Necessity, Comfort , or Evil?

[Bruderhof News]

Check out this article at Bruderhof.com:
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My Wife Hates Computers - How About You?
by Johann Christoph Arnold

Ever avoid meeting someone on the sidewalk because (even if you won't admit it to anyone) you're more comfortable in front of a screen? Join the growing crowd.

Read the rest of this article at:
http://www.bruderhof.com/articles/jca/Necessity-Comfort-Evil.htm
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[Andrew]

Although in principle I agree, in working overseas since 1978 I have seen that while American, European and the upper class families throughout the world have the opportunity to have knowledge at their fingertips, or decide not to for their children, the poor are given no choice except by those who will decide what they can or cannot have and it is often by those who already have who decide what is best one way or another. Is this really just or merely our way of controlling information which in our world is also power. Perhaps we should let them make the decision without our meddling in their ability to learn one way or another. After all, doesnt bruderhof come through the internet and computers into our homes?

Responding to http://www.bruderhof.com/articles/jca/Necessity-Comfort-Evil.htm

[Tina Caldwell]

As always, it seems, I agree with your premise. I wonder, however, if your point isnt really moderation in all things? Like food, drink, sex and many other human needs, most anything taken into the extreme leads to addictive, anti-social behavior. Joining friends and family around the table to enjoy a meal and one anothers company is a healthy, God-given pleasure. Furtively cramming Oreos into ones mouth in the dark of night is not. I use my computer for many things, as you admittedly do. I stay connected with friends around the country whom I have known and loved most of my life. One of my best friends led me to your website, in fact. My computer helps me reach out. However, I dont turn to it for all my needs and when I really need to connect, nothing beats a friend and a cup of coffee. My computer also helps my son who has A.D.D. and some grapho-motor issues get schoolwork done. Because its difficult for him to hand-write his work, his teachers encourage him to use the keyboard. In this way, his creativity is actually allowed to flourish because his time and limited focus isnt used on the mechanics of producing. I do limit his computer time, however. Only so much time should be allowed for "Stupid Videos," just as scheduled activities should be limited. Playing one sport at a time helps generate a lifetime of activity, a learning of teamwork and an understanding of success and failure. Scheduling a child with so many extra-curricular activities, he or she never has a chance to dig that hole to China, however, limits the childs ability to grow and flourish. See my point? I dont know that its computers as much as our societys need to go to excess. Which my words are verging on now, so Ill shut up. Still, I think the computers for third-world countries also reflect our societys need to fix problems by shoving things at them. Not only should we focus on helping to feed people, but to teach them how to feed themselves. If that means ordering groceries on-line, then of course they need computers. Since it most likely doesnt, lets save the laptops for a time when their distended bellies arent growling. Thank you for your insights and for listening.

Responding to http://www.bruderhof.com/articles/jca/Necessity-Comfort-Evil.htm

[Mary Zajac]

While I agree that giving computers to EVERY child in the third world is like giving stones instead of bread my logic is entirely different. As a mother who has raised two boys who are computer literate without being addicted I think the value outweighs the risk. The issue I see in this is the word EVERY. I would wholeheartedly support a program where EVERY third world school received 2 laptops since there are incredible library like resources on the web (example wikipedia) that would cause these schools to leap forward in terms of the information they can provide to children. Also, computers can be very social when there are fewer computers than there are children and there is no email or chat program being used. That would not be giving stones but rather bread.

In fact, it would seem best to give the 2 laptops per school and use the rest of the money to buy something novel like bread, rice, or perhaps even shoes! I recently gave $10 to my Compassion International sponsored child in Haiti - he wrote us to tell us what he had purchased. It was very practical - shoes and clothes. Things he no doubt truly needed because what 10-year-old would buy these things unless they really needed them! It wasnt bread but it was satisfying a need. Also, the money was spent in his own economy so the profit stayed there and hopefully purchased bread for the merchant and the manufacturer.

