DIGITAL RELIGION

DIGITAL RELIGION

Recently got into reading a Korean-born German philosopher Byung-Chul Han. Actually, was looking for another book, but began to read Infocracy. One of the main ideas he presents is an idea that Infocracy – the information regime – is more cruel than the disciplinary regime – the rule of domination by discipline.

There are many things could be said about the book, to make it short – it’s worth reading, knowing that his premise is way different from a regular Christian.

That’s why what caught my attention was a description of the influencers of YouTube and Instagram using religious terminology. Just hear it (p. 7-8, I re-typed carefully, saving orthography and punctuation):

The Influencers on YouTube and Instagram have internalized the neoliberal technologies of power. Whether they peddle travel, beauty or fitness, they constantly invoke freedom, creativity and authenticity. Their advertisements are not seen as annoying because the products are cleverly embedded in the influencers’ self-presentation. Whereas people use ad-blockers to remove conventional advertisement on YouTube, they intentionally seek out the influencers’ ads. Influencers are worshiped as idols, and this gives their presentations a religious character. Influencers claiming to be motivational coaches present themselves as saviours, and their followers, their disciples, take part in the influencers’ lives by buying the products the influencers pretend to consume in staged scenes from their everyday life – a king of digital Eucharist. Social media is a church: like is ‘amen’; sharing is communion; consumption is salvation. The repetition that influencers use as a dramatic tool does not bore; rather, it gives the whole affair the character of liturgy. At the same time, influencers present consumer products as means of self-realization. We consume ourselves to death while realizing ourselves to death. Consumption and identity become one. Identity itself becomes a commodity.

Based on his passage, It looks like one way or another people are expressing their longing for: 

(1) leadership, some kinda guru-mania; 

(2) ritual, using basic Biblical patterns transformed/molded into the current media; 

(3) mystery of divine, something that solves the identity crisis providing the answers from above.  

LIFE AMONG THE BELIEVERS

Life among the believers  

The Passage: Acts 2:40-47

Structure:

a. 2:40-41, Save yourself; 3000 added

  b. 2:42, Life of the community (breaking bread)

    c. 2:43a, Awe came upon every soul.

      d. 2:43b, Signs and wonders through the apostles 

    c. 2:44-45, All who believed were together

  b’. 2:46-47a, Life of the community (breaking bread)

a’. 2:47b, LORD added to the number those who were being saved

Historical and geographical context:

We are going from the sermon of St. Peter into the life of the “Pentecostal community”. Two environments are mentioned here – homes of the believers and the Temple. We don’t know how long this period takes place but, knowing that St. Luke pays attention to liturgical features, we can contemplate two or three possibilities. One 8:27b-28 states the Ethiopian Eunuch was coming back from his pilgrimage to Jerusalem for worship. The feast of Pentecost should be celebrated for a whole week. Therefore, the Acts 2 – 8 could happen within one week! Then, the events would unfold really fast. There is a second reading – mentioning the worship at Jerusalem St. Luke directs our attention to the NEXT major festive period – the feast of Booths (7^th month days 15 to 22). It also required a pilgrimage for those who lived in the land, also pilgrimage was encouraged for those who would live outside the land (diaspora). For sure, there is a third possibility – we don’t now, which means it took very long – years or decades… Honestly, IMHO – I don’t like this answer for two reasons: first, St. Luke pays attention to the times (1:8). Second, this assumption is built on the evolutionary notion – everything takes so much time to develop.       

Theology:

Baptism and church outreach. Note that both verbs “baptized” and “added” are in passive voice. This is supported (explained) in v. 47. It is the LORD Who brings people to unity with the church. As our confession says (AC V) the Holy Spirit is the One Who works faith using the Word and the Sacraments. Here we see both – Bible-based sermon of St. Peter and the rite of the Holy Baptism. Using these two means the LORD added 3000 people to the communion of saints.

Unity among the believers. Though the idea is portrayed through the communal effort to have material possessions in common, it does not begin there. V. 43 says that “awe came upon every soul”. This “awe” follows the regular/daily godly lifestyle of the church: studying, fellowship, breaking of the bread (Holy Communion), and prayers (v. 42). That’s what first and foremost unites the church.

