This was one of the most important videos. I call the phone the “other woman” in a marriage. It does dull the mind and become an obsession. It is also an obstacle to prayer. Thank you.
Wow, wow! Sooo beautifully written. Like poetry. "...the flicker of transcendence extinguished by the glow of a notification." Thank you for this. We know the digital world is affecting us, but this really wakes us up as to how deeply. Very scary.
An extremely thought provoking and timely article. That addresses several growing problems that are a result of the digital age. Lack of silence, attentiveness, contemplation are all serious deficiencies in human societies today. I rather disagree with two points. There is no more conventual “format” that the Traditional Latin Mass yet those parishes are not experiencing dwindling congregations. Quite the opposite in spite of being surrounded and perhaps immersed in the same digital ocean. It’s an interesting anomaly. I would also say I think he rather overstepped the mark by saying that “Religious institutions will complete their transformation into museums.” I can’t see the Church that has received the promise of the Savior’s presence and protection until the end of time turning into a museum piece. It may become much much smaller, to which state the effects of the age of digital dominance may certainly contribute, but I can’t believe it will be shelved with 6 tracks and vhs tapes.
I agree completely. I too fear the loss of the very things the author wrote about. I have been concerned for many years and as I am much older (I believe correctly) I have been a witness especially to the loss of silence and quiet reflection. How do we turn off the digital faucet? Is there a Digital Anonymous? How do we convince people to put down the screens at least as far as social media, video games, smart phones and other devices are concerned?
In fact he greatly limited himself in video games, compared to almost everyone from his generation. This does show a capacity for self-control beyond his years, especially considering that no one around him encouraged him to do this.
This is very disturbing and describes the impact of the digital age on the individual soul with clarity.
God is within. His still and quiet voice is forever calling us to behold Him and ponder Him dwelling in our soul, so that we might ascend to a life of union with Him and reach an even higher union where God can 'rest' in us, as on the 7th day of creation. God requires the right disposition and our cooperation to receive the graces He wants to pour into our soul.
The noise from without is, in contrast, so loud and its instant gratification so alluring, it muffles, distorts and mutes God's voice and the promptings of the Holy Spirit until we're no longer able to hear or recognise them or lose the appetite or disposition to correspond to grace.
What a tragedy for humanity!
May God, in His infinite wisdom and mercy, renew our desire for Him so that we might behold Him who dwells within us.
@ghlionn Thanks for these thoughts. Is there a part two? I’d like to hear your thoughts on practical steps to win back space for the good side, with an understanding of the pervasiveness that the digital space has not only taken from us, but changed us.
I'd certainly think it's not just young people. Social media and its wiles can draw in older people who knew a world before it was even imagined. It can break an existing patience with longer talks or silence.
This was one of the most important videos. I call the phone the “other woman” in a marriage. It does dull the mind and become an obsession. It is also an obstacle to prayer. Thank you.
So many lights went on as i listened to this insightful and prophetic essay. Thank you Dr K for hosting it.
Wow, wow! Sooo beautifully written. Like poetry. "...the flicker of transcendence extinguished by the glow of a notification." Thank you for this. We know the digital world is affecting us, but this really wakes us up as to how deeply. Very scary.
An extremely thought provoking and timely article. That addresses several growing problems that are a result of the digital age. Lack of silence, attentiveness, contemplation are all serious deficiencies in human societies today. I rather disagree with two points. There is no more conventual “format” that the Traditional Latin Mass yet those parishes are not experiencing dwindling congregations. Quite the opposite in spite of being surrounded and perhaps immersed in the same digital ocean. It’s an interesting anomaly. I would also say I think he rather overstepped the mark by saying that “Religious institutions will complete their transformation into museums.” I can’t see the Church that has received the promise of the Savior’s presence and protection until the end of time turning into a museum piece. It may become much much smaller, to which state the effects of the age of digital dominance may certainly contribute, but I can’t believe it will be shelved with 6 tracks and vhs tapes.
Of course you are right. John Mac Ghlionn writes with a certain rhetorical flair and sometimes exaggerates his points for effect.
However, I do fear even for TLM communities if the attendees are not praying as they should be; the liturgy can only do so much.
I agree completely. I too fear the loss of the very things the author wrote about. I have been concerned for many years and as I am much older (I believe correctly) I have been a witness especially to the loss of silence and quiet reflection. How do we turn off the digital faucet? Is there a Digital Anonymous? How do we convince people to put down the screens at least as far as social media, video games, smart phones and other devices are concerned?
Someone told me she thought Blessed Carlos was a saint because he could stop playing video games after an hour.
In fact he greatly limited himself in video games, compared to almost everyone from his generation. This does show a capacity for self-control beyond his years, especially considering that no one around him encouraged him to do this.
This is very disturbing and describes the impact of the digital age on the individual soul with clarity.
God is within. His still and quiet voice is forever calling us to behold Him and ponder Him dwelling in our soul, so that we might ascend to a life of union with Him and reach an even higher union where God can 'rest' in us, as on the 7th day of creation. God requires the right disposition and our cooperation to receive the graces He wants to pour into our soul.
The noise from without is, in contrast, so loud and its instant gratification so alluring, it muffles, distorts and mutes God's voice and the promptings of the Holy Spirit until we're no longer able to hear or recognise them or lose the appetite or disposition to correspond to grace.
What a tragedy for humanity!
May God, in His infinite wisdom and mercy, renew our desire for Him so that we might behold Him who dwells within us.
Extremely unsettling.
@ghlionn Thanks for these thoughts. Is there a part two? I’d like to hear your thoughts on practical steps to win back space for the good side, with an understanding of the pervasiveness that the digital space has not only taken from us, but changed us.
I'd certainly think it's not just young people. Social media and its wiles can draw in older people who knew a world before it was even imagined. It can break an existing patience with longer talks or silence.
This is an excellent eye-opening podcast thank you