Last week I put out a simple question on Facebook and Twitter asking “What is new to consider in the areas of faith and technology?” After sorting through nearly 125 responses, I started to see some trends developing.
As I stated yesterday, it was most interesting that there was as much negative feedback about faith and technology as positive. Yesterday I discussed 12 positive benefits of technology and faith. Today I turn to the 12 precautions I heard.
Everyone Has a Printing Press
The most common negative response was that technology has made it too easy for people to write and share thoughts and opinions. Now, while I affirm free speech, that doesn’t mean it’s always helpful. We are to be concerned about one another in order to promote love and good works (Hebrews 10:24). Let us take heed when we write online. It’s quite acceptable to disagree and to state your point of view. But to impugn the character of those who differ from you theologically is not.
Spread of False Information
The speed at which information moves over the web is staggering. It is quite normal to see celebrity death announcements on Twitter which are either false (Bon Jovi) or premature (Joe Paterno). We must be careful with what we post. It is more important to be accurate with information rather than to be first. Some news organizations have learned that the hard way.
Disconnection with Actual Real People
While the community aspect technology brings may have been a positive, we must caution ourselves against disconnecting from those around us. We must not neglect our neighbor for Netflix. Our family for Facebook. Our town for Twitter. Technology creates a risk of gaining virtual friends while forsaking Acts 2:42 relationships.
Ability Differs from User to User
With new technology comes the need for new training. There are some who can sit down in front of a program or device which they’ve never used and be fluent with it in less than an hour. Then there are those who couldn’t figure out how to turn the device on in an hour. When rolling out any new technology uses or programs at your church, remember that there will be some that need extra assistance.
Expense of Keeping Current
Technology changes fast. New programs and tools are coming out every month. For instance, today the new iPad was released. Most of us that have iPad 2’s can’t just run out and buy the next one. Technology is a large investment for many of us personally, and an even greater investment for churches. With budgets that are stretched to begin with, investing in technology vs. investing in ministry or missions is a no-brainer for most churches. Technology won’t come out the winner– or at least it shouldn’t in most cases. New technology tools are nice; but not at the expense of the mission of the church.
Distraction During Sermons
I have no problem with the use of Bible apps on iPads or smartphones while I’m preaching. However, while I trust that those listening and using them are actually following with me, I realize there is an obvious temptation to check email, Facebook, or Twitter. Or play Angry Birds. In the end, if you can’t use a device and stay with the teaching without being distracted, then don’t use the device.
Impact on the Home
While not the most common response, this one was the response with the most potential for harm. We need boundaries around our family time. I routinely take my daughters fishing to have some alone time with them. I hope they will want to continue this as they grow older. It’s a time when we can talk, and I can get to hear the details of what is going on in their lives. I want to hear those details while baiting a hook, not by stalking their Facebook page.
Confusion about Community
I have often said that proximity does not equal community. Neither pixels nor gigabytes can (alone) create true community. The popularity of “online church” and webcast worship services can be a helpful tool, or it can feed the consumer need of convenience. However, I am not ready to say that it provides what the New Testament describes as Christian worship or church– true biblical community requires feet and faces, not just electrons and avatars. Physical presence with other believers is still needed for it. The electronic can augment, but should not normally replace, life on life community.
Online Giving
While the church which I pastor uses online giving, I certainly understand the concerns I received. Many rightly regard giving as an act of worship. Convenience has also entered into this discussion. Many millennials don’t have checkbooks. They pay bills online, shop online, and some even tithe online. I would issue this precaution when it comes to online giving: however you give, do so with an attitude of thankfulness and gratitude toward God who has given to you that which you steward.
Online Church Discipline
This ties into the first point in the list, but was brought up enough to mention separately. We are to go to our brothers and sisters in private to work out disagreements and disputes. We are not called to engage in lengthy Twitter or Facebook arguments with them. Remember, others are watching. One of the greatest concerns I have is that some of my church family will see how Christians treat one another in the comment streams of some of my blog posts.
Online Dating
Admittedly, this was one I didn’t see coming. But apparently quite a few of you are concerned with the advent of online match-making services geared specifically for Christians. While I understand the concern, what this reminds us is that nearly every experience we can have in real life, can be mimicked online. As with everything, discern what is profitable and what may be dangerous. I know of godly people who have found godly mates. I also know godly people who have been taken advantage of and deeply hurt by people they have met through online dating sites.
Self-Promotion
This final precaution is a bit tricky because every online user has a different definition of “too much.” The objective of social media is to be social, not promotional. I aim to be pithy with the content of my tweets. Others are more serious. Others still, more humorous. The best recommendation I can give to this is “Don’t tweet for the sake of tweeting.” Of course, this is coming from a guy whose blog is called “EdStetzerDotCom,” so I may need some help on this one.
Now that you’ve seen what others sent in, what precautions might you add to the list?
