Imago Dei

Print
Details

Imago Dei

 

 

(Photo by Rita Kurtz, The Cross, October 2022).

 

By Rita Kurtz

October 27, 2022

We are not avatar video game beings. We exist as a body, a mind, and a soul (New American Standard Bible, 1960/2020, 1Thessalonians 5:23). We are made in the image of God. Genesis 1:27 proclaims, "God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him." However, humans as trichotomous beings in the unique Imago Dei, interweaving into the virtual space of technology, some opt for autogenic digital personas. Humankind has gone so far as to perform virtual holy sacraments in a virtual, make-believe world. The central theme of this discussion highlights that as new cyber inventions emerge, such as the recent highly immersive virtual world of the metaverse, these new simulated realities present further societal moral and ethical questions that need answers, especially for Christians. The word metaverse is loosely defined, as it is not yet added to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, "the concept of a highly immersive virtual world where people gather to socialize, play, and work" (Merriam-Webster Dictionary, Words to Watch, 2022). As a thought leader, I ponder questions concerning society's health and welfare and am more concerned for Christians because they may be misled by the alternative, self-referential universe leading to possible apostasy due to deception. Likewise, those coming to seek truth in the metaverse may need help finding it.

In thinking about my degree program and the areas of research, including the intersectionality of my past career experiences, these events led me to questions about the ethical and moral identity of humankind in the self-centric prescient technology, exposing the need for more solid God-centered and Bibliocentric Christianity to negate further confusion. As we step toward more immersive technologies, how does the body of Christ navigate evangelizing, worshipping, and upholding reverence to God? It appears to be more of a challenge in the self-centric-focused metaverse. For example, research suggests that the frequency of the term "selfie" increased in the English language and grew exponentially by 17,000% in a two-year time frame between 2012 and 2014 (BBC Editor, 2013) due to the introduction of the new technology of the smart phone. The metaverse pushes themes of self as truth. Nevertheless, is that what God intended? John 3:30 proclaims the truth that Christ is to be exalted, "He must increase, but I must decrease."

Where are people seeking truth? Researchers have discovered that people select the information that supports their own ideas about 67% of the time in the essence of supporting their own viewpoint and approximately 33% on opposing views (University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 2009). With technology outrunning rationality (Firestone, 2008), questions arise in the self-centered digital space. How do Christians grounded in biblical truth accept artificial identity as truth? What is the psychological well-being concerning screen time, or in the case of the metaverse, virtual reality goggle time, in the artificial augmented world? Are biblically based holy sacraments, such as baptisms, considered full immersion in a cybernetic pool? Are the holographic images using Artificial Intelligence considered false idols we are worshipping? In seeking truth and understanding as a thought leader, the necessity for pinpointing and exposing possible deceptions serves as a platform for discussion. Acknowledging possible concerns while backing the cause for concern with a truth-based biblical foundation, including studying these concerns, may help to encapsulate truth, making the metaverse less deceiving. How can we solidify Biblical truth using fictitious personas to an already wounded, confused, and hurt humanity?

The parallel between truth and myth becomes an oxymoron. The Bible warns against these blurred lines. In 2 Timothy 4:3-4, it proclaims that

"For the time will come when they will not tolerate sound doctrine, but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance with their own desires, and they will turn their ears away from the truth and will turn aside to myths."

The imaginary world of online virtual realities, such as the metaverse church-a fully online church set in a virtual world (Lim Phing, 2022), marks a watershed in the importance of studying the mind and behavior of the disembodied world of virtual reality when paralleling it to the body of Christ.