Signs and wonders. St. John in his Gospel begins to account for seven [miraculous] signs of Jesus at Cana of Galilee (Jn. 2:1-11). When Jesus commissions the Eleven (Mk. 16:15-18), He states that the signs will accompany their ministry. The first time we see it in the Book of Acts is here – 2:43. Yet, we don’t need to put the cart in front of the horse. Signs and wonders are not the basis for the proper spiritual assessment of someone’s ministry. Satan is very proficient in miraculous work (1 Cor. 1:22-24; 2 Cor. 12-15).           

Other themes: There are “spiritual” groups that teach that Christians should sell everything they own and bring the proceeds to the leadership of the church. They attempt to support their theology with Acts 2:44-45. However tempting this idea is, this teaching is not supported by the Scriptures. For at least two reasons. First, this is a descriptive passage in the Bible, not a prescriptive one. Second, as it could’ve been common practice for the fellowship in Jerusalem, the later development of the church show the stable congregations in Mediterranean area supporting themselves and the Jerusalem congregation by collecting their tights (10% of income).

Jesus loves me - this I know... How do I know?

Recently, I was introduced to a video of CSL prof stating that "Jesus loves me - this I know, for the Bible tells me so" is a theologically BAD song. I was surprised, to say politely (and in accordance with SC VIII commandment). A few seconds earlier he tried to rant a person who tries to look for the will of God in his or her life by reading the Bible (couldn't come up with a decent example - had to make a really dumb one on the spot). So, really, if it is not the Bible, HOW do I know that Jesus loves me?     

There are many things that can be said here. 

First, I became a believer because I was studying the Scriptures. To be honest, I had no intent to become a Christian, let alone a Lutheran or a Lutheran pastor. But, it is the Scriptural message - about God the Creator, Jesus who died in the Cross, everything, especially in comparison with other texts that I read at the same time - Nietzsche, Schopenhauer, Quran, Bhagavat-Gita... Only Bible talked about God who gave Himself up to solve OUR problem. 

Second, Dr. Martin Luther was introduced to Jesus way before he became a monk or a Dr. He was baptized, was a regular church-goer. Yet, the image of Jesus was - to say the least - distorted. He was known only as the One who is coming on the Last Day to judge both the living and the dead. It was a wrestle with Romans 1:16-17 that brought peace to his heart - why? Because Bible told him that Jesus's righteousness is not a righteousness of achievements but an imputed one. To translate it from theological jargon to "normal English": from then on he knew that Jesus loves him - why? For the Bible told him so! That's why he spent his time in Wartburg castle translating the Bible into German!! 

Third, I come from a church body that was heavily persecuted during Stalin's reign in the USSR. When people were deported to the exile, some of the godly church members would be charged taking care of an altar Bible. I do not have a picture on hand but it looked something like this one - in comparison with my personal pocket Bible that I use for devotional readings wherever I go. Just think about it, a family was given a limit of kilograms (pounds) of goods they are allowed to take into exile. Instead of taking clothing, house items, or even food, they would take a heavy old-printed Holy Scripture. According to this prof it was a foolish act of Bibleolatry - worshiping the Bible. They all know who Jesus is, that should've been sufficient. Yet, they made their choice - taking God's Word with them to exile to support and maintain their faith in biblical Jesus.

In addition: here is Zion's service with a sermon partially devoted to the topic at hand (you find sermon at 33:30)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OES5WPm-oQY&t=2176s  

Also, here is a helpful discussion of the topic by pastors Brian Wolfmueller and Andrew Packer:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rRIL2WTG8Hs  

To conclude, Jesus loves me - this I know... Why? 
For the Bible tells me so!                

Blessings!   

Natasha prepared for Holy Communion

Tomorrow, March 28, 2024, is Maundy Thursday - Thursday of the Holy Week. This day the Church is celebrating the institution of the sacrament of Holy Communion. I always had reverent attitude for Eucharist. So, it should not be a surprise that running across the following passage I decided to take it as a blog post. The picture of the Zion's altar and Holy Communion set. 

