It is sort of interesting to note that many Christians believe that "real life" begins in the next world and/or when one goes to heaven (wherever that could possibly be) and that this world is only a way-station for the next/better (elsewhere) world to come.
Some right-wing Christian's therefore pretend that it does not really matter how we treat this world because God will in one way or another take care of everything, or has a "plan" for humankind altogether. Such a (mis)understanding informed the applied politics of a prominent member of the Reagan administration (his Minister for (against) the environment) and most probably some/many now-time right wing Christian true believers.
It is also interesting to note that you refer to God as "He". But what if creation (or the "flesh") altogether is a manifestation of the Feminine aspect or quite literally the body of the Living Divine Reality. The Feminine Principle is actually worshipped in some traditions. Some of the names/images thus used are Shakti, The Goddess, the Great She, the Woman Clothed in the Sun, the Durga, Kali, Kwan Yin, the various forms of Tara in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition.
And what about the European "witch-burning" hysteria in which millions of non-conformist women were systematically murdered. A hysteria which was even "authorised" by the infamous book The Hammer of Witches.
That having been said what do you really know about Jesus and the Spirit Breathing Way that he taught and demonstrated while he was alive. And what he thus called his disciples to duplicate/incarnate in their own body-mind-complex.
It is also interesting to note that the Dark Machine emerged out of or within the Christian tradition. Which is to say that there was/is something within the Christian tradition that was pre-disposed to the emergence of The Machine. The catalyst for such was when the early multi-various Christian movement was coopted by the Roman State and made its official State Religion, thus giving prominence to Constantine's famous Sword. Convert to the "one true way" as defined by the church fathers or be condemned murdered as a "heretic".
Blaming "satan" for such an emergence is just a cop out.
Thanks for your comments. I'll take these—for the moment—as honest responses and questions, rather than trolling.
Yes, many Christians have had a deficient view that treats Creation and the earthly realm as profane, rather than full of the glory of God. Part of my reason for writing this piece is to offer an alternative view.
I refer to God as 'He' because that is how He refers to Himself in scripture. However, if you look into it (there's lots available on this) God also uses some feminine words to describe His nature in scripture. My understanding is that His nature is bigger than gender, but I choose to use the pronouns He used to describe that nature.
I haven't looked much into the witch-burning, but I do think hysteria likely played into it. Much evil has been done in the name of God, unfortunately. I think it breaks His heart every time.
I know the person of Jesus and God by personal experience, as well as by what is revealed about Him in scripture and through the book of Creation (which includes others made in His image). Each informs the other.
Whenever Christians have allied themselves with power, seeking power as their main end, the results have not been good. Jesus' life demonstrates another way, a self-emptying love. Many of those who want to follow Him haven't understood Him adequately.
My main point in this piece is that technology, which we are taught to view as amoral, may have influences in its creation that we do not readily see. My hope is to shine a light on some of those influences.
I bless you in the name of the Lord, Jonathan. May He make his face shine upon you and grant you peace.
Meg thanks for drawing my attention to this thoughtful piece (and the kind mention). Also wanted to send encouragement, especially after reading the comment below (which seemed unnecessarily cutting). Subscribed to your missives and looking forward to more:)
Thanks for the kind words, Ruth! I think the world needs a continual demonstration of Love, so this is an opportunity, really.
I so appreciate your well-considered work on School of the Unconformed. Thanks to you and Peco for both living it and sharing it. I look forward to each piece. :)
It could be something even deeper like the fear of our own mortality. Currently reading The Denial of Death and I think Becker would say that the body, embodiment, reminds us of our inevitable fate, death. So a move away from it could be a strategy to fight off that realization, or at least push it further down. It’s no surprise that those we worship have also been able to overcome mortality.
A good life remains balanced in our godlikeness and our creatureliness.
I think a focus on restoring balance and also not eliminating either is the best way forward. I believe the machine is man-made and a byproduct of this imbalance so restoring balance in ourselves can eventually correct course.
Interesting points, Shane. Thanks for sharing them. Haven't read Denial of Death, but intuitively, it makes sense that the move towards disembodiment is part of that denial. I also believe the Machine is man-made, but what I'm hoping I'm communicating is that that does not mean it is amoral. Those who participate in creating it have belief systems (inspired by lies of the enemy), that influence its creation, even if those who create it are not consciously aware of those beliefs.
Of course, I also think that the Machine is a principality or power. I suppose that's what I'm really getting at and I'm seeing an opportunity to elaborate on that to help clarify.
I agree with you on those who participate not necessarily being aware that they’re doing so. It’s baked into our convenience fast gratification culture. And I agree with you that it isn’t amoral, necessarily, it just is, but I don’t think it’s so clear who’s false belief systems are driving it.
