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Belte's avatar

Your insight into not using the techniques of the oppressive regime (ie managerial, rational, etc) to try to overcome it was apt. It highlights how a radical revolution led by the “vitalists” would simply be a changing of the guard with better aesthetics. In using the techniques, we would easily slip into the corruption (and cage) that technology and mass power grant their wielders. It also reminds me of Frank Herbert’s Dune series in which the prequel (https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000FA5TPG/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1689439690&sr=8-3) illustrates how mankind rejected the machines way of battle and embraced a religious power that ultimately broke the AI’s machine armies. The half-human/half-machines of the “Cymek” (century old human brains using powerful machine exosuits) are held captive to a tech AI overlord resembles the fate of those who do not rely on God alone. I’m really glad I read this article as it crystallizes much for me about the folly of certain approaches to our predicament.

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Inzilbêth's avatar

"Do the adherents gain power through worship?"

I think this dynamic is impossible to guard against, and stood out to me as a key point in surmising the weaknesses of any system, but I'm not sure how one should negate this as a Christian, and what a Christian system (oops) would look like without this trap.

If I may offer my opinion on the form of the text itself: perhaps the first third or so could be condensed? You build the tension of the merely foundational analysis a bit too thoroughly for my taste. It truly comes alive (and very much so!) halfway through. There are nuances to be explored, so I understand the inclination to lay them out in detail.

Your work is so important, in that I don't really see anyone else doing the same thing as you and in such an encompassing and structured way, with your ideas. Much love and a complimentary tulip from Norway

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