I fell in love with coffee houses when I was 16 years old. I think it appropriate mention this because, in part, it explains why I’m hosting the Monday coffee hour. Over the years I went on to manage a coffee house called the Oak Tree. And later as a city of San Pablo employee I supervised community center events. And finally I managed a nightclub / theatre in Berkeley. The romance I had with structured community gatherings, such as coffee houses, community centers, theaters, and night clubs, was driven by my need for community and sense of belonging.
I have been blogging in Daily Kos for over 17 years and holding down the Monday Street Prophets coffee hour for almost as long. Why? It is my diet of worms. Starting with a new list of nighty-five theses. Now do not get your hopes up that this is a sensational new weight reduction program and diet. No, this series will be about my hopes for a Twenty First Century Reformation as world changing as the Protestant Reformation.
Jump the fold for my literary attempts of making bad jokes about worms.
What is for dinner? How are you doing? What is on your mind. If you are new to Street Prophets please introduce yourself beyond the fold in a comment. This is an Open Thread / Coffee Hour and all topics of conversation are welcome.
A video from one of my favorite religious interfaith organizations, Centre Place, started me thinking about what a Twenty First Century Reformation would consist of. Below is the embed of the video and here is the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=io86VNYP3ww.
Are Protestant values quietly shaping the beliefs, values, and everyday choices of our secular society? The Protestant Reformation affected not just Christianity, but also reshaped how people in Europe conceived of everything from politics to ordinary life.
Brian Carwana, from Encounter World Religions, explores the far-reaching impact of this cultural tectonic shift. He argues that today, all of us living in Western countries, regardless of religious affiliation and identity, are children of the Reformation.
Browse our catalogue of free lectures at https://www.centreplace.ca/lectures.
From the YouTube introduction to the video
The video above, makes the case that Martin Luther’s ninety-five theses nailed to the church’s door started a revolution in the way society is organized. He breaks his lecture into 5 segments: 1) Politics, 2) Religion, 3. Ordinary Life, 4) View of the person, and 5) a mystery topic. (Spoiler: it’s Secularism.)
So where do we start? My first impulse was to draw up a list of “concerns” like Luther did and tape it to a church door. But, that action all though dramatic only was effective due the the recent invention of the printing press. The list was duplicated and print versions were spread widely. This presents the first clue in creating a Twenty First Century Reformation. We must embrace how technology can be used to for good or bad to accomplish a reformation. So obviously the the two major technological advances that may have an impact similar to the printing press is artificial intelligence and the internet.
It is said that history resonates and with that in mind Martin Luther’s story gives me a starting place to examine all the change that grew out of his struggle. So in this series I’m going to bring out many of the points discussed in the video and envision a comparable pattern that could be used today to effect a reformation. And that is just the problem we need a lot of new patterns. So next Monday I will tell you some stories about values. Simple stories and simple values that are not like the list below or Luther’s Theses.
Out of a sense of curiosity I decided to ask ChatGPT-3.5 for some help. I asked it, “Write an updated for the 21th century using Luther Ninety-five theses of reformation.” Note my bad English. However, it came back with this reply:
Thoughts from ChatGPT-3.5
Luther's Ninety-Five Theses, written in 1517, were a significant catalyst for the Protestant Reformation. If we were to imagine an updated version for the 21st century, it might address contemporary issues within the context of religion, technology, and social issues. Here's a speculative attempt:
Ninety-Five Propositions for Reformation in the 21st Century
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In a world shaped by technology, let us question the impact of artificial intelligence and automation on human dignity.
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Recognize that information is power; therefore, advocate for transparency and truth in the digital age.
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Reconsider the role of social media in shaping public discourse and its impact on the spread of information.
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Embrace diversity in the global village, understanding that cultural differences enrich our understanding of humanity.
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Challenge economic systems that perpetuate inequality and exploit the vulnerable, advocating for just and sustainable alternatives.
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Affirm the importance of environmental stewardship and address climate change as a moral and ethical imperative.
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Question the role of organized religion in fostering inclusivity and promoting social justice.
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Reflect on the intersection of faith and science, seeking harmony between religious beliefs and empirical knowledge.
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Critique the commodification of spirituality and the commercialization of religious practices.
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Encourage open dialogue on matters of faith, respecting diverse perspectives and fostering mutual understanding.
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Advocate for gender equality within religious institutions, recognizing the inherent worth and dignity of all individuals.
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Examine the impact of modern healthcare on the sanctity of life and promote ethical considerations in medical advancements.
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Reevaluate the role of education in shaping values and fostering critical thinking.
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Reflect on the ethical implications of genetic engineering and emerging biotechnologies.
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Challenge the notion of constant connectivity and explore the importance of solitude and reflection.
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Question the influence of corporate power on politics and its impact on justice and equality.
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Encourage responsible consumption and mindful living to address issues of overconsumption and waste.
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Critique the role of entertainment media in shaping cultural norms and values.
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Emphasize the importance of mental health awareness and destigmatize seeking help for psychological well-being.
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Reaffirm the importance of community engagement and social activism as expressions of faith.
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Advocate for the rights of refugees and migrants, recognizing the shared humanity that transcends borders.
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Challenge discrimination based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, and other forms of identity.
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Reconsider the relationship between faith and political ideologies, promoting a just and compassionate governance.
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Reflect on the impact of globalization on local communities and cultures.
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Acknowledge the role of historical injustices and work towards reconciliation and reparations.
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Question the militarization of societies and promote peaceful resolutions to conflicts.
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Address the ethical considerations of emerging technologies such as biometrics and surveillance.
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Challenge the commodification of spirituality and the commercialization of religious practices.
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Advocate for fair labor practices and the rights of workers in an era of gig economies and automation.
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Encourage interfaith dialogue and cooperation for the common good.
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Reevaluate the use of symbols and rituals in religious practices, ensuring they convey meaningful messages.
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Critique the role of nationalism in shaping religious identity and fostering divisiveness.
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Promote responsible use of technology in religious worship and community engagement.
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Address the challenges of religious extremism and promote a narrative of tolerance and understanding.
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Reflect on the impact of colonial legacies on global inequalities and justice.
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Challenge the narrative of exceptionalism and embrace humility in the face of global challenges.
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Advocate for the protection of indigenous rights and cultural heritage.
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Reconsider the role of art and creativity in expressing and exploring spiritual truths.
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Encourage inclusive language and representations in religious texts and practices.
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Reflect on the ethical implications of space exploration and colonization.
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Address the ethical considerations of bioengineering and genetic modification.
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Promote a holistic understanding of health that includes mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
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Challenge the culture of materialism and promote values that prioritize relationships and community.
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Reevaluate the role of democracy in ensuring justice and representation for all.
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Encourage responsible use of social media and technology to foster meaningful connections.
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Address the challenges of addiction and substance abuse within the context of compassion and support.
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Challenge the narrative of scarcity and promote sustainable practices for the well-being of the planet.
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Reflect on the impact of mass incarceration on communities and advocate for criminal justice reform.
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Reconsider the role of patriarchy and gender norms within religious institutions.
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Affirm the importance of rest and Sabbath in the face of a 24/7 digital culture.
[Continued...]
From ChatGPT-3.5
All things considered the list reflects a progressive attitude. It took less than 2 minutes for me to type in the question and get the result. Try as I might I could not get it to spit out another 45. I guess it leaves room for me to make up them. Or please leave your addition to the list in the comments below.
What would you add to the list?