Would we still build technology in a sinless world?
I found the answer to this question from magisterium.com’s AI very interesting:
Q: Would it be fair to say that man would never need to make machines nor technology if not for original sin and man’s fall from grace because man had everything he needed when in union with God?
A: The Catholic Church teaches that human beings were created in the image of God and given the vocation to “till and keep” the earth, which implies work and development, even before the Fall 45 46. Therefore, it would not be accurate to say that man would never need to make machines or technology if not for original sin.
Here’s a breakdown of the Church’s teaching on this matter:
Man’s Original Vocation to Work and Develop Creation
Before the Fall, God placed man and woman in the Garden of Eden “to till it and keep it” (Genesis 2:15) 5 45. This work was not a burden but a collaboration with God in perfecting visible creation 45. It was an essential dimension of man’s vocation, a task to “have dominion” over other created beings and “to cultivate the garden” 7. This dominion was not meant to be arbitrary or destructive, but rather a responsible stewardship, caring for and preserving the earth 3 9 37 38 42 43.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church states that God gives human beings the power to freely share in His providence by entrusting them with the responsibility of “subduing” the earth and having dominion over it 2. This enables humans to be intelligent and free causes in completing the work of creation and perfecting its harmony for their own good and that of their neighbors 2.
The Church encourages the advancement of science, technology, and other forms of human endeavor, viewing them as part of this collaboration with God in perfecting creation 39. Human abilities and creativity come from God and, when used rightly, glorify Him by reflecting His wisdom and goodness 39.
The Impact of Original Sin on Work and Creation
Original sin, however, introduced toil and suffering into human work 4 7 24 39. After the disobedience of Adam and Eve, nature rebelled against humanity, and the exercise of dominion became difficult and full of suffering 7. The harmony between the Creator, humanity, and creation was disrupted by the presumption to take God’s place and refuse creaturely limitations 44. This distorted the mandate to “have dominion” and to “till and keep” the earth, leading to a conflictual relationship between human beings and nature 44.
Despite the Fall, the Creator’s plan and the meaning of His creatures, including humanity’s call to cultivate and care for creation, remain unaltered 39. Work, even after the Fall, is seen as a means of sanctification and a way of animating earthly realities with the Spirit of Christ, as man collaborates in a certain fashion with the Son of God in His redemptive work by enduring the hardship of work in union with Jesus 21.
Technology as a Continuation of God’s Plan
Technology is seen as a profoundly human reality, linked to human autonomy and freedom, expressing and confirming the spirit’s hegemony over matter 41. It enables humanity to exercise dominion over matter, reduce risks, save labor, and improve living conditions 41. In technology, humanity recognizes itself and forges its own humanity, responding to God’s command to till and keep the land 41.
Popes have affirmed that technological progress is a path to peace and a manifestation of human intelligence, which is an expression of the dignity endowed by the Creator 40. When human beings, with the aid of technology, endeavor to make the earth a dwelling worthy of the whole human family, they carry out God’s plan and cooperate with His will to perfect creation and bring about peace 40.
However, the Church also warns that technological tools, due to radical human freedom, can be corrupted and used for destructive purposes if their true purpose of serving humanity is not ensured 37. The temptation to become like God without God, to grasp by human effort what should be freely received as a gift, can lead to the abuse of technology 10.
Conclusion
In summary, the Catholic understanding is that work, cultivation, and the development of creation, including through what we now call technology, were part of God’s original design for humanity, reflecting human intelligence and collaboration with the Creator 1 2 3 5 6 7 8 9. While original sin introduced hardship and the potential for misuse, it did not negate the fundamental vocation to develop and care for the earth. Therefore, it would not be fair to say that technology would not be needed if not for original sin; rather, the nature and experience of work and technological development were profoundly altered by it.
[1] La Inteligencia Artificial: Una mirada pastoral desde América Latina y el Caribe 3.4
[4] Sollicitudo Rei Socialis 30
[5] CCC 373
[6] Laudato Si 67
[7] Pope Francis Attends the G7 Session on Artificial Intelligence (13-15 June 2024)
[8] Address of His Holiness Pope Francis - Minerva Dialogues
[10] To workers of the Officine Olivetti in Ivrea (March 19, 1990) - Speech
[11] CCC 307
[14] Catechism of the Ukrainian Catholic Church: Christ – Our Pascha 975
[15] Address of His Holiness Pope Francis “The Common Good in the Digital Age”
[16] CCC 2427
[18] LVII World Day of Peace 2024 - Artificial Intelligence and Peace 1
[19] Address of His Holiness Pope Francis - Minerva Dialogues
[20] CCC 378
[22] Laudato Si 124