Virtual Divinity?

Christians believe in certain attributes that belong exclusively and uniquely to God. For example: Omnipotence (all-powerful) refers to God’s unlimited and matchless power and authority. There is no other power that is above him. Omnipresence (all-present) means that God is present everywhere. There is no place where he is not. Omniscience (all-knowing) is about God’s all-surpassing knowledge of all things that can be known.

While we consciously affirm these truths, our actions may at times reveal an unconscious desire to experience something of a virtual sense of divinity. The controlling word here is “virtual,” implying that what one has is not the real thing, but only a pathetic imitation of what is genuine.

So much has been written or discussed about the phenomenon of our profound attachment to and constant use of our smartphones. What follows is not a pronouncement, but more of a precautionary pondering on our behavior. It is more of a question: “Could it be?” It’s adding a theological twist to the concerns expressed in various articles about this.

When our smartphone rings or gives out a notification tone, we feel compelled to answer it. We just have to take the call or read the text message. It can’t wait. So we pick up the phone while driving or right in the midst of a worship service or prayer time! “The one calling or texting cannot function without me.” Could it be that such behavior gives us a bloated sense of importance or power (omnipotence)?

We all know about the amusing yet sad picture of people gathered together, physically present and supposedly engaged in an ongoing conversation. Yet each one is glued to the screen of their smartphone, perhaps simultaneously engaged in another conversation with some person elsewhere via text messaging. Could it be that such practice gives us a false sense of being everywhere at all times (omnipresence)?

We may dismiss as a joke the quip: “If it is in the Internet, it must be true.” But many times we can begin to speak and act like experts in almost everything. The smartphone in our hands gives us access to so much information via the Internet. Could it be that such access gives us an overrated sense of knowledge (omniscience)?

The serpent tempted Adam and Eve: “the moment you eat from that tree … You’ll be just like God” (Genesis 3.5 The Message). Could it be that we still are drawn to the idea of being like God on our own terms? In Christ, we can actually share in the very life of God himself (2 Peter 1.3-4). Yet somehow, we settle for virtual divinity.

   —Keith Y. Jainga