Complete immersion into the new metaverse-style churches poses even deeper problems involving disembodiment questions about identity. Because our new metaverse world can be customizable, the manufactured ability to manipulate appearance contradicts the representation of the received identity from God. Avatars in the metaverse can appear as, for example, the mythological centaur--the horse-headed human, or any other creation, as the human is now the creator. As digital creators, the ability to change who we are becomes prevalent and feeds into societal pressures of identity. Furthermore, evidence suggests that the threat of body dysmorphia disorder is rising (Himanshu, et al., 2020). Scientific studies report that anxieties crippling Gen Z and Millennials are due to increased social media influence and screen time, which adds to the decline of body image (Himanshu et al., 2020). In the metaverse world, virtual reality goggles must be worn to experience the journey, and your responsibility is to create your own avatar. Isolation, physical damage to the face, mental stresses, and body image come into play concerning humankind in the metaverse. The self-centric avatar may or may not be an accurate representation or even close to the person's likeness. Is it harmless or a cry for deeply rooted personal issues? Entering the metaverse becomes truth, but whose truth?

People get their truth from their sphere of influence, and the influence can both a positive and negative affect on them. The sphere includes self-awareness, social media, peer groups, family, friends, workmates, laws, and generational beliefs and biases. Researchers from the University of Florida and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign analyzed people in a study. They found that "people are almost two times more likely to select information congenial rather than uncongenial to their pre-existing attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors" (Hart et.al., 2009). In other words, they believe it is true just because it is their viewpoint, and they may have heard or seen something possibly from their family member, work, or social media, but is it solid truth?

Additionally, the study says people's attitudes and behaviors are frequently inaccurate and inappropriate, such as a doctor's misdiagnosis, investors making poor investment decisions, or children's belief in Santa Claus or the Tooth Fairy (Hart et.al., 2009). The founder of the first metaverse church, Bishop DJ Soto, along with his current staff members, such as Pastor Koko, posted their avatars on their website. Pastor Koko, a female pastor whose avatar resembles the likeness of a gray-faced cat with white and pink hair, her human photograph on the website, does not appear to resemble a cat or any other feline resemblance (VR Church, 2022). Which leads to the question, is her perverted reality avatar sending Tooth Fairy and pixie dust perceptions of theology? People are already lost and confused in this fallen world, and that is why we need a Savior. The question remains of whether her avatar conflates the wrong message about the teaching of the Word and the body of Christ.

Furthermore, the chance that it may confuse the congregation about the Imago Dei, in essence trivializes the seriousness of God's Word, especially those new to the faith. What does this false representation do to us? Because the study from the researchers from the University of Florida and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign stated the likelihood of seeking congenial information is high, this means more avatar characters with distorted realities could appear as anything, such as a likeness of Jesus, a naked popstar, or even Satan himself. Boundaries must come into effect at the metaverse church. In this selfie age, it is crucial to remember that the avatar is not real, and the metaverse is a means for connection, not a replacement for human connection. When we feed into like-mindedness and feelings, they can steer us in the direction of harm, creating a larger chasm away from the Imago Dei and our faith.

Conversely, some may argue that the metaverse church is sound in its practices, much like the need for ZOOM video conferencing during the pandemic. The digital ministry could, in turn, be an excellent way to reach people that would not usually attend church. It may very well pique the interest of a curious teenager searching for the truth because they were drawn in because of the feelings of likeness to the avatar's likeness. Arguably, having an online virtual church to reach the hurting is ideal, so long as we are mindful in keeping with the truth of God's Holy Word. Equally important is the need for reaching the sick and shut-ins that cannot attend church. However, aren't we the body of Christ? Why isn't the body of Christ visiting the sick and shut-ins in physical form? God is a god of relationships--in real-life relationships. Recent studies from the Touch Research Institute indexes a list of problems concerning human interaction and touch deprivation. Touch-deprived children develop strikingly low cortisol and growth development (Field, 2011). What happens to our socioemotional needs if we live in a metaverse world, donning virtual reality goggles, and isolating ourselves in society?

All things considered, the most significant negative impact is Satan, the great deceiver, "The god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving so that they will not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God"(New American Standard Bible, 1960/2020, 2 Corinthians 4:4) In knowing that deception is prevalent, I am concerned for the mental health of the parishioners of the new metaverse church. The lost are searching for truth, and if we give them a watered-down version of the truth with cultural Christianity, the hurting world will again be deceived, contradicting the one solid truth that comes from the Creator.

