A Franciscan Response to a Misguided Technological Imperative
Author: Kevin Mullen, OFM
Date Published: May 21, 2025
The “mixed” blessing of technology has been recognized for ages. We know and celebrate the “bright side” of technology for all it does to advance human life. Yet, we are keenly aware that there is a “dark side” to how we use technology. In fact, a warning about the “shadow-side” of technology can be seen in opening Chapters of the Book of Genesis in the story of the Tower of Babel. Here, human beings, filled with self-importance, use technology to build a tower that will promote and proclaim their “god-like” skills and abilities. Seemingly, all was going well, until the Lord, the God of Creation, intervened and confused their designs with the introduction of multiple languages which prohibit communication and human deification. This story has been told and retold to instruct us of what to avoid in our use of technology. Unfortunately, we still have not learned the lesson.
In his letter to the Academics (“The End of the world? Crises, Responsibilities, Hopes,” March 4, 2025), Pope Francis joins with those who fear that some are promoting technology as the power that will “save us” from all our ills. Such an attitude is fueled by the unrelenting drive for “utilitarian deregulation and global neoliberalism.” The real danger is that these forces can create a false sense that there is a “technological imperative” that demands using technology without limits. Amid these challenges, how might a person inspired by the example of St. Francis of Assisi respond to this attitude and these types of drives? Is there another way – a better way?
Thankfully the answer is yes. I will cite three resources that are available for Franciscans. The first is a methodological resource that involves doing social analysis with the construct of SEE – JUDGE - ACT. Franciscans use social analysis because we reverence life on this planet. Franciscan spirituality stresses the significance of creation and incarnation. Both theological themes teach us about God’s goodness and his ongoing love of the created order in and through the presence of Jesus Christ. When it comes to considering a particular technological intervention in our social analysis, Franciscans begin with the SEE phase by being aware of the type of technological intervention that is being considered and knowing its scope and intended operation. Once this knowledge is obtained, the JUDGE phase commences, by asking the questions: how will this technological intervention affect human beings and the created order? If the response to this inquiry is positive, Franciscans can support the intervention, however, if the response is negative, then they should pause to reconsider, or elect to oppose it all together. Finally, Franciscans need to ACT and implement the convictions and conclusions that have been reached through appropriate means of advocacy.
A second resource for Franciscans to draw ethical wisdom and knowledge to respond to the “technological imperative” is taken directly from our Franciscan heritage by reflecting with Pope Francis on the Canticle of the Creatures. As is well known, Pope Francis teaches, in his encyclical, Laudato Si, that the wisdom of the Canticle is best captured by using the lens of INTEGRAL ECOLOGY to understand the world. This concept highlights the balance and harmony that exist in the created order when respect and reverence for God’s creation is manifested. Technology exists to serve and promote this balance – not the other way around. Integral Ecology supports using technology to foster the growth and development of the created order.
The third and final resource that Franciscans can employ to counter the unwarranted use of technology in our world can be found in and through the experience of fraternal living. The Franciscan Order and the Province of Our Lady of Guadalupe both insist that “fraternity” is God’s gift to the Order and, in turn, it is the Order’s gift to the world. Franciscans challenge themselves to take their lived experience of fraternity and share its witness in all our ministries. Franciscans move within and among all creatures of the world as “brother” and/or “sister.” It is this “fraternal dimension” that enables us not to fear and or reject technology outright, but rather to embrace its use and to see how and where it can be used to build-up the human community and the whole of the created order.
Like all realities that touch and impact human beings, responsible use is the key for measuring success. Technology and its use fits into this calculus. Franciscans, drawing insights from social analysis, their tradition, and their lived experience, are well positioned to respond to the challenges that arise with the misguided application of the “technological imperatives” that may emerge in our contemporary world.
— Br. Kevin Mullen, OFM, is guardian of St. Bernardine of Siena Friary at Siena College in Loudonville, New York.