I was always amused by the formidable advancement in the field of technology nowadays. We now have a cell phone, a computer, a digicam, all in one little thing that we can insert in our pockets. With just a few touches on our computer or cell phone we relate to the rest of the world through the internet. Whoever is not amazed but such developments can be aptly called anti-progress, and they belong to the people of the Stone Age.
All these amazing developments in technology are, of course, a product of the development in our talents, skill, and intelligence. And we can rightfully conclude that the development of people and technology always go hand in hand. This is one thing that we can all agree with and, if there is one who will oppose such a stand, he will be ridiculed left and right. We still cling to the negative idea that going against the tide is so hard that is why no one would dare to go against the tide if it would mean sacrifices and ridicule.
However, I beg to disagree with all that I have pointed out because the development of people and technology do not really go hand in hand. But first, we need to understand clearly that our life as a people or as a person has so many aspects to consider. We have soared the heights of our intellect as evidenced by the advancement in science and technology. In the area of Medicine, we have reached the apex of success and the crowning glory. Those who were born male, but with a heart of a woman, can now be a full-blown lady much sexier than those who were born originally as females. We can even change the color of our hair depending on our mood (I wish I still had my hair so I could color it liturgically). There are medicines that help us get lighter skin and now, nose-lift is no longer exclusive for the rich and the famous. Well, you have all the rights but please do not touch the originals. I mean, if you were born as male, then function as one and do the things that are ordered for the male specie. If you are a woman, just the same, function as a woman and scrap the idea of doing the things they do in the male world.
In truth, my consideration goes to the fact that development of technology sometimes brings negative effect to the development of peoples in the moral, political, and cultural aspects of our lives. It has no negative effects after all but to say that they go hand in hand is something with which I cannot agree.
Look at our values nowadays. We protect the rights of women and children, which is something that we ought to do, however, there must be a limit, and that limit starts when in starts to affect the most basic value which is morality. Abortion is part of this so-called rights of women and the reproductive health bill is nothing, but a law created by those who are embracing the culture of death. They are the actual puppets of Satan himself. Look at the political systems in some countries including the Philippines? They are creating crazy laws which are contrary to the Divine Law which must be the pattern of every law of the land.
The Newsletter issued by the Fatima Center talks of a budding war in Asia which may be the igniting factor of the Last World War. Because of advancement in science and technology, we have come this far in the useless contest of who among the nations is the best and most powerful. It is just a pity that we gauge our excellence in terms of our superiority in firearms and nuclear capacity. The next world war will be the last war that our noble soldiers will have to fight, because in that war, the entire world will perish even the unborn and innocent children who are just beginning to appreciate the beauty of sunrise and sunset.
We were given talents and abilities by our Creator which is originally intended for the good of all. They were given us so we can better show Him glory and honor and these things are in us for a very noble goal. Everything was created good, no doubt about that, but we humans, are the ones who are making things bad. The cell phone is now capable of Wi-Fi, internet, camera, video, movies, etc. It is good per se but when we started to save sex-scandals and use the cell phone to harass and fool one another, that supposed-to-be good invention became bad.
Everything around us are gifts to us from God and every one of them is potentially perfect. If we only had the courage to cooperate with God’s plan, then maybe the perfection of these things is not an impossibility. But how can we strive for perfection when even love is no longer treated as a virtue but a need. Love is still perfect, but lovers are so imperfect. Just look at the jealousy, unfaithfulness, and broken families around us. They started with a perfect love, but they ended up falling out of love because of our imperfection.
The value of friendship, of trust and confidence and many other beautiful things had been sacrificed in place of power and money. It is indeed a pity that those beautiful values which were taught to us by our parents, our noble educators and by the church herself has gone to the dogs. I do appreciate much my pet dog back home named “chu-chu” because his loyalty has never been in question.
We are clamoring for development and advancement and upliftment from our misery. If this is the kind of development that we are hoping for to happen, then I would politely excuse myself because I still love simplicity and humility. We can all have the power, glory, and honor in this life but in the end we all must bow down in worship to our Creator. I hope all is not lost for all of us so we can still enjoy each other’s company in that ultimate kingdom where we all have an assigned place to stay.
My dear friends, it is now the time for us to open our eyes and be open to the grace of God. Let our sight not be obscured by the glittering and blinding rays of power and money. Let us thank the Good Lord for providing us with these sophisticated products of science and technology and use them carefully not to destroy us and our values but that these things will be tools enough for us to further deepen those basic values that God himself has taught us. It is only by doing this that we can savor the sweetness of the development of peoples and technology because by then they would go hand in hand and never to be separated again.