There has been a lot of complaining about people texting while sitting in church, despite the fact that some cutting-edge pastors are actually incorporating the practice into a more dialogic approach to preaching. It should be noted that every new technology has been opposed by conservative church people at some point in history. When the organ was first introduced, there were those who opposed it as "the devil's instrument." It is likely that the theological assessment of new technology has to be more nuanced and sophisticated than simple opposition to anything new. Unless, of course, what one is really worshiping is tradition--the lack of change.
AOL's E-mail Addiction Survey sheds some light on the question: Where are people when they check their e-mail (on whatever device)?
- 67% are in bed
- 59% are in the bathroom
- 50% are driving
- 39% are at a restaurant or bar
- 38% are in a business meeting
- 15% are in church
Before you jump to conclusions, remember that only a small minority of Americans actually go to church. Far more sleep, use the bathroom, drive, eat at restaurants, etc. The 15% who are checking their e-mail in church may constitute a third to half of all church attenders. The number would, of course, vary by denomination/faith community, as well as with the demographics of each local congregation.
Permit me to examine this issue through another pair of lens.
I view church as space where folks primarily congregate for intentional human/divine community that the cross so powerfully symbolizes. I am glad that the cross is real and blood-stained.
As our work become primarily knowledge work, we are bombarded all week by social
Media from web 1.0 tool such as email, to web 2.0 tools such as tweeting. How does the church provide a space of Sabbath rest from incessant digital chatter?
We live our lives in the constant barrage of the 24/6 world trying to dig out from the rut of virtual trenches. The Sabbath offers us a time to set aside this virtual world and improve the intimacy with each other and our God.
In addition, I have observed three things about us modern humans.
We are easily bored and crave vital stimulation.
We are lonely and want meaningful interaction with others.
Insignificance haunts us and we long for loving affirmation.
How does texting address these needs?
I find that setting aside distractions and giving folks my full personal attention does wonders to address these needs.
I have no problem with technology, but I am careful as to the integration of tools that they do not trump the personal experience.
I would support someone trained to use this tool placed in the church’s multi-media room, away from distracting worshipers ; a program that can be piloted for a very intentional program that can drive a coming together rather than remote, virtual worship.
Bottom line, we are in the salvation sharing realm not just information propagation.
Posted by: chris | June 19, 2009 at 04:40 PM
"It is likely that the theological assessment of new technology has to be more nuanced and sophisticated than simple opposition to anything new. Unless, of course, what one is really worshiping is tradition--the lack of change."
To get a better sense of the bias you bring to the discussion, in the quote above, change the word "opposition to" to "embrace of" and swap the order of the words "tradition" and "change".
Don't engage in straw man arguments against those who find much of value in tradition. Maybe their preferences are informed by deep reflection. Perhaps some of those seek to integrate each and every technological advance into Church practice are reflexively--even worshipfully--following the culture. In some cases, those who opposed the Church's use of previously novel technology were right. Televangelism, anyone?
Posted by: Matt Huggins | June 21, 2009 at 02:08 PM
Matt, I think there are people who worship change instead of God, as well as those who worship tradition instead of God. The test would be if change or tradition is the basis for making important decisions instead of careful study of the Word of God to develop a logical theological framework to decide about things like new technology and its place in worship, etc. That is why I see a need for careful, prayerful theological study and reflection on this topic.
I confess to coming from Christian tradition that has historically not found much of value in tradition. Why is this a hallmark of the Adventist movement? Because of many discoveries over the years of the way in which tradition has been unfaithful to the gospel and the Word of God. Tradition has historically been shaped by culture and politics more than rooted in a clear reading of Scripture. But, you are right, my bias is also a tradition (even if it is an anti-traditional tradition). I have friends who find their faith directed more by tradition than I do. I respect them and try to listen to them.
Posted by: Monte Sahlin | June 24, 2009 at 02:38 PM
Chris, your linking of this issue to the Sabbath is a very important way of thinking about these questions. There is considerable evidence that new communication technologies can be a barrier to human fellowship. Email and online "bulletin boards" have been correlated to antisocial behavior and encouragement of a kind of alienated personality syndrome in serious research. But, there are two ways to read this research. One is to see the new technology as a facilitator or encouragement of the negative affect. Another way to read it is that the new technology provides a way for people who already have antisocial or alienation issues to express themselves, which means dialog might be possible. It is generally considered that if an antisocial or alienated personality is able to do some communicating it is more healthy than if they are not able to communicate at all. Are there people out there who cannot or will not join a face-to-face fellowship to enjoy the Sabbath, but might reach out to someone via the many avenues of electronic communication. Is there someone in a congregation who would text a prayer request to the pastor, but would never speak it out loud or write it on a paper card? If so, is it theologically or spiritually better for that person to have the opportunity to use texting than to be uncommunicative? Which is more consistent with the Cross and the Sabbath?
Posted by: Monte Sahlin | June 24, 2009 at 02:47 PM
As long as they are quite and don't interupt the service, I don't care what they wear, eat or text. I just am happy they are there at all! Sinners, come just as you are, even if it's annoying! :)
Posted by: Tom Hughes | July 03, 2009 at 12:15 AM