POST YOUR RESPONSE TO THIS ARTICLE AND COMMENT ON A CLASSMATE'S POSTING.
The article can be found at http://cs.calvin.edu/documents/christian/XianComputing2001.pdf
Write a comment about something that inspired you, or that you agreed/disagreed with, gave you insight, etc. When other classmates have posted please respond to at least one other student's post. Remember: your comments should indicate understanding of the article, be thoughtful/reflective, and concise (nor more than one-two paragraphs). You will receive points for your entry as well as for commenting on another student's entry.
HAVE FUN!
The article can be found at http://cs.calvin.edu/documents/christian/XianComputing2001.pdf
Write a comment about something that inspired you, or that you agreed/disagreed with, gave you insight, etc. When other classmates have posted please respond to at least one other student's post. Remember: your comments should indicate understanding of the article, be thoughtful/reflective, and concise (nor more than one-two paragraphs). You will receive points for your entry as well as for commenting on another student's entry.
HAVE FUN!
This article was really interesting to me, as I have never though much about how technology and computing fit into God's creation and what responsibilities we have to take care of and advance this aspect of creation. When Adams mentioned how computing will be remade after God redeems earth, I really wondered about how that would come about. Adams gave his opinion about how we will most likely struggle with computing itself less and more people will be able to easily use it, but I can't help but wonder if we will actually need computing technology when Christ descends again. Will the technology interface be simpler but more user-friendly like Adams suggests, or will computing itself become obsolete because of the cleansing of creation?
ReplyDeleteAdams brought up the subject of sinning through computing. I personally believe that doing such things as creating malware or sending viruses is definitely a sin, as whoever is doing it is directly trying to negatively impact whoever they are trying to reach. While computing is an area over which we as humans have dominion, it is also an extra avenue in which sin is present. As Christians, we have to be conscious of how we use computing. Not only are there obvious ways that sin is present, such as deliberately creating harmful software or viruses, but using computing interfaces such as social media to hurt others or be unkind to them. Especially as educators that have influence on their students, we must be careful in how we use computing outlets and how we teach our students to use them as well.
I also am not sure if computers will be present in heaven. I keep thinking that if we won't need lamps or the sun in heaven, because Jesus will be our all-sufficient light, then why would we need computers, since Jesus would be our all-sufficient source of truth? I wonder to think what the perfect computing would do for us and if we would actually need that in heaven.
DeleteI also think you bring up a good point in being wary of what we put up on social media. The technology can be a gateway to sin, and we should be careful that we don't abuse it with posting rude comments or insults to others. It definitely causes me to think of how I can misuse technology so easily, and makes me more cautious about it.
I thought this article was very helpful, as it opened my eyes to see that computer science has been created by God, but has fallen since it is cursed because of human sin. Though it is imperfect now, it will one day be redeemed to its former glory. In the present, however, we must work to discover new laws of computation to master and rule over the computers and technology that God has blessed us with. We are to steward this gift of technology, to use it properly instead of abusing it and hacking into systems to steal information. I also found this article interesting since it helped me to think how Creation, including technology and computers, is fallen and cursed. Hence, it is “subject to frustration,” as Adams said. Our human nature has scarred technology with viruses and malfunctions. And it is our duty to work hard to bring God glory by continuing to develop hardware and software that all people can use to make computing as “good” as we can, to make it like it was before the Fall. It is our responsibility to use the creative nature God has gifted us with in order to discover more of God’s truths and reflect his image as a Creator.
ReplyDeleteI also found that this article opened my eyes to the fall of computers as well. We often do not think of common objects in our every day lives that are fallen just like we are as humans. I also agree that it is our duty as stewards to use technology properly as well as to work on making computing to where someday God may even call it "good".
DeleteIt was also interesting to me to think about computation as part of the fallen creation. For me personally, technology can be a cause for much frustration, but I don't think I've ever taken the time to think about the fact that it is frustrating in the first place because it is fallen and accursed by sin. It is also worthy of consideration to think about exactly how we use computation to glorify God, especially for those of us who don't know a ton about the inner workings of such technology. We have to learn to utilize what we do know in a way that brings God glory.
ReplyDeleteI was thinking the same thing! Whenever I got upset about my computer shutting down unexpectedly or potential viruses, I never thought to connect that with the fact that it does these things because it is a part of creation corrupted by sin. I, too, was interested in the redemption part of the whole idea and how, specifically, we can aide in glorifying God through computer technology.
