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God Rest Ye, Weary Gadgets: Vicar Blesses BlackBerrys

by Warren Riddle on January 11, 2010 at 05:00 PM

As religious groups struggle with the dichotomous relationship between tradition and technology, some denominations and sects are steadily embracing tech's latest gadgets and trends. While some groups forbid, and even forcefully prevent, the use of mobile devices during ceremonies, others welcome and embrace such activities among their congregations. And, even though some clerical leaders may contend that people are growing too dependent on their gadgets, one tradition-steeped Anglican church in London recently celebrated that devotion to modern devices.

According to Yahoo! News, England's St. Lawrence Jewry church, which dates to the 17th century, recently amassed a collection of laptops and smartphones. Instead of sparking a funeral pyre, though, the Rev. Canon David Parrott bestowed upon the mound of mobiles a blessing (as opposed to the curses the gadgets typically receive from their frustrated owners). Parrott, who actually welcomes gadgets during services (as long as the mobiles are on "vibrate"), said that technology is "our daily working tool, and it's a technology we should bless."

Parrott fittingly decided to celebrate the modern work tools on "Plow Monday," a traditional ceremony that once involved the seasonal blessing of farm equipment. In keeping with his modernization movement, Parrott may just need to consider anointing the holiday as "Mobile Monday." [From: Yahoo! News, via: Engadget]

Tags: blackberry, david parrott, DavidParrott, religion, religion and science, ReligionAndScience, technology, top

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