Hi There,
I have after a tech conference been very deep in though about technology in the context of church. Is technology the next evolution to bring us closer to each other or seperate us even further from reality and from what really goes on. If we have people in church tweating does it distract from hearing God or help us understand him better. If church was on the internet instead of a building....would you attend and does it really matter? These days we are so stuck on facebook, twitter, youtube, mixit and various other sites can we use these to reach out and do what Jesus said.......Love each other and by this they will know that you are my disciples. Maybe all these social tools are a cry for love. A cry to be a part of something bigger than yourself. something that makes you feel loved and worthwhile.
I read about a church that did prayers over skype. Another one used twitter in the church service, others used these tools to communicate more and more to people in the church. It's nice to have scriptures on the wall in powerpoint.....but when was the last time you took your bible to church and read for yourself? Does this technology make us lazier?
Being a self confesed computer geek i love gadgets. Especially ones that server a real purpose. (iPad does not fit the profile....sorry :-)
Does having an electronic bible somehow make you more spiritual. It's funny how many people have e-sword and use it for search. When they want to ready they pull out the book. It just seems better. Maybe I am just too old. (ever though how all the electronic bibles could dissapear overnight from amazon and your kindle if they wanted to.....)
In the electronic age there are so many people who can make decisions that have far reaching affects on society without really caring. I read an article on Woolworths and how they pulled the plug on all Christian magazines in the stores because someone high up was offended by an article. Due to pressure the magazines are back. This would not happen with a dicator such as the antichrist.
Ever though of the possibility of not getting a visa or entry to another country because your facebook profile says that you are a christian or that you supported something the goverment did not like. At the same time we have the possibility of reaching people we could never reach before. The internet is full of people looking for something bigger, someone who can care, someone who can fix their hurts. we have the chance to find those people and to make a difference in their lives. How do we do that? I am sure we all have some idea's. So here is the challenge. Think of a way to use the internet or technology to reach people. Not to bible bash them sensless but to express love and care and show them God. Send me an email or comment on the blog. Let's see if we can not only get some idea's but maybe try them.
Cheers for now.
IHM (In His Majesty's Service)
Greg Hay
I think technology is pretty much like money when put in the context of faith and church (the body). Like money, Technology is NOT the root of evil, but the manner of use of that technology.
ReplyDeletePersonally i think it would be pretty cool to receive live tweets during a service with relevant quotes, scriptures and expressions... A) I would not have to make notes, but would have the archives to refer back on, and
B) If i were unable to attend the service that day, my interest would be peaked by the tweets received while away for the service.
C) It would draw in otherwise excluded members who are more interested in whats going on on their phones... a captive audience if u must.