There is enough deception and half-truths in the world. As a final example, scientists discovered that moderate to high television viewing in midlife increases memory loss and decreases fine motor skills, including a link between high television consumption and the onset of depression (Parulekar, 2022). Then the question is, although we are sold that the metaverse can open new doors to new worlds, what are the affects on our motor skills, and the lasting wear concerns for the use of virtual reality goggles? What are the implications and effects on our bodies both mentally and physically?

In conclusion, we are not avatar video game beings; we are flesh and bone with a mind and a soul made in the image of God. More challenges in the self-centric metaverse threaten the teaching of Christian truth. As a thought leader, being socially responsible should be at the forefront of our minds concerning the metaverse and the body of Christ. In sharing wisdom and experiences, we must embrace the world of ideas to ponder and possibly answer some of life's existential questions. Distorted realities can be a cause for concern regarding mental and physical health. Sound theological practice mixed with a virtual setting presents concern because of two different worlds colliding. Not exalting our Savior but ourselves is a major concern. The metaverse church's intention to use innovative technology for the good can be positive in the Faith-sharing community, but boundaries need to be in place. With the new normal of the meta-sphere, if we adopt the mindset of Jesus, whether online or offline, God's message continues to remain the same.

 

Key words: Artificial Intelligence, Chatbots, Talkbots, Image of God, Imago Dei

Rita Kurtz (PhD student) is a recent graduate of Harvard University with a master's degree from the Faculty of Arts & Sciences department. While at Harvard University, Rita took part in several projects, including a research study at the Langer Mindfulness Lab in the Department of Psychology which delved into the psychological effects of how news mediums impact the consumption and conveyance of news to the public. In writing in the sciences, she researched and wrote two research papers and presented them in front of fellow scientists. The first paper researched Nutraceutical Skin Therapy: Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Ganoderma lucidum, a study on how mushrooms may support youthful skin and aid in patients suffering from the autoimmune disease, sarcoidosis. The second delved into extensive research on Meat Analogues: Are We Making a Positive Political Advancement to Save the Planet? Or A Personal Health Choice that Barely Sustains Ourselves?  which uncovered the unnatural ingredients masked in meatless burgers from Beyond Meat and Impossible Burger. 

Her interdisciplinary studies in law, anthropology and philosophy, makes her a well-rounded candidate. Her past academia undergraduate studies covered a gamut of disciplines including writing legal briefs and law courses in Constitutional Law, Business Law I &II, Torts, Corporate Finance, Business Policy, Economics, Chemistry, Chemistry Lab, and Consumer Behavior. She became a published nonfiction writer and a certified digital storyteller while at Harvard. 

Rita was formerly a Government Account Executive supplying computer networks to the U.S. military around the globe creating relationships between the civilian sector and the government. She has also worked as a Record-Breaking Technical Recruiter, placing C-level executives in major tech companies and start-ups. Her well roundedness and entrepreneurial mindset led her to running a successful bakery at the Department of Defense (DoD) Air Force Exchange. 

Rita is a digital creator, with some experience with Python Programming language. She stays current on mainstream topics as a blogger, social media influencer, and actress/entertainer. She divides her time between speaking, performing, and engaging in television, radio, and stage productions. She has covered tech news and innovations as a repeat spokesperson at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), MacWorld, and for Belkin Components. Her acting appearances aired on Lifetime, History Channel, Fox, and the Paramount Network, landing her on an Emmy-nominated show. Her experience in media, led to a career in television, radio, movies, and writing. As a prior executive producer, TV and radio host of a positive side of sports, life and entertainment variety show, her co-hosts included NFL players and Professionals. The show broadcasted on Warner Brothers Television and Fox. Her position led to interviews with billionaires, millionaires, celebrities, professional athletes, NASCAR drivers, professional medical staff, professional attorneys, musicians, and business owners. As a headline lead singer, she has toured with Grammy-Award winning musicians, and performed the national anthem for several professional sports teams around the country. Rita is a strong writer, researcher, listener, articulate speaker, and takes direction well. She is most recognized for the TV commercial in which she belted opera on a bus with a guy dressed like a Scandinavian viking-(877-CASHNOW).

