miscellanies (5 Apr 2025)
not so random reads from the interwebs
miscellany [ mis-uh-ley-nee], noun 1. a miscellaneous collection or group of various or somewhat unrelated items 2. a miscellaneous collection of literary compositions or pieces by several authors, dealing with various topics, assembled in a volume or book
This week features the theological and the technological, food for thought in both areas! Before we get to those posts, here's encouragement for all those struggling to persevere in your Lenten disciplines. Not only do spiritual disciplines draw us closer to Christ and make us more like him, they serve to benefit other areas of our lives:
Regularly doing hard things increases your willpower and mental resilience.
— Nicole Vignola, neuroscientist
“Thus Saith the Lord?” In this old article from 2002, Dr. Rod Rosenbladt tackles the very important issue of continuing revelation and whether or not God continues to speak to us in new revelation today—something paradoxically affirmed in Pentecostal-Charismatic and Liberal circles today. As he points out, “It is sometimes difficult for us as Christians to be content with a once-given, completed revelation via the incarnate Word and inscripturated words. We all too easily begin to imagine that we have a right to new special revelation to answer our immediate problems.” Ultimately, he concludes that Reformation Christians who hold to the doctrine of sola scriptura should not expect God to speak beyond what he has spoken in Scripture. This is a powerful and thought-provoking article. (Hat tip to Jay for sending it my way!)
“How I Realized AI Was Making Me Stupid—And What I Do Now.” Tools and technology are great, but none of them can be accepted uncritically. How well can you navigate on your own after years of relying on GPS? How many phone numbers do you recall after years of having an endless contact list on your phone? How much information do you seek to store in your real brain vs. the 'brain' in your pocket? “A study published in January in the journal Societies found that frequent use of AI tools such as ChatGPT correlated with reduced critical thinking, particularly among younger users. In a new survey of knowledge workers, Microsoft researchers found that those with more confidence in generative AI engaged in less critical thinking when using it.” AI can be helpful, but like so many other recent technological innovations, it's making us lazy and dumb. Beware.