By Jonathan Ho

Dear Readers,

It was around 1436 when Johannes Gutenberg invented the printing press in Germany. While Korean bookmakers printed using movable metal typing a century before, and while the Chinese were using woodblocks for printing in the 9th century, Gutenberg is credited with bringing about the beginning of the “modern age”,[1] an age of increased globalization, scientific discoveries, and political discourse.

What was so important about this technology? The printing press allowed for cheap, fast printing and sharing of knowledge and ideas. This meant information could be shared and reflected upon in a much faster cycle than ever before.

Technology has shaped much of human history, from the invention of the wheel to the invention of the internet, and reshapes how we relate with one another. With the internet, the communication of ideas hit a faster and even cheaper stride, one which amplifies even more through social media. This means we consume much more information than ever before and transmit our own ideas much more quickly than ever before.

At Project Arctos, we believe technology is important but it must be wielded wisely. Technology may be used for good, but it may also be used for evil. Technology often amplifies our hearts; unless we are aware of its dangers, we risk utilizing technology to amplify our fleshly desires and natural inward turning of our hearts. We also believe technology is just one piece of what can shape our lives, things that affect us but which are often ignored as the air we breathe.

In this edition, we reflect back on 2022 and look forward to 2023. We begin with an overview of trends from 2022, from technological to social, and follow with a framework on what we believe the Church needs to be aware of moving into 2023. We end with an important reminder by Scott to remember to die to self daily, focused on faithfulness in our local tasks at hand, and not on what we want others to think of us.

We pray that God uses this edition to help us all see more fully where God is moving and where we may join Him in His work.

As followers of Jesus, we should not be caught asleep; may we be found awake and faithful when Christ returns!

Jonathan

P.S. As we enter 2023, we will be starting various new initiatives including ways to learn more about you and those excited to join God in His Kingdom work. Please reach out if you or someone you know would be interested in connecting more. Our email is hello@projectarctos.com. You can also join our online or in-person discussions on the Future of Evangelicalism this April.

Works Cited

Roos, Dave. “7 Ways the Printing Press Changed the World.” History.com. A&E Television Networks, August 28, 2019. https://www.history.com/news/printing-press-renaissance.