3 Tops in the Gospel of Mark

There are a few ways to outline the Gospel of Mark (or any Gospel for that matter). Getting ready for the Transfiguration Sunday I stumbled across an interesting observation: Jesus is proclaimed (or acknowledged) as the Son of God in 3 instances - Baptism, Transfiguration, and Crucifixion. 

A voice from heaven identifies Jesus as the Beloved Son of God with whom the Father is well-pleased (Mk. 1:11). 

Again (similar to that), a voice from the cloud in the presence of Peter and James and John said [to them]: "This is my beloved Son, listen to Him" (Mk. 9:7). It was a response to Peter's idea to build three shrines of equal status for Moses, Elijah, and Jesus. I am sure that Peter thought that he - proposing the equal status for Jesus - was lifting Him up. Yet, the Father had to intervene and correct him. 

Then non the less than centurion confesses Jesus as the Son of God (Mk. 15:39). The death narrative picks up many elements from the Baptismal account - the Spirit and heavenly boundaries being torn (Mk. 1:10 and Mk. 15:38). Yet, now it is a gentile - first and the only human in Mark - confesses Jesus as the Son of God. Noting that in the Gospel Peter confesses Jesus as the Christ (Mk 8:29), I can guess that Mark "saves" it for the centurion. If this line of thought is correct, then it is even more interesting to see the realization of the Kingdom preached by Jesus right after His Baptism (Mk. 1:14-15). For the observant reader should've pondered with a question - what is the Kingdom pf God? or who can be a citizen (so to speak) of this kingdom? Having the centurion confess Jesus as the Son of God, Mark answers this question in the world-wide manner - it is for everyone, even for the centurion of Roman occupation army.           

    

Achievement (with concerns)

It is reported that Elon Must published the statement that the first human got a brain implant. 

On one hand there are at least three intertwined reasons to celebrate. First, from the stand point of science in general this is a great achievement. Implant getting connected to the brain neurons... Great achievement! Second, many people who suffered needed a replacement of a limb due to tragic accident or serving on the military duty can get reconnected to a proper usage of a new limb. Or SCI, or ALS... again, many potential lives can be positively impacted. Third, putting the first and the second together, this breakthrough and be a beginning for something even more grandiose that we (non-IT laymen) even can not foresee now. 

On the other hand, I have some serious concerns. I am sure that the educated and fully-instructed people can give a proper answer. I just want to put them out for the sake of on-going dialog in the realm of the faith and science. Please, don't take me wrong - I am not willing to identify the Neuralink's exercises with Revelation 13:16 - the mysterious mark on the forehead. My concerns are primary in the daily life plain of reality. These concerns are two-fold. First, theology of human body. Second, security of personals boundaries. 

Theology of human body. People like comfort. I like comfort and don't argue for reversing the time to primal age when we would chaise the food with a rock and stick in our hands. As Musk' add states - what if you will be able to connect with your loved ones only be the power of your thought. Honestly, as a sinful man (1 John 1:8-9) I am not sure I want all of my thoughts to be reflected on a screen ;) [an aspect of control is for discussion next]. 

Second, as a lazy one by nature, I understand that my tendency would be not to move at all. If I can turn on my computer and then "dictate" my sermons, letter, articles etc. without leaving my warm bed, why should I? Yet, I think the LORD had something deeper in mind when He ordered to work or overcome some resistance of nature as a result of the Fall or "the Garden incident." 

I support a help to the needy full heartedly, but there will be a point when the marker demand will be lower than supply. What then? People who will be able to afford it will turn into a generation of very smart sloths.                        

Security of personal boundaries. This concern is based on the reading of 1 Corinthians 6:12  "I have the right to do anything”—but I will not be mastered by anything." This concern if three-fold. First, the device' charging system is not a built-in one. Which means that at a particular point in time one or a group of patients, or the whole number of patients can be denied an option of charging. Or that option can be used to force them to submit to undesirable behavior. 

Second, this might sound as a better developed previous point. What about EMP attack? Under a regular circumstances person's equipment might/will suffer. After the implants will be a regular practice the suffering part will be a person's brain. 

