God, Technology, and the Christian Life

God, Technology and the Christian Life seeks to help the Christian answer a critical question: Can I find a life of faith within this world of amplified human possibility? Subsequently, the author equips the reader to answer this question by drawing on the wisdom of nine historic voices (e.g., Calvin, Spurgeon and Musk[!]) and performing thoughtful, intelligent exegesis of nine texts of Scripture. Reinke thinks now is an opportune time for Christians to talk about their relationship to technology because in his eyes technologies that we use are quickly becoming an ecosystem that we can’t escape. So, on the one hand, technology always advances faster than its ethics. On the other hand, technology is not inherently good or bad, but can fall into a moral category contingent upon an agent with intent. These are the types of issues the author wrestles with and provides biblical answers for.Each chapter in the book is aimed at answering one question (e.g., “What is God’s Relationship to Technology?” and “How Should We Use Technology Today?”). What becomes evident is that the story of technology plays a big part in our modern narrative, but it is still one chapter in the grand story of reality. As the author wisely explains, the "Gospel of Technology" is just a modern iteration of the false gospel that "man can save man." Truly, what technology can never accomplish is salvation, and no amount of innovation can satisfy the heart. Only Christ can do both. Amen.I think this is worthwhile read for any Christian who seeks to think and act biblically when they use their iPhone, consider novel medical therapies or are purchasing tickets for a commercial space flight. The author provides abundant clarity for issues that for some may be grey. I also think that for anyone who has a well-developed theology of the sovereignty and providence of God, there may not be that many new insights in this book. God is sovereign therefore He the ultimate creator and inventor. He is also providentially directing all things (that includes technology) to an end He has preordained. If you fully embrace that point, then you already understand the central organizing principle of the book.

Tony provides exactly what he promises in this book. He describes it as a roundtable with nine tech-leading voices and some selected biblical texts. That's exactly what you get. Biblical texts being clearly explained and various tech situations in which they are applied. Best of all, the book leaves you not merely with thoughts of tech but with Scripture-driven thoughts of God! Great book. Highly recommend.

This is a Calvinist take on Tech and the crazy world in general. I'm a Calvinist, so I think he's right. This book will help you if you freak out about everything going on and tend to forget that God is completely soveriegn and active as ruler of the universe.

This is one of those books that Christ-believers need to read to learn how to live in these modern and tech-saturated times. Although I disagree with small details over the future of tech and eschatology, I certainly enjoyed reading the author giving glory to Christ, and stating that only Christ gives meaning and purpose to our lives.

I opened this expecting to find a list of ways to combat the influence of technology on the life of the believer. But I got something so much better than that! I frequently stopped to ponder the God-centered, Christ-Centered conclusions in this book! Tony’s explanation of technology from the beginning of God’s creation of man was such a paradigm shifting moment not only in my understanding of scripture but also of technology in general. Thank you for writing this, Tony. Thank you for reminding me of the God who sovereignly rules over every innovation in tech!

This book is better than you might think! Thoroughly Biblical and optimistic, it is both grounded and practical. A fresh look that is not legalistic.

The computer I am typing this book review on is a marvel of technological innovation and achievement. But what does God have to say about our tech tools and toys? In God, Technology, and the Christian Life, Tony Reinke helps Christians live by faith in the age of big tech.A Comprehensive Theology of TechnologyFirst started as a ten-page introduction to his excellent book 12 Ways Your Phone is Changing You – God, Technology, and the Christian Life is a comprehensive theology of technology. Broad in scope and Biblical throughout, I was fascinated and captivated by Reinke’s words.The six chapters ask the important questions: (1) What is technology? (2) What is God’s relationship to technology? (3) Where do our technologies come from? (4) What can technology never accomplish? (5) When do our technologies end? and (6) How should we use technology today? Nine voices pop up throughout the book – John Calvin, Charles Haddon Spurgeon, Abraham Kuyper, Herman Bavinck, Jacques Ellul, Wendell Berry, Kevin Kelly, Elon Musk, and Yuval Noah Harari – and Reinke introduces and interacts with their ideas.Applied Science and Amplified PowerReinke defines technology as applied science and amplified power. This is illustrated in the story of David and Goliath, and Reinke uses Biblical examples throughout the book to explain technological concepts and God-centered reality. We are shown that God calls each of his children to make faith-based decisions on how we use the available technologies in this world.I was most interested to read how the Biblical passages of farming and God’s providence still apply to us in our world of modern technology. Reinke states that (1) Farming is our primary tech, (2) All tech has ancestors, and (3) Every innovation is patterned by agriculture. The Coronavirus showed us how scientific innovation, especially in battling disease, is a divine gift. Reinke then gives 13 takeaways regarding the relationship between technology and our Creator.Deliverance and Joy in JesusWe are reminded that death is our ultimate enemy, but it is something that technology will never be able to defeat. So the Christian Gospel is superior to the Gospel of Technology. After a compelling theology of cities, the book embarks on an excursus: Will there be old tech in the New Creation? Reinke believes that technology continues in the New Jerusalem, and I am convinced to become a tech optimist.The book ends by calling the reader to consider 14 ethical convictions regarding technology. Christians can respect the gifts of science and non-Christian innovators. We get comfortable with tech minimalism. We commit to wielding innovations in faith. And we submit our innovations to the wisdom that subverts the powers of man. The book ends with 9 ways God enforces tech limiters, and a call to find your deliverance and joy in Jesus, seeing God as we wonder, stand in awe, and enjoy his gifts of technology.God’s Governing HandThis book has changed the way I see the world. I see God’s governing hand behind our greatest innovators and grandest inventions. I see how tech can change us, but also how we can use it with care and courage. I see hope in a New Heaven and New Earth with a kind and generous Creator. I see more of Jesus.I received a media copy of God, Technology, and the Christian Life and this is my honest review.