Barnabas File

I am not an apologist for social media—it can be divisive, time-consuming, and distasteful. Even so, I continue to post regularly on Facebook.    Here are my reasons:   Posting reminds me to celebrate the good things of life—family, friends, special occasions.  I am reminded of the blessings of present and past relationships.  That’s why you will see lots of pictures of my grandchildren and great grandchildren!   Posting allows me to connect with a large community of people with both similar and diverse opinions.  Many of these are trusted friends and colleagues. I want to maintain that contact, not matter how tenuous. Posting is a way to encourage others.  I share scripture, key quotes, and ideas that have caught my attention.  There’s enough negativity out there; let’s encourage each other with positive ideas. Posting gives me the opportunity to teach.  That may sound a bit presumptuous, but I consider mys...

Events of recent days and weeks have reminded me that each of us chooses how we will use the social media available to us—platforms such as Facebook and Twitter.  They are readily available for us to express our opinions but we sometimes fail to realize the extent of their reach and the impact of our postings. Of course, I understand that people choose to use social media in a number of ways. Some use their accounts to express their anxieties, desperation, and general dissatisfaction with life.  Their social media connection becomes a confessional where they can “dump” their “stuff” with little or no fear of facing the consequences. Others use their accounts to share their political views.  They share comments, links, and blogs that deal with topics such as the government trying to take away our guns, their disapproval of “government schools,” and a president that they resent or even hate.  They are quick to repeat ideas and information with verifying ...

Dr. Rosell leading workshop on ethical issues New tools expand our abilities but those also bring their own challenges. During Central Seminary’s “The Church in a Virtual Age” Conference last week, Professor Terry Rosell offered an excellent workshop on ethical uses of technology in the church. The official title was “Why Take Up an Offering When We Can Donate Online?” but the session covered several other topics of concern and possibility. Rosell’s basic premises were that technology itself is morally neutral but its use is morally significant. He also pointed out that technocrats (those makers who become rulers) in the church are dangerous and that technocracy in the church can become a state of idolatry. His final premise was that “use of technology in the church need not lead us into sin . . . but take heed lest you fall.” After presenting ten principles that inform our use of technology in the church (such as “protect people’s privacy” and “use God’s resources wisely”), R...

“You love it or you hate it!” Well, maybe that is too strong a statement, but when it comes to digital media—especially social networking media--people tend to have strong feelings. Facebook is a good example. A friend recently commented on the fact that Facebook was a time wasting activity. People were always inviting him to play games, accept gifts, and sending him messages. It was more than he wanted. On the other hand, another person recently noted how she used Facebook to keep family and friends up-to-date on her husband’s recent surgery. To paraphrase her comment, “I just sat at the computer this morning with gratitude for our God who transcends time and space and for Facebook which has allowed almost instant access to so many friends.” The difference in attitudes, of course, is in how you chose to use the application. Games can be fun or addictive. You can spend so much time with Facebook friends that you neglect family and folks right in your home or community. This is a matter...