A book worth a read along similar lines (though it doesn’t get into the spiritual aspects) is “The Extinction of Experience: Being Human in a Disembodied World” by Christine Rosen. She talks a lot about how much of our lives is now mediated by technology and why that’s a bad thing.
I saved this essay of yours for this Sunday morning, and it was such a satisfying read as I totally agree with you. There just has to be acceptance and knowledge of that majestic and powerful energy that undergirds all life on this world--and, maybe, beyond--an energy, a life force, that is positive, if accessed. We need to understand that ignoring it and all its possibilites is not only soul killing, the resulting chaos is...deadly...for all humans touch.
Wonderful thoughts, thank you for taking the time to write.
If I can share one quick reaction, it's that it's not "technology" that has made our lives easier in so many ways, let's go one step deeper- it's cooperation facilitated by technology.
AI has little relevance in the majority of lives across the planet for the simple reason that it doesn't foster shared experience.
If "God" were a Louis XIV style remote, majestic figure, preoccupied with his own glory and ends, he would mean little, but it's the little ways that the Great Spirit pervades and guides our lives that we recognize and value.
Thanks Andy! I think that's an interesting point about AI. I wonder if five years from now it will still be true that it has little relevance in the majority of lives across the planet. Those who are investing in it and promoting seem hellbent on making sure it the next sea-change in human existence, changing how we understand and interact with the world. Maybe they'll fail. Hopefully...?
Thank you for this essay, Leah! It helps me realize the ways in which my faith has kept me grounded in this virtual world (and the times in the past when it was lack of faith that set me adrift).
I share your thoughts and concerns. I liked catching fireflies during the summer months in the lower Hudson River Valley when I wasa kid. My mother would clang a brass bell when it was time to come home.
I opine God has been watching how the government has diminished HIS role in our lives. He is tearful. In junior high and high school all students stood for the Pledge of Allegiance (each classroom had a mounted pedestal flag ) followed by an non denominal prayer over the PA system. It was a simple time. A better time. People cared about each other and helped each other .
That sense of community needs to be picked up, cleaned and restabllished in the fabric of American life. We have becomes nation of sheep. Critical thinking is no longer an asset. Following on TikToc has replaced it. When SCOTUS removed prayer from public schools because it upset the atheist mother of a young male student, I think GOD knew where this was going and that it would not end well.
A book worth a read along similar lines (though it doesn’t get into the spiritual aspects) is “The Extinction of Experience: Being Human in a Disembodied World” by Christine Rosen. She talks a lot about how much of our lives is now mediated by technology and why that’s a bad thing.
Thanks! I'll look it up.
I saved this essay of yours for this Sunday morning, and it was such a satisfying read as I totally agree with you. There just has to be acceptance and knowledge of that majestic and powerful energy that undergirds all life on this world--and, maybe, beyond--an energy, a life force, that is positive, if accessed. We need to understand that ignoring it and all its possibilites is not only soul killing, the resulting chaos is...deadly...for all humans touch.
Wonderful thoughts, thank you for taking the time to write.
If I can share one quick reaction, it's that it's not "technology" that has made our lives easier in so many ways, let's go one step deeper- it's cooperation facilitated by technology.
AI has little relevance in the majority of lives across the planet for the simple reason that it doesn't foster shared experience.
If "God" were a Louis XIV style remote, majestic figure, preoccupied with his own glory and ends, he would mean little, but it's the little ways that the Great Spirit pervades and guides our lives that we recognize and value.
Again, thanks for sharing your thoughts!
Thanks Andy! I think that's an interesting point about AI. I wonder if five years from now it will still be true that it has little relevance in the majority of lives across the planet. Those who are investing in it and promoting seem hellbent on making sure it the next sea-change in human existence, changing how we understand and interact with the world. Maybe they'll fail. Hopefully...?
Thank you for this essay, Leah! It helps me realize the ways in which my faith has kept me grounded in this virtual world (and the times in the past when it was lack of faith that set me adrift).
That's so lovely to hear. Thanks, Celia!
Beautiful article. I will savor it, re read it and enjoy it again.
Wonderful! Thanks for sharing that. 🙏🏻
I share your thoughts and concerns. I liked catching fireflies during the summer months in the lower Hudson River Valley when I wasa kid. My mother would clang a brass bell when it was time to come home.
I opine God has been watching how the government has diminished HIS role in our lives. He is tearful. In junior high and high school all students stood for the Pledge of Allegiance (each classroom had a mounted pedestal flag ) followed by an non denominal prayer over the PA system. It was a simple time. A better time. People cared about each other and helped each other .
That sense of community needs to be picked up, cleaned and restabllished in the fabric of American life. We have becomes nation of sheep. Critical thinking is no longer an asset. Following on TikToc has replaced it. When SCOTUS removed prayer from public schools because it upset the atheist mother of a young male student, I think GOD knew where this was going and that it would not end well.