I heard someone say once that every system is perfectly designed to give you the results it gets. The Robodebt Royal Commission report was handed down a week ago, and I’ve had a thumb through the recommendations.
In the media reporting around Robodebt, there’s be a lot written about the shonky design of the algorithm, and the consequences that has had for vulnerable people. But what’s fascinating in the report is to consider the kind of permission structures that need to exist for a whole branch of government and several government ministers to think, “yeah – lets unlawfully automate debt assessment and recovery! It’ll be more efficient; it’ll mean we need to employ less APS staff; and we’ll be able to show we’re not being scammed by those pesky bludgers!”
We have a theological category to explain this set of permission structures– idolatry. Idolatry is when we take a good thing and make it an ultimate thing. The pursuit of idols makes you tunnel down on the thing you want, which means ignore other goods. It also means you can ignore or rationalise the pain the pursuit of your idol is causing you or other people as “necessary.”
So, if, above all else, you want the approval of your boss then you’ll be eager to play down inconvenient information. If, above all else, you want to show you’re tough on crime, you’ll be willing for a few dolphins to be caught in the trawling fishnet. Idolatry is the “why” that sits behind sin. Worshipping the wrong stuff, according to the Bible, isn’t just naughty – it hurts people.
Unfortunately, the recommendations in the report to remedy what’s gone wrong with Robodebt only go as far as a government report can – according to the report what’s needed is more clarity, more oversight and better training. But the people who feared giving bad advice to their managers or to government because it might be career limiting didn’t need a “Knowledge College” (yep – one of the actual recommendations) – they need a confidence that, no matter what the outcome is, there is someone who sees the justice of their cause and will look after them for all eternity in the complete safety and joy. Having that kind of confidence means you can be like Daniel’s friends, unwilling to bow to an idol when everyone else will.
All of this is usually easier to see and diagnose in the rear-view mirror, but getting that diagnosis sets you up better for the future. So, it being Friday, have a think about the week just gone and have a go at answering any/all of these for yourself.
What desires have governed the way you’ve approached your work?
What goals have you had for the week? How do you define success or failure?
What do you think you need?
Where do you find refuge, safety, comfort, and escape?
Whom must you please?
From whom do you desire approval or fear rejection?
Grace and Peace,
Steve.