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ReplyDeleteThis read was very interesting to me because it gave me facts, but also allowed me to form my own opinion. The section entitled "Fallen: People are in need of redemption" really spoke to me. It reminded me that too many times we like to blame computers and technology for our downfall or sin when in fact we already have that in our hearts, we just use the technology as an aid. This reminds us to take responsibility for our actions, both good and bad, and run to the feet of Jesus with a repentant heart. This fallenness is also the answer for "malicious software." I never thought about it that way. It never crossed my mind that viruses could be the effect of sin. With all this talk of sin, it was refreshing to read the "Redemption" section. (I think you all could agree with me about that :) ) Because we have redemption in Jesus Christ, we are allowed and called to work for the kingdom. Although technology is fallen and not fully reliable, we can use it to further our knowledge in many areas. As we spoke about in the first class, the Lord wants us to learn more and open our minds. With that being said, technology and computers can definitely help us in that. Christians with computer skills work to further the kingdom by adding new things that can aid us in learning and also working their hardest to remove anything that could possibly hinder us. This is such a blessing.
ReplyDeleteThis ties into humans ruling over creation. We were given that obligation by God, and this is seen in technology. When we choose to use computers for good, we are carrying out this order and glorifying God.
I have personally be the victim of having a computer virus, and it was definitly the effect of sin. I believe that in this fallen world there will always be people who use computing as a way to harm other. Like I said in my post, I could not play my new Playstation over Christmas break because Sony's network was hacked. But I also saw a ton of good that was coming from computing. Were you as amazed as me when Adams was explaining the history of operating systems and programming languages as me? It astounded me how people can do these different things with computers, and I believe that they are ruling over computing as God commanded us to do.
DeleteYou're completely right Leah, the section on Redemption was refreshing to read, especially from a perspective I had never questioned; redemption of computing. The thought of everything being made perfect, including computing, after Christ's return is a refreshing thought indeed! It's amazing to me how there are so many aspects of God's creation that I have not even thought of that in some ways are being used to serve humanity and God's purpose.
Delete“Cultural mandate tells us that we are free to make use of God’s creation, the doctrine of stewardship tells us that we are not free to abuse his creation.” says Adams. I think Adams hit on a key point of how our biblical framework addresses us, as stewards, to treat computing. Yes, God created us to have dominion over his creation, but I feel like that is the part in our society that is echoed while overlooking our role as stewards, even when it comes to computing. I think the biggest abuse that we can relate with is most likely the using of a computer to circumvent copyright laws. To most, I bet we wouldn’t think twice about it, it’s one click away to a free movie, or music. What Adams is trying to say however, is that we as stewards of God’s creation, computing included, are called to take particular care in order to not abuse it. So maybe the next time someone around me takes part in circumventing copyright laws, I will ask myself if I am being the steward of creation that God is calling me to be or if I am abusing His creation by participating.
ReplyDeleteI believe this is a very good point. Too often we overlook the little things that we no longer see as wrong but now accept as a part of life. I think that violating copy right laws is just one of the simple ways we do this. Sin is sin regardless of if we have grown hardened to it. Commuting is in need of redemption just like everything else, and I think a good step would be to focus of redeeming our personal relationship with it, as you have stated.
DeleteI thought the same thing, Kaitlyn. Too many times we forget to keep ourselves in check with technology. A free movie or music always sounds good but is that what the Lord has called us to? I agree with Adams that we abuse that too often. When we click those little things, we aren't having dominion over it, but falling to sin. "Free" doesn't mean "free to do whatever you want." And I think for a lot of us, even Christians, we get that mixed up.
DeleteWhen reading the article, I also thought of this point as well. I tried to think of why it is so much easier to justify ourselves for the abuse technology over other good gifts that God has given us. I realized that when we abuse technology, we often do not see the direct effects it has on someone. We often do not care about the money someone may be losing when we violate copyright laws. I would guess that most of the time, people do not have to see the effect on the individuals effected after they send a mass virus in a email or video. I see where this makes sin easier as we do not have to feel the guilt of how it effects a person directly. It makes me wonder how many times I sub-consciously do things that hurts the Lord due to my longing to be justified by man rather than Him alone.
DeleteJoel C. Adams presents a clear and educated thesis in which he states that computing is a part of God's creation, and is in need of redemption. He begins the article arguing that computing is a part of God's general revelation. He asks the question, "Did God Create Computation." I can honestly say this question has never crossed my mind, but it is one that has not left me since reading this article. Yes this question seems to have an obvious answer, which is YES, but Adams gives us a clear example of why the answer is yes and also shows God's love for us. He loves us by providing computing laws, such as the Halting Problem, so that our finite minds can comprehend computing, which I think is incredible.
