As the time approaches that our nation marks its 250th anniversary, the date from which we observe the day is that of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. 

The opening of the document is about the source of human rights, posited as self-evident truth. This description makes the truth, in its historical context, to be both considered objective and universally accepted.

In unfolding the document, the rights listed are a right to life, a right to liberty and a right to the pursuit of happiness. They are posited as originating, not from any human institution or decision, but from the Creator. 

The term “Creator” is used, not to identify any particular people, religion or other boundaries, but are preceded by the term “all” are created equal. 

Throughout our history as a nation, we have faced challenges and events of growth as to how universal and how inclusive that understanding really is. Those challenges stand as a testimony to how firm, unchanging and ever relevant those truths really are. 

If we examine the back side of the one-dollar bill, we find the saying “IN GOD WE TRUST” all capitals, in the center. On either side are the two sides of the great seal of the United States. The front side shows the Bald American Eagle as the symbol of strength and freedom. The shield in front of the eagle shows details of our original flag along with the stars over the eagle’s head. In the talons are an olive branch for peace and 13 arrows showing that the cost of peace is sometimes war. 

The other side is also significant to our anniversary. At the bottom of the pyramid are the Roman Numerals for 1776. The saying underneath the pyramid refers to the “new order of the ages,” and the one over the eye of providence at the top represents “He watches over our beginnings.”

Last month, Pope Leo released a 52-page pastoral letter on protecting humanity and human dignity in the age of artificial intelligence (AI). In it, he acknowledges the continued progress of human science while cautioning that AI must be managed carefully. He presented a choice between two models taken from the Old Testament. One is the Tower of Babel, a human effort to reach the heavens by human efforts alone, and the other, the rebuilding of the Temple after the exile, described in the book of Nehemiah. This one was an undertaking of the project under God’s guidance and with the cooperation of many peoples whom the Lord disposed to be of good will and cooperation with the people Israel. 

The care with which we manage AI is a crossroads very similar to the bold beginnings of the signers of our Declaration of Independence. We must both trust God and cooperate with Him. 

Pastor Fr. William Hodgson is the priest at St. Edward Catholic Church in Cassville. He may be reached at 417-847-4948 or [email protected].