The Lausanne Global Conversation is on the World Wide Open Network
Autor: Lars Dahle
Data: 30.06.2010
Category: Mídia & Tecnologia
Observação do Editor: Este Documento Avançado de Cape Town 2010 foi escrito por Lars Dahle com o objetivo de oferecer um panorama do tema a ser discutido na Sessão Multiplex intitulada “A Importância das Mensagens da Mídia: Sobre Tecnologias Globais, Tendências Glocais (Que funde global e local) e a Verdade do Evangelho” Os comentários sobre este documento feitos através da Conversa Lausanne Global serão enviados ao autor e a outras pessoas para que se chegue ao formato final a ser apresentado no Congresso.
Mídia e Tecnologia: Reflexões Introdutórias
Onde quer que moremos neste mundo pluralista e globalizado, a informação e as tecnologias da comunicação influenciam cada vez mais e afetam nossas vidas, nosso testemunho e nossos ministérios cristãos. As questões missionais relativas à mídia e à tecnologia são, portanto, de real importância para os temas e tópicos do III Congresso de Lausanne. As variedades de mensagens da mídia local, global e glocal oferecem contextos complexos e ambivalentes para a tarefa principal de defender a verdade de Cristo no século 21.
As tecnologias de comunicação e informação em rápido desenvolvimento no mundo de hoje constituem um contexto de mídia radicalmente diferente para o III Congresso Lausanne, comparado aos dois anteriores, em 1974 e 1989, sem mencionar a conferência realizada em 1910, em Edinburgh. As evidências deste desenvolvimento são as características distintas do Congresso de 2010 em Cape Town, como a Conversa Global Lausanne e o Cape Town GlobalLink.
A natureza do tema deste Documento Avançado de Cape Town 2010 solicita contribuições e reflexões de outros. Em parte, isso se deve ao fato de as diversas mídias contemporâneas não serem mais privilégio e exclusividade de acadêmicos, entusiastas e profissionais da mídia. No que diz respeito à mídia, muitos de nós, se não todos, somos participantes, observadores e produtores. Desta forma, cada pessoa envolvida em Cape Town 2010 é um parceiro de discussão em potencial nesta área. Mas é apenas parcialmente, porque a situação da mídia hoje é fundamentalmente diferente, se comparamos as regiões ricas em tecnologia a outras partes do mundo, embora, em muitos lugares, a situação mude rapidamente. Assim sendo, precisamos de vozes e perspectivas de diversos contextos de mídia e tecnologia para chegarmos a uma compreensão mais global dos principais temas missionais relacionados à mídia.
Este artigo é escrito em reconhecimento do significativo trabalho realizado nos contextos de Lausanne sobre mídia e tecnologia. O Manifesto de Manila (1989) nos lembra que o mundo da mídia moderna tem prós e contras. Por um lado, “a mídia de massa contribuiu para a desvalorização da verdade e da autoridade, ao substituir a palavra pela imagem”; por outro, “a mídia cristã tem influência poderosa tanto no semear do evangelho, como na preparação do solo.”(1) Há também dois importantes Trabalhos esporádicos de Lausanne sobre O Rádio em Missão (1989)(2) e sobre Mídia e Tecnologia: O Arco-íris, O Arco e a Cruz (2004)(3), ambos com várias reflexões valiosas.
De Mídia e Tecnologia à Importância das Mensagens da Mídia Os diversos usos das tecnologias de informação e de mídia moldam nosso dia-a-dia e nos permitem acesso potencial a uma variedade de culturas midiáticas. Tais culturas podem ser globais, locais ou glocais. O termo “glocal” descreve as culturas atuais da mídia que, com frequência, mesclam elementos e perspectivas globais e locais, no que se refere a mensagens reais e suas interpretações contínuas. Estes contextos de mídia criam uma variedade de desafios e oportunidades para uma vida autêntica e para um testemunho cristão crível.
Este documento avançado sugere uma abordagem missional para envolver o mundo da mídia, e identifica a conscientização, a presença e os ministérios da mídia como três tópicos de grande importância. A abordagem e os tópicos serão explorados mais adiante na sessão multiplex
A Importância das Mensagens da Mídia: Sobre Tecnologias Globais, Tendências Glocais e a Verdade do Evangelho e nas sessões de diálogo sobre o tema. Esta sessão multiplex vai oferecer interação da mídia com cinco objetivos: Compreender as tecnologias de informação e comunicação em constante mudança e a maneira como elas afetam nossas vidas e nosso testemunho cristão; Compreender como uma clássica visão cristã da verdade, da humanidade e da moralidade pode moldar nossa interação com as tecnologias de informação e de comunicação e como tal mordomia responsável pode ser um testemunho do indivíduo e do grupo a respeito do “Único Deus e Único Senhor”;
Compreender como as notícias glocais contemporâneas e a mídia de entretenimento podem se constituir desafios seculares e pluralistas para o testemunho da verdade de Cristo;
Compreender como os diversos gêneros e formatos podem ser usados como lentes através das quais analisamos e entendemos a cultura contemporânea e a verdade bíblica; Compreender como a mensagem bíblica de “Deus em Cristo, Reconciliando Consigo o Mundo” (2 Cor. 5:19) pode ser comunicada de forma criativa, envolvente e interativa por meio das tecnologias, plataformas e formatos da mídia contemporânea. Todas estas diversas dimensões estão relacionadas à missão da Igreja Cristã, quer o foco esteja:
(a) na mensagem bíblica e sua peculiar afirmação de verdade absoluta; (b) nos contextos culturais e em como eles são moldados por variadas e significativas visões de mundo; (c) em viver e testemunhar como discípulos com nossa humanidade, e também com integridade bíblica; ou (d) na vasta gama de arenas, abordagens e formatos disponíveis quando usamos a mídia de forma crítica e criativa na missão cristã.
A importância das Mensagens da Mídia : Uma Abordagem Missional Provavelmente, “O mundo” é o conceito bíblico mais próximo da descrição das tecnologias de mídia e das culturas de mídia em nosso mundo contemporâneo.
