By John Thomas, III, Editor
We are constantly exposed to information and connected through social media outlets and the internet. This connectivity allows us to share and receive instant communication and create community. We can keep up with friends that we have not seen in years, see videos from family gatherings hundreds of miles away, and virtually travel to any place across the globe. This phenomenon has also impacted how we evangelize and witness as Christians. Worship services are live-streamed, Facebook and Instagram are used to share scripture and devotionals, and “virtual” members are redefining the concept of a congregation and fellowship. Greater connectedness and information have provided great gains but at what cost?
Recently, I attended the funeral of a prominent and well-beloved clergyperson. Prior to the service, many of the attendees spent time conversing and sharing fond memories about the deceased. Before I took my seat, I received a text message from a concerned friend regarding the posting of a photo on Facebook which displayed the body in the casket. There were arrangements to have the funeral streamed via a live feed, so it was not as if the deceased would not be seen by the public. Yet, the social media posting of the casket photo seemed inappropriate and wrong.
Reflecting on the funeral and the jarring photo, I think about the impact of social media and technology on our sacred spaces. We are just as likely to use our phones to read a scripture in service as we are to simultaneously check text messages and news alerts. How do we embrace the benefits of technology while at the same time preserving the sacredness and holiness that we need to maintain not only in our places of worship but also our own personal lives?
Discernment, common sense, and etiquette are the key. Just because you can share something does not mean you should. In this environment, there is a stiff competition for “likes” and “views.” However, there are some things that—no matter how much attention they may grab—should be kept in a space of reverence. During a revival I attended, the preacher stated, “What I am about to say is for the people in this room, so please stop streaming.” I was pleased to see most persons lower their cellphones and there was a tangible anointing that manifested itself in the room. Sanctuaries are holy places of worship and there are times that protecting that sacred space means keeping some activities in-house.
Social media and the internet provide awesome tools for us to communicate with the wider world as well as to share our Christian faith. When it comes to how we use these tools in our sacred spaces, we must be mindful that everything we do should be in a spirit of reverence and not to gain attention or show a level of access. Just as there is a time to shut off from the world to maintain our personal sacred space, we as Christians must also protect the sacred spaces in our houses of worship so that they continue to serve their purpose as reverent temples to God.
