Statement: Embracing the Kingdom in the AI Era (06/05/'24)

Statement: Embracing the Kingdom in the AI Era In the stillness of ancient words, a debate unfolds, where paths diverge like rivers branching into the unknown. Some say Christian life is not in the blossoming of our personalities, nor in the weaving of our communities, nor in the hope of reshaping the world’s fabric. It is in turning away, in the quiet surrender, in the shedding of earthly ties to grasp the eternal. However, I see the kingdom of heaven manifesting here, in the soil of our lives, where character grows, communities intertwine, and hope springs eternal for a better world. Rudolf Bultmann’s concept of demythologization, which peels back the layers of divine mystery to reveal existential truths, strips away the miracles, the divine touch, the supernatural breath that once breathed life into our faith. In his reduction, the rich tapestry becomes a mere thread, a singular line of human thought, void of the divine dance. In this AI era, we stand on the precipice of a new dawn. Technology, like Prometheus’ fire, offers light in the darkness, a tool for good, a beacon for change. AI, with its vast reach, becomes a new scribe, writing the ancient truths in the language of today. It supports our spiritual growth, offering guided meditations and virtual gatherings, weaving a digital tapestry of faith and fellowship. In this interconnected world, our communities grow stronger, virtual hands clasping across the divide, hearts beating in unison, a global congregation bound by love and support. The hope for a better world finds new allies in algorithms, addressing injustices, improving lives, and stewarding the earth with wisdom. In this embrace of technology, we do not turn away from the world but engage with it, imbuing it with the spirit of the kingdom. The ancient and the modern dance together, a symphony of faith and innovation, crafting a future where heaven’s light shines through the pixels and the code. Let us not merely retreat into the silence of detachment but engage, transform, and build. Let us hold onto the mysteries, the miracles, and the divine breath, for in these, we find the heart of our faith, beating strong in an ever-changing world. In this AI era, we embrace the kingdom, here and now, in the growth of our souls, the strength of our communities, and the hope for a brighter, better world. Pastor Steven G. Lee (June 5, 2024)