Is God reading your text messages?
I was driving down the road today and noticed this sign in front of a church:
Two emotions hit me immediately. The first was to think how cool it was that the church was embracing technology and encouraging younger generations to pray using the communication method most familiar to them. This emotion was followed by one of disappointment as I pictured hoards of teenagers skipping Sunday mass because they already texted their prayers into the church.
So what do you think? Is texting your prayers to a church a step forward or a step back?
4 comments for this blog post so far...
July 08, 2009 at 8:56 pm
asudduth
Not sure I have any technology insights to spill out on this one, but I still think I should comment.
Should technology be a replacement for church and the community a church family provides? Absolutely not. It should be used to *enhance* worship and the church experience.
I know in various circles there are various debates about if technology should be used in church and what type and by who and when. (Twittering during services? video? SMS polls? and the list goes on)
With all of that said I am for use of technology anywhere and everywhere (where it makes sense) so I am on the side thinking its okay for churches to use it.
I think the sign you reference above is probably most-helpful to non-church goers or people passing by who may be in need of a prayer or curious about what church is about. I think that is a great way to answer questions for people who may be uncomfortable stepping into a church!!
So, to answer your question… is it a step forward? or a step back… It can be either one… depends how its being used… but I’m going to be positive and give this church the benefit of the doubt and say its a step forward!
July 08, 2009 at 9:23 pm
Patric Welch
@asudduth: Twittering during church service? That’s a new one to me although you’re right, someone, somewhere is probably doing it. I can see it now “Praying to God my iPhone doesn’t overheat.”
I tend to lean towards your opinion. If this gives non-church goers an opportunity to look into a church, then the sign is only doing good.
July 08, 2009 at 9:34 pm
asudduth
@Patric yes people twitter during church services… I personally know two people that do (I’m not one)—I’ve seen some people use the hashtag #sermonnotes
Even though this isn’t a technology issue I am interested on other peoples thoughts… I think this topic is like asking a large group of people what they want on their pizza… You’re going to get many different answers
July 08, 2009 at 9:37 pm
Patric Welch
@asudduth and I thought Ochocinco (or however you spell his name) saying he is going to Twitter during football games this year was odd!
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