I Am Against the Horseless Carriage

I may be a bit behind on this declaration, but I want everyone to know where I stand. I am against the horseless carriage. Please do not dismiss my concerns before you hear me out. While this opinion may seem a bit isolated, it is not without its merits 125 years ago.

Alexander Winton, who sold one of the first gas powered cars in 1898 was told by his banker that he was crazy for thinking automobiles would displace horses. He did not reconsider his choice, but embraced the disruptive technology. There was widespread pushback to the automobile industry from lots of different places.

Let me give you a few reasons for my own opposition to the horseless carriage.

1. The "new" automobiles are loud, disruptive, and give off a foul odor. Living in a small community helps one appreciate the quiet and natural sounds around you. Invariably someone on a motorcycle or a vehicle with a bad muffler will disrupt the serene peacefulness of the community. It is noise pollution. This problem is magnified in urban areas where automobiles are even more plentiful. If I was alive at the time, I would have joined the Farmers’ Anti-Automobile Society of Pennsylvania (pre-1910).

2. They are a danger to the economy and jobs. Think of all those who will lose their job and means of supporting their families if the automobile industry takes off! Farriers (blacksmiths who specialize in horseshoes), horse breeders, feed suppliers, and carriage makers. This does not even address the danger to the horse population which will be neglected due the shift to horseless carriages.

3. These new horseless carriages are dangerous. They are faster than a horse carriage and heavier. People can be run over by someone speeding through the streets. If our streets are flooded with them, they will begin running into each other and causing more problems and dangers. Pedestrians beware!

I could go on, but it is a venture into the ridiculous unless I plan on joining the Amish. 

There have been mixed responses by Christians to technology throughout history. Some have rightly been wary of the newest fad, but rejected the danger outright rather than explore a sanctified use for it. Others have embraced every new technological advancement, but have not embraced the discernment they need to navigate "newness" in holiness. 

Let me give you three principles for navigating technology and change:

1. Remember we live in a fallen and spiritually broken world, but that we are called to steward it well. That means that every new technology can be used as an agent of brokenness or it can be sanctified to glorify God. We must learn how to use discernment to figure this out. 

2. Pursue ethical and morally acceptable ways to utilize new technology and advancements. Ward off idolatry and reject technological application that harms individuals or takes advantage of them. Instead, allow the Spirit to guide you into proper usage that glorifies God and uses technology to better society. 

3. Be cautious in embracing advancements while you determine the dangers, but be bold in applying these advancements to advancing the work of the church of Jesus Christ. Too cautious and you miss opportunity thus compromising the mission. Too adopting, and you walk in error thus compromising your integrity. '

What about you? Are you against the horseless carriage?



Check out these other articles:

A Note to Pastors on Friday

A Note to Pastors on Monday

I Do Not Like Change