What does God say about cars or robots operating on people instead of surgeons? What is the Salvation Army’s view about joining the EFF to protest against corruption, human trafficking or the fees at university?
These are some of the discussions that officers and soldiers discuss to guide fellow salvationists. Our motto (one of them at least) is “Heart to God, Hand to Man”. I understand this to mean that I’m living for Jesus and looking forward to eternity in heaven. However, in the meantime, I’m physically living in Limpopo and need to care about the well-being of my fellow man – materially, emotionally and spiritually.
It takes research to discover what Jesus said about artificial intelligence. There are principles in His teachings that have a lot to say about technology, humanity, dignity and the value of human life. I remember asking if artificial intelligent robots can ever become born again soldiers and officers in the Salvation Army. The answers were a resounding No, No and No.
When discussing virginity testing, it was a challenge to firstly learn about the practice, its cultural roots and the pride associated with the event. What does God say and how does this affect me? I witnessed firsthand in Nongoma when maidens came from far and wide to partake in the ceremony. The Bible does speak about virginity testing and the consequences of a bride not being a virgin when she marries. The South African Children’s Act of 2005 speaks about virginity testing on minors. After great discussions, disagreements and editing, we prepared a Bible Study on Female Virginity Testing. The African in me, the Christian in me, the salvationist in me, the man in me and the doctor in me had to learn, unlearn and wrestle with this topic in order to ultimately submit to God’s guidance and will in this matter.
It’s challenging to not step away from our careers or social circles and discuss these issues to do with social justice; but to incorporate our careers, our social values and Bible Studies into these issues. Our discussions cannot be about either the Bible, Commission of Inquiry into XXX, Twitter, Buccaneers or Sunday World. But embrace what the gospel has to say about each of these topics.
I imagine William Booth had an awesome time incorporating the gospel in pub-talk. How great that would be if we continued incorporating the gospel in our own corner where we walk, live and work. Grounded in the gospel but interacting with our fellow man.