Começamos agora a delinear uma perspectiva bíblica de cosmovisão da humanidade e, consequentemente, da mídia e da tecnologia. Uma das definições atuais mais claras de cosmovisão encontra-se no livro clássico O Universo na Porta ao Lado:
“Uma cosmovisão é um compromisso, uma orientação fundamental do coração, que pode ser expresso como uma narrativa ou como um conjunto de pressuposições (suposições podem ser verdadeiras, parcialmente verdadeiras, ou inteiramente falsas) que nós sustentamos (consciente ou inconscientemente, consistente ou inconsistentemente) sobre a constituição básica da realidade, e que provê o fundamento sobre o qual vivemos, nos movemos e existimos.” (5)
Tal compreensão multidimensional de cosmovisão como conceito, ilumina o universo da mídia. As mensagens da mídia podem então ser compreendidas como elementos de comunicação, ou traços, de várias cosmovisões religiosas e seculares. Estes elementos (ou traços) são encontrados nas histórias, nas afirmações e nas pressuposições da mídia. Em muitas mensagens da mídia jornalística ou de entretenimento produzidas no Norte Global,
as influências de perspectivas de cosmovisão secular tais como o humanismo (secular), o naturalismo, o niilismo e o pós-modernismo parecem ser proeminentes. Freqüentemente, estas perspectivas são complementadas em histórias fictícias por traços de cosmovisões religiosas que incluem o monismo panteísta ocidental e a religiosidade da Nova Era. Tudo isso destaca a importância de uma compreensão apropriada das principais tradições e das tendências para o engajamento missionário com a mídia.
A crescente importância da mídia e da tecnologia para a existência humana no mundo atual ressalta a importância da reflexão, da discussão e da ação missional neste campo. O princípio teológico por trás deste engajamento holístico é o fato de que “se nossa missão é sermos fiéis à missão de Deus, então, ela deve abranger a totalidade da Terra e envolver a totalidade das necessidades e da existência humana”(6).
Possibilitando o Envolvimento na Mídia:
A Verdade do Evangelho e o Critério da Verdade como fundamento
Um engajamento crítico e criativo com a pluralidade das mensagens da mídia é parte integral da defesa da verdade de Cristo em um mundo globalizado; pressupõe um entendimento básico da natureza da verdade e uma aplicação apropriada deste entendimento às várias reivindicações da verdade nas mensagens da mídia em geral e especificamente relacionadas às diversas cosmovisões.
Este ensaio sugere que o uso conjunto de três principais critérios da verdade é a maneira mais construtiva de prosseguir, quer falemos sobre a verdade como um conceito chave, quer seja sobre os pressupostos da verdade em diversas cosmovisões, ou ainda, sobre a verdade nas mensagens da mídia. Consequentemente, a verdade pode ser compreendida como (1) aquela coerente, consistente e que faz sentido; (2) aquela que corresponde à realidade e aos fatos conhecidos; e (3) aquela que muda e transforma. A combinação adequada destes três critérios da verdade nos leva a uma visão mais holística da verdade, visão nem pré-moderna, nem pós- -moderna.(7)
Se a verdade deve ser entendida como coerente e que faz sentido, que corresponde à realidade, e que muda e transforma, precisamos, em primeiro lugar, aplicar estes critérios centrais à defesa da verdade de Cristo.
Ao olhar atentamente ao ministério apologético dos apóstolos no Novo Testamento, descobrimos um uso responsável destes importantes critérios da verdade, algumas vezes explicitamente, mas, com maior freqüência, de maneira implícita. Um exemplo claro está em Atos 26:27-29, no qual encontramos o apóstolo Paulo num contexto desafiador em Cesaréia. Ele d
iscutiu com o Rei Herodes Agripa II (e com o governador Festo, em segundo plano) sobre a verdade e a razoabilidade da mensagem cristã, afirmando que ela corresponde aos fatos históricos conhecidos e é compatível com os profetas do Antigo Testamento. Agripa concorda diante da persuasiva e transformadora mensagem de Paulo a respeito de Jesus Cristo como único Salvador e Senhor.
Este exemplo do Novo Testamento ilustra que estes três critérios chave podem ser vistos como uma boa maneira de compreender três aspectos significativos da defesa da verdade de Cristo, especificamente, e também da cosmovisão bíblica em geral:
(1) Coerente e consistente: A defesa específica da verdade de Cristo acontece dentro de uma compreensão coerente do Deus Triuno, da natureza da humanidade, e do relacionamento entre eles. De maneira geral, a cosmovisão bíblica apresenta uma mensagem da criação, do pecado, da redenção e da restauração consistente e gradualmente revelada.
(2) Corresponde à realidade: A defesa específica da verdade de Cristo baseia-se em fatos históricos chave sobre quem foi Jesus e o que realmente aconteceu em Sua vida, morte e ressurreição. De maneira geral, a cosmovisão bíblica baseia-se na criação, na queda e nas obras redentoras de Deus como realidades fundamentais, assim como em narrativas históricas significativas e na vida dos muitos personagens bíblicos.
(3) Restauradora e transformadora: A defesa específica da verdade de Cristo inclui
o único e transformador Evangelho da graça, da salvação, do perdão e da esperança, porque “Deus estava em Cristo reconciliando em si mesmo o mundo” (2 Cor. 5:19). No geral, a cosmovisão bíblica reconhece e destaca os processos de mudança e transformação em diversos níveis. Eles incluem viver relacionamentos humanos autênticos, receber de Deus o perdão dos pecados e ser “sal e luz” no mundo.
Tudo isto implica podermos afirmar com propriedade que o Evangelho de Jesus Cristo, especificamente – e a cosmovisão bíblica, de maneira geral – são verdadeiros no amplo e holístico sentido da palavra. Além disso, essas perspectivas bíblicas essenciais nos oferecem um fundamento adequado para nossa interação crítica e criativa com as tecnologias, culturas e mensagens da mídia atual. Como “povo do Evangelho da Verdade”, descobrimos a necessidade urgente de compromisso com todos os aspectos da mídia – sua conscientização, presença e os ministérios da mídia.
Encontrando as Mensagens da Mídia: A Necessidade Urgente de Conscientização Crítica da Mídia
Há uma necessidade global urgente de desenvolver a conscientização e o pensamento crític, em relação à maneira como as mensagens da mídia são expressas e interpretadas, com ênfase nos temas de verdade e realidade, da cosmovisão e da espiritualidade.
Quase todas as pessoas em todos os lugares deste mundo globalizado aos poucos parecem tornar-se, pelo menos em potencial, usuários das modernas tecnologias da mídia, tais como satélite, Internet e celular. Através destas tecnologias e culturas da mídia, estamos constantemente expostos a um amplo espectro de mensagens de várias mídias locais e globais. Estas mensagens da mídia incluem “fatos” (como notícias e documentários), “ficção” (filmes, novelas e jogos de computador), ou “fato-ficção” (entretenimento informativo, e televisão realidade). Quando analisados adequadamente, descobrimos que tais mensagens da mídia sempre contêm traços de perspectivas de cosmovisão e, assim sendo, refletem e moldam as tendências atuais da cosmovisão. Como evangélicos, precisamos encarar essas mídias, e tais tendências de cosmovisão, tanto crítica como criativamente, como uma comunidade missional global. (8)
Há necessidade de se desenvolver uma correta conscientização da mídia em igrejas locais e ministérios de jovens, e que isto seja feito em parceria global. Tais iniciativas de conscientização do potencial da mídia precisam levar em conta as mensagens das mídias globais e locais em qualquer contexto cultural. Isto significa desenvolver material e abordagens culturalmente relevantes, que integrem uma variedade de perspectivas complementares. Desta forma, precisamos nos tornar mais conscientes de como as dimensões tecnológicas, estéticas, culturais, de cosmovisão, teológicas e espirituais reunidas contribuem na produção da mídia jornalística e de entretenimento nos dias de hoje.
