How Best to Murmurate Our Message in 250 UU Congregations

ChatGPT is often criticized for simply parroting material from the Web with no understanding or judgment. That said, it has a talent for brainstorming.

Organizing a Unitarian Universalist (UU) worship service centered on the theme "How Do You Want to Augment Yourself?" with a focus on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs) can be a powerful way to collectively explore and express views on these topics. Here are some steps and ideas to create a meaningful and engaging service:

1. Service Planning and Theme Introduction:

  • Set the Context: Begin by introducing the theme, explaining its relevance to UU principles such as the responsible search for truth and meaning, and the inherent worth and dignity of every person.

  • Involve Diverse Voices: Ensure that the planning committee includes people with varied perspectives on technology, ethics, and spirituality.

2. Opening Words and Chalice Lighting:

  • Reflective Invocation: Use opening words that invoke a spirit of inquiry, wonder, and ethical consideration.

  • Chalice Lighting: Accompany the lighting of the chalice with a reading that speaks to the light of knowledge and the warmth of community in exploring new frontiers.

3. Sermon or Reflection:

  • Guest Speaker or Minister's Message: Consider inviting a speaker knowledgeable in AI and BCIs, or have the minister offer a reflection that explores both the potential and the ethical considerations of human augmentation.

4. Interactive Discussion or Panel:

  • Facilitated Conversation: Organize a panel discussion or a guided conversation where congregants can share their thoughts and feelings about AI, BCIs, and personal augmentation.

  • Questions for Consideration: Pose questions like "How do you envision AI and BCIs impacting our understanding of self?" or "What ethical boundaries should we consider in the pursuit of augmentation?"

5. Music and Artistic Expression:

  • Thematic Music: Include hymns or musical pieces that evoke themes of exploration, transformation, and the human spirit in the face of change.

  • Visual Arts: Display art that reflects the intersection of humanity and technology, perhaps even inviting congregants to contribute.

6. Meditation and Prayer:

  • Guided Meditation: Lead a meditation focused on envisioning a future where technology enhances human capability and well-being, while holding onto UU values.

  • Prayer: Offer a prayer for wisdom and compassion in the face of technological change, asking for guidance in making choices that honor the interconnected web of existence.

7. Sharing and Testimonials:

  • Congregational Sharing: Allocate time for congregants to share their personal thoughts or experiences related to AI, BCIs, and augmentation.

8. Action and Education:

  • Educational Resources: Provide educational materials or resources for further learning and exploration on these topics.

  • Community Action: Discuss how the congregation can collectively act or advocate on issues related to AI and BCIs in a way that aligns with UU values.

9. Closing Words and Extinguishing the Chalice:

  • Reflective Closing: End the service with closing words that encourage ongoing reflection and engagement with the topic.

  • Extinguishing the Chalice: As the chalice is extinguished, remind the congregation that although the flame goes out, the light of knowledge, inquiry, and community continues to burn within each person.

10. Fellowship and Continued Discussion:

  • Post-Service Gathering: Encourage continued discussion and fellowship after the service to allow for deeper connections and explorations of the day's theme.

By focusing on engagement, reflection, and ethical discourse, a UU congregation can effectively "murmurate" its voices and convictions, creating a harmonious and thoughtful exploration of AI, BCIs, and the future of human augmentation.