What do technology and spirituality have in common
Technology and Spirituality
When I was a kid I never dreamed that technology and spirituality had anything in common. Nor would it impact my spiritual growth in the way it has.
What did we have then? A radio, maybe a TV if we were lucky, and what is called a landline today.
The term “telephone” referred to a simple device that allowed us to talk over distances. Period.
I don’t think Alexander Graham Bell could have dreamt of a phone that takes pictures, provides GPS guidance, and holds a library of books including ancient texts of every faith. Yet, today we hold all of this and more in the palm of our hand.
Today I enjoy all the benefits of my cellphone and wouldn’t want to return to the limitations of Ma Bell.
But I wonder —
How does the presence of digital equipment affect my spirituality?
It certainly gives me the opportunity to be blind to life around me, to ignore others while spending money on Amazon, to practice selfishness, and even to gamble if I were so inclined.
This does not make a phone evil. By itself, a phone, whether it is a simple flip phone or an expensive iPhone is neutral.
It offers opportunities for both good and evil.
Let’s begin by looking at some of the soul benefits of the device you may be holding in your hand right now as you read this article.
Or perhaps you are reading on a larger screen – an iPad or a laptop.
I use the term soul benefit to refer to things that address spiritual matters like inner growth, forgiveness, courage, and healing.
I know I can get stronger physically by going to the gym and eating right.
But when I hit a wall of grief, receive a hateful letter, or face a difficult diagnosis, how far does physical strength carry me?
In the end, it is inner strength I desperately need to go on. The strength to forgive, to grieve, and to know I am not alone.
The strength to grow in character and resilience, and the strength to begin again.
Some ways that technology impacts spirituality
We can connect with people from all over the world who share our interest in spirituality. These people give us support when we are weak, guidance when we feel lost, and community when we feel isolated.
We search for information on spiritual topics and access the wisdom of diverse cultures and traditions from around the world.
We ‘break bread’ on social media, blogs and email when we share our thoughts and experiences to nourish one another.
We have a place to turn if we can’t get out with other people, to a place of worship, or even to walk in the woods to receive strength from flowers and critters abounding there. We have the same needs (or even more) to connect with the Divine, with the Universe, with God.
How I use my phone for spiritual growth
Here are a couple of ways I use my cellphone to feed my connection with the Divine, especially when I cannot leave home for some reason.
These are a couple of links to apps that have guided and fed my inner life for many years…both from my phone and from my ipad.
The first is Insight Timer which offers meditations for everything from starting my day to falling asleep at night. (With tons of free good teaching)
The second is Pray as You Go which provides a very short reading of a passage of scripture with a couple of questions for contemplation. I have used this as part of my morning reflection practice for many years.
Both of these are available free and have additional paid features. They would not be available without technology!
If attending a house of worship is an important aspect of your spirituality, you can now literally Zoom in with your cellphone without leaving home during a pandemic, a blizzard or if you are feeling ill.
Check out the website of any temple or church and also take a look at YouTube. Many assemblies publish their services there.
Technology, Spirituality, Creativity and Healthcare
A large part of spirituality is in the gift of creativity. I am no artist, but I do enjoy photography.
The camera in my iPhone is powerful and easier to carry than a DSL camera with extra lenses and a backpack.
I have taken beautiful pictures with a fancy camera, but the bottom line is the bulky (and heavy) camera is seldom with me.
My phone is in my pocket wherever I go. Not only can I receive pictures from nature in all her plumage, but I can also record the sounds of frogs at night or larks in the morning.
My spirit is fed by such things as surely as it is fed by prayer.
Recently I sat for several weeks with my son who was on life support. I learned to record conversations with the doctors (with their permission) on my phone.
I listened to a number of audiobooks and was able to write in a digital journal.
I used my phone to share images and voices of family members with my son, and I was able to stay abreast of my calendar and order dog food without leaving the ICU.
Perhaps the most important piece was reading the Psalms aloud to give him the sound of a familiar voice which the doctors said was so important.
I had been sitting quietly for a long stretch for I didn’t know what to say, when it occurred to me that all the Psalms would be in this little device in my pocket.
So every day I would sit and read in confidence that he knew, at some level, he was not abandoned. He has no memory of hearing the Psalms but today he is a walking miracle. And these ancient words strengthened my soul as well as his as we waited. Thank you, Technology.
If you need help with your iPhone or iPad
If you are one who only uses your phone for talking because you haven’t a clue how to use it to make a video, or find your way when you are lost, record a baby’s first word, do guided meditation, or pray, then you need a ‘Moses’ to lead you through your technology wilderness.
I want to introduce you to “Ellen’s tips for IOS.” (Translation – your Apple phone).
I met Ellen a couple of years ago (thanks to technology) and I would love to have you meet her too.
Sign up for her tips and get a simple weekly video or written explanation for using your iPhone or iPad.
It’s the next best thing to stone tablets for those of us with an iPhone.
…and don’t hesitate to take advantage of her free call to answer your questions.
If you found any of this helpful please comment below. Likewise, if this topic opens no doors for your spiritual life, I want to know that too. Thank you.
[Photo credits from Unsplash: wall-phone-by-wilhelm-gunkel; computer-screen-by-windows-jv; cell-phone-by-kelli-mcclintock
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