Tais iniciativas para a conscientização da mídia incluem os seguintes temas e áreas:
Primeiro, precisamos entender a natureza ambivalente da tecnologia e como as rápidas mudanças tecnológicas estão influenciando os gêneros, formatos e arenas da mídia[i];
Segundo, precisamos entender as semelhanças e diferenças culturais entre os textos e contextos da mídia local, global e glocal;
Terceiro, precisamos entender a estética dos vários textos, gêneros e formatos da mídia e como aplicar as quest&
#245;es hermenêuticas apropriadas. Isto pode ser ilustrado com o filme em que Tony Watkins apresenta uma séria de perguntas interpretativas esclarecedoras para reflexão. (9)
Quarto, precisamos perguntar se as várias mensagens da mídia que encontramos apresentam uma verdadeira perspectiva da humanidade. Isto inclui levantar as seguintes questões:
Também deveria ser enfatizado que uma visão bíblica da humanidade é tanto realista quanto relevante. Estas características podem ser confirmadas diariamente ao encontrarmos na mídia imagens da humanidade, nas mensagens da mídia jornalística e de entretenimento; e
Quinto, precisamos questionar se as várias mensagens da mídia dão espaço para perspectivas religiosas ou de fé. Isto inclui dar voz a comunidades de fé, como os evangélicos, que não correspondem ao politicamente correto. (10)
O multiplex A Importância das Mensagens da Mídia tentará apresentar modelos de ensino sobre conscientização de mídia nos contextos de missões, igrejas, escolas e família.
Ingressando na Mídia Jornalística e de Entretenimento: A Necessidade Urgente de Presença Apropriada na Mídia
Há uma necessidade global e urgente de formadores de opinião, comunicadores e comentaristas cristãos preparados, autênticos e de credibilidade inseridos na mídia jornalística e de entretenimento.
Com freqüência, faltam modelos de cristãos autênticos na mídia em geral (ou grande mídia) e uma correspondente falta de treinamento. Como comunidade evangélica global, precisamos ter presença adequada na mídia jornalística e de entretenimento. É onde os talentosos jornalistas, documentaristas e comentaristas de mídia cristãos têm a oportunidade de introduzir histórias, idéias e novas perspectivas. O mesmo é verdade a respeito dos cristãos com dons no campo da arte e da mídia criativa, onde a criação de histórias fictícias pode abrir novas maneiras de transmitir as verdades cristãs. Pode-se acrescentar que há crescentes oportunidades para esta presença na grande mídia jornalística e de entretenimento através do uso criativo da interatividade e da mídia social.
O multiplex A importância das Mensagens da Mídia apresentará dois casos significativos de presença da mídia:
O primeiro exemplo será a importante série-documentário A Ciência e a Questão Deus.
O produtor Iain Morris apresenta a série da seguinte forma:
“Pense em A ciência e a Questão Deus como uma forma de luta livre”. Nela:
Produzidos para pessoas de qualquer fé, ou de nenhuma fé, os primeiros três programas da série devem ser finalizados na primavera de 2010:
1) O Cosmo e a Questão Deus: Há espaço para Deus?
2) A Vida, a Evolução e a Questão Deus: Darwin enterrou Deus?
3) A Mente, a Consciência e a Questão Deus: Crer em Deus é Ignorância?”
Esta nova série é um modelo atraente de como cristãos podem usam o formato de documentário para introduzir temas importantes de maneira equilibrada e direta para um público mais amplo. Neste caso específico, interessa dar voz a ateus, panteístas e teístas, com possibilidade de comparação e contraste destas diferentes perspectivas de cosmovisão. (11)
O segundo case será uma análise crítica e apreciativa de um filme importante, com introdução e comentários de Nick Pollard. Ele exemplifica a chamada abordagem Damaris:
“... Damaris tem grande respeito pela cultura popular contemporânea e acredita que seja uma expressão da busca das pessoas por respostas a questões fundamentais. Damaris apresenta um estudo aprofundado de seu conteúdo e contexto para identificar, compreender e responder com integridade a cosmovisões subjacentes.
... Damaris tem grande respeito pelas pessoas e por sua liberdade, e atua como um modesto guia à cultura popular contemporânea. Damaris convida as pessoas a avaliarem e responderem a cosmovisões subjacentes. ” (12)
Isto ilustra como podemos nos envolver com a mídia de entretenimento contemporânea com integridade bíblica e relevância cultural.
Estabelecendo Iniciativas Independentes de Mídia: A Necessidade Urgente de Ministérios de Mídia Criativos
Há uma necessidade global urgente de formatos e gêneros de mídia que combinem o “tradicional”, o “velho” e o “novo” para transmitir o Evangelho de Jesus Cristo como autêntico e relevante no contexto de uma cosmovisão bíblica holística.
Ao lado das grandes mídias jornalísticas e de entretenimento, há uma ampla variedade de ministérios evangélicos de mídia, frequentemente, com uma história importante, estratégias complementares e experiência respeitável. Estão incluídas aí as organizações globais como FEBC, TWR e HCJB, e também ministérios de mídia regionais estabelecidos mais recentemente como SAT-7 e COICOM.
Recentemente, a chegada da Internet e das tecnologias digitais relacionadas a ela, aos poucos, introduziu esta mídia como elemento chave em muitas organizações cristãs e igrejas locais em regiões e países ricos em tecnologia. Isto também é verdadeiro no que se refere aos ministérios evangélicos, e inclui o uso crescente de podcasts e da mídia social recente como os blogs, o Facebook e o Twitter.
Precisamos de uma variedade de iniciativas e ministérios missionários de mídia estratégica no mundo global de hoje. Isto envolve o uso crítico e criativo de diversas plataformas, gêneros e formatos de mídia para comunicar a Verdade bíblica de “Deus em Cristo, reconciliando o mundo em si mesmo” no contexto de uma cosmovisão bíblica holística. (13)
Ao encararmos os contextos de mídia cada vez mais seculares e pluralistas, precisamos aprender com a abordagem apologética de Paulo em Atenas, onde ele discutiu o “Evangelho de Jesus e sua ressurreição” no contexto de uma cosmovisão bíblica holística.
