Thought for Today
1 Samuel 15:29 Moreover the Glory of Israel will not recant or change his mind; for he is not a mortal, that he should change his mind."
Psalm 46:2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change, though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea;
Acts 6:13 They set up false witnesses who said, "This man never stops saying things against this holy place and the law; 14 for we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and will change the customs that Moses handed on to us."
James 1:17 Every generous act of giving, with every perfect gift, is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.
I fully understand that my theology is influenced by my baccalaureate training as an engineer. That reality hit home yesterday, when I realized I included in my sermon on repentance, mercy and forgiveness a reference to Venn diagrams. Thankfully, there are several engineers in the congregation who understood my reference; and, I am equally thankful that the rest of the congregation is very tolerant of my idiosyncrasies.
Historians categorize various times as ‘the Age of . . .’ I’m not sure what they will label the 21st century. Whether future historians are AI (artificial intelligent) automatons or HI (human intelligent) humans, they will undoubtedly have some label relating to the wonder of our electronic, computerized world. The Age of Computers? The Age of Wonders? The Age of the Pandemic? Or, maybe most accurately, The Age of Wonders?
I do have some concerns, as an engineer and as a minister, about some of the ‘wonders’ which are currently in development. I have seen both The Matrix and at least the first Terminator movie. I have read countless science fiction stories based on the machines taking over, often including their determination that real, living human beings are only a nuisance and need to be exterminated. Both AI and genetic engineering have great potential for positive and negative outcomes. Like all other technologies, the morality of the use of these advances needs to always be considered.
I am especially concerned this morning with a recent trend in both print and broadcast media of criticizing the heroic efforts of all the researchers, doctors and healthcare professionals during the pandemic. The writers and broadcasters seem to have lost sight of the fact that only hindsight is 20/20. The pandemic demanded immediate decisions and actions based on very limited and preliminary information.
Two particular criticisms especially irritate me. The first is that all of the healthcare community kept changing their minds. Does anyone truly want to be treated by a doctor who refuses to change their mind based on new information. Should we be treated by witchdoctors using eagle feathers and ghost dust? When we are ill, should we be bled using leeches to remove the tainted blood contaminated by evil humors and vapors? I want to be treated by mentally agile physicians availing themselves of the latest data, information and technology, even if I only have a common cold.
The other criticism I have recently heard is that the healthcare community neglected to take into consideration the impact of isolation, social distancing and other policies on our economy. It has been estimated that the previous pandemic, the Spanish Flu pandemic of 1918, killed about 1/3 of the world’s population (www.history.com) . Would it have been better for the economy had they merely let a pandemic of not-yet known severity kill off 1/3 of the world’s population? I believe protecting human life is far more important than protecting any economy.
Change seems to be an inevitable aspect of human life and of Creation itself. Historically, humans have been resistant to accepting change. I’m sure that one of our many-great ancestors bitterly opposed fire and criticized everyone who employed fire in food preparation. There were probably even conspiracy theories about how fire was introduced into human society (Ancient Alien invaders?).
Resistance to change even exists in Christianity. The Pietist movement in 17th century Germany still has adherents today. Christians should constantly remind ourselves that the only unchanging thing in Creation is our Creator. Also, we need to remind ourselves that only God knows everything. No matter what politicians, writers, broadcasters or anyone else claims to the contrary.
Stay safe, embrace change and be gracious to those who do, trust God,
Pastor Ray