When I was a child, I watched a cartoon named “The Jetsons.” At that time, with its futuristic gadgetry and artificial intelligence, it was entertaining but hard to believe it could ever come true. Today, most of that cartoon fiction has become reality. I also enjoyed watching the Star Trek television series, in which an international crew boldly explored space with unbelievable technology and speed. Today we have an international space station, and at least 13 nations have space programs. With constant launches from earth and continual human activity in space, we are well on our way to fulfilling the science fiction of yesterday.
Scientists are already developing theories for teleportation, so who knows, soon we may be saying like Captain Kirk on Star Trek, “beam me up.” If we are not wise, we will the slaves of our technology rather that the masters of ourselves. I applaud scientific develop but I revere God above science, so that science does not become my God. If we develop character and integrity at the same pace that we develop our technology, our science and technology will serve us well. I am excited to live in the age of “The Jetsons” and I believe that space travel and satellite-controlled communications have improved the quality of life on earth.
For us to continue to progress, I believe we must develop moral and personal discipline. Our failure to address questions of morality and self-control are leading to our demise. Wouldn’t it be amazing to step into the teleporter and be transported instantly wherever we wanted to go? We may indeed find ourselves saying “Beam me up” but whether it will be said in joy or despair depends on us. Are we prepared to become disciplined as human beings for our successful coexistence on this planet?