The real issue isnt about creating a world of pale children gathered around glowing screens although the social issues are real. In my mind its actually about who makes a profit and what economy benefits. Imagine that number of laptops being considered and even at thin margins, how much profit could accrue in foreign countries. Better to send a few computers, carefully placed to encourage learning and sociability and have the rest invested in the local economy. This is a real issue with any charitable giving that isnt investable locally - theres always a benefit to the giver that is a detriment to the receivers economic well being.

Responding to http://www.bruderhof.com/articles/jca/Necessity-Comfort-Evil.htm

[Rene Johnson]

To some degree I agree with Arnold that computers (and other personal technology devices) have the potential to enslave individuals in our society, where we become too dependant on them, and that relating too much to machines hinders the development of relational skills. But, it is too simplistic to see computers as some kind of evil force. Computers may not be necessary to learning, but they are a tool that in fact can stimulate creativity and curiosity. And the fact that our society is not very good at relational matters may be the result of more than just technology. It was Arnolds comments in response to the U.N.s gift of cheap computers to developing countries that I found uninformed. While there may be many pressing and overwhelming needs in the less-privileged parts of the world, I find it inappropriate for a person from the privileged part of the world (who even has the privilege of NOT having a computer) to say that computers are not a valid contribution to the developing world. I lived fourteen years in Eastern Africa. The last 6 years I lived in Ethiopia where I taught at a seminary. Our students came into a Bachelors of Theology program not knowing how to use a library, let alone a computer. We had a computer lab (under-resourced and under-maintained due to budget contraints) and I was so impressed with the effort students would make in learning how to use the computer! They wanted DESPERATELY to be equipped for further study, for participation in the 21st century, and for the opportunity to be included in system of power that always finds ways to exclude them. 95% of my students were coming from very rural isolated locations in the country. In spite of a school system offering near zero resources and promoting rote learning, and in the absence of computers, they managed to develop a hunger for learning. Just imagine if theyd had computers available to them to satisfy this hunger!

Finally, in terms of what technology does to relationships, Arnold is mixing comments on the U.N. gift with observations of the American scene. Our society may not place a very high value on relationships, but in many cultures in the two-thirds world there is a high value on relationships, which, I believe, is not a protection against computer enslavement. Let us just hope that others can learn from our societys mistakes.

Responding to http://www.bruderhof.com/articles/jca/Necessity-Comfort-Evil.htm

[Jim Quigley]

Whoa there. Just because its plastic and has lights doesnt mean computers are a "necessary evil" (whatever a "necessary evil" happens to be). In fact, after being decorated, Christmas trees are plugged in and all but plastic and lights and if one chooses too, one can put so many presents underneath them that Christmas morning becomes, for a children, a lighted lesson called, uh, "The anit-magnificat." Jeez. But thanks. Im thankfully provoked, and could write all morning about the assumptions made in todays dig, theological or otherwise. But like the author I better sign off and get back to my current read, Catcher in the Rye.

Responding to http://www.bruderhof.com/articles/jca/Necessity-Comfort-Evil.htm

[John Karondukadavil]

Yes I completely agree with you that the children need not low cost laptops but the daily bread. One of my friends said that his best friend is his computer. Computer never hurts him and does what he commands. But human beings have emotions and there will be agreements and disagreements. Will we become closer through technology or will be become farther and farther? Let our children first learn to love and by being loved.

Responding to http://www.bruderhof.com/articles/jca/Necessity-Comfort-Evil.htm

[Anonymous Reader]

Why dont we give every child a laptop.There is the poor in North America as well.Heck,why dont we give every child a game box too.Im not quite sure of the nutritional value in these components,but I guess some rich politiction thinks it a good idea.As long as it makes him feel good,thats what counts.Hey,maybe every day is Christmas.

Responding to http://www.bruderhof.com/articles/jca/Necessity-Comfort-Evil.htm

[Mark]

As someone who works with and advocates for kids, Ive long believed there was something fishy about the demand all of them become computer literate. Thanks for telling me what it is (my wife hates them, too). But intentionally seeking out my neighbor to talk? I dont know....

