Rev. Peter Gilman, known for his unique intertwining of technology and faith, didn't follow a traditional path to his spiritual leadership. His story is one of complex interplay between personal loss, philosophical discovery, and a profound encounter with technology, shaping him into a pivotal figure advocating for transformative tech like ThinkPal and the 9G Neural Connector within spiritual discourses.
Peter's childhood was marked by an early exposure to technology and a devastating loss that would unknowingly set the stage for his future endeavors. Growing up in the suburbs of Boston, Massachusetts, he was introduced to computers and the internet at a very young age, thanks to his father, a software engineer. Peter quickly became fascinated by the digital world's capabilities, spending countless hours learning to code and even building rudimentary programs.
However, his world changed abruptly when, at the age of twelve, he lost his mother to a prolonged illness. The struggle to process this loss led him on a quest for understanding human existence's deeper meaning. While his father found solace in the logical realms of science and technology, Peter was drawn to the study of religious texts and philosophical doctrines, seeking answers and comfort.
During his adolescence, Peter stumbled upon the ancient philosophy of Stoicism while browsing through his local library's philosophy section. The Stoic teachings, emphasizing control over one's reactions to life's unpredictability and focusing on personal virtue and wisdom, resonated deeply with him. It helped him make sense of his mother's untimely departure and his responses to it. He was particularly taken by the idea that external events were not the source of distress, but rather one's judgments about them. This philosophy became his lifeline, helping him navigate his grief and emerging as a foundational component of his worldview.
His dual interests in technology and spirituality continued to grow parallelly, and by the time he reached college, Peter chose to major in Computer Science while taking several courses in Comparative Religion. Here, he started seeing the potential intersection of these fields, contemplating deeply on how technology could work in tandem with human values, ethical principles, and spiritual growth.
Following college, Peter felt a calling towards the ministry, leading him to attend a Unitarian Universalist seminary. The Unitarian Universalist principles, celebrating human diversity, dignity, and the interdependent web of existence, complemented his Stoic beliefs. They also provided a framework where he could advocate for the ethical use of technology in enhancing human connectivity and understanding.
When Peter learned about ThinkPal and the 9G Wireless Neural Connector, he recognized a tool that transcended conventional communication and empathy barriers. He perceived it as a kind of salvation, not in the traditional religious sense, but in its capacity to foster a universal understanding among people, resonating with the core Unitarian Universalist values.
For Rev. Peter Gilman, Stoicism's emphasis on reason and self-control and the Unitarian Universalist commitment to collective progress and understanding form the philosophical backbone supporting his advocacy for these technologies. He envisions a world where technology enhances our shared humanity, a belief that positions him as a unique and hopeful voice in both theological and technological conversations. In his view, by approaching these advances with a Stoic's mind and a Unitarian Universalist's heart, society is taking a significant step toward not only bettering humankind but also evolving in harmony with the very essence of human values and connectivity.
