Christian theologians and secular cultural critics have increasingly observed and documented the many ways in which modern technologies have had and continue to have deleterious effects on interpersonal relationships, mental health and Christian community and sanctification more broadly. These authors range from twentieth century commentators like Marshall McLuhan and Neil Postman to the contemporary social psychologist Jonathan Haidt. Many Christian accounts of technology and human flourishing have leaned heavily upon the analysis of these authors.
However, fewer accounts have diagnosed the ways contemporary technological engagement tends to reorient and erode other features of creaturely life. Particularly, modern technology diminishes our sense of human contingency and finitude, especially as they concern our dependence upon and embeddedness within the natural world. This claim has profound implications for spiritual formation and cultural life, including proper respect for creation and creaturehood. This paper will contend that human embodiment is an inherent good to be respected and honored in technological development and criticism, not a limit to be overcome. Additionally, understanding and deploying the term and concept of “nature” is an essential component to honoring the body’s centrality to Christian living.