It is sort of interesting to note that many Christians believe that "real life" begins in the next world and/or when one goes to heaven (wherever that could possibly be) and that this world is only a way-station for the next/better (elsewhere) world to come.
Some right-wing Christian's therefore pretend that it does not really matter how we treat this world because God will in one way or another take care of everything, or has a "plan" for humankind altogether. Such a (mis)understanding informed the applied politics of a prominent member of the Reagan administration (his Minister for (against) the environment) and most probably some/many now-time right wing Christian true believers.
It is also interesting to note that you refer to God as "He". But what if creation (or the "flesh") altogether is a manifestation of the Feminine aspect or quite literally the body of the Living Divine Reality. The Feminine Principle is actually worshipped in some traditions. Some of the names/images thus used are Shakti, The Goddess, the Great She, the Woman Clothed in the Sun, the Durga, Kali, Kwan Yin, the various forms of Tara in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition.
And what about the European "witch-burning" hysteria in which millions of non-conformist women were systematically murdered. A hysteria which was even "authorised" by the infamous book The Hammer of Witches.
That having been said what do you really know about Jesus and the Spirit Breathing Way that he taught and demonstrated while he was alive. And what he thus called his disciples to duplicate/incarnate in their own body-mind-complex.
It is also interesting to note that the Dark Machine emerged out of or within the Christian tradition. Which is to say that there was/is something within the Christian tradition that was pre-disposed to the emergence of The Machine. The catalyst for such was when the early multi-various Christian movement was coopted by the Roman State and made its official State Religion, thus giving prominence to Constantine's famous Sword. Convert to the "one true way" as defined by the church fathers or be condemned murdered as a "heretic".
Blaming "satan" for such an emergence is just a cop out.
Hi Jonathan,
Thanks for your comments. I'll take these—for the moment—as honest responses and questions, rather than trolling.
Yes, many Christians have had a deficient view that treats Creation and the earthly realm as profane, rather than full of the glory of God. Part of my reason for writing this piece is to offer an alternative view.
I refer to God as 'He' because that is how He refers to Himself in scripture. However, if you look into it (there's lots available on this) God also uses some feminine words to describe His nature in scripture. My understanding is that His nature is bigger than gender, but I choose to use the pronouns He used to describe that nature.
I haven't looked much into the witch-burning, but I do think hysteria likely played into it. Much evil has been done in the name of God, unfortunately. I think it breaks His heart every time.
I know the person of Jesus and God by personal experience, as well as by what is revealed about Him in scripture and through the book of Creation (which includes others made in His image). Each informs the other.
Whenever Christians have allied themselves with power, seeking power as their main end, the results have not been good. Jesus' life demonstrates another way, a self-emptying love. Many of those who want to follow Him haven't understood Him adequately.
My main point in this piece is that technology, which we are taught to view as amoral, may have influences in its creation that we do not readily see. My hope is to shine a light on some of those influences.
I bless you in the name of the Lord, Jonathan. May He make his face shine upon you and grant you peace.
Great points and well said.
Meg thanks for drawing my attention to this thoughtful piece (and the kind mention). Also wanted to send encouragement, especially after reading the comment below (which seemed unnecessarily cutting). Subscribed to your missives and looking forward to more:)
Thanks for the kind words, Ruth! I think the world needs a continual demonstration of Love, so this is an opportunity, really.
I so appreciate your well-considered work on School of the Unconformed. Thanks to you and Peco for both living it and sharing it. I look forward to each piece. :)
It could be something even deeper like the fear of our own mortality. Currently reading The Denial of Death and I think Becker would say that the body, embodiment, reminds us of our inevitable fate, death. So a move away from it could be a strategy to fight off that realization, or at least push it further down. It’s no surprise that those we worship have also been able to overcome mortality.
A good life remains balanced in our godlikeness and our creatureliness.
I think a focus on restoring balance and also not eliminating either is the best way forward. I believe the machine is man-made and a byproduct of this imbalance so restoring balance in ourselves can eventually correct course.
Interesting points, Shane. Thanks for sharing them. Haven't read Denial of Death, but intuitively, it makes sense that the move towards disembodiment is part of that denial. I also believe the Machine is man-made, but what I'm hoping I'm communicating is that that does not mean it is amoral. Those who participate in creating it have belief systems (inspired by lies of the enemy), that influence its creation, even if those who create it are not consciously aware of those beliefs.
Of course, I also think that the Machine is a principality or power. I suppose that's what I'm really getting at and I'm seeing an opportunity to elaborate on that to help clarify.
I agree with you on those who participate not necessarily being aware that they’re doing so. It’s baked into our convenience fast gratification culture. And I agree with you that it isn’t amoral, necessarily, it just is, but I don’t think it’s so clear who’s false belief systems are driving it.
I look forward to reading more.