Gaudium et Spes: Pastoral Reflections - The Church in the World in the Internet of Things Era

Abstract

— The presence of IoT will undoubtedly have a significant impact on human civilization, both positive and negative. This impact is not only felt by the world market but penetrated the ecclesiastical sphere. In the IoT era, churches are present in every home through virtual technology with its challenges. This paper examines how the church deals with the IoT era through a pastoral reflection of Gaudium et Spes. The method used in this paper is a critical theory approach to descriptively analyze the main concepts discussed in Gaudium et Spes, the role of pastoral and the role of the church in the world. The result was that the IoT era ultimately demanded that the church place itself dynamically rather than antipathy. Concerning religious attitudes, the church should be able to assist people in their journey using existing technology. The Shepherd must play his role as a caller, prophet, preacher, teacher, or evangelist to continue bringing and reminding the people to be in sound teaching. Not only does it stop at education, but shepherds should be able to use technology as a tool that makes it easier for them to reach troubled congregations.