Screens
“The essence of the challenge we face may be captured by the seldom-used term screenocracy, so as to designate as precisely as possible a particular “regime” of occupying the human mind through the audio-visual stimuli transmitted via screens. The word “screen“, however, should be understood in a conditional sense: television sets, computer monitors, tablets, and especially smartphones are today’s “levers of power” of screenocracy, yet tomorrow they will be replaced by smart glasses, holograms, and who knows what else. The point, therefore, lies not so much in the type of screen that turns us into servants, but rather in the alluring electronic content that exerts a profoundly harmful influence when approached uncritically.” (Rev. Dr. Oliver Subotic)
“… the world…impinges on us in our living rooms on the small screen, that trying to put it right or make sense of it seems beyond us—as compassion fatigue sets in and we find ourselves lost and insecure, confronted with the world so threatening that the most noticeable reaction is the creation of comfort zones…religion itself is reduced to a private comfort zone, which the majority rejects as ‘pie in the sky when you die,’ while those of us who hang on in there are the more anguished about the state of the world, or the awful things that happen to us or those we know, and the insistent doubts and questions which are raised. We all want utopia now…The cliches, ‘life is a journey’ or ‘going through a wilderness experience,’ have lost their power to shape the way we handle life.” (Frances Young)
“Something that troubles me deeply is a nagging sense that imagination may be in danger these days, not from an overemphasis on reason but from our trained incapacity to simply receive the world without recording it. If our most sublime experiences turn us not inward, to that room with windows looking out on eternity, but outward, to a screen where we can edit, trim, and share with the world, then I fear we will become incapable of receiving what sublimity arrives to communicate in the first place.” (Sarah Clarkson)
“…modern technology, with the right approach, can become our helper….Today, there are many resources offering high-quality recordings of prayers, akathists, sermons, and the Lives of saints. This is especially helpful to those who have difficulty reading, or who want to pray during household chores, on journeys, or when their eyes are tired of the screen. Listening to audio prayers can help us get attuned to a prayerful mood, comprehend the words of prayer, and absorb their meaning. It is important to choose reliable sources so as not to encounter distorted interpretations or spiritual misconceptions. Audio recordings of church services read by monks or experienced readers, as well as spiritual lectures by reputable theologians, can serve as good examples…Smartphones can become reliable assistants in our spiritual life if we use them properly…But you must keep in mind that these are just tools, not a substitute for living experience. An app cannot substitute for your personal presence at church services or live communication with your father-confessor.” (Priest Leonid Bartkov)
“In modern life, the idea of a “gift” extends far beyond money. In a world where everyone is constantly rushing, giving another person a few minutes of your undivided attention can be one of the greatest acts of mercy. Listening to a lonely elderly person, visiting a sick neighbor, sitting beside a weeping friend without glancing at the screen of your phone—these too are acts of mercy. Forgiving an offense, giving up the need to have the last word in an argument, covering another person’s sin with love—these too are forms of giving. Helping with your knowledge someone who cannot afford your services, sharing your experience… There are many ways to give.” (Metropolitan Luke Kovalenko)
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