Priming, Knowledge & Judgement
January 17th, 2024
Chapter 1: Priming
As I contemplate the concept of priming, I am reminded of the pervasive influence of media and environment on the human mind. Television shows and various forms of media often demonstrate how thoughts can be subtly implanted in our subconscious, shaping our perceptions and reactions before we are even aware. This phenomenon, priming, reveals a profound truth about the human psyche: we are deeply affected by our surroundings and the inputs we receive.
Reflecting on this, a passage from Deuteronomy comes to mind: "I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life, that you and your offspring may live" (Deuteronomy 30:19). This verse speaks to the power of conscious decision-making, urging us to choose paths that lead to life and blessing.
In the context of faith, I ponder the possibility of priming our hearts with the Holy Spirit. Imagine if we intentionally filled our subconscious with thoughts that align with God's will, guiding us toward actions and attitudes that reflect His love and grace. This form of spiritual priming could counteract the negative influences we encounter in our daily lives.
However, there is a darker side to priming, particularly in the realm of media exposure. Children, for instance, may adopt attitudes and values from the brands and behaviors they see glamorized, like the importance of wearing Gucci or Prada. Similarly, the consumption of violent video games, pornography, and the tendency to air grievances publicly while keeping apologies private, all reflect a form of negative priming that is at odds with Christian values.
As people of faith, we must critically examine the ways in which our minds and hearts are being primed. Are we allowing the Holy Spirit to guide our thoughts and actions, or are we succumbing to the worldly influences that surround us? It is crucial to recognize that the very ability of the human mind to be primed could be part of God's grand design, a mechanism through which He can work in us and through us.
In acknowledging the power of psychological concepts like priming, we must also confront our failure to fully integrate these insights into our faith. It is not enough to understand the mechanics of the mind; we must strive to align our thoughts and actions with God's will, allowing the Holy Spirit to prime our hearts towards love, compassion, and righteousness.
Chapter 2: Knowledge
Knowledge, a vast and complex concept, presents itself as both a gift and a challenge in our modern era. It begs the question: what is knowledge? It encompasses the known-knowns, the things we are aware of and understand; the known-unknowns, the things we recognize as beyond our grasp; and the unknown-unknowns, the mysteries we aren't even aware exist. In a world inundated with information, accessible more rapidly than ever, we find ourselves overwhelmed, grappling with an abundance of knowledge yet constrained by the limits of our lifespan and cognitive capacity.
In times past, life was simpler; there were fewer occupations, leaders, and stories, and the world's population was much smaller. Today, however, the sheer volume of information available to us poses a unique challenge. Our understanding, built upon our perception, can be categorized and scrutinized, yet it remains inherently limited. This limitation is especially poignant in our perception and understanding of God's divine will. As we become increasingly overloaded by the sensory input of a world filled with both good and evil, our struggle to discern God's will intensifies.
In this context, the role of the Holy Spirit becomes crucial. We are called to fill the content of the world with the Spirit's presence, especially those among us with a creative inclination. Our contributions to the web of knowledge should not be for self-affirmation or social media influence, but rather as vessels of the Holy Spirit's work. Our words, thoughts, posts, and all forms of content creation should reflect our faith and contribute positively to our collective knowledge.
As we navigate this vast sea of information, it is imperative to seek wisdom that aligns with our faith. The Scripture reminds us, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction" (Proverbs 1:7). This verse underscores the importance of grounding our quest for knowledge in reverence for God, recognizing that true wisdom comes from Him.
In a world where knowledge is both abundant and fleeting, our challenge is to discern what is truly valuable and aligns with God's will. We must strive to filter the noise, focusing on that which edifies and brings us closer to understanding God's divine plan. It is through this pursuit of knowledge, grounded in faith and guided by the Holy Spirit, that we can hope to navigate the complexities of our modern world.
Chapter 3: Judgment
In reflecting on judgment, we confront the complexities of our own priming and the influences we have absorbed, sometimes unknowingly. We each have our guilty pleasures, things we indulge in that may not align with our values, and these can prime our minds in ways that lead us away from what is virtuous and good. Recognizing this, we should feel a sense of responsibility for how we allow ourselves to be influenced.
Judgment, a critical aspect of human interaction, is multifaceted and often problematic. We judge others based on their actions, appearances, and even their adherence to societal norms and expectations. But in doing so, do we not stray from the teachings of Jesus and the guidance of the Holy Spirit? How can we grow in our faith if we are preoccupied with judging others, rather than focusing on our own spiritual journey and relationship with God?
The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches us about the virtue of prudence, which involves right judgment. It states, "Prudence is the virtue that disposes practical reason to discern our true good in every circumstance and to choose the right means of achieving it" (CCC 1806). This discernment is crucial in how we view and judge others and ourselves.
In judging others, we often fail to consider the unknowns in their lives. We do not know their struggles, their stories, or the circumstances that shape their actions. As such, our judgments are often uninformed and lacking in compassion. The Scripture reminds us, "Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment" (John 7:24). This verse challenges us to look beyond the surface and seek a deeper understanding of others.
Furthermore, the authority to judge ultimately belongs to God. As followers of Christ, we are called to practice forgiveness and reconciliation, as taught by the Church. Our role is not to pass judgment on others but to show love, understanding, and compassion. In our eagerness to judge, we may forget that we too are imperfect and in need of God's mercy.
Thus, our focus should be on cultivating a heart that is aligned with the teachings of Jesus and the Holy Spirit, one that seeks to understand rather than judge, and that recognizes the dignity and worth of every person. In doing so, we can better embody the values of our faith and contribute positively to the world around us.
