The Christian can very well live in a technological society, and can even participate to some extent in its projects. Yet his heart is not set upon these goals. And when it comes to the satisfaction of his deepest aspirations, he has no need for any secular institutions; at that point such things as research institutes, industries or universities are of no use to him at all. To put it very simply: the authentic Christian experiences a need to withdraw periodically into the contemplative solitude of his heart, into that inner "closet" which Christ bids us enter. (Matt. 6:6). There he communes with God, and there he drinks to his heart's content of the spiritual nectar. And having done so - having become filled and fortified with the gifts of the Spirit - he descends, as it were, into the humdrum world, to share his riches with his brethren, and serve his neighbor who is in need. That is the fully Christian life. It is a life lived on two planes; or better said, it is a heavenly life lived here and now upon this earth.
Wolfgang Smith
