When ChurchLeaders reached out to Pastor Reeder for comment, he responded with the following statement, clarifying that it is a response to Meister’s critique, but not the reason for his original comment, which was made in passing.
There is no doubt that access to the Bible and other books through technological devices such as iPhones, iPads, etc., is a blessing and asset. But, it is equally true such devices are reductionistic to the learning event. While celebrating the benefits of technology, studies have proved repeatedly that the use of various technological devices can be counterproductive to the learning moment. This is why many institutions will not allow computers and iPhones in the classroom. The learning moment is an audio, visual and tactile event. In other words, there was a reason your third grade teacher (when you asked what a word meant) told you to “look it up.” He/she knew that viewing, listening and handling the learning moment would add to comprehension and retention. So while I’m grateful for technology and its communicative devices, it clearly is pedagogically inferior to the full visual, audio and tactile learning experience. So praise the Lord for technology and its benefits and praise the Lord for “full contact” learning.
What do you think? Do you find that reading the Bible on a device helps you spend time in God’s Word or hinders you from doing so? How are your local church leaders leading you in this area?