Third, most bothersome for me personally, who runs the show. Who is the master? Will the person be in charge of the implant fully? Or someone else: doctors, curators... ? Along with these lines of thought - can we be sure that implant will not impact the developed of new habits or behavioral patterns to force a patient's perception of the world? 

I understand that all of my concerns might sound as a robophobian paranoia. For sure, I, Robot is one of my favorites. Therefore, I want to restate: I am not against progress, I am for the help and cure for all the sick, suffering, and wounded. Yet, I want this help to be an exercise of God's grace and not an exhibition of another prideful rebellion attempting to overcome the limits appointed for us from time to time by the Creator - loving Father.                    

Peter addresses the crowd

Peter addresses the crowd  

The Passage: Acts 2:14-39

Structure:

A. 2:14-21, I will pour out my Spirit

  B. 2:22-24, Jesus which you crucified – God raised Him up,

    C. 2:25-28, Prophecy of David

      D. 2:29-31, Descendant of the throne

        E. 2:32, God raised this Jesus

      D’. 2:33, Exalted to the right hand of God

    C’. 2:34-35, Prophecy of David

  B’. 2:36, God has made Him both Lord and Messiah, Jesus which you crucified

A’. 2:37-39, you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit

  

Historical and geographical context: This is the second part of the larger story (ch. 2).  We need not need to discuss context at length. Just a short reminder – everything happened in Jerusalem, but NOT at the Temple.

Theology:

The role of St. Peter – Note that St. Peter being reinstalled into the ministry (John 21) after his denial plays a very active role at the starting point of the church development. He “speaks” in an official capacity more than anybody. His address toward 120 led to the election and ordination of St. Matthias. He speaks to the crowds at the Day of Pentecost. He shares the Gospel in a such a way that the sick is restored (ch. 3). He defends the faith in resurrected Jesus in front of the Great Gathering (Sanhedrin). Not surprisingly, people sometimes see him as the head of the church. Yet, we need to remember that it is Jesus who is the head of the body, which is the Church (Col. 1:18) and he had to be corrected by St. Paul on a number of issues (cp. Gal. 2:11-16). Also, what Jesus promised to St. Peter (Matt. 16:19) is given to the apostles (Jn. 20:22-23).         

Usage of the Scripture in Peter’s sermon. The sermon as we have it is not everything what St. Peter said (cp. 2:40). Out of what we have about a half is dedicated to the Scriptural passages. He simply states the facts of Scriptures from Joel (2:28-32a) and Psalms (16:8-11; 110:1) and lets the Holy Spirit do the job of convincing the hears of men (AC V).   

Presence of the Son (Second person of the Trinity) in the OT history. Seeing how St. Peter build his sermon, note that he takes the words of king David as speaking about Theophany of the Son (esp. v.25 – Ps. 16:8). Jesus is the incarnation of the Son who is the creator (Col. 1:15-16) and the God who speaks and acts within the period of OT history.    

The mystery of salvation – on one hand we are promised that “everyone who calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved” (v. 21). On the other we know that people come to church, get baptized, even confirmed, and yet fall away. What we need to say is that God in Christ has reconciled world to Himself (2 Cor. 5:19; Col. 1:20). Salvation is available for everyone regardless of nationality, sex, or social status. It is complete by the Cross and there is nothing people can add to it. But they can reject the message, neglect the means of grace, and – as a result of continual push back of the Lord’s pursuits – fall away.       

Other themes:

Gift of the Spirit vs. gifts of the Spirit vs. fruit of the Spirit. What St. Peter talks at the end of his sermon if salvation – it is THE gift of the Spirit. Them in 1 Cor. 12 and 14 St. Paul talks about the gifts of the Spirit: languages, prophecy, management etc. These are the gifts and talents that vary from person to person. (1 Cor. 12:12-14) and are given for building of the body – the church. A Christian – the one who received the gift (salvation) should diligently exercise his gifts for the benefit of the church to produce the fruit (Gal. 5:22-24). Notice that St. Paul does not talk about many fruits, but the fruit – our “behavioral” representation of the work of the Holy Spirit in a believer.