The Invention of the Light Bulb

Back in college I took Debate 101. The national resolution for the quarter was “Technology degrades the quality of human life.” So for our final grade we had to debate both sides of the issue against a fellow student. I could think of nothing else the entire quarter—continually trying to out-debate myself. And when it came down to the real debate, I convinced myself pro-technology that day of the debate, and anti-technology for the next day.

Outside of the university scene, however, I find myself in the middle, struggling between the pros and cons of technology—except for last Sunday. Pastor Miguel told us a story that flipped me back into debate-day mode.

Back in 1990 our church was just beginning in a new development. But not the “new development” of the States where beautiful, trendy, look-a-like houses sell for high $800s (at least in San Diego!). On the contrary, the area of El Florido began to fill up with squatters. Families moved up from southern Mexico, found land in the shadow of a large hill, and made temporary-looking shelter out of whatever became available. Our church, Monte Horeb, was planted to share Christ to the newly arrived. There was no electricity, water, sewer, or high-speed internet. The land was barren.

The Pastor explained that any night of the week, he could pack out the sanctuary under the glow of a large gas lamp that hung from the rafters. He and the deacons were thrilled with the turnout and the subsequent fellowship that resulted.

A couple of years later, the city finally caught up to the community and electricity was born. People had light in their homes for the first time! What a blessing! Did the church fill up with praises? Negative. Everyone stayed home watching soap operas on the crappy little TV just purchased with their tithe money.

Sometimes technology does degrade the quality of human life—but maybe not this life.

This entry was posted on Saturday, February 10th, 2007 at 1:49 pm and is filed under Missionary Life. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.