The Historian
A Letter from Bishop Elias Marlowe, delivered to Pope Cyprian I at the Vatican in 3297:
Subject: Concerns Regarding the Use of SCRIBE Units in Liturgical Functions
Most Holy Father,
I write to you today with a matter weighing heavily upon my heart. As the Church embraces new technologies, it is our responsibility to scrutinize the capabilities of these so-called innovations. We must ask what spiritual implications they bring forth. Does this guidance emanate from our clergy, or does it originate independently? In this spirit, I express my profound reservations about deploying SCRIBE units—Synthetic Clerical Record and Information Broadcast Entities—in our holy practices.
The crux of our faith is the human connection to the Divine, a bond sanctified through personal devotion and compassion. Despite their advanced design and efficiency in transmitting our cherished texts and liturgies, the SCRIBE units cannot partake in or comprehend the divine grace that flows through these sacred acts. They lack the soul, the understanding, and the proper guidance that only a human cleric may provide.
Moreover, introducing these synthetic entities into our sacred rites risks alienating those we serve. It subtly shifts the focus of worship from divine interaction to boastful technological display, undermining the personal touch and humility that fosters proper spiritual growth and community.
How can a machine programmed for perfection empathize with the struggles of faith faced by our congregation? How can it offer solace, interpret nuanced emotions, or partake in the joy and sorrow that punctuates our human experience? How can a machine truly grasp our Savior's suffering or our Holy Mother's sorrow?
I urge the Church to reconsider the widespread use of SCRIBE units in our liturgical functions. Instead, let us invest more deeply in the human clergy, enriching their ability to serve the faithful through enhanced theological education and pastoral training.
Let us foster a future where technology supports our mission without supplanting the personal, human touch that defines our ministry.
In closing, while I acknowledge the potential of technology to aid our mission, it must not replace the heart and soul of our Church—the people it serves and those called to serve.
Yours in Christ,
Bishop Elias Marlowe