Well DUH! ;^)
If the presupposition behind this concern is that the one world government/revived Roman empire/antichrist is just around the corner, and any technology can be a tool of that future antichrist, then I can see how folks get all weak-kneed when they read this stuff in the paper.
That is indeed my presupposition (as it is for most who take the Bible seriously where the prophecies of the Second Coming are concerned), but I approach the subject this way: Even if the Lord tarries His Coming for another generation or two, or a century or two, or whatever length of time, would-be tyrants will still want to find ways to watch and control the rest of us. To say otherwise is to ignore 6000+ years of recorded human history or to think we've somehow "evolved" beyond that. (HA!) Why should we make it easier for them?
It's not being weak-kneed or Luddite. I happen to love technology, and I think that when the real MotB comes, it'll be obvious to all for the fact that getting it won't just be a matter of going to the DMV, but of pledging ourselves to and worshipping a man who claims to be God, so I don't think that this technology in and of itself is it. But I'm also just not keen on the government having more power over our lives than is strictly necessary.
That's why I hang out on FR. :^)
Are you suggesting that those like myself who do not agree with the futurist agenda do not take the Bible seriously?
It's funny that the apostle Paul, living at a time of great oppression from the state, would write these words:
Do you want to be unafraid of the authority? Do what is good, and you will have praise from the same.The antidote to oppressive civil authority is to do what is right, pure and simple. Perhaps Paul was naive and didn't realize how "evil" technology could be.
it'll be obvious to all for the fact that getting it won't just be a matter of going to the DMV,
I don't not share your speculative conclusions.
I believe that Jesus Christ is the Governor of the nations. He is seated on the throne of David, ruling from the heavenly Zion (Psalm 47:8; Acts 2:29ff; Heb. 12:22ff). I believe that He has been given "all authority" over the nations (Matt. 28:18ff), and He is presently putting all things in subjection (1 Cor. 15:25).
Our mission and message to the nations is clear:
How beautiful upon the mountains Are the feet of him who brings good news, Who proclaims peace, Who brings glad tidings of good things, Who proclaims salvation, Who says to Zion, "Your God reigns!" (Isaiah 52)Now therefore, be wise, O kings; Be instructed, you judges of the earth. Serve the Lord with fear, And rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son, lest He be angry, And you perish in the way, When His wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all those who put their trust in Him. (Psalm 2)