Currently pursuing her Doctor of Philosophy degree in Division 1 General Psychology with a Christian lens, hones her past skill set as a Christian Youth Group Counselor and a contracted DoD Choir Director. Her current research interests include artificial intelligence (AI), virtual reality (VR), law, ethics, morals, bioethics, aviation, military affairs, divinity and diversity. Her postgraduate studies at Liberty University allows her to research, analyze, test, generate new data, and the application of statistical and analytical data. Setting academic theories in psychology with a Christian worldview, opens deeper theories into more professional values, morals, ethics, behaviors, attitudes, justices, theoretical modeling, evidence-based modeling, culturally diversity standardization, leadership in trends, concepts, and methods. She is currently studying neuroscience, cognitive psychology, social-personality psychology, neurotheology, law, and statistics. Her main focus lies in self-regulation in the discipline of Health Psychology from a holistic-mind, body, spirit, and soul approach.

She is a current member of the American Psychological Association (APA), American Psychology-Law Society (AP-LS), National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ), American Federation of Musicians (AFM), Christian Association for Psychological Studies (CAPS), Harvard Black Alumni Society (HBAS), Harvard Club of NY, Harvard Club of Southern California, and the Harvard Alumni Association. She currently resides in Beverly Hills, California. Her faith in Jesus Christ is the foundation for her life.

Awards: 

References

B. B. C. (2013, November 19).'selfie' named by Oxford Dictionaries as word of 2013. BBC News. https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-24992393

Field, T. (2011, February 25). Touch for socioemotional and physical well-being: A Review. Developmental Review. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0273229711000025

Firestone, R. W. (2008). The human experience | psychology Today. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-human-experience/200812/the-human-experience

Hart, W., Albarracn, D., Eagly, A. H., Brechan, I., Lindberg, M. J., & Merrill, L. (2009). Feeling validated versus being correct: a meta-analysis of selective exposure to information.Psychological bulletin, 135(4), 555-588. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0015701

Himanshu, Kaur, A., Kaur, A., & Singla, G. (2020). Rising dysmorphia among adolescents: A cause for concern. Journal of family medicine and primary care, 9(2), 567-570. https://doi.org/10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_738_19

Kurtz, R. (2022). PSYC 700: Discussion thread: becoming a thought leader. Week one, discussion one. Foundations of doctoral study in psychology.

Lim Phing, W. (2022, July 25). Church in the metaverse: Are you ready? Our Daily Bread Ministries. https://ourdailybread.org/church-in-the-metaverse-are-you-ready/

Merriam-Webster. (2022). What is the 'metaverse'? Merriam-Webster. https://www.merriam-webster.com/words-at-play/meaning-of-metaverse#:~:text=Parallel%20worlds%20or%20parallel%20universes,that%20may%20be%20out%20there.

New American Standard Bible. (2020). Zondervan. (Original work published 1960).

Parulekar, M. S. (2022, August 10). Is binge-watching TV bad for your brain? Hackensack Meridian Health. https://www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/en/HealthU/2022/08/10/Is-Binge-Watching-TV-Bad-for-Your-Brain

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. (2009, July 2). People sometimes seek the truth, but most prefer like-minded views. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090701082720.htm

VR Church. (2022). Metaverse elders - VR church in the metaverse. VR church. https://www.vrchurch.org/elders

 

Author Note

Rita L. Kurtz- https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4456-7784

No conflict of interest to disclose.

Correspondence concerning this article should be addressed to harvarduniversity.ritakurtz@gmail.com

###