The Lausanne Global Conversation is on the World Wide Open Network
Author: Cody C. Lorance
Date: 27.08.2010
Category: Media and Communications
WHAT DOES A SPIRITUALLY DISCIPLINED ENGAGEMENT OF SOCIAL MEDIA LOOK LIKE?
And, I must confess, I don’t know the answer. I’ve never seen it. And, as these thoughts are basically new to me today, I’ve never really practiced it with any intentionality. But as the practice of spiritual disciplines (like prayer, fellowship, meditation, etc.) is about the Christ-follower moving towards a greater imitation of Christ in their own historiocultural contexts, I offer the following six reflections upon how this movement should look as it relates to social media (like Facebook, Twitter, texting, blogging and more):
Keywords: spiritual disciplines, spiritual formation, social media
Views: 6150
Comments: 4
Recommendations: 6
Conversation Post Comment
United States
I think that there is a balance that can be achieved between using social media and being present in relationships. Certainly, sites like Facebook are wonderful for keeping friendships going over distances (I use Facebook to keep in touch with my friends from college) as long as you are intentional about how you choose to communicate through these sites. I try to be as intentional as I can be, but at the same time I don’t allow myself to be distracted by Facebook, texts, whatever when I am spending time with others. It requires self-discipline, but I think it can be done.
10.03.2011
United States
@ abenfield:
Thank you for your comment. I think you are right. My self-discipline in this area has grow a bit lax lately. Actually, your comment is a good reminder of the need to grow in this area.
Blessings!
11.03.2011
United States
A paragraph in section 11 of the Manila Manifesto speaks to the issue of modernization and technology. It confesses that "we have not struggled as we should to understand" such things. Again there is a determination statement about intentionally engaging in critical and Christ-centered ways new technology. And yet, years later, we find ourselves in a very similar place with respect to new technologies. The statements here were made in a day when our present technologies couldn’t have been anticipated. Yet, they speak powerfully to our context. Note, "We have used [the world’s] methods and technologies uncritically and so exposed ourselves to worldliness." Again, I am reminded of the importance of allowing our Manila predecessors to speak to us in Cape Town through the Manifesto.
08.10.2010
United States
It is important the the Church be thinking critically now about this issue. Let us not be satisfied with coming up with great insights 5 years too late. Let’s work, saints, to get ahead of the game.
17.09.2010
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