Responding to http://www.bruderhof.com/articles/jca/Necessity-Comfort-Evil.htm

[Jenny Barber]

Computers for all certainly is irresponsible until there is water, food and electricity for all. Solar power of course is the answer for many very poor countries but I suspect this idea of computers for all is backed by a computer company (encouraged by government officials) greedy for profits in the name of charity!

Responding to http://www.bruderhof.com/articles/jca/Necessity-Comfort-Evil.htm

[Eliz]

I hate computers too. I didnt have one until 1999, and I thought I would like using email and looking up stuff - but I dont really. Sending an email to someone is not at all like writing a letter - it doesnt even come close. And emails last forever, with no privacy. And voice tone, body language, smiles, tears - they dont show up on a computer either.
But the worst part is the sitting. We Americans sit in our cars, kids sit in school, we sit in front of the TV - it is making our culture lazy and sick. At least when you talk on the phone, you can walk as far as the cord reaches, or if you have a cordless phone or a cell phone, you can cook dinner, take the washing out of the washing machine, pet the dog, rock the baby, while still having a conversation with laughter, give and take, tone of voice, etc.
Sometimes Americans want to make the "poor" just like us because we think we are the best way to be. I think we should try to be more like the "poor" and just have a few things, ourselves and each other.
I agree totally with Mr. Arnolds wife.

Responding to http://www.bruderhof.com/articles/jca/Necessity-Comfort-Evil.htm

[Kate Thomson]

I read this article with a sinking feeling in my stomach that fell deeper and deeper as I read on. I have raised 3 daughters over the last 25 years and technology continues to isolate each individual to the point that there is literally no exchange of communication, no exchange of human emotion, we as a society have become a singular entity. I hold the violence in the video games accountable for the murder and mayhem on the streets that we seem so shocked when it takes place. Computers have become a babysitter, a friend, a companion, the only source of interaction for many - far too many - children in our society.

Are people aware that you can find anything from how to make illegal drugs, bombs, methods to dispose of a dead body to white supremacy, porn sites and pedophiles? All this happens while you work to pay the mortgage, or cook the dinner at 8:00 at night. From video games, to cell phones, to Ipods, to x-boxes, heck, you can even go to church on the inner net. I wonder if God sits in that house? I ache for the kinder simpler times where you had to write your homework, and played outside until it was dark. I read to my children when they were growing up, and struggled to stay home with them instead of working. I am so blessed to have made that decision. Even though we communicate by e-mail, we also talk by phone, visit each other and attend church together.

Responding to http://www.bruderhof.com/articles/jca/Necessity-Comfort-Evil.htm

[Cindy]

Every technology invented goods are good if we use them correctly and moderately. It takes self-controlled and self discipline in using those advanced tech. items including computers. The parents should guide the children in using computers so that they wont be addicted to it.

Responding to http://www.bruderhof.com/articles/jca/Necessity-Comfort-Evil.htm

[Alice]

I totaly agree with Johann. Children do not need a computer to be comfortable, especially in the Third World. They need food, medication, education, and love. UN should convert the Laptops into maybe Scholarships for these children to go to school. Personal experience, I have lived countless days when I was growing up without food...I know what it is like to go to bed without eating anything. I worked hard and now Im going to college but still some of my neighbors go without food and proper clothing leave alone education or medication. So it is inapropriate for the UN to distribute low cost Laptops when really most children need the basic needs. Should first give at a lower cost things like clothing, education, and medication.

Responding to http://www.bruderhof.com/articles/jca/Necessity-Comfort-Evil.htm

[Mani Pulimood]

Computers help build international communities, families and acquire knowledge. From a spiritual perspective they provide a large number of resources for reading for spiritual growth viz. access to Bruderhof Communities. Please keep the vibrancy of your internet ministry because with your ministry you can reach a large number of people who would never have heard about your work. Like any good thing, over use or employing for the wrong purposes makes it an evil. This is what I fear the most. Computers can control our thoughts, and if used wrongly can sow satanic seeds of evil, doubt, and hatred. As Christians we should never forget that Jesus is our master. If we make computers our master then we will falter and go astray in our spiritual lives. But if we use computers to make friends then we are fulfilling God?s wishes (John 15:15). Do we know where our treasure is (Matthew 6:19-21)? Computers for the poor who dont have bread makes no sense. Computers for the poor who can use them to get bread certainly makes sense. It goes in line with teaching a man to fish will make him more independent, than to keep giving him fish. Jesus said follow me and I will make you fishers of men ( Matthew 4:19).

