What Moses Can Teach Us About Technology and Faith
What can Moses and the Ten Commandments teach us about AI, technology and faith? A Catholic reflection on using modern media wisely and keeping people in charge of technology.
BIBLE STUDY CARTOONSREFLECTIONS
Rom Webster & Opa
Okay, Lord… How About a Kindle Edition?
There is something delightfully human about our latest cartoon.
Poor Moses is trudging down the mountain carrying two enormous stone tablets and looking heavenward as if to say:
"Lord, next time… parchment would be nice. Or perhaps even a Kindle edition!"
Of course, we smile because we understand the joke immediately.
Stone tablets are heavy.
Books can be heavy too.
Libraries are wonderful treasures, but most of us have shelves filled with books we love, books we intend to read someday, and books that quietly gather dust while waiting patiently for our attention.
And yet, with modern technology, an entire library can now fit into a small device that slips into a pocket.
That is not a bad thing.
In fact, it can be a very good thing.
Technology Is a Tool
The Church has never feared genuine human progress. Throughout history, Catholics have embraced many forms of technology:
The codex (the early form of the modern book)
The printing press
Radio and television
The internet
Digital publishing and electronic media
Each new technology brought both opportunities and dangers.
A hammer can build a church or break a window.
A printing press can print a Bible or spread nonsense.
Artificial intelligence can help organize information, create educational materials, and spread the Gospel—or it can be used carelessly, manipulatively, or without proper respect for human dignity.
The issue has never really been the technology itself.
The issue is the human heart that uses it.
Staying in Charge
Recent reflections from the Church on artificial intelligence remind us that human beings must remain firmly in charge of the technologies they create.
Technology should serve people.
People should never become servants of technology.
Our phones should not own us.
Algorithms should not form our consciences.
Artificial intelligence should never replace wisdom, virtue, prayer, or authentic human relationships.
God gave us minds capable of creating amazing tools, but He also gave us the responsibility to use those tools wisely.
Carrying the Gospel Further
Imagine what Moses might think if he could see our age.
A person can now carry:
Multiple translations of Scripture
The Catechism
The writings of the saints
Thousands of books on theology and history
Daily Mass readings
Prayer apps and devotional resources
…all in a device small enough to fit into a shirt pocket.
That is remarkable.
And perhaps even providential.
Technology gives us opportunities previous generations could scarcely imagine.
The challenge is not merely to consume media.
The challenge is to redeem it.
To use it for truth.
To use it for encouragement.
To use it to share the love of Jesus Christ with a world that desperately needs hope.
A Little Challenge
Maybe the real lesson of our cartoon is this:
Moses carried God's Word down the mountain on stone tablets.
We carry it on phones, tablets, computers, and e-readers.
The question is not how we carry it.
The question is:
Are we carrying it into the world at all?
A Reach One Invitation
Use the tools God has placed into our hands wisely.
Read good books.
Enjoy your libraries.
Embrace helpful technology.
But above all, use every available means to bring light, joy, truth, and the love of Christ to others.
The Gospel once traveled on stone.
Today it can travel at the speed of light.
Let's make sure it is still traveling.
Jesus is alive, and you really can trust Him.
Our Story…
That’s our story and we’re sticking to it!
Discussion Question:
What technology has helped you grow most in your faith—printed books, podcasts, YouTube, Bible apps, Kindle, social media, or something else? We'd love to hear your thoughts.
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