Few would deny the fact that we live in strange, interesting, and challenging times. In the span of just 20 years, life in the United States of America has undergone radical and dramatic changes. As technology has rendered new tools and techniques, life as we have known it will never be the same again. From ATM machines to the internet, to video games and cable television artifacts that have launched us into a “brave new world” surround us. Our technology has given us access to abilities and conveniences beyond what we previously thought possible. It is easy to see how technology has changed how we live and how we do business. But, how has these same developments changed our values and how we think? Sociologists and historians have documented the far-reaching effects of the 19th century’s “Industrial Revolution” on western civilization. The emergence of factories had a tremendous effect on the economy, family life, leisure time, and ethics in general. Workers came off the farm and into the factory, while the automobile enabled people to travel farther than they had before for work and pleasure. As western man utilized his expanded leisure time, increased time, increased income, and mobility, business and industries created countless allurements to compete for that time and money which was then available. The result was less family time and an increase in entertainment and non-essential purchases. All of these things contributed to a change in life style and worldview.

Today we are in the midst of what some have called the “information or communication wave.” In this wave, we have seen unprecedented developments in telecommunication, personal computers, and other multi-various related technologies. If the industrial revolution gave us more time and money, the information wave has given us access to information and images to the point of excess. Whether it is on the computer screen, television screen or cell phone; we can access Dow Jones Averages, sports scores, news headlines or anything else we would like to know. Cable television and the internet allow us 24-hour access to virtually any hobby, vice or subject of interest. This in addition to the various breakthroughs in medicine and medical technology has presented modern man with a plethora of ways to amuse and re-invent himself. With all that we have access to and are surrounded by in this present age, I ask the question raised earlier; “How has our technology and the fruits thereof changed our values and our worldview? There is no question that the access and capabilities afforded us by technology has changed our lives. But to what degree and what kind of world have we created? In 1st Chronicles 12:32 it says of the sons of Issachar, “they had understanding of the times to know what Israel ought to do”. As Christians, do we have a sound understanding of the times? Do we know what to do and how to engage and interact within the culture without compromising our calling as Christians? Or have we been absorbed into the narcissism hedonism and consumerism of the culture? Worse yet, do we stand on the sidelines and bemoan the fruits of technology as being of the devil?

The point here is that it is not enough for us to say we live in interesting, strange, or even evil times. We must be able to discern the patterns, influences, and implications that shape our culture, so that we can know how we are to act and represent Christ within it. Our technology has presented us with questions and dilemmas on a whole host of issues that were previously unimaginable. Medical technology had raised questions concerning the extension and termination of life. Cosmetic surgery has caused us to rethink what constitutes human happiness as well as the quality of life. Reality dating shows have reshaped views about romance and sexuality. In short, I would contend that rather than just riding the wave of the information age or just digging a hole to stick our head in; we as Christians ought to observe the times, know the times, and live out our faith in a way that glorifies our Savoir in this present age.