (universal) initially resisted Newton’s view but eventually capitulated because of the theological superiority of Newton’s perspective. This opened the door for technological advancement based on TUP.
Newton’s philosophy of science led to an explosion of technology. Between the time of Aristotle and Newton, advances in technology were minimal, particularly when compared to the advancements since Newton.
As wonderful as technological advancement has been, what is the biblical basis and purpose of technology? For a Christian, the Creation Mandate (Genesis 1:26–28) provides insight. According to this mandate, humans are the highest of God’s created beings and were charged with ruling creation through multiplication and mastery of the universe. Mastery implies technological advancement. This means that technological advancement is a tool of dominion, that is, technological advancement is a tool of the kingdom of God. Furthermore, the command to master God’s creation implies that technological advancement is not an option but an imperative.
Arguably, technology finds its most compelling purpose as a tool to facilitate efficiency and quality in commercial activity and to develop new products and services to help facilitate God’s purpose in people. One of God’s gifts in driving technological advancement is that people called to pioneer technological advancement find life, joy, energy, and satisfaction in these endeavors (see the above text).
Notwithstanding the importance of technology, one must also recognize its traps. For some, technology is the end game. But given the Creation Mandate, the end game is not technological advancement but to use technology to facilitate efficiency, excellence, and progress in managing God’s creation.
Here is your business tip. Management must recognize that Scripture dictates technological advancement as part of obedience to the Creation Mandate. Therefore, organizations should develop a culture that encourages the development and application of technology as a tool to facilitate obedience to God. This means that technology should be used to increase efficiency, maintain high standards of excellence, and facilitate the development of new products and services. Technological advancement should not be viewed as the goal but should be used as a tool to facilitate God’s purpose in and through all stakeholders of the organization.
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