ReplyDeleteAdams also gives an account of why computing is a part of God's special revelation. Computing is fallen like everything else in this world. There are things that people can do with a computer that are horrible. The hack of Sony is a perfect example of the fallen world that we live in. During Christmas Break I was able to get a Playstation 4. I was so excited to get it hooked up and sign into Playstation Network only to find out a hacking group called Lizard Squad had hacked into the system and shut it down. Playstation Network was eventually back up in a couple of days, but I was just so confused why people would do such bad things with a computer. But with all the bad that comes with computing I also agree that there is a ton of good as well, and that we are "having dominion" over computers. When Adams was explaining the history of programming languages I was just in awe of what people can do with a computer. I do agree that computing was created by God, and is fallen like everything else in this world, but with the fallen world of computing there is also the inevitable redemption that will come with it as well.
In the midst of reading this article, I began to think of many beliefs that I have heard Christians express considering science and how, often, science is not seen as something you can love or study as a Christian because it contradicts God, as if you worship God OR you worship science. Obviously, this is not necessarily the truth, but I found it encouraging to see a science, computer science, treated as God's creation and something we can appreciate and utilize without guilt of undermining our Creator. However, because computer science is God's creation, it is yet another thing corrupted by sin. Furthermore, we, humans, are corrupted by sin as well, and we often use computers in a way that is not glorifying to God, from watching porn to neglecting our relationships because we are always using our technology. As Adams said, we are called to be imitators of Jesus, and that means that we can even spin the utilization of computers to become something that helps us to better know our Creator. Adams' specific guidelines for how we can redeem this particular part of creation were helpful. He said we can seek to imitate Christ in this area by "improving our knowledge of the laws of computing...improving the computers that people use...improving the people who use computers." These are crucial guidelines to consider when using computers and when being (as a teacher) an example to students who are using computers as well.
ReplyDeleteI really like your comment on this article. Religion and science have definitely been placed against each other in the modern day culture. We assume that there is no common ground between Christianity and science. I completely agree that it was wonderful to see how this article brought the competing areas of study back together. I also really enjoyed reading the part of your comment regarding redeeming technology. Too often technology is the means of leading us away from God when it could be used to better know him.
DeleteCompletely agree. I think that Christians tend to think of science as a no no. That is not doing what God has called us to do. In fact, that is abusing his creation and not seeking after it. We should improve our knowledge in technology because the Lord has called us to do so, but we also must be careful about that and not take it too far. In one of the comments above, we discussed "freedom." We must keep ourselves in check to make sure that we aren't going too far. Thanks for your input.
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ReplyDeleteI found this article very interesting in its view of computer science being a created thing. At first, I felt the article was implying that everything created by human hands was created by God. Naturally this is not the case simply because our hands create sinful things as well. Yet through this article, we learn that God can still use us to reveal his creation to greater lengths, but like everything else, it has fallen and needs redemption. While I agree with the idea of sin becoming a part of our use of computers and its need for redemption, I do not believe that computers will be a part of the new heaven and earth. This may simply be a personal belief, but it is clear to me that our main focus will be on worshipping our Lord and Savior. Even other sciences, though they might still exist, should take a back seat because in a perfect earth, everyone will be able to have knowledge about them.
ReplyDeleteHaving dominion over God’s creation currently means we must do our best to rule over it without sin creeping in. Adams makes this seem easy in the article. Perhaps he is correct, but our struggle with sin continues to make the process difficult. Even with a new heaven and earth, Adams did not make it sound like computer science will be perfected. This seems odd but I think it is so far out of our knowable grasp that all we can do is form opinions and wait.
I agree with what you said about computers after Christ's return. Although we cannot say for sure what things will be like then, I have always thought that there would not be much need for computers after He returns. If computer science is a part of the new heaven and earth, however, I do believe it would be perfected. I think that Adams' main intention is to explain that creation, which has been cursed, will be given new life and be redeemed.
DeleteI appreciated the author's desire to explore the realm of technology through a Christian perspective. I do not think I have ever considered computational technology being a product of God's creation. I feel that, as humans, we have often attributed computational technology as being a product of human thought and work. While it is true that computers have been developed directly by human hands, the article helped me to realize the hand God has had in it, as well. Sure, creating computational systems requires advanced human logic and reasoning. However, we must realize where that logic and reasoning comes from. Obviously, God has given us the ability to rationalize and understand logic (since we are made in His image). Thus, God has had His hand in computing by working through us, who are to cultivate and maintain it, as the author describes.
