Programming and Spirituality
it might at first seem that there was no connection between
spirituality and computer programming, but I find that there are
little links here and there, some of them just reflections or
analogies.
A central idea is that of being both created and a creator.
Reflection on how we feel about our own creative output may be a
useful tool for meditation on how our Creator may feel about us. (I
wrote an essay on
this quite a few years ago.)
I recently had a feeling that I should be seeing my work as
vocational, and so have made a list of aims to keep in mind as
follows:
- to improve programmers' lives by changing the way they interact
with computers, including by providing better software tools
(particularly for editing) [this one is specific to my work], and
by encouraging/enabling (partly through the improved tools)
healthier working practices and attitudes
- to introduce and encourage spiritual health through whatever
channels are available, including the above where possible
- to practise what I preach; and to learn from reflecting on what
I practise
- to listen to others, including myself; to reflect and to
discern all that they are saying. To be humble, but assertive
- to love and care for my creations, and to correct them,
never settling for the second best; to accept the love and care
of my Creator, and to respond to correction, never settling for
the second best
- to focus on the appropriate, balancing the overview and the
detail, in response to circumstances
- to understand what I observe, and to apply that understanding
- to accept my limitations; to work with them, and to change them
- to allow room for inspiration
- to accept the irksome tasks; to transform them, and so to
transform myself
- to teach others what I have learned; to show my knowledge; to
encourage others to do likewise
- to remember that there is spiritual poverty in those who seem
to have it made (the traditional mission fields are not the only
ones, not that I regard people as conversion fodder in the way
that some seem to)
- to take into account as many relevant factors as possible
- to take sensible priorities
External links
John C. G. Sturdy
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Last modified: Sun Jun 10 22:27:50 GMT Daylight Time 2007
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