Justin, I hate that we don't know each other that well and I am always commenting on your blog now. I am a poser of the worst degree.
I think it is interesting (and I mean that in the Iowa way, as in wrong) that you use the phrase "true Christian community" along with quotes from Kinnaman quotes regarding internet "religious experiences". Are you suggesting that Christian community equals religious experiences? I think that these are separate issues. Is it possible to have a TEMPLE experience online? Or Acts 2 experiences?
I liken this thinking to something Bradshaw said on the WOW radio program, when he mentioned that he didn't want to get to heaven because he believed it would be much more dull than the rock-n-roll lifestyle that can be had here on earth. The problem with that line of thought is that people are living a life of sin looking for the feeling of connection, love, and acceptance that only comes from God. This applies to the internet church in that all the online communities that are taking place online are in replacement to personal Christian communities. People using the internet as the Christian community are doing so at the cost of a real-life, real-time relationship with others.
Take for instance you and I. I follow you on Twitter, comment on your blog (referring to you by your first name as if I KNOW you), and say hi to you when we see each other in public. This a pseudo connection, since it is predicated on a desire to promote our own agendas. We want lots of people to follow us on Twitter, comment on our blogs, and buy us coffee. If, indeed the internet is the place for Christian community, and I am not saying it isn't, I think it needs to get smaller, not larger. I have tons more to say, but I will wait to chance upon you at a coffee shop.
Rhett Smith
· 12 months ago
Justin,
Great post. I don't think we know how deep this rabbit hole goes as you put it.
I think if we say true community can't exist online, then we are being a bit naive, as I'm sure you would agree with. It's not just that community can exist online, but I think the greatest asset of online communities is that they are a catalyst for actual in person community. It is a catalyst that gathers people...that is part of it's true power I think.
rhett
tonysteward
· 11 months ago
Love this post!
Justin Wise
· 11 months ago
@ToneLoc: Thank you, dear brother. I consider you to be the Ultimate Digital Pastor of Disaster. Post on, my brother.
All Comments
I think it is interesting (and I mean that in the Iowa way, as in wrong) that you use the phrase "true Christian community" along with quotes from Kinnaman quotes regarding internet "religious experiences". Are you suggesting that Christian community equals religious experiences? I think that these are separate issues. Is it possible to have a TEMPLE experience online? Or Acts 2 experiences?
I liken this thinking to something Bradshaw said on the WOW radio program, when he mentioned that he didn't want to get to heaven because he believed it would be much more dull than the rock-n-roll lifestyle that can be had here on earth. The problem with that line of thought is that people are living a life of sin looking for the feeling of connection, love, and acceptance that only comes from God. This applies to the internet church in that all the online communities that are taking place online are in replacement to personal Christian communities. People using the internet as the Christian community are doing so at the cost of a real-life, real-time relationship with others.
Take for instance you and I. I follow you on Twitter, comment on your blog (referring to you by your first name as if I KNOW you), and say hi to you when we see each other in public. This a pseudo connection, since it is predicated on a desire to promote our own agendas. We want lots of people to follow us on Twitter, comment on our blogs, and buy us coffee. If, indeed the internet is the place for Christian community, and I am not saying it isn't, I think it needs to get smaller, not larger. I have tons more to say, but I will wait to chance upon you at a coffee shop.
Great post. I don't think we know how deep this rabbit hole goes as you put it.
I think if we say true community can't exist online, then we are being a bit naive, as I'm sure you would agree with. It's not just that community can exist online, but I think the greatest asset of online communities is that they are a catalyst for actual in person community. It is a catalyst that gathers people...that is part of it's true power I think.
rhett