Innovation

Q: Does God like innovation? Is it Biblical? What about people who oppose it, such as the Amish?


A: That is a very interesting question! Of course He absolutely loves innovation. After all, He is the Father of innovation (Psalm 121:2). The Bible tells us that every good thing and that all success in life comes from God. Moreover, God always has the best of intentions for us (Jeremiah 29:11).

There is no specific place in the Bible that addresses innovation, invention, etc. But if we look at the character and nature of God, and we look at how Jesus functioned, I believe it's reasonable to conclude that God does indeed like innovation. Just like Jesus turning water in to wine (John 2:1-11), God wants us to be provided for, help us solve our practical problems, etc. So yes, God likes innovation.

People who don't participate in modern innovations, such as the Amish, are refraining for another reason. Their view is not that a car, for example, is evil. Rather their view is that maintaining a simple life, uncluttered with modern technology - for example, is easier to maintain righteous life and a godly point of view. (If you think about it, a horse and buggy were innovations in their day.)

Now while God likes innovation, let's remember that anything God or mankind intends for good can be perverted by Satan. Television, for example, can be considered a marvelous innovation that does a world of good. There is a plethora of good, righteous programming available on television. At the same time, there is plenty of seriously perverse programming available as well. So let's condition this point of view and say that God likes innovation when it has some boundaries and discipline on it to keep it from being perverted by the enemy.