What the Bible says about Social Networking

Well, I wonder whether you have started to read this because of the title.  Indeed, I wonder whether if, like me you use social networking (in my case Facebook and Twitter) you have ever considered that the Bible does have something to say about it.  If you have already realised this fact, then has it been affecting what and how you write?

The main passage addressing this topic can be found in James chapter three, but Paul also had something to say about it in his letter to the Colossians, (chapter four verse six).  Of course both James and Paul were writing before the days of the internet, but what they have to say is perfectly appropriate to how we use social networking today.  In their day the main tool for communicating was speech.  I invite you to take a few moments before reading further, to click the links and read what they wrote.  After that consider what they might have written if social networking had existed and people could be ‘heard’ by so many other people.

In the early days of emailing some rules were introduced.  For example, we were encouraged not to SHOUT (i.e. put some words in capitals).  This was several years before social networking was developed but it would be good if, as Christians, we gave some thought to what the rules ought to be. When and how should we communicate on matters of common concern and about which we might have strong opinions?  I can think of several aspects where this might apply, such as political issues – especially at election times, or in the current EU debate within the UK.  Friends reading this in other countries will be able to identify their own times of risk.

Several weeks ago I wrote about the power of rumours and referred to the occasion in the story of Nehemiah when those opposed to the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem employed rumour as a weapon, recognising its power of influence.  I wrote this in the context of the EU debate because I knew well that much would be spoken and written that would be prejudiced (for or against leaving) and in which the language would be deliberately manipulative.

Frankly, the issue is too important for us to join the bandwagons or to allow ourselves to be caught up or influenced.  We need facts and we also need to evaluate what they are and where they come from as we seek to make a rational decision.  You may have heard about the novice preacher who wrote against part of his sermon notes, “Weak argument; shout here”.  Strong, loud and passionate comments certainly will contain risk.  We need to be careful that we are not unhealthily swayed, or worse, seek to sway others in the same way.  Does truth need amplification?

One appalling example recently were the ways in which folk that are keen that the UK leaves the EU, used the issues of the Prime Minister’s benefit from overseas investments made by his father as a reason for “Not trusting Cameron on the EU”.  If a person has to have a spotless life before we are prepared to listen to them or trust them, then you might as well stop reading, as my past isn’t perfect (and I still mess up from time to time).

A few weeks ago, I had a dilemma.  I have a friend who is an Anglican priest with a rural benefice nearby.  I discovered that he used to be the priest of a church in Brussels and that one of his church wardens was the senior civil servant in the European Commission.  He is British and he has since been trained and ordained and serves in a UK parish.  This man, Richard, has a unique and accurate understanding of the relationship between the UK and the EU.  Understandably, before the date of the referendum was announced and the conversation started to heat up, he wrote a short paper from his experience.

I found this personally helpful but have been hesitant about passing it on to others, only because I am trying to shun influencing others through argument, and it might easily be seen that I was trying to persuade others by espousing a one sided view.  However, his paper is significant and you might prefer that I shared this with you.  So I am making it available for you to read, should you wish.  I would not want to publish an argument on either side, or both.  You will see that it does present information in a way that might lead you to a particular conclusion, but you must make up your own mind, and do so dispassionately if possible, and certainly prayerfully and graciously.  Click this link if you would like to read it.

Meanwhile let us all remember what James and Paul had to say, seek to tame our typing, and ensure that our postings are always full of grace. (Hopefully this one is???)

From the Diary

As usual I start by thanking you for your prayers.  Please do not think that this is a polite formality; I really do need and value your prayers.

The past few days have included planning meetings: one for school assemblies and the other for an outreach programme for the summer.  I also attended the Churches Rural Group Meeting (part of Churches Together in England) which proved a helpful meeting.  CRG is an important and useful networking body.  Last Sunday I took the service in the prison on the theme of doubt and faith.  This seemed to be very effective from the comments heard afterwards.

This weekend (15-17 April) I will be attending a Training Weekend run by the Congregational Federation.  My function is as the representative from the Pastoral Care Board which has responsibilities regarding the pathway to ministerial accreditation.  The PCB also has a pastoral caring role towards those in training (whether vocationally or otherwise).

Dr Gordon Temple, CEO of Torch Trust for the Blind, will take the Sunday meeting at Yelvertoft.  Please support him in your prayers.

This week Doreen has a follow-up meeting with the doctor.  It seems as if a gastric problem, from which she has suffered for well over a year, may have finally cleared up.  I am also having a tooth pulled, which makes it impossible for me to do my usual half day in the prison.

On Thursday I shall be speaking at a Mothers Union meeting.  Next Sunday I will be back at Yelvertoft.

Please pray for our new Children and Families Adviser, Katrina and for me as, together, we develop publicity and set up three ‘launch events’ in the southeast. Katrina starts on May 3^rd.

Please also pray as I plan my diary.  I am trying to keep space to undertake particular duties so planning is important.  I have been nominated for a role which, if elected I would serve wholeheartedly, and would see this as an indication of God’s will.  Voting takes place up to the end of April.  Please pray that those who are voting will be wise and Spirit led.  Whatever the outcome, this will not immediately affect my plans to put more time into promoting rural mission and evangelism.

So, once more heartfelt thanks for your prayers.  May the Lord be praised for wonderful blessings received and the privilege of fruitful service during the past week.

Barry