Paulo afirmou que a ressurreição de Jesus encontra eco nas mais importantes questões humanas, indica a singularidade e autoridade de Jesus, e está baseada em evidência história disponível e suficiente. Tudo isto faz sentido no contexto da “teologia natural” (i.e., Deus é tanto transcendente quanto imanente) e “autoridade suprema” (i.e., Deus como autor da vida e autoridade sobre a vida). Estas perspectivas e argumentos bíblicos são cada vez mais relevantes para os ministérios evangélicos nos contextos de mídia de hoje.
A Importância das Mensagens da Mídia: Ações, Arrependimento e Novos Compromissos
Parece ser apropriado terminar este documento avançado indicando algumas das áreas chave relacionadas à mídia e à tecnologia nas quais os evangélicos precisam ser chamados à ação, ao arrependimento e a um novo compromisso.
© The Lausanne Movement 2010
Português Translation by: LGC_Translation
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Palavras-chave: Mídia, tecnologia, comunicação, global, glocal, visão de mundo, verdade, globalizado, evangelho, missional
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Estados Unidos
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
Noruega
@ Cody_Lorance:
Thanks, Cody, for emphasizing the importance of allowing our (Lausanne and) Manila predecessors to speak to us thorugh (the Covenant and) the Manifesto.
As you rightly point out, this is certainly also the case in the area of media and technology. (I mention this briefly on p. 1 in the advance paper.) Thanks for your key contirbution in the significant area of the social media and the spiritual disciplines!
Every blessing! / Lars
08.10.2010
Estados Unidos
@ Cody_Lorance:
The advancement of technology is so accelerated that I am not sure we will ever understand it as we should.
We must do our best to keep up with it without allowing it to over-shape our views.
It is our method, not our message.
10.12.2012
Gana
Frankly, I found this article painfully difficult to read. The author cited only two examples of Christians and media (Iain Morris’ Science and God documentary and a critical engagement with a major movie). Yet Christians around the world are faithfully utilizing media in all its forms (internet, radio, television, film, publishing, etc.). No doubt there is room for serious improvement, but why does the author conclude with a call to repentance? I prefer to rejoice!
13.09.2010
Noruega
@ Jeff_Korum:
Thanks, Jeff, for your frank comment. I’m afraid the lack of "rejoicing" in my paper reflects my academic background and my North European temperament!
May I add that your comment significantly complements my paper by pointing out the need to rejoice in the media. There are so many excellent and exciting arenas and avenues for the Gopel in the contemporary media world!
We need to learn from the best media practices - from our brothers and sisters globally. Hopefully, the Cape Town Congress will be a key arena for equipping and encouraging each other also in this area!
13.09.2010
Estados Unidos
@ Jeff_Korum:
Your comment caused me to reflect on the effect rejoicing in media can have on its recepients.
Much like any other type of media, rejoicing media must be authentic. Joy cannot be faked.
If authentic rejoicing and praise to God is documented in media, people will be drawn to God.
So yes, let’s rejoice more in our media. God deserves public praise!!
10.12.2012
China
Thank you for this well-conceived outline of some of the issues involved in developing a more robust evangelical engagement with various aspects of media. I found your last paragraph particularly helpful. For myself, I would love to hear more about how to realize those ideals and perhaps a bit less about the need to engage and what that might involve; the need to engage broadly seems obvious to me.
In my own context working in a second tier Chinese city, I am often haunted by McLuhan’s famous observation that "the medium is the message." And so I ask, what happens when we take various media across cultural boundaries?
As an example, what does it mean to receive the majority of one’s biblical teaching and training through media? In China, radio at first, and then audio tapes and dvd’s and now webcasts have been significant sources for biblical instruction in the lives of many believers. Recently, cross-cultural workers have invested heavily in increasing means to deliver training at a distance. But is there a point at which the electronic images and sounds either get in the way or become ineffective in the discipleship process? How much of whatever we choose to subsume within "discipleship" can be conveyed through media? What does it mean to be discipled by media rather than people? Can relationships be mediated without changing the nature of the relationship?
These are big questions, and I would appreciate any thoughts from others who may have asked similar questions as they watch the role of media expanding, particularly in cross-cultural contexts.
14.07.2010
Noruega
@ Swells_in_the_Middle:
Thanks for your insightful and important comment! You point to a key issue for all of us, whatever our cultural, media and Cjristian contexts.
Let me offer three brief and immediate reflections:
- McLuhan is right, of course; there are always "amputations" involved in communication through electronic media. That’s why we need to combine the strenghts of the various media in our Christian media ministries. E.g. the fact that the new, social media adds more personal and interactive dimensions to the "old" media.
- We should never be content with limiting ourselves to just communicating though the various media. Real face-to-face encounters is therefore indispensable, not the least in discipling processes. This has to do with achieving personal interaction, real dialogue and real mutual respect.
- There is a robustness to reality, however, that gives us hope. I am convinced that real humanness, real truth and the real biblical Gospel may be communicated adequately through the media.
I would certainly welcome contributions on this key issue from various cultural, media and Christian contexts!
14.07.2010
Estados Unidos
@ Swells_in_the_Middle:
It has been my experience with young people (I am a youth pastor for the past 10+ years) that "sermons" or "lessons" are only a launching point for future discussion and discipleship. Very little of what I say in a large group setting is transferred to a young man or woman’s life unless it is also personally confirmed in his/her life later.
In the same way, digital media records of teaching can and should be used as launching points, not as end goals. A website or DVD or audio recording can be great tools to open up the possiblity of relationships. And they are great records of teaching just as the written word can be, but real discipleship takes place in the context of relationships that can only come about with interaction from all parties.
10.12.2012
Estados Unidos
First off, thanks so much for your paper. The Lord used it to really get me thinking through these issues. I’ve posted my main reflections in a separate article here:
http://conversation.lausanne.org/en/resources/detail/10807
That article is focused on the intentional integration of spiritual disciplines with our engagement with social media.
A few other thoughts:
1. Why isn’t the Church awesome at media production? Does a greater network of people and resources exist on the earth than the Body of Christ? Am I crazy to think that our movies, our websites, our music, our whatever should simply be the best that there is?
2. Related to truth in media, I wonder if there could be the creation of "best practices" to serve as a guide to believers who seek to pursue truthfulness in their media production. These practices can relate to research principles, integrity of reporting, etc. A Lausanne banner on a website that indicates that the given ministry adheres to the Lausanne ’best practices’ for proclaiming truth.
3. I like the distinction between facts, fiction, and "faction." I had not heard that before. It is perhaps important to point out that "faction" is (it seems) dominant these days. And further, that faction is basically seen as "fact" by many.
