Pastor Michael Rudzena on Tech Rituals

From Sermons to Smartphones

Michael Rudzena, founder and lead pastor at Good Shepherd New York, compares our relationship with phones to religious practices. It’s a perspective that is striking, particularly when the pastor observes that children raised with smartphones since birth participate in a technological ritual that shapes their worldview.

Rituals in the Palm of Our Hand

Good Shepherd New York founder Michael Rudzena contends that our relationship with technology, especially smartphones, shares similarities with religious rituals. This comparison draws parallels between the way we interact with our phones and traditional spiritual practices. When noted that “our morning and evening rituals are designed around them,” Rudzena points to the daily habits we form around our devices, arguing that this behavior mirrors the structured practices found in religious communities. Unlike some, Rudzena isn’t perturbed by the attention deficit often associated with technology. Instead, he sees smartphone use as a form of “formation”: the process of being shaped and molded by the constant engagement with digital devices. Conventional obliviously treated as sacrosanct, Rudzena’s take highlights how these digital devices are now so integral to our lives that they influence our behaviors and attitudes, molding us in ways that might not be immediately apparent but are deeply transformative.

Turning Attention into Digital Formation

Critics may misattribute smartphones’ impact to attention deficit, but Rudzena’s perspective of “formation” offers a fresh lens. He sees a paradox in our constant engagement; we are both reverent and disenchanted, caressing the devices while seeking divine connection with rituals. Rudzena’s insight into this paradox suggests that our digital habits are not only shaping how we spend our time but also how we perceive ourselves and others. They become a conduit for both fleeting moments and long-term identity formation. This internal transformation is what Rudzena terms formation: it’s the process by which we are shaped and influenced by our digital rituals.

A Disrupted Path to Loving One’s Neighbor

The deeper consequence of “formation” via technology, Rudzena argues, is that it can “undermine the whole project of loving our neighbor.” This part of the conversation focuses on the impact of digital rituals on our ability to build and maintain meaningful relationships. Rudzena suggests that when we are constantly engaged with our phones, we may be losing the capacity to engage fully with those around us. The screen becomes a barrier rather than a bridge, ultimately affecting our commitment to loving and supporting others. Rudzena’s concerns align with broader discussions about the social implications of technology, but his religious framing adds a unique dimension. He warns that the very nature of our digital interactions is eroding our ability to practice what he considers a fundamental human value: compassion and care for one another.

Technology Innovations in Spiritual Practice

Beyond shaping our personal behaviors, smartphones create a new frontier for spiritual practices. As noted, Rudzena echoes historical shifts in religious practice. When the printing press enabled mass production of Bibles, it democratized and diversified religious experiences. In a similar vein, smartphones offer new ways to engage with faith: from downloading sermons to participating in digital prayer groups. These innovations expand access and engagement, reflecting Rudzena’s belief that technology can be both a tool and a temple. Essentially, these dual uses make the smartphone both a conduit for digital formation and a means for spiritual connection.

Foster Healthy Digital and Spiritual Practices

Good Shepherd New York founder Michael Rudzena’s reflections on the intersection of technology and spirituality provide a roadmap for fostering healthy digital and spiritual practices:

• Digital Restraint: Start with simple practices, such as turning off notifications for non-essential apps. Limit smartphone use to specific times and places to maintain a sense of control.
• Intentional Engagement: Seek out digital content that enriches your spiritual life, such as devotional apps or online sermons. Use technology as a tool for connection rather than distraction.
• Avoid Parallel Demonstrations: For example, resist the urge to check your phone during meals or conversations. This helps build stronger connections with those around you.
• Establish Tech-Free Zones: Create spaces at home where technology is not allowed. This can include bedrooms, dining areas, and other places where face-to-face interactions are crucial.
• Reflect on Formation. Spend time considering how your digital habits are shaping you. Engage in self-reflection to understand the impact of technology on your spiritual and emotional well-being.

Pausing to Consider the Direction

Rudzena’s insights challenge us to consider the unintended consequences of our digital habits. By viewing our relationship with smartphones through a spiritual lens, he invites us to see the ways in which technology is shaping our lives and the broader implications for our relationships and communities. This perspective encourages a more mindful and intentional approach to technology, recognizing its power to form and transform us in ways that extend well beyond the screen.