I know that Twitter - indeed, social media in general - isn't everyone's cup of tea, and many people are not persuaded of its value in terms of preaching Christ. So it's interesting to read Scot McKnight on the topic and find that he can see value in it for Christian leaders, and for Christians in general.
Social media like Facebook and Twitter has received an abundance of critique, not the least of which is that social media users are self-absorbed. But I wonder if we might turn answers on Twitter to the question “What are you doing?” or on Facebook’s status update into an opportunity for self-examination. It might even be an opportunity for Twitter and Facebook users to examine not just what they are doing but how it aligns with our mission.
For a typical anti-viewpoint on Twitter, check out this blog post from Alan Rudnick, in a blog called On the Bema in Ballston. (Don't ask me, I have no idea why it's called that.)
6 comments:
Mike, thanks for the link... it is interesting that my post is branded an "anti-twitter" position. BTW, the "bema" in a church is the raised part of a church, pulpit, altar, or chancel area. In my "about" section, I explain it.
Sorry about the anti-twitter position! LOL
I picked up on the link from one of the comments (by Jake Johnson) on the post by Scot McKnight. He doesn't actually call it 'anti-twitter' - just references it.
I've had another (quick) look at the blog post you wrote, and it's actually a lot more even-handed than it appeared when I first skimmed it. (Skimming is my major problem with reading on computers, I find.)
Thanks also for the heads-up on bema. Not a word I've come across in my various liturgical experiences...
No apologies needed... I just never thought about my post as anti-twitter. It can be read that way. I guess I was more critical of "gimmicks" in worship. Thanks again for interacting with my post!
A pleasure, Alan. Perhaps we'll find someone on the Net writing a thesis on the theology of twitter in liturgy?
LOL! What a great topic... I'm excited to see that another Baptist knows the meaning of the word liturgy!
It's because of my varied Christian background...
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