As we stand on the threshold of the 21st century, corporations and nations alike are naming the construction of an ultra‑high‑speed information network as their most urgent investment priority. Scientists are pouring their energy into rapid technological development.

Just as ultra‑high‑speed information is called “the rice of the 21st century,” it is expected to become the greatest social infrastructure of the coming era. The ripple effects of such a network will profoundly influence human culture. Once this network is established, countless services—education, civil services, medical care, cultural life, corporate information processing, shopping, banking—will be easily handled from home through optical fiber. Three‑dimensional video conferencing will be possible anywhere in the world, and multimedia computers and video phones will become commonplace. Falling behind in information technology will bring significant losses to a nation’s economy, which is why the world is watching this development closely.

The advancement of scientific and technological civilization is, of course, welcome news. Through human ingenuity, diseases have been eradicated, and better living conditions have been created, offering an improved environment compared to the past. These are achievements worthy of celebration. Yet we must remember that, with this progress, there are also things we are losing. A representative example is the introduction of the first black‑and‑white television. People were completely overwhelmed by this new technology. Its impact on families, society, culture, the economy, and even international relations was enormous, and it is no exaggeration to say that it played a major role in ushering humanity into an age of commercialism.

Because of the flood of advertisements on television, children began singing commercial jingles—“Buy this for me”—instead of traditional children’s songs and poems. Rather than cherishing our own culture, we became captivated by Western culture, abandoning our individuality. The clothing and styles of Western entertainers have become the standard for young people around the world. In the past, heroes were those who were honest, courageous, and willing to give their lives for loyalty. Today, however, anyone who possesses wealth and fame—even those involved in scandals and extravagant lifestyles—seems to be mistaken for a hero.

One pastor lamented that modern believers are drowning in videos and television, saying, “If you fall asleep after watching merciless, horrifying movies and filthy X‑rated films that confuse your soul, what will you do if your soul does not awaken the next morning?” There is a vast difference between ending the day by reflecting, repenting, reading even a single verse of Scripture, and meditating before sleep—and collapsing in exhaustion before a television filled with violence, murder, destruction, and chaotic entertainment.

Of course, television has not brought only negative influences. It has broadened our perspective and knowledge, helped us see people on the other side of the globe as neighbors, and enabled us to understand their cultures and customs. It has also given us easy access to excellent operas, musical performances, and masterpieces of art. Yet, without our awareness, television has also drawn us into a consumer culture and led us toward violence and materialism. In front of the TV that shapes such values, the challenge for believers is how to restore human relationships that are losing their meaning.

We all desire to live in heaven. To obtain a life as comfortable as heaven, technological civilization continues to advance. It is true that our quality of life has improved to some extent, but our inner life has become increasingly cluttered. Jesus said, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:3). Yet the more technology advances, the less peace our spirits seem to enjoy.

When the age of ultra‑high‑speed information networks fully arrives, our physical lives will become even busier with the flood of information, ideas, and endless choices about new worlds. I worry that, unless we are careful, believers may repeat the indiscriminate mistakes of the past. We must not allow ourselves—or our descendants—to become so captivated or absorbed by the technological civilization developed through the creative abilities God has given us that we forget the Creator Himself. Even if our physical lives become more convenient and advanced than before, we must not lose our “spirit.” The Lord has already opened to us an eternal life incomparable to any technological achievement, and we reach that eternal life through the discipline of godliness. The discipline of godliness is the work of guarding our soul, body, and mind through prayer, meditation, and the Word.

As we look ahead to the 21st century and the imminent arrival of the ultra‑high‑speed information age, I hope that this new era will not be one in which we lose more than we gain. Rather, may it be a time when we come to understand more deeply the infinite nature of our Creator God, grow in the knowledge of Him, and become true worshipers—true people of faith—of the 21st century.

— Wanhee Yoon, November 28, 1994