Blessings!
27.08.2010
Noruega
@ Cody_Lorance:
Thanks, Cody, for your encouraging words and for your stimulating ideas. I do appreciate and recommend your helpful reflections on the intentional integration of spiritual disciplines with our engagement with social media.
Let me also offer some brief comments to your other thoughts:
- Yes, we as Christians should certainly exemplify and model quality at all levels in our media involvement!
- It is indeed worth considering how “best practices” in media within the global Lausanne fellowship (and beyond) should be encouraged, recognized and promoted.
- Yes, I do find the fact, fiction and faction distinction helpful. And I agree with your perceptive observations on the increasing role of faction and that faction is often interpreted as fact.
Some of these key themes are – or will be – addressed in my blog Media Messages Matters: Towards Christian media presence, media awareness and media mission.
Every blessing / Lars
01.09.2010
Estados Unidos
@ Cody_Lorance:
Wonderful thoughts. It strikes as sad to think about the lack of artistic integrity in so-called Christian media. It is my understanding that the Church was responsible for some of the most artistic expressions of the past several hundred years. The Sistine Chapel, the statue of David, much of the music from the classical period, etc.
Today, most of our "Christian" expressions are copy-cat adaptations. The church of the Creator should be the most creative of all people.
10.12.2012
Lesoto
The negative impact of media technology especially on the young generation is overwhelmingly huge. I wish to address myself to a few points related to this paper particularly in regard to the proposal by the author on how the evangelicals should respond. I agree that there is a need to engage media that seeks to establish a global worldview. However, not all evangelicals despite, the restlessness that they may experience as they observe the damage caused by the rapid spread of worldview perspectives, are at a vantage point for any meaningful form of engagement. Hence my strong support for the need for cooperation and partnerships among evangelicals globally.
The point by the author on “urgent need for critical media awareness” is to me particularly crucial. I believe that there is a deliberate power that is using the power of media to shape human thinking and hence the world, contrary to God’s design, hence the need for this critical media awareness. Considering the proposed issues and areas for media awareness initiatives, I feel that it is time that evangelicals regard it as a calling, after critical evaluation of media messages, to develop counter messages that will portray the truth as Christ would have wanted in all spheres related to media and to deliberately produce messages that will innovatively promote the biblical worldview, given our different context of development. We are engaged in a battle with the enemy and should not remain defensive but should seek to be on the offensive in order to claim the victory that we have in Christ Jesus!
21.09.2010
Noruega
@ Moloki_Motaung:
Thanks, Lehlohonolo, for highlighting the urgent need for media awareness. Yes, media engagement and critique seems to be a forgotten dimension of Christian mission.
I do agree with you that we shouldn’t stop with analysing and critiquing, but that we also need to contribute media messages which reflect the Gospel, the biblical storyline and the attitudes shown by Jesus Himself.
As salt and light (Math 5.13-17), we are called to make a real difference as His disciples. In today’s meda saturated world, this certainly includes the media.
26.09.2010
Estados Unidos
@ Moloki_Motaung:
The accessabilty of multiple worldviews isn’t necesarily a negative. It only increases the urgency for us to spread the news of Jesus so that this is the primary worldview available.
Let’s not neglect to understand the positive effects of media as well. It’s not all negative.
10.12.2012
Estados Unidos
This is a powerful article. It is amazing how much the media and for that matter technology in general is shaping our worldview and that of the next generation. When we hear about how many are coming to Christ via technology like satellite and chat rooms we need to focus more in taking advantage of this God-given gift.
17.09.2010
Noruega
@ kshalhoub:
Thanks, Kamel, for your appreciative words. Yes, the various media channels and platforms are wonderful gifts to us that we need to be wise stewards of.
The social media give us new and unique opportunities, which is powerfully illustrated in this ongoing and growing Global Conversation. It is important that we reflect on these new media. I have presented some of my preliminary reflections on these new technologies in Transforming Technologies: Media and Mission Ministries.
Every blessing! / Lars
26.09.2010
Estados Unidos
@ kshalhoub:
I too think that our new way of communacating is a gift of God and we should use it. I also beleive God will not allow us to advance in any given area pass a certain point. We as the church must use evry tool available to us to spread the gospel.
22.04.2012
Estados Unidos
@ kshalhoub:
Not only is technology aiding the church in reaching those who were otherwise unreachable, it has become a necesary tool to disciple those in the church.
In the US, it is rare to find a church that isn’t using some sort of media either to advertise or as part of their services. Websites, TV commercial, and the like are almost par for the course when it comes to letting the community know about your congregation.
Because our culture is so media-saturated, it is almost unthinkable to go a few weeks without making at least one reference or sermon illustration that has to do with some form of media.
10.12.2012
Estados Unidos
A helpful paper. Thanks for the obvious investment of time, energy and thought into providing this resource for us.
I would appreciate more discussion and thinking about the structure of media. How does having 6, 60 or 600 channels available on our TVs -- and 200 million websites -- affect any given person’s view of reality? In what ways does a fragmented media environment generate a challenge to having a unified worldview and a coherent lifestyle? When members of churches are tethered to different online communities, media environments, and sources of information, how does this sociological reality impact unity within the local body of Christ? When media reports and editorial opinions on the same event are sharply different in distinct cities or countries, how does this affect unity within the regional or global body of Christ?
Thanks again for your thoughtful article.
14.07.2010
Noruega
@ Carson_Weitnauer:
Thanks for your warm, appreciative words and your insightful comments. You point rightly to media structures as an area which certainly needs more analysis, reflections and discussions.
You highlight media fragmentation which is an increasingly common experience in all technology-rich countries. It seems to me, however, that this illustrates how media always function as a double-edged sword for us as Christians:
- We certainly need to work on keeping the unity of our local church communities in view of this media fragmentation. Maybe the local church website could be an increasingly important common platform and point of reference? We also need to remind each other globally on the importance of keeping our loyalty to Christ primary and all our social, ethnic and political loyalities as secondary.
- On the other hand, the media fragmentation has real positive potential. The church is called to "equip the saints" for our everyday callings in our various day-to-day tasks. This includes our individual media arenas and platforms. This is a real challenge to everyone with teaching and discipleship responsibilities in the church! And an equally important challenge to each one of us to exemplify Christian integrity and wisdom in our various media engagements, however different these may be.
Thanks again for highlighting these signficant issues.
17.07.2010
Estados Unidos
@ Carson_Weitnauer:
Just a thought. One way to look at the mass number of media opportunities is to see that our message may get lost in the vastness of available alternatives. This also may lead people to neglect the content and focus too much on the "quality." (It has to stand out to be seen, and so the message get’s neglected for the sake of "flashyness").
