I would as soon pray to God with machinery as to sing to God with machinery.
This quote is a metaphorical comparison that critiques the use of machinery or technology in spiritual and emotional expressions. It suggests that just as prayer, an intimate and personal communication with God, would lose its essence if conducted through machinery, singing to God – another form of personal expression and worship – should not be mediated by machines either. The quote emphasizes the importance of sincerity, authenticity, and directness in our relationship with the divine.
The “machinery” here can be interpreted as anything that mechanizes or depersonalizes our experiences. In today’s context, this could refer to various forms of technology used in worship services like sound systems, light shows or even online streaming platforms. While these technologies can enhance accessibility and create immersive experiences for worshippers, they may also risk distancing us from the rawness and immediacy of direct spiritual communion.
In terms of personal development, this idea could be applied to emphasize authenticity over artificiality. Just like how genuine prayer or song cannot be replaced by machinery; true growth cannot come from shortcuts or superficial changes but requires sincere self-reflection and effort. We are often tempted to use “machinery” such as pretense, deception or quick-fix solutions in our lives but these can only distance us further from our true selves.
Moreover, it might suggest a critical view on over-reliance on technology for emotional expression – whether it’s using emojis instead of words to convey feelings or using social media filters to present an idealized version of ourselves. Authenticity might get lost when we lean too much on these digital tools rather than expressing ourselves directly.
Overall this quote encourages us to value sincerity over convenience both in spirituality and personal growth while reminding us about potential pitfalls brought by excessive dependence on technology.
