Check out this article from a recent edition of The Australian newspaper.
This article argues that 16-30yr olds are becoming weary with online social networking and are exhibiting signs of a nostalgic longing for simpler times and real contact with their friends.
Personally, I believe that advances in information technology have opened up wonderful new ways for us to connect and relate as humans. As ministers of the Gospel of Christ, I also believe we need to embrace these new avenues of communication/community. However, it is my deep conviction that our humanity is reduced as we reduce the time that we connect with others 'in person'. True community development involves mind, body and spirit.
In terms of Youth Ministry, personal contact must never be superseded by online interactions. Sure, let's use online opportunities - but let's not forget to get out there, share our food, kick a ball, make some music, shake some hands and look some young person in the eye.
In terms of the Christian church - if the future of the church (as some are beginning to suggest) is Virtual - I for one don't want to be a part of it!
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
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5 comments:
Hi Mart,
Thanks for your thoughts on the Facebook epidemic. After years of vowing never to be a part of this new craze, I recently joined the Facebook revolution because I had so many emails in my inbox from friends requesting me as a 'friend' on their page. I actually thought that maybe there is something worthwhile about the site, seeing as it is so popular. But I was mistaken... After being on there for a couple of hours trying to work it all out I realised all it is is a complete time waster, robbing us of that all important 'connection' that we need on a face-to-face level. I am now tempted to delete my profile just because I don't have the time or the inclination to interact with my friends in this way.
Hi Marty,
Some good thoughts here. The virtual world I think is certainly contributing to youth in particular spending more time in front of a screen and less outside kicking a ball around. This is a real worry, especially for the church, as personal interaction is what the church is built on.
However, the virtual world does provide a fantastic platform for connecting people and empowering them to share their thoughts with others. This is the beauty of what's happening at The Bible page on Facebook. This is proving to be a truly fascinating way for people to engage with the Bible and each other. I've spent a bit of time on it and have definitely been inspired to open my (paper and ink) Bible!
It's a real tug of war discussion - with pros and cons on both sides. One thing's for sure, the church won't change what's happening and shouldn't bother trying. The church needs to work out what to do with it and 'work with it' in bringing people into personal relationships with a very non-virtual Christ and other believers.
See you in Malaysia!
My view is that drawing a distinction between face to face and online or electronic communication is not that useful. I think the currency in relationship is communication, acceptance and respect.
Many people maintain excellent relationships over great distances and others relate personally every day to people without having any real level of relationship.
Could you run an online church where you never saw another member ... of course you could. Could you run a local church and never really relate to people in or outside of it ... hmmm ... I think I went there once :)
Hi Greache
Thanks for your comment...good points here. I guess my point is not so much about what is possible, but what is desirable. Yes, online connection and communication is possible, but my view is that it is second best to face-to-face relationships. I read yesterday that up to 70% of communication between humans is non-verbal. You really miss a lot of that when communicating online. Also, the global nature of cyberspace really reduces the ability to create the intimacy for really knowing and being known. In my mind, the Kingdom of God is really about reconciling people mind, soul and body.
I haven't really thought this through, but maybe online dating gives a bit of an example. I know people who have met their marriage partners online. Obviously they could initially connect enough via cyberspace to begin getting to know each other. However, at some stage the urge became to meet face-to-face and take things to a new level of intimacy. I think this is what we were created to long for and I think that is what Christian faith communities are largely about.
Online connection can assist the community of faith, but in my mind it should never become a replacement for it.
Yep I agree Marty. Most people will find face to face much easier ...
People cyber date but they don't cyber wed or have cyber marriages.
The cyber honeymoon is definitely the poor cousin.
G.
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