In 1931, the Austrian logician Kurt Gödel published his “incompleteness theorem” which states that any logical system must ultimately be reliant on something outside of that closed system. Internally the system can show that the relationship between a set of statements is logically flawless, but the real-world truth of that logical conclusion is outside the realm of just demonstrating internal consistency. In other words, formal systems cannot “think outside of the box”.
An example of this can be found in our modern computer systems, desktops, laptops, and phones. The operating systems of these devices are extremely powerful but have absolutely no discernment. On their own, they cannot tell bad data from good data, thus the need for anti-virus software to “ride shotgun” for them. They need to rely on something outside themselves for their operational health so that they won’t crash. Interestingly, anti-virus software operates “in the system” but “is not of the system”. This is exactly what Jesus says of us in John 17:15-19. Are we the “virus” software for the world?
Computer viruses show up in different variants. Now there is the need for software for anti-virus, anti-malware, and anti-phishing, etc., etc. There appears to be no end to the software boosters that your computer needs to deal with all the unwanted viral visitors arriving via the Internet. In the spiritual world, as well, there is no lack of new deviant variants showing up seeking to infect our hearts.
Broadening our viral view out into the medical world, not all viruses are malevolent. Some viruses can actually kill bacteria, while others can fight against more dangerous viruses. Good viruses can ensure the proper development of our body’s’ defences and they also continuously stimulate our immune system at low levels so that we develop resistance to other infections.
If we, as Christians, are the “good” virus software, what are we actually infecting the “incomplete” systems of this world with, in an attempt to bring them into a state of “wholeness”? The Christian virtues are the contents of the viral load that the world needs injected with and we, as missionary disciples, are given the job as carriers of the viral caritas of Christ. In our work of spreading the Gospel, we are encouraged to follow in the footsteps of the Saints because, after all, they were “super spreaders”!
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