In Theory:

However, the greatest reminders with the most far-reaching implications are our persistent affirmations of inherent human worth and dignity, which have nothing to do with the technology at our disposal and everything to do with our responsibility to care for one another in every way possible.

THE REV. STEFANIE ETZBACH-DALE

Unitarian Universalist Church of Verdugo Hills in La Crescenta

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For thousands of years, fasting has been a Christian discipline used to help focus on spiritual verities.

This recent Jewish endeavor is essentially the same but without any apparent spiritual significance. It’s directed, after all, to secular Jews and not those who normally observe the Sabbath. Some other principles proposed include shutting up and drinking booze.

It kind of reminds me of smoke-out day (maybe in reverse) or take-your-kid-to-work day.

There may be some benefit from their suggestions, or maybe no benefit at all. I imagine it depends on the individual, but the main priority of this unplugging day has to do with technology. I suppose there are times I feel encumbered by my constant cell phone companion, but then I recall the times when I didn’t possess the device and my vehicle stranded me.

Then there was that time when I had to deliver a eulogy after a SigAlert impeded my punctuality. Had I no means of communication, it would have been wretched.

I also use my computer daily, but I’m not burdened by it.

Sometimes it seems overwhelming when my congregants overload me with many “pass-it-on-if-you-love-Jesus” kinds of e-mails, but I appreciate having information at my fingertips, and I want people to be able to reach me. This is our world. We don’t rely on smoke signals to relay messages, and we shouldn’t die hiking in Angeles Crest National Forest simply because nobody knows we’ve fallen into a ravine and didn’t bring a cell phone.

My advice to my church might be to leave the stuff alone until after they’ve had a time of morning devotions.

After that, I’d regard technology a good gift of God, thank him, and use it to his glory.

Maybe an occasional fast from modern gear will make them more aware, but like electricity, faucet water and gas stoves, I’m not certain we’d be any more spiritual, let alone happy about it.

THE REV. BRYAN GRIEM