By Ricardo García
A few days ago someone shared a news article with me stating that the government in Sweden intends, regarding the education of children, to return to books and move away from the use of screens—or at least reduce or regulate their use. This is due to the negative effects they have observed in younger and older people alike.
When, as parents within the educational community, we talk about this topic—especially about the negative effects of excessive and uncontrolled screen use—and we think about replacing it with books, it is easy to fall into a false dichotomy, thinking that what we are discussing is “technology versus the past.”
But the reality is that we must filter everything through the light of Scripture and evaluate it from a covenantal perspective.
Although we know that screens can have negative effects if used improperly, we often hesitate to talk about the issue—especially when we are around our children or young families—because we fear they might think we are stuck in the “prehistoric age.”
However, I would like to offer you a biblical perspective on how to evaluate this issue—not by “demonizing” technology, but by looking at it through the lens of Scripture.
I believe we should begin with the fact that our children were created in the image and likeness of God. This will help us understand their task and purpose, and conclude that anything that hinders or diverts them from that purpose should be set aside.
Man was created in the image of God in knowledge, righteousness, holiness, and with dominion over creation. This means that God gave man a mind capable of thinking, reasoning, governing, creating, working, and discerning.
Christian education, therefore, is the process of developing that image in order to exercise faithful dominion over the world God created (Gen. 1:28).
When misused, screens tend to weaken several aspects of the image of God in man, while books—reading—tend to strengthen them.
Let me share four important ways in which reading fosters the image of God in children… and in those who are not so young.
1. Reading Encourages Thinking
R.J. Rushdoony said about education that it is not entertainment but preparation for dominion and responsibility.
We agree with this statement, mainly because when entertainment becomes the center of education, we are sending the message that the child is the center—not God.
This creates several problems. As those responsible for our children’s education, we end up modifying both curriculum and methods just to please the child.
I am not saying education should not be enjoyable, but fun or entertainment should not be the central focus. The child is being trained to successfully fulfill his task under God, not simply to be entertained.
Unfortunately, the misuse of screens is centered on entertainment. They become “virtual babysitters,” and the child’s thinking becomes captive to whatever the screen provides.
Books, on the other hand, promote thinking. Reading strengthens the mind God gave us. Reading requires your child to think, analyze, and remember.
2. Reading Trains Them in Self-Control
Proverbs 25:28 says:
“Like a city broken into and without walls is a man who has no control over his spirit.”
As parents, we must do everything possible to cultivate self-government in our children. As this proverb teaches, a person who lacks this virtue becomes easy prey for enemies—for all kinds of philosophies and teachings that are foreign to the Bible.
What parent in their right mind would leave their child exposed to those who want to harm them? None.
The more time our children spend in front of screens, the less patient they become. Everything they want is only a click—or a swipe—away.
Technology should serve humanity in fulfilling its calling under God, making tasks faster and easier—not hindering them.
Many resources we used in the past are disappearing. For example, it is much easier to look up a word on Google than in a physical dictionary. Nevertheless, we must be careful not to neglect the strengthening of self-control in exchange for quick changes and instant rewards.
Remember that education prepares us for our calling under God, and discipline is a moral act.
A child who reads learns to focus, to be patient, and to finish what they start. Reading does not promote instant gratification but discipline, training them in self-control and helping them overcome laziness.
3. Reading Awakens Imagination and Creativity
An important aspect of the image of God in man is creativity.
We have a creative God. When we observe creation, we cannot help but marvel at how perfect and beautiful it is.
When we read the account of creation in Genesis, we see that nothing in it lacks meaning or purpose. Everything that was made was thoughtfully designed beforehand.
Since mankind has been called to exercise dominion over creation, we are also called to exercise creativity to serve others and advance the Kingdom of God by developing new technology.
How could we create new technology without creativity or imagination? It would be impossible.
Misguided use of screens turns children into passive consumers. Technology has advanced so much that there is no need to leave the screen to obtain anything—everything is available there to be consumed.
While we cannot deny that this has made life easier, it can become dangerous when we become mere consumers.
Human beings, in their cultural calling to exercise dominion over creation, were not designed to be consumers of culture but creators of culture.
Reading exercises the mind, thought, and imagination. For this reason, we have an obligation to place in our children’s hands books that cultivate these things.
There is no better way to train the mind and imagination than through books.
4. Reading Exercises Judgment and Reflection
Another aspect of the image of God in humanity is justice. This means that human beings naturally possess a sense of what is just and are designed to pursue it in daily life.
Sin has corrupted this characteristic to such a degree that people still seek justice—but no longer know how to discern it.
Judgment is something that must be exercised throughout life, especially during youth.
“And everyone who lives on milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, since he is a child. But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.”
Hebrews 5:13–14
As mentioned earlier, screens entertain and encourage instant rewards, turning people into consumers rather than creators of culture.
As a result, we fail to exercise discernment. We are exposed to opinions and ready-made statements, and all that remains is choosing which one we will adopt.
Books, on the other hand, train us to analyze, which is essential for discernment and sound judgment.
Judgment is not only a mental activity—it also requires decisions. A sufficient vocabulary is necessary to express what we want to say, and the proper use of words also requires judgment.
“Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.”
Colossians 4:6
As we can see, reading is a powerful tool for strengthening the image of God in our children—and in ourselves.
The dominant culture belongs to those who master the written word.
Christians who do not read remain outside the arena where ideas, policies, science, and moral standards are shaped.
Reading is an act of dominion and freedom because it breaks the chains of entertainment and laziness, trains the mind to govern, and prepares Christians to build God’s culture in the long term.
