In the era of rapid technological progress, many ask themselves: how can one preserve spiritual and moral integrity in a world where technology influences every aspect of life?

Guarding Spiritual Identity in the Digital Age

In the era of rapid technological progress, many ask themselves: how can one preserve spiritual and moral integrity in a world where technology influences every aspect of life?

Contemporary debates focus less on progress itself and more on its potential use as a tool for manipulating people’s consciousness and behavior. It is noted that without a solid moral foundation, technology can become an instrument that serves as an unstable bulwark for destructive forces.

At the center of public attention is the risk that technological advancements may be employed by ideologies capable of undermining spiritual identity. The call to resist the thoughtless adoption of new innovations is not meant to block scientific development but to ensure a conscious approach to using technology. It is emphasized that while striving to see evil intentions in computers and advertising is mistaken, it simultaneously sends a message that spiritual education and the development of critical thinking must be prioritized.

It is important to note that this approach does not mean rejecting progress, but rather attempting to protect society from manipulative practices that could deprive people of their spiritual autonomy. If the younger generation does not learn to use modern technologies wisely, there is a risk that in the future they may fall under the complete control of those who master not only technology but also values. Thus, the call for vigilance is not merely a warning of a technological threat but a reminder of the need to reinforce moral and spiritual foundations in the age of digital revolution.

We live in an important time when technology and traditional values clash in a struggle for influence. Maintaining spiritual control becomes key to ensuring that innovation serves personal development instead of becoming an instrument of dictatorship. A society based on strong moral principles is capable not only of integrating modern achievements but also of preserving its historical and spiritual identity.

Why does the Russian Orthodox Church call on Christians to defend themselves against new technologies, and what is the meaning behind this call?

The Russian Orthodox Church sees modern technologies as potential tools for establishing spiritual and moral control. According to the available sources, the call to defend against new technologies is linked not to technical progress itself but to the danger that these technologies might become instruments of the antichrist—that is, means through which people’s consciousness and behavior can be manipulated.

For example, one of the sources ( link txt) states:
"Reducing the power of the antichrist to computer, advertising, and psychoanalytic technologies means engaging in desecration. The very desecration that liberal-rationalist critics of the Gospel pursued in the last century... But he will indeed 'bring fire down from heaven'. Miracles can be black. And not every antichrist’s miracle is merely a technological trick or forgery. Therefore, on one hand, one should not succumb to a mystical fear of new technologies (including computers)..."
This excerpt emphasizes that limiting the power of the antichrist solely to technological means is a superficial and incorrect approach. Yet on the other hand, it warns that leaving technology unregulated by proper spiritual control might lead to a far more devastating threat.

Another source ( link txt) expresses additional concern, noting:
"For instance, I am frightened—excuse me by the stupid anti-propaganda of computers. You read some of our so-called Russian Orthodox newspaper and are astonished. On one hand, there is tears and lamenting over why Rus is not a great power, while on the other, there is harsh criticism of computers. But if our children today do not learn to master computers (which, by the way, is impossible without the same computer games, since children learn everything through play), then tomorrow the Orthodox will end up as servants performing household tasks in the homes of life’s masters."
Here it is emphasized that ignorance and the inability to master modern technologies could lead to a loss of spiritual independence, turning believers into dependents of those who control these technologies.

Finally, one of the sources (unknown) sums up the danger:
"New technologies, having been maligned by everyone, become instruments of the antichrist, using deceit and manipulation to achieve their goals. The only way to counter this is to rely on a spiritual and moral foundation..."
Thus, the essence of the Russian Orthodox Church’s call is for Christians to maintain a critical stance and not give in to temptations that allow technology to dictate the terms of social order. Defending against new technologies is viewed not as a rejection of scientific and technological progress but as a means to preserve spiritual identity and moral values.