As has been stated already in the article and its comments, the integrity of the gospel message must not be neglected, but neither should the quality and artistry.
10.12.2012
Canadá
Grappling with technology is always a topic that I am drawn to; specifically the entertainment world. I love good stories and I love when they are captured in film or TV. Unfortunately good story telling is few and far between. I think that we are all drawn to stories. We love to hear stories of people’s lives, how they came to be who they are and where they are going. We want to live in other people’s shoes, fictional or true to try a different way of living. Sometimes it’s for escape and other times it’s to learn.
I connect a lot with why Jesus told stories. Unfortunately in North America we also want to put the moral of the story at the end. I don’t think Jesus always did that, he was asking us to seek out the message through them. They make us digest the message, play with it and seek out the Truth within it.
I would love to see the young people I work with take the entertainment they partake in and really dissect it. Whether it’s through the music they listen to, the facebook groups they are a part of or through the movies and TV they watch. I think we need to be wise about how we interact with technology and not to forget to listen to it, watch the trends, see how it has a positive influence and how it has a negative influence.
I do not like this time of year in North America. We are entering into the month of Halloween. That’s when everyone jumps on the band wagon of evil entertainment. All shows have to have their spooky theme and movies about evil flood the theatres. I was frustrated when I saw a brief commercial about a new movie coming out called “Devil”. There is this fascination with evil. There is a rejection of God and the good that he represents. Movies like the “Devil”, “Constantine” and shows like “Supernatural” are all about how humanity alone can defeat the evils of the world. People soak up the evil supernatural of the world and yet reject the idea of a good God who is there to help us through our own evil as well as the demonic. I wonder what a movie called “God” would look like. Would people flock to the theatre to see such a film? Can we turn the tide of desires?
While I think that we must be aware of the media messages and trends we should not be afraid of them. Rather we as Christians need to find those stories that challenge us and bring hope and invite others into a discussion about them. We cannot just be entertained. I think there are a lot of opportunities to challenge ourselves through the stories that we come in contact with – real and fictional. Our young people in North America have a distorted view of God’s role in our world because of entertainments dislike of God. He is not present in a lot of the teen shows that attract our young people. In fact you even have movies like “Legion” that display a hateful, vengeful God with desire to kill His creation. These distortions and lies shape a worldview that already does not know who God is.
I see value in watching, reading, and listening to beautiful stories where the characters and audience are challenged to love people and to live a purposeful life. As Christians we need to begin the conversation. I want to watch movies with the young people I work with and talk about them afterwards. I want them to begin to discern what is of value for their lives and how it shapes our culture and worldview. We need to engage in these conversations. Which means, we need to be aware of the technology and how it impacts our lives. It’s not going way, in fact it’s only going to get more advanced and connect us with more ideas from around the world. We need to know how to responsibly manoeuvre through it. As well as strategize how to use it in a way that shows the world who God is and why we need Jesus.
15.09.2010
Noruega
@ Shannon_L:
Thanks, Shannon, for sharing your excitement and your insights about stories. Stories as a key to communicating the biblical worldview in today’s world is certainly worth reflecting on. This includes the fact that the glory of the biblical storyline is that it is true and can transform people’s lives!
I do share your concern about being aware of stories, perspective and worldviews in movies. I would like to recommend Questions to ask when watching movies and soapoperas.
26.09.2010
Estados Unidos
@ Shannon_L:
Stories are a powerful tool is changing people’s lives. Jesus used stories. As ministers, I think we should spend a significant amount of time learning to be good story-tellers. After all, we have the greatest story ever! We should be able to communicate that in a compelling way.
10.12.2012
Estados Unidos
Well written with great insight. Having served in the US church for over 25 years as a missions director, I have had to play "catch up" to my missionaries on the field who were always first with email, then skype, and now facebook. Without the encouragement of a young missionary to get on facebook, I probably would not have done so and missed out on a wonderful tool, which used correctly is of great benefit to me. I have much more communication with my under 25 age group through facebook than email anymore.
My concern, and that of some of my associates is the "cost" of facebook on our newer missionaries serving overseas. They have direct access to their family and friends here in the States which has taken away from their opportunities of connecting with their new communities, because they don’t have to with facebook allowing them to "stay at home" through media.
My question is how to help them to wean off of the computer and allow God to use them to their fullest in their present location among those people He has called them to serve? Loneliness has taken on a different way of coping in this generation. Any help?
23.09.2010
Noruega
@ Liz_Gold:
Thanks, Liz, for your appreciative words. You do highlight a key issue of utmost importance in today’s global mission context: How to combine continued digital presence in the cultural "home context", with real committed presence in the cultural "mission field context"?
I don’t know if I have any really good answers to this, but I do think we need to take this issue really seriously. I invite others to comment on this dilemma!
Here are some preliminary comments:
Maybe some missionaries (or others) could share their personal experience of this dilemma with us all, and how they have handled it?
Every blessing! / Lars
26.09.2010
Estados Unidos
@ Liz_Gold:
Liz,
Thank-you for your thoughts. Missionaries have always had to contain with Homesickness, During the different eras it was handled differently. Hudson Taylor complained about missionaries grouping themselves together instead of doing the work. When I went out in the 1990’s there were articles on how computer games were pulling new missionaries from bonding with the host culture. So now the means has changed though the problem has not.
Ways to help. When screening missionaries before they go out questions could be asked on their social relationships, are they primarily internet based or face to face based.
I and a friend of mine choose to limit the amount of time we spend social networking. I skype my family once a week.
People at home can help in not expecting the missionary to respond immediately to every request. This would help them feel less pressured to constantly keep in contact with their supporters.
Also the home base can help in helping the new missionary write about their daily life in the new place of ministry and prayer needs. This way their communication is building a relationships and intimacy rather than talking about nothing at all.
I hope this helps
18.10.2010
Estados Unidos
@ Penny:
I think your idea of limits is a great one. My first instict is to say that this should be the way everyone opperates. But the more I watch young people interact, the more I am accepting this "new" way that people socialize.
We must face the facts that we are in a global community. Physical distance doesn’t have near the impact it used to. I would not be surprised if in the very near future, technology made it acceptable for people to not even visit home for Christmas. When "grandma" is today’s twenty-something (that’s just a few decades from now), "grandma" won’t find it so odd to Skype in your holiday visit.
On the mission field, personal relationship are important and in most cases, that requires face-to-face with the people of the region. But let’s not be blind to the fact that face-to-face may soon be a non-essential part of relationships.
