Spiritual Technology

I don't remember how this idea really came about, but I think about it every now and then.

There are all kinds of prevalent technologies in this modern era we live in. It's very fascinating and exciting to me! I personally think we need a boom in power technology. Oil and gas seem old fashioned nowadays since there are better things out there.

These technologies range from electronic technology, mechanical technology, medical technology, etc. The technologies I mentioned are, what I think, external technologies. They are telestial technologies, if you will. We rave about the latest technologies–the latest iPhone, electric vehicle, television set, etc. So, why do I call these “telestial technologies”?:

13 And everything that is in the world, whether it be ordained of men, by thrones, or principalities, or powers, or things of name, whatsoever they may be, that are not by me or by my word, saith the Lord, shall be thrown down, and shall not remain after men are dead, neither in nor after the resurrection, saith the Lord your God.
14 For whatsoever things remain are by me; and whatsoever things are not by me shall be shaken and destroyed. (D&C 132)

Maybe that's a stretch for some. Well, just roll with it for a second. I believe there must be celestial technologies also. We don't think of it like that, though. And by celestial technology, I'll say spirit technology–an internal technology. I think our spirit is capable of any of these external technologies and more; speed travel, higher states of consciousness, pure forms of communication, etc. Think of some yourself! What is the spiritual technology counterpart of an external technology? Pretty cool to think about, right?

This is why I believe in a technology that the world knows and understands very little about. I believe that our own bodies and spirits have the potential of a celestial nature, which isn't possible with these external/telestial technologies. With this celestial technology, our bodies and minds will be able to comprehend in immeasurable ways compared to these lower technologies (e.g., electronic communication). Pure information, knowledge, and truth is possible with spiritual technology. Because I believe this spiritual ability is celestial, the telestial technology isn't capable of discovering it–it must come from within us; it must come from a higher source to us; it comes by a personal relationship with God and seeking His perfect will for us. Eventually, the telestial technology isn't even needed, because a practice of celestial laws prepare us for something greater.

From Hugh Nibley, Approaching Zion:

There is full-time employment for all simply in exploring the world without destroying it, and by the time we begin to understand something of its marvelous richness and complexity, we'll also begin to see that it does have uses that we never suspected and that its main value is what comes to us directly from mere coexistence with living things—the impact on our minds and bodies, subtle and powerful, that goes far beyond the advantages of converting all things into cash or calories.

…With our present limited knowledge we could devise a perfectly practical order of things in which there would be no need for doctors, lawyers, insurance men, dentists, auto mechanics, beauticians, generals, real estate men, prostitutes, garbage men, and used-car salesmen. Their work is justified as an unpleasant necessity, yet there have been successful human societies in which none of those professions existed, any more than dukes, earls, and kings need to exist in our society. Nature around us, such of it as has remained, admonishes us that paradise is a reality. Through modern revelations we have learned that Zion also is a reality. Paradise is the proper environment of Zion. Here we are faced with a clear-cut proposition that recent developments of world history, if nothing else, admonish us we can no longer afford to ignore. The Tenth Article of Faith contains our future: our glory or our condemnation.

My hope is that this may convince others that a higher power does exist. If one merely believes in spirit matter, there must be some greater potential that we can attain. Our spirit and bodies, our soul, are in a telestial state. To what extent can we enjoy these spiritual technologies in this life? Or should I say spiritual gifts? Our Heavenly Father has great gifts for us to enjoy in this life if we work for it! You know the scriptures.

So, what of all these external technologies?:

President Joseph Fielding Smith marveled at the technological advances of his day. “Great progress has been made in mechanics, chemistry, physics, surgery, and other things,” he said. “Men have built great telescopes that have brought the hidden galaxies to view. They have, by the aid of the microscope, discovered vast worlds of microorganisms. … They have discovered means to control disease. … They have invented machines more sensitive than the human touch, more far-seeing than the human eye. They have controlled elements and made machinery that can move mountains, and many other things have they done too numerous to mention. Yes, this is a wonderful age.” However, he was concerned about another trend he saw in the world. He lamented: “All of these discoveries and inventions have not drawn men nearer to God! Nor created in their hearts humility and the spirit of repentance, but to the contrary, to their condemnation. … Faith has not increased in the world, nor has righteousness, nor obedience to God.” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Fielding Smith, Chapter 1: Our Father in Heaven)

Don't get me wrong, technology has been great for us; but I can't help but wonder what we could have enjoyed! Our society, any society in the history of the world, passed up Zion for…external technologies? For some reason we prefer these lower technologies. Would we prefer to talk to God on our iPhone? Why would our “need” of the external technologies be extinguished?

From Approaching Zion:

Arthur C. Clarke writes that within the foreseeable future all the most powerful and lucrative callings in our world will exist no more. Because of new processes of synthesizing, organizing, programming basic materials of unlimited supply into the necessities of life, we shall soon see “the end of all factories, and perhaps all transportation of raw materials and all farming. The entire structure of industry and commerce … would cease to exist; … all material possessions would be literally as cheap as dirt… . [Then] when material objects are all intrinsically worthless, perhaps only then will a real sense of values arise.”

Essentially, Babylon will cease whereas Zion will thrive. We will not be working for money, but rather building up and working for Zion. This won't happen magically, but through living higher laws of the Gospel. I think learning how to live these laws and incorporating them in our lives would be necessary; but it must be done by knowledge as much as zeal.

Zion is attainable now, but we all have to prepare. Let's forget about these external technologies! Let's hone in our spiritual technologies through prayer, study, and worship! God delivers, I promise. He'll more than make up for what we will pass up. What we are capable to experience with the spiritual faculties are much greater! Yet, we can't ignore our telestial state of existence. We still have to serve and do many good works. But if we do it with an eye single to the glory of God, obeying His voice, we'll see miracles. It may very well be difficult, but if we can find comfort in Him rather than these external technologies, we're on the right track. If we're going to use them then let's use them for good. The less time we waste, the better. Let's bring about Zion.