Go on; Give It a Try
Dear St. John’s
It is said that the Shawnee Chief Tecumseh once asked, "Sell a country! Why not sell the air, the great sea, as well as the earth? Did not the Great Spirit make them all for the use of his children?"
For many Native Americans, the concept of buying and selling land was completely absurd. Unfortunately, despite the many innovations indigenous peoples introduced—such as rubber, corn cultivation, and early nursing bottles, to name a few—firearms were not among them. Overwhelmed by the weaponry of foreign settlers, it was only a matter of time before a combination of warfare, deceptive treaties, and forced displacement ushered in a new reality—one where land was no longer held as sacred.
That shift took a little over three hundred years, but once the machinery of colonization was set in motion, it proved unstoppable.
In many ways, our society finds itself in a position similar to those early Native Americans who could not conceive of a world where land was bought and sold. Today, instead of struggling to imagine commodified land, we struggle to imagine a world not run by human beings.
Yet, we are already entering that reality: warfare is becoming increasingly mechanized, algorithms and AI are replacing a growing number of jobs, and daily social norms are constantly redefined around our smartphones.
Many crucial conversations about AI are happening right now, and I encourage everyone to stay "plugged in" (pun intended), even if only at a minimum. There is good reason Pope Leo has been sounding the alarm, warning that "concerns over catastrophic risk to humanity posed by AI are not 'fake news' and 'should be taken seriously.'" (National Catholic Reporter)
Thanks to the dedicated work of our former rector, Amelie Wilmer, St. John’s is well aware of the painful historical role the Episcopal Church played regarding indigenous communities. Since the 1960s, the Episcopal Church has become far more attuned to marginalized groups, prioritizing justice and truth-telling. Let us continue on this trajectory—remaining deeply connected to our shared humanity, not for selfish gain, but by following the example of Christ as we navigate a world that increasingly resembles science fiction.
So, what can we do right now? Here are a few practical steps:
1. Don't be afraid to try new technology. If you've never used AI, give it a simple try. For now, AI remains a non-conscious tool with many practical benefits.
2. Stay informed through credible sources. Pay attention to balanced investigative reporting and thoughtful discussions on the ethics of technology. Click here to watch last Sunday’s 60 Minutes report on AI.
3. Engage the next generation. Monitor how your children or grandchildren use AI and engage them in open, non-judgmental conversations to understand their perspectives.
4. Remember that opting out is okay. AI isn't for everyone. I used social media from its inception until I realized it was doing more harm than good in my life; it took me years to recognize that impact and a couple more to walk away.
5. Pray in all things. Seek wisdom, discernment, and peace as our culture navigates these rapid changes.
In Christ,
Anthony+