10.12.2012
Estados Unidos
One thing that I think is also important about the impact of media is that it needs to have some level of artistic integrity. Through my teenager years (1990s) so-called Christian media lacked artistic integrity. Much of the music, movies, TV shows, and even some worship services were poor attempts to replicate the style of what was going on in popular media. There was little originality and the quality left much to be desired. Most of my Christian friends who partook of such media admittedly did so not because it was good, but because it was Godly. This is a great criteria to base your decisions upon, but these two qualities should not be mutually exclusive. In fact, media designed for God’s people to bring God glory should be more than excellent. God deserves the very best!
10.12.2012
Estados Unidos
Have you ever received an email from someone and forwarded it without even thinking about what you were passing along? Sometimes, that is the way we move messages to others pertaining to the church. Technology enables us to move news so fast, we sometimes fail to make sure what we move is true. Technology, whether it is through media or other means is a wonderful tool to use in sharing the gospel. It is also a tool that can be used to spread things that aren’t very sound. We need to make sure that whatever we use is presenting the truth.
At least for me, it is sometimes scary as to what we can present through media and technology. It also excites me to think about how we can communicate with so many people around the world.
12.12.2011
Estados Unidos
@ brucec:
I agree that it can become scary how anybody can send infromation across the world and many people think it is truth when it may well be a lie. Just like everything else in the world our new thec. cand be used for good or evil. I even warn my church members how simply watching a movie that is surpose to be bibical can be misleading if you don’t study the word yourself.Before you pass infro. on check it out.
22.04.2012
Estados Unidos
Dear Penny,
Thank you for the good idea of asking about their social life - medai or otherwise. I plan to include that as a question when people are heading to the field, but also request it as something in our annual report questionnaire to just make us and our missionaries aware of the concern that the social media piece could be if abused. Your insight and decision to limit your skype time shows your awareness of how this could become a problem if not properly maintained.
I appreciate your response and Lars in askig the hard questions!
Liz
19.10.2010
Alemanha
Warm greetings from a participant of the media technology forum at Pattaya 2004 - I can tell you what I remember best is the traditional african story telling presentation we did at the end before the plenum. May the Holy Spirit open your understanding of all kinds of media both traditional and new media, Ingrid from Germany
18.10.2010
Estados Unidos
the I really appreciate the emphasis in this paper on, "the importance of an appropriate understanding of key worldview traditions and trends for missional engagement with the media.” In my experience, Christians have often either turned a blind eye to the reigning worldviews and consumed mainstream culture without discernment, or we have staged boycotts and created our own media with Christian messages, which are often poor in quality on all fronts. Much of what is deemed “Christian media” is a poor imitation of what is popular, which does not glorify the Creator whose image we bear. My hope, as an arts professional working mostly outside the church, is that Christians will become more intentionally engaged with the mainstream arts and media/entertainment on all fronts. I pray for more thoughtful engagement – for Christians who are willing to approach mainstream media not as reactionaries, but as interpreters. I would love to see more Christians pushing back, rather than fleeing altogether or giving up the ghost and simply swallowing it all.
To that end, I also appreciate that “there is an urgent need globally for appropriate, authentic and credible Christian role models, communicators and commentators in the general news and entertainment media.” This is very much part of my work seeking to equip aspiring, emerging, and established professionals in the arts with solid pragmatic and philosophical framework for approaching their work with an eye on creating art (i.e. film, novels, visual art, theater, dance, etc) that is good, true, and beautiful.
There will always be films, novels, and music made by Christians and for Christians. But how about more Christians making art for the world at large? Leaders in excellence, storytelling, visuals, writing, performing, etc? It is happening... I long to see it happen more!
15.10.2010
Reino Unido
I would say it is not so much that technology is ambivalent, but rather it is neutral in itself. The consequence of the dual nature of humanity (created by God but fallen) is then that technology is used both for evil, and for good and Godly purposes - or at least it has the potential to be so used. So the internet is full of pornography on the one hand, and persuasion that the Biblical gospel is true on the other. The dangers are immense - the Tower of Babel in Genesis 11 is all about humanity’s arrogant attempt to glorify itself through co-operation and the use of technology without God. But with God, co-operation and technology can be use powerfully for his glory.
The issue of the captivity of the main media channels in the West by an unrepresentative atheistic secular elite needs to be addressed. For instance, in the UK, it is prohibited by law for religious groups, including Christian, to own national broadcasting licences. The churches bear some responsibility for letting this happen. Unless Christians are fully aware what they are getting into if they seek to be a presence in such established media, there is a high risk that they will succumb to peer pressure and lose their gospel cutting edge.
The digital revolution is just as dramatic as the printing revolution that fuelled the Reformation, and challenges the monopoly of the big broadcasters in a potentially very fruitful way. There are huge possibilities opening up for Christians. We have tried to make a start at the church in the North East of England where I minister. We now have a 24 hour internet TV channel, Clayton TV (www.clayton.tv). We are on a steep learning curve!
05.10.2010
Noruega
@ Jonathan_Pryke:
Thanks, Jonarhan, for your perceptive comment. Technology (at least in many cases) may be neutral, but our human use of technology is always ambivalent.
You also rightly point out the urgent need to address the captivity of the main media channels in the West by an unrepresentative atheistic secular elite. Or to phrase this key concern in another way: Are major news and entertainment media agents of secularization? Thanks for your important emphasis on the new media as a platform for challenging these agents of secularization.
Every blessing! / Lars
08.10.2010
Filipinas
I agree with the "urgent need globally for an appropriate, authentic, and credible Christian role models in the media." I have watched some reality tv shows with some participants confessing their Christian faith and beliefs. There were those that have won friendships and respect of their co-participants and televiewers. However, there were those who received insults and anger. One ended up as the grand prize winner. Were they aware of the impact of their media presence? I think it is important to outline a Christian role model profile. Purpose, strategies, goals, are need to be clearly identified and communicated. "Without revelation/vision people cast off restraint." -Proverbs 29:18. "My people are destroyed because of lack of knowledge." Hosea 4:6. Moreover, after watching these reality tv shows, in order to be an effective witness, we need to be R.E.A.L. (Real and Relevant- Example of Excellence in -Attitude and Aptitude - Love-led.)Truly, "People will not care how much we know unless they know how much we care."
07.10.2010
Noruega
@ Janine_A:
Thanks, Janine, for highlighting the need for appropriate and authentic Christian presence in reality shows.
With the enourmous popularity of many of these TV shows comes a media celebrity status which often makes it extremely challenging for participating Christians to be faithful to God’s Word. However, as you rightly point out, whenever the concept of a reality show makes it possible and participating Christians live authentic Christian lives, this is a very powerful witness. Not the least in the way other participants are treated.
This illustrates both the need for media awareness resouces (for everyone watching!) and mentoring / prayer (for those participating!).
