Gospel Accelerates Technology?

Yes, there is an obvious connection:

They occurred around the same time. (very broadly speaking and from a selective view)

I think there are semi-universal things that have happened at times in history that make me wonder about divine influence, but, if I were to address your question more seriously, from a faithful Mormon perspective, I would say the Reatoration had to occur in a time of advancing technology so the people could begin to understand the grand theology to a greater degree.

There are so many assumptions that can and should change and grow in an age of advanced technology – and, ironically, some of those things that need to evolve are the heart of conservative fundamentalism. The universality of humanity, the possibility of universal connectedness, the breakdown of territoriality and tribalism, acceptance of differences that used to get people killed (even recently and still) – all of this is due partly to advancing technology, and technology largely drives theological evolution and “doctrinal pruning”.

So, going back to your question, I would reverse the order. Joseph didn’t usher in advancing technology; advancing technology allowed for further light and knowledge to explode around us and create the environment necessary for a restoration.

I can see the correlation (if I squint my eyes hard enough), but I’m not sure if I buy it completely. Joseph Smith and the early saints learned pretty quickly that they didn’t fit in with the rest of the world, so they actively sought out Nauvoo as a place to separate themselves from the world in a way. Then Brigham took them way out where they were completely secluded. Personally, I believe that the seclusion is what allowed the church to survive. It was able to grow and take root, where they were insulated from the rest of the world. Brigham Young knew that technology might benefit the saints, like steam engines carrying granite to the temple lot, but he also feared what else it would bring into their little world: outsiders. It seems like the church always finds a way to use technology to it’s advantage to spread the gospel, but it also seems like the leaders are wary of technological advances initially. I think they’ve made the most of technological advances, as a necessity. I don’t necessarily think that God has given us all of this technology, for the church or any other reason. Look at the technology (or lack of technology) that Christ had to work with…

I see it quite differently. I think technology has and does accelerate the teachings of the gospel, and has done so at least from the invention of the printing press. Did God inspire the printing press? Danged if I know. Did God inspire computers so that missionaries can teach the gospel on Facebook? Again, I don’t know – but I do doubt it. I think there’s as much credence in the theory that the aliens who landed at Roswell are behind the surge in electronic technology. Confirmation bias (a Jedi mind trick) can go along way with a (weak minded) TBM .

Ever try to get your grandfather to adopt the latest technology? Either they don’t see the need and it’s completely irrelevant to their lives (I’ve lived this long without xyz, why start now?) or they end up putting a black piece of tape over the blinking 12:00. It’s really no surprise that the church is slow to adapt to new technologies, aren’t all the leaders someone’s grandpa’s (or great-great-great-great grandpa’s)? :angel:

Bit backwards here, because by the time that modern Christian missionaries have reached any area or people it is getting opened up to technology.

The agricultural revolution, the renaissance, the numerous Chinese inventions, printing… all of these were before JS came along. In fact, he benefited from some of them. The industrial revolution also began arguably before Smith. The first people to leave the Earth’s surface mechanically in the 1780s, the Montgolfier brothers did most of their work before him too.

Technology is only as good as the people who use it of course. We see many things being developed/invented these days which can be used for good or ill – I was watching someone from MIT talking about mind control devices, which he intends to use for averting dementia. Of course, such technology could be employed for more sinister purposes, like say GPS.

My ward just announced that the church is trying to do away with paper manuals. They recommend that people that have an internet enabled device download the gospel library app. The ward will still purchase paper manuals for those that do not have one of these devices but is encouraging everyone to use the app instead.

I see this more as an effort to cut costs, than an effort to embrace technology. If the online manuals cost the church more than the paper manuals, then they wouldn’t be pushing it.

A lot of them end up dumped or damaged, so not completely stupid.

Ever try to get your grandfather to adopt the latest technology? Either they don’t see the need and it’s completely irrelevant to their lives (I’ve lived this long without xyz, why start now?) or they end up putting a black piece of tape over the blinking 12:00. It’s really no surprise that the church is slow to adapt to new technologies, aren’t all the leaders someone’s grandpa’s (or great-great-great-great grandpa’s)? :angel:

It is my understanding that Elder Packer bought everyone in the Q12 iPads. A couple of them are quite open about encouraging the use of technology, Ballard and Bednar come to mind. On the other hand, the sabbath training included a quote from Ballard about refraining from use of devices during SM (not just during the sacrament), which fueled the anti-techies in our stake.