Responding to http://www.bruderhof.com/articles/jca/Necessity-Comfort-Evil.htm

[Jesse]

If we did not have computers and the internet how could you have spread your ideas to millions of people throughout the world in such a very short time.

Computers are just things that we may choose to use for or benefit or to destroy our moral fiber. Each one of us had to choose to either use computers for our good or detriment. We need to teach our children to use them for their good and their God.

Instead of hating computers, teach your children how to properly use computers to help themselves to learn from and express themselves to others. We seem to have forgotten that we are responsible for what we do and God will make us accountable for all our actions, including our use of computers.

Responding to http://www.bruderhof.com/articles/jca/Necessity-Comfort-Evil.htm

[Jeep]

I agree with the relation between computers and money, neither of which are good or evil in and of themselves. It is our use and more specifically our devotion, worship, or love of them that turns either into the god mammon.

"For the Love of money is A root of all kinds of evil."
1 Tim 6:10 NIV

Lets not forget that all of us reading & responding to these wonderful "Daily Digs" are using computers to do it. Many of us have donated our hard earned dollars to help those less fortunate and we have done it through our computers.

We need to hug tight to Jesus that He may guide us through the Valley of the shadow of death and lead us safely back home.

Responding to http://www.bruderhof.com/articles/jca/Necessity-Comfort-Evil.htm

[Ncube Nozipho]

Please you can say that again brother!!!!! People should know that priorities differ. I believe one should not make overall decisions because of one encounter. To make such decisions one should probably travel the world so when they speak from what they have seen. Do really kids from Somalia, Zimbabwe, even in America...do they all need laptops. God forbid...let not our world come to a slumber.

Responding to http://www.bruderhof.com/articles/jca/Necessity-Comfort-Evil.htm

[Hank Marxen]

Like booze and drugs. Like the freedom cars give teens. Like money and power and sex. We surrender our will to something, or not, to let it serve us or become its slave. This is the eternal inner struggle to place our souls in the hands of a worthy God. We celebrate the Eucharist with wine, we enjoy a fine Scotch, we maybe take ibuprofen for a splitting headache. Or we get drunk or high and hurt someone. Make out in the back seat before its appropriate. Computers are not special in this regard. Any "mark of the beast" ultimately comes down to our relationship with God, and its our will, inside us - not without, where the battle is fought. The rest is Caesars.

Responding to http://www.bruderhof.com/articles/jca/Necessity-Comfort-Evil.htm

[Bruce]

I read an essay of Christoph Arnolds in the past regarding computers and children, and I didnt comment on it but I shared his sentiments. I am an educator and I am continually appalled at this push for students to spend more and more time in front of a screen. Its supposed to help them... but help them do what? This is never answered. Students are simply being groomed to become the buyers and consumers of tomorrow. Computers expose children to things they dont need, but it teaches them to think they do or they wont be complete. As adults we face this barrage of what will make us complete, but only things that cant be bought have any value. Sadly, now children are being confronted with choices that most of us didnt confront until we were 18. It all is the cost of worshipping the god of capitalism instead of Jesus Christ. Eternal life requires a committment to give up what you have. I dont think this is going to be explored by putting more computers in African villages or classrooms in Atlanta, Georgia. We must not let computers stand in the way of our children developing relationships. As a teacher, I encountered more and more students who seemed incapable of conversation or relationships because of their rampant use of technology. How is this progress? People are getting rich but that hardly makes it right.

