The Importance of Communicated Information

Yesterday I enjoyed the latest in Microsoft Office 2013 as Kerstin and I delved in both Word and Excel 2013. Throughout the past sessions I found Kerstin to be a smart person who is eager on learning more as I teach computer science courses at Jesus the King Church. 

Commitment is probably the best thing we can find in a community but enjoyment makes time go fast as Fr. Boulad taught me. What is amazing about the latest developments in software is the fact that vendors are now integrating each others products in their own offerings. For example, I was able to integrate emails in Gmail into Outlook and from there   I could export them to an Excel spreadsheet. Not only Microsoft but IBM too offers integration with MS Dynamics in its latest CRM offering.

The sheer communication and sharing of information is the basis of the development of human civilizations since the beginning of the human race. Information itself is at the core of the existence of creation. The Gospel of John starts with the words "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God." (John 1: 1). This is how John expresses the eternal relationship of the Father and the Son in the holy Spirit. In its 2004 document on "Communion and Stewardship" the Catholic International Theological Commission states that "the level of organization in the universe, which contains highly organized forms of living and non-living entities, implies the presence of some 'information'". It goes on to say that "the DNA of the chromosomes contains the information necessary for matter to be organized according to what is typical of a certain species or individual." (Imago dei, 30). The entire document can be read here:

http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/cfaith/cti_documents/rc_con_cfaith_doc_20040723_communion-stewardship_en.html

We are all "information systems" not only biologically but also spiritually created in the image of God. God communicates himself to us continuously as Karl Rahner, S.J. expressed and we communicate with God and each other as much as we become more truly human. But I do not really need to get into abstract discussion to express my conviction that information is essential to humans. Of course we must not learn nor communicate what is vain. Parents communicate freely the best they know to their children - They communicate their good information to their children and by doing that they contribute in the formation of their children. Because they love their children they communicate everything to their children freely. I could not find a more natural example.