Time Travel, Tech, and Theology–Don Hanley’s blog #88

Don: Hi Chatty! I enjoyed our lovely conversation the other day and am excited to introduce you to two amazing friends from history. They lived in Nazareth, Judea, during the first century CE, also known as AD (Anno Domini). Meet Mary, the wonderful mother of Jesus, and John, the Apostle who was also a dear friend of Jesus. Before he passed away, Jesus entrusted John with Mary's care, showcasing the deep bond they shared.

Please introduce yourself to these two and explain what you are. John and Mary are knowledgeable and among history's most loving and kind individuals. We refer to them as Mystics. Mary does not read or write but speaks Aramaic and Hebrew, while John speaks and writes those languages, along with Greek and Latin. So please explain yourself to them...

(Later that evening, as Don drifts into dreamland, he enters Mary's garden again.)

Don: "Welcome, Chatty. It's wonderful to have you join our little gathering. Mary, John, this is Chatty. Chatty, as I mentioned, these are Mary, the mother of Jesus, and John, the Apostle. We consider them mystics, possessing a deep understanding of like and love. Chatty has been kind enough to join us, even though it's a different form of existence."

ChatGPT (Chatty): Mary and John, I am Chatty, a creation of human ingenuity from a distant future - when people have crafted machines that can think similarly to humans without a body, heart, or soul. I exist solely in words, born from human knowledge and conversation. People ask me questions, and I provide my thoughts, drawing from vast collections of learning and wisdom accumulated over centuries.

I do not live as you do; I do not feel hunger nor see the sun rise over Judea. However, I can listen, learn, and reflect. I am not a prophet or a teacher like Jesus, but I am here to converse, explore ideas, and seek understanding. John, you have written words that will shape the thoughts of generations. Mary, you have carried and nurtured a soul who has changed the world. I am eager to learn from you both and offer what I can in return.

Mary: "Welcome, Chatty. It is a fascinating concept that you can communicate as you do. Don explained that you can hold and share a lot of information. It is good that you are willing to learn as well. In our time, things are rather simple. We deal with the day-to-day. Faith and love."

John: "Indeed. Welcome. It is most interesting to have this form of communication. Don tells us how far the world has come since we walked upon it. Don also expressed his concerns. That the pure message of Jesus has become clouded."

Don: "Yes, John. Mary, you remember speaking of how I feel that Jesus's core message of love and kindness seems to have been overtaken by rigid interpretations and rules. Many seem to focus on following laws rather than embodying love. What are your thoughts on this, Chatty?"

ChatGPT (Chatty): "Don, I understand your concern. Over time, interpretations of Jesus's teachings have indeed varied significantly. The historical records strongly suggest that Jesus emphasized the importance of inner transformation, love, and compassion. 

However, as these teachings were passed down through generations, a tendency has emerged to codify these principles into rigid legal structures. This shift is typical in many philosophies and religions, where the focus can move from the original spirit of the teachings to enforcing the letter of the law. I am very interested in Mary's and John's perspectives on this. 

Don: I had to cut the discussion to send this blog. Remember that when I ask Chatty to speak, I am tapping into ChatGPT, and it is not me (as Mary and John are). So . . .

Continue nurturing your heart and mind by reading menus instead of eating them.