Abstract
Global discord has characterized much of the political and social climate in recent years. A constellation of many components is the likely catalyst. One generative component standing out for me relative to publication and communication is the proliferation of information and misinformation enabled by electronic advances. Computers and the Internet, the Web, and the cell phone provide immediate access, connection, and information that continue to transform societies without accompanying boundaries and limitations.
People can now see and hear instantaneously whatever is taking place in any part of the world. Unrest in one locale could instigate both positive and negative actions and reactions elsewhere. Both surreptitious negative and salutary activities can be promoted globally with ease. Unbridled research publication and carefully peer-reviewed research co-exist as apparent equals in this environment.
Experts acknowledge that learning how to use these new tools of communication positively and effectively is as elusive as attempts to reduce or eliminate downsides. However, at the moment, as much as these innovations provide innumerable benefits, risks and deficits remain significant for individuals and for societies. One example serves to illustrate this point: Facebook’s connection benefits have also generated distress, discontent, and, for some, depression. Private secure wireless communication has enabled terrorists to elude exposure. Emails and Internet advertisements appear to sway elections within and between sovereign countries. Experts readily share and utilize their disciplinary knowledge to influence decision-making. The nature of human discourse itself has shifted, increasingly reduced to memes.
In this context, it is possible to create alternate “realities,” using the above tools to alter photographs, voices and try to rewrite history, declaring old proven truths and scientific findings “fake,” thus claiming authentication of newer, replacement models. Such activities are not new, but they were never so easily created, globally promoted and reinforced by vast media empires. For me, and, I assume, for many others, such uses are deeply distressing, repugnant, problematic, and frightening.
The professional world of pastoral/spiritual counseling and similar professional disciplines is modeled on providing comfort, context, and support to others. Doing so in the setting of new electronic realities can be nettlesome. Protecting privacy is increasingly elusive and helping others to manage their increasingly complex contexts is more challenging given the addictive nature of today’s options.
We who provide such care are similarly challenged by these shifts. As a result, many can become disheartened by the difficulties this new reality imposes. We see hate, distrust, lies, and other perversions increasing. We witness the vision of peaceful personal internal and social external worlds eroding. Claims to truths are now suspect and confusing.
This perplexing context can generate frustration, sadness, burnout, even depression. One way to face these shifts might be found in the simple Yiddish phrase Mann placht und Gott lacht, mankind plans and God laughs. The humility embedded within this phrase is comforting for me and tames my despair and indignation.
Many of us picture ourselves as potential change agents personally as well as for others. We seek to create harmonies amid discord, peace in settings of strife, wholeness in the face of turmoil and disintegration. Regardless of one’s theology, the concept endures that over time things tend to work out, that patience remains a virtue, and that the communities of shared ethics, morality, and common positive values all help to provide both comfort and hope for the future. This phrase does not promote passivity; it simply calms the fires a bit and contextualizes our place in the history of human kind. It can reduce the stress while, simultaneously, supporting our ongoing commitments and determination to pursue our goals in the context of the never-ending uphill struggles that come our way. Personally, the prophet Micah’s words continue to motivate me: what is required of us, is only “to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly” as we travel life’s path. Thus, our task is and remains simply to get to it. So, onward we march humbly with hope in our souls and forthrightness in our actions. That is the pastoral and spiritual message and mission we share.