A recent article in the New Yorker discusses, with examples, how ideas spread. The article, written by a medical doctor, describes how some healthcare ideas, like the use of anesthesia, spread very rapidly -- and that was in the nineteenth century. It also describes how some ideas, like being as sterile as possible when you are going to do surgery, spread much more slowly, and indicates some of the reasons why this might be so. Then it discusses some healthcare ideas which should be spread to third world societies, for their own sakes, and how difficult that can be.
The bottom line? For at least some medical changes, technological aids don't do much good towards getting people to change. It takes one-on-one demonstration, showing how to do something, and explaining why it's important..
The article is fascinating, but I can't help but be reminded of how the gospel should be spread. Using technology is OK, but what's really needed is one-on-one demonstration, showing how, and why it's important.
Thanks for reading! Read the New Yorker article.
Musings on science, the Bible, and fantastic literature (and sometimes basketball and other stuff).
God speaks to us through the Bible and the findings of science, and we should listen to both types of revelation.
The title is from Psalm 84:11.
The Wikipedia is usually a pretty good reference. I mostly use the World English Bible (WEB), because it is public domain. I am grateful.
Absolutley right!
ReplyDeleteI have to say that I have read the Bible more and therefore spread the word more because I like to share all because of an iPad and iPhone.
ReplyDeleteI have instant access to the Bible and all its translations.
I think access to the word of God and salvation is greatly enhanced by technology and iPhone/iPad is almost intuitive - so little person to person demonstration is needed.
Thanks, FancyHorse.
ReplyDeleteI have access to the Bible too, and, like you, atlibertytosay, I try to spread it through technology, which, I hope, is a good thing.
But I think some people should be seeing the Bible in action in my (or someone else's) attitudes and actions, in person, or they won't be reached.