Wednesday , November 6 2024

Knowledge, Power, and the Luciferian Dilemma: A modern paradox

COMMENT | Gertrude Kamya Othieno |  The Luciferian theory, rooted in the biblical tale of the fall of man, offers a powerful metaphor for humanity’s pursuit of knowledge and its consequences. According to Abrahamic faiths, from the moment Eve tasted the forbidden fruit, humanity has been in a constant battle between obedience and rebellion, divine order, and self-determination. Lucifer, symbolising enlightenment through defiance, represents that eternal struggle for wisdom—an ambition that, while freeing, has always come with a price.

Historically, the elites have been the custodians of this tale, interpreting the Bible to stress the dangers of excess knowledge and the need to remain obedient to God. These same elites framed the story of original sin to warn against the pursuit of forbidden power. But in an ironic twist, today’s elites seem to be embracing what they once cautioned against. They now spearhead technological advances, pushing the boundaries of artificial intelligence, genetic engineering, and other scientific frontiers that seem to blur the lines between what is human and what is machine. Their quest for ever-deeper knowledge mirrors Lucifer’s own rebellion against imposed limits, raising unsettling questions about their role in shaping our world.

For many, particularly those rooted in Abrahamic faiths, this shift from safeguarding moral order to pushing technological progress is alarming. The war between God and Lucifer has taken on new dimensions, where the elites, through their pursuit of knowledge, are seen as continuing Lucifer’s rebellion. This has led some to view these elites as modern-day Luciferians—figures who, knowingly or not, are driving humanity further from its divine purpose. The pursuit of knowledge that led to man’s original fall now seems to be embraced as the future of human evolution. With each technological breakthrough, the gap between those in power and the ordinary person widens.

This dynamic creates a profound sense of alienation. The ordinary people, often clinging to faith and traditional values, find themselves at odds with a rapidly changing world. Many feel powerless in the face of technological advancements that seem to strip away not just jobs or livelihoods but the very essence of humanity. AI, bio-engineering, and the manipulation of nature challenge long-held beliefs about what it means to be human. In this context, the narrative of an ongoing war between good and evil resonates deeply, as it mirrors the perceived battle between ordinary people and the elites who appear to be playing God.

Yet, is this truly a battle for our souls, or is it another classic case of revolution on the horizon? History is filled with moments where the masses, feeling oppressed by a ruling elite, rise up to reclaim control of their lives. The pursuit of knowledge—once the tool of the powerful—can become the very spark that ignites rebellion. As the divide between those who control technology and those who are subjected to its consequences grows, it seems inevitable that people will demand a return to a more human-centred world.

But the real question remains: Who will prevail? Will the ordinary people push back against a future dictated by technological elites, or will the elites’ pursuit of knowledge lead to a new era of human evolution, one that redefines our relationship with power, morality, and the divine? The war between God and Lucifer may just be a metaphor for the struggle between control and autonomy, and as the story unfolds, we must ask ourselves what kind of future we are willing to fight for.

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Gertrude Kamya Othieno | Political Sociologist in Social Development (Alumna – London School of Economics/Political Science) | Email – gkothieno@gmail.com

 

 

 

 

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