Much-needed angle. We should all be asking this question and applying ourselves to solutions at every level of culture, which is arguably the most profound form of technology in existence.
I notice the current list in this post lacks a section heading relating to the role of faith (communities) resisting tyranny.
There's a rich history there. And profound inspiration for spiritual renewal.
Nothing drives culture more profoundly than faith.
The current rapid cultural decline in West is linked to decline of faith under auspices of secularism.
(Note distinction between 'faith' (present / relationship orientation) and 'religion' (past / Institutional orientation).
That said, part of the reason the list as it is was that these are domains I can imagine technological solutions improving. Beyond certain tools making it easier to learn from scripture and share content, at the moment I struggle to imagine how our technological landscape could productively enhance one's faith.
It's possible I'm just being too pessimistic about that. There's definitely much to talk about regarding dangers to one's soul with existing technologies. I think that would be an interesting discussion, though I assume most religious groups have already had that discussion within their communities.
I'll also admit that it's a bit of a sore spot. Maybe it's a function of my generation, or my particular life experience, but in many ways I have complicated feelings about the decline of faith in general. I think things are far more complex than they may appear, and that there may be a greater purpose in some of the...confusion.
Hey, Gabriel. Pleasure to say hi — I appreciate the trajectory of your enquiry.
" I struggle to imagine how our technological landscape could productively enhance one's faith."
Quite! Not what I have in mind : let's turn it around : ask not what the current moment can do for your faith… rather : what can faith and faith communities do for the current moment!
What I mean is that there is a role in the current transformation / renaissance (away from tyranny) for faith and faith communities to make a contribution. Yet “not as we currently know them” … not as they currently are. We are all going to have to adapt a lot more. I sense a lot of people in the anti-tyranny movement have a faith background but maybe somewhat shipwrecked (is that fair enough?). Moreover, the faith traditions / mainstream religions failed to resist the tyranny — in fact, they not only acquiesced, they encouraged compliance.
I guess I’m looking quite far down the road, identifying a need for a far more agile, less congregation-centric faith. One that deeply and compassionately informs frontline practitioners in all kinds of spheres. Can you imagine anything like that, which would help uphold you in your struggle against tyranny, rather than merely making a demand that you join in a siloed faith community? I can and that’s what prompted me to respond to your vital angle: in other words: how can we harness / be harnessed by faith in our struggle against tyranny.
Much-needed angle. We should all be asking this question and applying ourselves to solutions at every level of culture, which is arguably the most profound form of technology in existence.
I notice the current list in this post lacks a section heading relating to the role of faith (communities) resisting tyranny.
There's a rich history there. And profound inspiration for spiritual renewal.
Nothing drives culture more profoundly than faith.
The current rapid cultural decline in West is linked to decline of faith under auspices of secularism.
(Note distinction between 'faith' (present / relationship orientation) and 'religion' (past / Institutional orientation).
Great point, and I agree with your analysis.
That said, part of the reason the list as it is was that these are domains I can imagine technological solutions improving. Beyond certain tools making it easier to learn from scripture and share content, at the moment I struggle to imagine how our technological landscape could productively enhance one's faith.
It's possible I'm just being too pessimistic about that. There's definitely much to talk about regarding dangers to one's soul with existing technologies. I think that would be an interesting discussion, though I assume most religious groups have already had that discussion within their communities.
I'll also admit that it's a bit of a sore spot. Maybe it's a function of my generation, or my particular life experience, but in many ways I have complicated feelings about the decline of faith in general. I think things are far more complex than they may appear, and that there may be a greater purpose in some of the...confusion.
Hey, Gabriel. Pleasure to say hi — I appreciate the trajectory of your enquiry.
" I struggle to imagine how our technological landscape could productively enhance one's faith."
Quite! Not what I have in mind : let's turn it around : ask not what the current moment can do for your faith… rather : what can faith and faith communities do for the current moment!
What I mean is that there is a role in the current transformation / renaissance (away from tyranny) for faith and faith communities to make a contribution. Yet “not as we currently know them” … not as they currently are. We are all going to have to adapt a lot more. I sense a lot of people in the anti-tyranny movement have a faith background but maybe somewhat shipwrecked (is that fair enough?). Moreover, the faith traditions / mainstream religions failed to resist the tyranny — in fact, they not only acquiesced, they encouraged compliance.
I guess I’m looking quite far down the road, identifying a need for a far more agile, less congregation-centric faith. One that deeply and compassionately informs frontline practitioners in all kinds of spheres. Can you imagine anything like that, which would help uphold you in your struggle against tyranny, rather than merely making a demand that you join in a siloed faith community? I can and that’s what prompted me to respond to your vital angle: in other words: how can we harness / be harnessed by faith in our struggle against tyranny.
Am I articulating anything helpful here?
My article on ‘the Narrow Path to Life’ may help to develop the thoughts, if you’re interested: https://open.substack.com/pub/writethevision/p/a-narrow-path-leading-to-life?