Discover the ancient understanding of technology, its relation to the Fall, and its implications for our era. Dive into the intersection of technology and spirituality, the depersonalization of humanity, and the reframing of traditional deities in the Enlightenment. Explore the origins of technology in ancient texts, the impact of technological advancements on human maturation, and the importance of spiritual wisdom in navigating our technological world.
Differentiate between magic and techné in manipulating elements for guaranteed results versus broader instrumentalization.
Eucharistic prayer seeks God's blessing through prayer, unlike magic that forces outcomes by manipulation.
Sacrificial worship acknowledges divine agency and potential rejection, unlike magic which seeks to manipulate outcomes.
Human readiness and maturity determine the appropriateness of certain knowledge and technology advancements.
Deep dives
Differentiating Magic from Techné
Magic is a subset of technique, which focuses on guaranteed results and forcing gods or manipulating elements for specific outcomes. Techné, on the other hand, encompasses a broader range of instrumentalization, not solely focused on guaranteed results. It involves manipulating elements of the world for various purposes.
Eucharistic Prayer vs. Magic Formula
The difference between the Eucharistic prayer in Divine Liturgy and magic lies in the intent and approach. Magic seeks to force or manipulate outcomes, while the Eucharistic prayer acknowledges God's autonomy. The Eucharistic prayer is a request to God, not a technique to make Him act. It involves prayer and invitation for God's blessing, not manipulation.
Historical Context of Sacrificial Worship
Sacrificial worship, like the Eucharist, includes the notion that the God can reject the sacrifice. Ancient practices, such as reading sacrificial animal entrails, demonstrate the belief in the divine acceptance or rejection of sacrifices. This differs from magic, as sacrifice recognizes the agency of the divine and the possibility of rejection based on the worshippers' intentions and actions.
The Forbidden Knowledge of Technology
Technology and knowledge are not inherently evil; rather, it is the time and circumstances that may make certain knowledge forbidden. Just as certain knowledge may be inappropriate for a child, there are types of knowledge not suited for humanity at specific times. For example, the story of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil in Genesis depicts a knowledge that humanity was not ready to acquire. This understanding is present in various religious texts, emphasizing the importance of humanity's readiness to handle certain knowledge.
The Maturity and Responsibility in Technology
The story of forbidden knowledge aligns with the concept that humanity's collective maturity determines its readiness to interact with advanced technology. The wisdom to use technology responsibly is contingent upon spiritual growth and maturity. The notion that if humans were holier, they would be entrusted with more advanced technology suggests a correlation between human maturity and the responsible use of knowledge and technological advancements.
Impact of Technological Advancements
Technological leaps have characterized different historical periods, each accompanied by advancements and shifts in society. From the invention of the printing press to the information age, technology has continually evolved, impacting human societies. The ethical considerations surrounding knowledge and technology echo the idea that human maturity and spiritual growth are essential for the responsible and beneficial use of advancements.
The Collective Maturation of Humanity
Humanity's collective maturation is emphasized, suggesting that history moves towards a purpose where a faithful remnant emerges to give birth to the Messiah. This view, as seen through the lens of the church fathers, highlights a collective understanding of humanity's role within the flow of history. The culmination of history in the Theotokos signifies a progression towards a central purpose that involves a faithful remnant and the eventual birth of the Messiah.
Technology's Impact on Collective Identity
The discussion touches on technology's role in shaping collective human identity, highlighting its potential negative impact due to the prevailing individualistic approach. Evaluating technology's broader effects on humanity, particularly its primary usage and impact on cultures, is emphasized. Despite technology's benefits, a call to assess its collective implications and the need for spiritual wisdom in its use is underscored.
How did the ancients understand the source of technology? How does that relate to the Fall? What does that mean for our own age and the age to come? Why do printers never work? Join Fr. Stephen and Fr. Andrew for an ages-long look at the work of men's hands.
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