ReplyDeleteI found the author's thoughts on computing after Christ's return to be interesting. I had never really thought about the state of technology after His return. To think, as the author does, that there will be computers without bugs, viruses, or any other problems is actually a very appealing idea. However, I have always thought that there really would not be a need for computing after Christ's return. With everything being perfect, would there be much of a need to have computers around? Obviously, the state of computers after Christ's return mostly speculative - so I support the author in his thoughts on the subject. Until His return, we will just have to imagine the potential role computing will play.
I think you're spot on about speculating about the future. I definitely think there won't be a need for computers, but it may become a commodity - something amazing and creative that people create? Sort of like art!
DeleteComputers were originally designed and made for humans to compute and calculate things speedily. The creativity involved in making efficient machines is a part of God's gift to humanity. As a tool, computers can do wonderful things! I'm sure we're all aware of the benefits that technology has brought us, from GPS satellites to cellphones... However, like any good invention, computers can be misused. If so, the creativity and ingenuity necessary to create it is betrayed. The benefits that surround this machine become overshadowed. Nowadays, many people become consumed wholly by computers. The author makes a good point in stating that a computer should never dominate a human.
ReplyDeletePersonally, I hesitate to make any generalizations about what the "new heavens and new earth" will look like. From scripture, we are given few clues as to the exact outlook (or physical makeup) of this eternal paradise. Is it possible that this new heaven and new earth will consist of a sprawling high-tech city with tall skyscrapers and parks larger than Central Park in New York? Maybe. Is it possible that we'll all lie down on a green pasture around our Lord and not even give a rip about computers? Perhaps. I think people need to realize that heaven will be unfathomably better than what we've ever seen - majestic and glorious. If one hopes in Christ's return simply for perfect computers, that seems backwards and pathetic. Our desire for the Kingdom should be Christ and nothing else!
This article was helpful in opening my eyes to some new biblical insights. The main one that caught my attention was the concept of us “… [having] dominion over” computing. I had not thought before as computing being a creation in which we should have dominion over but after reading this article computing is in fact His creation. Therefore, I agree that we as humans are to “have dominion over” computing by gaining control of computers. The article argues that the computers have control over us due to the fact that they “… [dictate] the terms of a person’s interaction with it, and so dominates the person.”, yet there are other cases in which computer engineers actually make the computer program does what it is capable of doing therefore, humans, at times, have control over the computers.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I agree with the article when it talks about computers as being fallen and that they too have to be redeemed. I also agree that Christian computer engineers can work to improve computer systems in such away that God may eventually call them “good”.
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ReplyDeleteI found this article very interesting as I often wonder what God thinks of technology. It has been praised as one of the greatest advancements of our generation as well as being the downfall as we often depend solely on technological communication rather than actual words, or find ourselves spending mindless time scrolling through social media that holds the potential to make us discontent with the life the Lord has given us. I enjoyed reading this article as it was a good reminder that all things have been corrupted by the fall. Even though technology was not yet developed when the curse of the fall was put upon the earth, it still reaps the curse as the humans who developed this technology are fallen as well.
ReplyDeleteThis article was a good reminder of the cultural mandate and how we have the responsibility to both develop technology as well as steward it well by not abusing it. I was struck of how easy it is to justify ourselves in our abuse of technology. It is much harder for us to justify the abuse of good gifts such as alcohol, food, and sex, but we find ourselves (myself included) looking over the abuse of gifts such as technology. Could this possibly be due to the fact that we do not have to see the person we are hurting through this sin face to face? Do we justify this because it is less likely to feel the guilt of our sin when we do not see the direct effect of it to someone personally? This was personally very convicting. After reading this article, I realized that I never really imagined Heaven with the presence of technology. It brought to my attention that I often imagine Heaven through a lense of time. By this, I mean that I often view Heaven without the certain developments that both the industrial and technological revolution have brought about. I often do not imagine Heaven as "modern", but I am reminded that even before the earth was cursed, God gave Adam the command to create, cultivate, and develop the resources that He had given Him. This makes me wonder what truly will pass away as decay when the new Heavens and earth are made, but it also makes me wonder if Heaven will contain technology in it's purest form - the way God intended it to be way before it's development. Overall, this article made me long for Heaven.