Matthew - thank you for this thoughtful essay. I write poetry and have become attracted to some poets who get a bit gritty and see aspects of our world that are less than perfect. i am far more comfortable with that simply because I am less than perfect. I need daily to be reminded of my imperfections - my wounds - so that I don’t leap the conclusion that somehow I have mastered my sinful condition. What our culture could do with an infusion of humility and realism as to our fallen nature.
I’m embarrassed to admit that I stash away most Ecstatic emails, not having the patience to read moderately long articles but feeling guilty about sending valuable contents to the trash folder. But this article caught my attention and I read the whole thing including exploring the linked images. Your message provides a respite from our image obsession, even within the Christian communities, that is exacerbated by AI generation that does not enlighten but cheapens.
I appreciate your thoughts and observations. Our fascination with AI and other developing technologies can unwittingly lead us into a more shallow, "easiier" faith by substituting a more entertaining spiritual experience for one of depth and humility. My fear is that the shift may be so subtle for some that they transition unconsciously...swept along by a culture that prefers comfortable superficial "religion" to the struggles and joys of a deepening faith.
Matthew - thank you for this thoughtful essay. I write poetry and have become attracted to some poets who get a bit gritty and see aspects of our world that are less than perfect. i am far more comfortable with that simply because I am less than perfect. I need daily to be reminded of my imperfections - my wounds - so that I don’t leap the conclusion that somehow I have mastered my sinful condition. What our culture could do with an infusion of humility and realism as to our fallen nature.
I’m embarrassed to admit that I stash away most Ecstatic emails, not having the patience to read moderately long articles but feeling guilty about sending valuable contents to the trash folder. But this article caught my attention and I read the whole thing including exploring the linked images. Your message provides a respite from our image obsession, even within the Christian communities, that is exacerbated by AI generation that does not enlighten but cheapens.
This is so good. Thank you Matthew.
I appreciate your thoughts and observations. Our fascination with AI and other developing technologies can unwittingly lead us into a more shallow, "easiier" faith by substituting a more entertaining spiritual experience for one of depth and humility. My fear is that the shift may be so subtle for some that they transition unconsciously...swept along by a culture that prefers comfortable superficial "religion" to the struggles and joys of a deepening faith.