Every blessing! / Lars
08.10.2010
Filipinas
I agree with the "urgent need globally for an appropriate, authentic, and credible Christian role models in the media." I have watched some reality tv shows with some participants confessing their Christian faith and beliefs. There were those that have won friendships and respect of their co-participants and televiewers. However, there were those who received insults and anger. One ended up as the grand prize winner. Were they aware of the impact of their media presence? I think it is important to outline a Christian role model profile. Purpose, strategies, goals, are need to be clearly identified and communicated. "Without revelation/vision people cast off restraint." -Proverbs 29:18. "My people are destroyed because of lack of knowledge." Hosea 4:6. Moreover, after watching these reality tv shows, in order to be an effective witness, we need to be R.E.A.L. (Real and Relevant- Example of Excellence in -Attitude and Aptitude - Love-led.)Truly, "People will not care how much we know unless they know how much we care."
07.10.2010
Estados Unidos
Two areas of the five proposed interactivity caught my attention:
Understanding how a classical Christian view of truth, humanity and morality may shape our interactions with the information and communication technologies and how such responsible stewardship may be an individual and corporate witness to “One God and One Lord.”
and
Understanding how the biblical Gospel of “God in Christ, Reconciling the World to Himself” (2 Cor. 5:19) may be communicated creatively, engagingly and interactively through the means of contemporary media technologies, platforms and formats.
Both of these are highly desirable but both will depend upon “being one…phil 2) This will require a supernatural act (or millions of them) of humility of mind as one of the greatest hinderences to the gospel witness is the ongoing inter-faith feuding. As one person noted, the Body of Christ is so busy dividing that it cannot multiply. Let us reflect the mind that was in Christ Jesus so powerfully described in Philippians 2.
While the application of this commitment to unity is more obvious in the case of the first statement’s focus on responsibly witnessing to “One God and One Lord,” it is also significant in the area of creative engagement. If the truth criteria set down in this paper: coherency, consistency, corresponding to reality, changing and transforming are followed in the areas of creative and imaginative media, can we give enterprising and cutting edge messengers the benefit of our support?
Being a creative, it is often hard to get ideas underway because someone is too afraid that something could be taken wrong or there is too great a risk to attempt a bridge build with a contemporary or cultural idea or commodity because it could “taint” the gospel rather than have the gospel expose or illuminate the idea in question. No risk, no reward. Just because a piece does not reflect our personal aesthetic or perception does not make it wrong. Different maybe but not wrong.
As a storyteller God has no equal so as His regenerated image-bearers, we should become the best weavers of narrative the media sees. Supporting arts and artists who believe God has called them into this rich mission field, creating communities where these abilities are nurtured and having a church that values them are important steps.
The threefold distinction of the different types of media messages may be oversimplified a bit. For instance, “facts” are more often than not “faction” – news passed through the sieve of the worldview of writers, producers and corporate news outlets. Even straightforward messages can become selectively edited for “sound bites” and “gotcha” moments that serve the ends of those who broadcast.
The desired outcome expressed in 2 Cor 5:19 is a great one. Telling the truth in a winsome way, inviting humanity at large to see their place, their faces in the grand story by focusing on what an earlier generation referred to as “common grace” as well as our common sorrows and challenges may be the start of a radical media reformation.
19.09.2010
Noruega
@ RagamuffinRese:
Thanks for sharing your helpful insights and perspectives about Christian unity, creativity, and interactivity.
Yes, I do agree that we should give "enterprising and cutting edge messengers the benefit of our support". We hope to be able to show some key examples of such groundbreaking Christian media engagement in the multiplex Media Messages Matter: On Global Technologies, Glocal Trends and Gospel Truth.
Every blessing / Lars
26.09.2010
Filipinas
This is a very insightful article that tackles a significant issue in our world today. Thank you for reminding us about our responsibilities as God’s workers in “proper media awareness”. I believe that with this responsibility comes our task of:
- Educating our young people in rural churches of new trends & how to rightfully cope & handle the fast-changing & fast- developing technology. This is a need especially for us from developing countries in equipping those who don’t have access to such technology but will soon be taking the world when they start working and when they become the future leaders of the next generation.
- Assuring & Assisting the not-so-young people in our urban & rural churches that there are still applicable mediums available for them without struggling through these new technologies. Sometimes they feel threatened hearing these new developments.
- Contextualizing or finding what fits a certain culture or audience. As we train, coach and mentor our co-workers in the cross-cultural areas, we need to see how one medium will affect them or will they understand it better or will it cause confusion. Sometimes we are too excited to use new things but we don’t really see how it will affect them.
I especially appreciate how you reminded us in your last paragraph specifically with points 1 (we must engage as God’s ambassadors) & 3 (the case about silence, biblical meditation & prayer. For me these three things are still one of the best ways of being continually transformed in the Lord.
Thank You for reminding us to be extra careful in using diverse modes of media. Yes, indeed they are also God’s gift for us so we might as well use it for His kingdom’s advantage.
11.09.2010
Noruega
@ abigail:
Thanks, Abigail, for your appreciating and encouraging words. You highlight the need for both cultural and generational sensitivity. We all need such key reminders in our search for appropriate approaches when sharing the Gospel.
Yes, the fundamental need to create genuine space for silence, biblical meditation and prayer is a constant challenge for most of us. At least this is true in the Global North. This whole area is certainly something to focus on in Cape Town.
Every blessing! / Lars
12.09.2010
Noruega
The criteria of truth play a key role in my advance paper on Media Messages Matter: On Christ, Truth and the Media. Some people have asked me (by e-mails and in personal conversations) to expand on the third more pragmatic criterion of truth - i.e. "truth is that which changes and transforms".
This third criterion - or test - of truth presupposes the other two crteria. When making truth claims, we should both make sense (the first test) and describe reality in an appropriate way (the second test). If these two primary truth criteria are satisfied, the third test may also be applied.
A helpful explanation of the third test of truth is provided by evangelical philosopher and ethicist E. David Cook:
"... The third test is some form of pragmatic one. This is a varied kind of test stretching from the crude and direct form of "If it works, it must be right" to a popular expression in the philosophy of science which uses the standard of fertility in producing new insight and other theories...
...Christian faith must work in the sense of transforming human life and society.
Thus, the [Christian] believer is required to talk sense rather than nonsense, to point to the reality of God in ways that are appropriate, and to show the difference God makes to life. Then, indeed, Christianity may be taken more seriously by the unbeliever." (E David Cook Thinking about faith (Leicester: IVP, 1986) p.26)
His full explanation of all the three criteria is also worth reading.
The relevance to media awareness, media presence and media mission ministries should be obvious to all of us. Do we in our engagement with the media "talk sense rather than nonsene, point to the reality of God in ways that are appropriate and show tha difference God makes to life"?
06.09.2010
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