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Poster - Basic

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Digital steganography is rooted in the ancient practice of hiding messages and has evolved dramatically with technology. In the Christian worldview, modern technology's ethical application is rooted in the creation mandate, where Genesis 1:28 commands mankind to subdue the earth and have dominion over it. The Bible tells of examples where God directly instructs time-period specific technological application. For example, in Exodus 36, two men were charged with the task of using their technological skills to create objects for the purpose of housing the unique presence of God. Exodus 36:1 says, “Bezalel and Oholiab and every craftsman in whom the Lord has put skill and intelligence to know how to do any work in the construction of the sanctuary shall work in accordance with all that the Lord has commanded.” If Christians today are craftsmen in whom the Lord has put skill and intelligence, then the technology available today can help to fulfill God’s mandate to them in the Great Commission to spread the Gospel, especially where traditional methods of evangelism face constraints or persecution. Digital steganography offers secure, covert channels for data transmission, presenting unique applications for Christian evangelism in restricted regions. This paper explores the versatility of file-appending methods in digital steganography, which bypass traditional limitations on data size and type. Utilizing a full copy of the Bible in text form and a sample image in .png form, we showcased the efficacy and security of this steganography method. Results demonstrate not only high levels of data integrity but also an incredibly easy to use methodology for implementation, making it an effective tool for discreetly disseminating religious texts. This paper argues for the ethical application of these techniques in the spread of the Christian Gospel, particularly where traditional evangelistic efforts are hindered by legal or social constraints.

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Apr 17th, 1:00 PM

Cryptology for Christ: Steganography, Evangelism, and Closed Access Countries

Poster - Basic

Digital steganography is rooted in the ancient practice of hiding messages and has evolved dramatically with technology. In the Christian worldview, modern technology's ethical application is rooted in the creation mandate, where Genesis 1:28 commands mankind to subdue the earth and have dominion over it. The Bible tells of examples where God directly instructs time-period specific technological application. For example, in Exodus 36, two men were charged with the task of using their technological skills to create objects for the purpose of housing the unique presence of God. Exodus 36:1 says, “Bezalel and Oholiab and every craftsman in whom the Lord has put skill and intelligence to know how to do any work in the construction of the sanctuary shall work in accordance with all that the Lord has commanded.” If Christians today are craftsmen in whom the Lord has put skill and intelligence, then the technology available today can help to fulfill God’s mandate to them in the Great Commission to spread the Gospel, especially where traditional methods of evangelism face constraints or persecution. Digital steganography offers secure, covert channels for data transmission, presenting unique applications for Christian evangelism in restricted regions. This paper explores the versatility of file-appending methods in digital steganography, which bypass traditional limitations on data size and type. Utilizing a full copy of the Bible in text form and a sample image in .png form, we showcased the efficacy and security of this steganography method. Results demonstrate not only high levels of data integrity but also an incredibly easy to use methodology for implementation, making it an effective tool for discreetly disseminating religious texts. This paper argues for the ethical application of these techniques in the spread of the Christian Gospel, particularly where traditional evangelistic efforts are hindered by legal or social constraints.

 

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