Responding to http://www.bruderhof.com/articles/jca/Necessity-Comfort-Evil.htm

[Lu Anne Farrar]

My sentiments exactly! My workplace commands that I work on a computer each day. The one luxary I allow myself outside of work is reading My Daily Digs. To date I remain without a computer in my home, but as I look at starting a small business next year I see the necessity of personally owning one. I dont see another choice in todays market place. Yet, it is not something I look forward to as I observe others and their attachment to their computers. Some even talk to them like they are human. I too, am concerned, very concerned for our children growing up in the U.S. for reasons too numerous to mention.
I have stated many times over the past years
as computers have forced us to make changes whether we wanted to or not, that they are Satans greatest handy work. Its all so subtle, yet so forceful.
Thank you so much for this writing. I often feel alone with my thoughts and concerns about computers.

Responding to http://www.bruderhof.com/articles/jca/Necessity-Comfort-Evil.htm

[Mary Holm]

Like most everything in our lives, computer technology can be used for good or evil. This article is a good use. Exposing children to computers at earlier and earlier ages and for ever increasing periods of time, in my opinion, is evil. My daughters high school art teacher, who has been teaching art for 50 years, says that every year he has to work harder to get less and less creativity from his students. We are destroying our childrens creativity and imaginations and even perhaps their ability to think by giving them packaged entertainment in the form of television, computers, video games, cell phones with TV and video capability. Parents need not even talk to their children in their vehicles anymore because many of the larger vehicles have televisions and DVDs. It is no wonder teenage suicide rates are increasing. Many of our children feel connected to no one. Much of their time is occupied with canned entertainment of the technological variety. I agree wholeheartedly with Johann Christoph Arnold. I also wonder how much the dramatic increase in autistic children in the West is attribitable to the increased use of technology. We need to ponder and pray on these things. Peace.

Responding to http://www.bruderhof.com/articles/jca/Necessity-Comfort-Evil.htm

[Leslie]

I find it very ironic that an article about the possibility of computers being the mark of the beast is published on the internet, using a computer.

Responding to http://www.bruderhof.com/articles/jca/Necessity-Comfort-Evil.htm

[Marjorie]

I couldnt agree more with everything in this article. It scares me so much to see what we are depriving our children and grandchildren of with the emphasis on computers. They are a wonderful tool but so easily abused. If it werent for computers I wouldnt be receiving your wonderful e-mails and I love the fact that in writing this I am able to correct my "typos" so easily, but children need to learn so much more than computers can ever deliver. I applaud you for your insightful articles and your re-inforcing the fact that people are important and if those children who are being given lap-tops could instead be given the gift of a persons time, love and sharing instead we would all be the richer.

Responding to http://www.bruderhof.com/articles/jca/Necessity-Comfort-Evil.htm

[Tom Venuto]

I concur with you that laptop computers are probably the last thing that starving third world children need, and that whoever would make such a suggestion is obviously in some strange world of their own making. However you blast off into the stratosphere yourself with your attack on computers in general. The simple truth is that computers are a powerful tool, no more and no less. Like any powerful tool it can be used by good people to do good things, like distribute daily "Caffeine for the conscience" emails around the world. Or it can be used to sell porn. Like so much in life you have to take the bad with the good. I just found it amusing that the computer critic seemed to forget he was using one!

Responding to http://www.bruderhof.com/articles/jca/Necessity-Comfort-Evil.htm

[Wayne Folsom]

I too am appalled at this guesture, not on the same platform that you with computers being evil are, but I once heard about a young man who was in a foreign country and for Christmas had given a father fine candy bars for children in his charge. But later found that the father had sold the candy bars on the black market. When he confronted the father, the father told him that his gift of candy bars were generous gifts, but instead of just having the pleasure of candy for a night he was able to sell the bars and buy food for a month for the always hungry children.
The young man felt guilty, for how can he have been so blind. The candy bars would have given just a small fleeing moment from their hunger. But not really addressed their true needs. How could the young man have been so blind to their needs? Looking back the gifts of the candy was really made to make the young man feel better, He did not even give any thought to the children?s true needs. These children need to have their basic needs addressed, not have something that they really have no need for. Yes the laptops would help the children secede in the business world, but first they have to survive their world as it is right now.

Responding to http://www.bruderhof.com/articles/jca/Necessity-Comfort-Evil.htm