A Way with Words

1. Words Matter: The Power and Responsibility of Digital Communication

"Christianity is, after all, a religion that believes in a speaking God."

The weight of words. In the digital age, our words have unprecedented reach and impact. As image-bearers of a communicating God, Christians must recognize the power of their digital speech. This power comes with great responsibility, as our online words can either heal or harm, unite or divide.

Taming the digital tongue. Just as James warned about the dangers of an untamed tongue, we must be vigilant about our digital communication. This includes:

• Thinking before posting
• Considering the impact of our words on others
• Striving for truth and grace in our online interactions
• Recognizing that our digital words represent Christ to the world

Accountability in the digital space. Christians should approach their online presence with the same care and accountability as their in-person interactions. This means:

• Being willing to apologize for harmful speech
• Seeking wisdom and counsel before engaging in contentious topics
• Regularly examining our hearts and motives for online communication

2. Discernment in the Digital Age: Navigating Truth and Misinformation

"Christians need wisdom to discern between what is true and what is false."

Information overload. The digital age has democratized information, making an overwhelming amount of content available at our fingertips. This abundance requires Christians to develop strong discernment skills to navigate truth and falsehood.

Cultivating wisdom. To combat misinformation and conspiracy theories, Christians should:

• Seek diverse and reputable sources of information
• Develop critical thinking skills
• Be willing to challenge their own biases and preconceptions
• Prioritize truth over tribal affiliations or personal preferences

The pursuit of truth. As followers of the One who claimed to be Truth, Christians have a responsibility to:

• Fact-check before sharing information
• Resist the temptation to spread sensational or unverified claims
• Engage in humble, truth-seeking dialogue with others
• Recognize the limits of human knowledge and the mystery of faith

3. The Perils of Performative Activism and Digital Heroism

"Christians should be outraged at injustice and use their voices on behalf of the vulnerable, but we don't have the right to use them as outlets for our outrage and props for our personal identity crafting."

The temptation of digital heroism. Social media often incentivizes performative activism, where the appearance of caring about issues becomes more important than actual engagement and change.

Authentic engagement. Instead of falling into the trap of digital heroism, Christians should:

• Focus on local, tangible actions to address injustice
• Prioritize long-term commitment over viral moments
• Recognize the humanity of those we seek to help, avoiding savior complexes
• Engage in thoughtful, nuanced discussions rather than simplistic outrage

Balancing activism and humility. Effective Christian engagement in social issues requires:

• A willingness to listen and learn, especially from those directly affected
• Recognition of our own limitations and biases
• A focus on God's kingdom work rather than personal glory
• Prayerful consideration before public statements or actions

4. Cultivating Civility: Recognizing Shared Humanity Online

"Imagine if we were able, like Moss, to see the basic humanity of those around us, even—and perhaps especially—those with whom we vociferously disagree?"

The dehumanizing effects of digital discourse. Online interactions often strip away the humanity of others, reducing them to avatars or ideological opponents. This dehumanization fuels incivility and polarization.

Restoring human dignity online. Christians can lead in cultivating online civility by:

• Recognizing the image of God in every person, even those with whom we disagree
• Engaging in respectful dialogue, seeking to understand rather than simply to win arguments
• Resisting the temptation to use dehumanizing language or tactics
• Practicing empathy and compassion in digital spaces

Building bridges. Civility doesn't mean avoiding difficult conversations, but approaching them with:

• Humility and a willingness to learn
• Respect for differing viewpoints
• A focus on shared values and common ground
• Grace and forgiveness when tensions arise

5. Stewardship of Influence: Christian Leadership in the Digital Sphere

"Words can create or destroy, they can uplift or condemn. They can reflect the Word by which God has spoken or they can echo the whispers of the serpent."

The responsibility of influence. Christian leaders and those with public platforms must recognize the weight of their words and actions in the digital sphere. Their influence can shape the behavior and attitudes of many followers.

Stewarding digital platforms. To use influence wisely, Christian leaders should:

• Prioritize truth and integrity over popularity or engagement metrics
• Model civil discourse and gracious disagreement
• Use their platforms to elevate important issues and amplify marginalized voices
• Be willing to admit mistakes and model humility

Cultivating a Christ-like digital presence. This involves:

• Regular self-examination and accountability
• Prioritizing offline relationships and local community
• Using influence to build up the body of Christ rather than create division
• Balancing public engagement with times of quiet and reflection

6. The Analog Church: Embracing Embodied Community in a Digital World

"The physical gathering of God's people on Sunday might be the very antidote for a world fragmented into tribes, sorted by algorithms into narrow subcategories and engaging in quasi-relationships mediated by microchips and glass."

The irreplaceable value of physical gathering. While digital resources can supplement spiritual growth, they cannot replace the embodied experience of church community. The physical gathering of believers is essential for:

• Shared worship and sacraments
• Face-to-face relationships and accountability
• Diverse community that transcends digital sorting
• Tangible expressions of love and service

Balancing digital and analog ministry. Churches should:

• Embrace helpful technologies without becoming dependent on them
• Prioritize in-person gatherings while offering digital options for those unable to attend
• Use digital tools to enhance, not replace, community life
• Create spaces for rest from digital saturation

Nurturing embodied faith. In a digital age, Christians must intentionally cultivate:

• Regular participation in physical church gatherings
• Face-to-face relationships within the church community
• Engagement in local service and outreach
• Appreciation for the physicality of faith practices (communion, baptism, laying on of hands)

7. Redeeming the Internet: Creating Beauty and Truth in Our Digital Spaces

"To create, to make something, is an act of rebellion against the darkness, a sliver of light that points to a better world."

The redemptive potential of technology. While the internet can amplify human brokenness, it also offers unprecedented opportunities for spreading truth, beauty, and the gospel message.

Being digital salt and light. Christians can contribute to redeeming online spaces by:

• Creating and sharing uplifting, truthful content
• Using digital platforms to spread the gospel and Biblical truth
• Engaging in online conversations with grace and wisdom
• Supporting and amplifying positive voices and initiatives

Cultivating a redemptive online presence. This involves:

• Regularly examining our digital habits and their impact on our spiritual lives
• Being intentional about using our online influence for good
• Balancing online engagement with offline spiritual disciplines
• Viewing our digital presence as an extension of our Christian witness

Last updated: July 27, 2024