Chaplain's Corner

I’ll readily confess – I am a dinosaur, a Luddite or whatever you call a person who is deeply hesitant to get on board with technology. I have never used a bank machine, I prefer a teller. I do not own a cell phone, never have, and probably never will. I hate it when my work computer get’s software upgrade – I don’t want the newest, fastest, shiniest when it comes to any kind of technology – I just want what I am used to. If my television lasts, it’s the old kind that weighs 60 pounds, I may never have a flat screen or HD TV or whatever the newest version might be. I get irritated with people who can’t seem to live a moment without their smart phone in their hand, constantly checking to see if they received a text, an instagram or tweet.

I read an interesting statement about technology written by a person struggling with dementia. “I am so sick of hearing about technology I can’t wait to lose my mind. Technology is nothing without humanity and we will lose everything if we forget that.” (Losing My Mind, 150-1) Humanity in this context means being humane; kind; benevolent. Technology has many benefits, but one thing it seems to be doing is pushing us further away from each other. Having 1000 “likes” on Facebook doesn’t mean you have 1000 people who care about you, that will be there for you in a pinch or that will go out of their way to show you kindness. Technology seems to isolate although it promises to bring us together.

We have all seen a couple in a restaurant, supposedly sharing a meal together, but they both spend the whole time looking at their smart phones. Sure you might be able to find out the winner of the 1959 World Series in seconds, but do you know how your wife feels? Do you know the struggle your neighbor across the street is having? Are you aware and do you care that your colleague at work is struggling with family problems that have resulted in her absence from work and are a constant distraction when she is working?

Humanity, that business about caring about and showing kindness to those around you, is far more important than the newest digital gadget, or the handiest app for your smart phone. Last evening I was listening to Marco Rubio, one of the many vying for the nomination of the Republican Party in the upcoming US presidential election. He said a very interesting thing. “Years ago, we didn’t expect the government to take care of the people around us. If there was a need, we responded. If a barn burnt down the community came together to build a new one. If a man died in a work accident, the community found a way to help his widow and the children get by. If a mother fell ill, neighbors would nurse her and care for the children.” (paraphrased)

Now, we expect the government to show us humanity but governments aren’t able. They are large, complicate, organizations that set policy and budgets and programs. But the government cannot possibly be expected to care about the individual. Oh governments try to show humanity, they speak about caring, they attempt to stay in touch with “the little people”; but we all know they can’t and that they shouldn’t even pretend to.

Humanity is a person to person affair. Technology may be a useful tool, but the way it is treated today, it has become a surrogate “best friend”. Many even consult their phone for advice. How sad. “Technology is nothing without humanity and we will lose everything if we forget that.” Isn’t it interesting the insight that arises from a mind being eaten away by dementia? An insight we would all do well to embrace.