by Matthew W. Bassford
Synopsis: Even though online conversation about spiritual issues has gained a bad reputation, when we approach it with the proper attitude, we can accomplish great good.
These days, many brethren view a discussion of some controversial topics online as practically synonymous with sin. Indeed, all of us have seen plenty of bad behavior on social media: the sharing of untrue, inflammatory memes, the death spiral of discussion into name-calling and insult, and the severing of relationships between disciples.
However, though these things call us to caution in our use of social media, they are not inevitable in conversation about any subject weightier than cat pictures. The internet is powerful, and it gives us the power to reveal and express who we are. When we misuse that power, that's not evidence of a technology problem. It's evidence of a heart problem. If our hearts are right, much good can come from our online discussions with one another.
First, these social media conversations can allow us to explore difficult subjects with fewer real-life risks and consequences. Many Christians are afraid to express differing opinions or even to ask questions in Bible classes (sometimes with good reason). They don't like speaking up in front of others, and they worry that their contributions will make others angry. As a result, questions go unanswered, and misunderstandings (whether on the part of the student or the teacher) go uncorrected.
Conversely, when we are online, many of the constraints that lead us to keep silent are removed. Sometimes, this creates problems. The freedom of the internet can make Christians feel free to engage in sinful speech that they would have controlled in person. At other times, though, it can be beneficial. If someone finds the courage to ask a question in an internet discussion that they would never have asked in person, that online filter removal has given them a chance to grow.
Second, social media discussions invite broader participation than do in-person Bible classes. This is true first of all with brethren in other places. When I'm leading a real-life study, I'm frequently the only preacher in the room, which means that my perspective tends to dominate. However, if I'm having the same discussion online, others with higher education and experience than I have can contribute (and frequently do). I believe that these contributions make the conversation richer and more rewarding for all involved.
Indeed, social media conversations on religious topics can attract contributions from outside the church. In the past several months, some of my blog posts have attracted Facebook attention from people whose faith differs significantly from our own (most notably a Unitarian pastor) as well as those who have no faith at all. At best, this involvement could lead someone to the Lord. At worst (as long as everyone involved remains civil), it leads us to engage with individuals outside our political and religious echo chamber. It's easier to respect and understand different beliefs when we hear them from those who actually hold them.
Just as there is potential for great evil on social media, so too, there is potential for great good. The outcome depends on us and our commitment to godliness.
In such discussions, first remember to be reasoned, not inflammatory. Sadly, in our society, online contributions too often take the latter form. People post and share with the goal of "firing up" their tribe and "telling off" the other tribe. Unsurprisingly, this commonly leads to contention that generates more heat than light.
This must never be our goal. As Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 5:11, because we know the fear of God, we seek to persuade others. The fleshly satisfaction of scoring points on "the libtards" pales in comparison to the holy joy of bringing the lost to Christ.
Therefore, may we not lose sight of why we are attempting to communicate with those who disagree with us. Our goal must be enlightenment, not offense. Even if we do not succeed in winning others over online (which is admittedly quite rare), those with whom we engage should at least come away from the conversation with respect for our thoughtfulness and commitment to truth.
Second, we must remember to be humble. If we approach any online conversation with a know-it-all attitude, we guarantee that we will come away from it having learned nothing. Additionally, our high-horse behavior will repel others and keep them from learning from us.
Instead, we ought always to entertain the possibility (in truth, not merely in a formulaic "I-could-be-wrong" before we take a swipe at somebody) that our grasp of a matter is not, in fact, complete. In addition to being good spiritual hygiene, this is almost certainly true. Who among us is willing to claim that we understand the biblical truth in some area so thoroughly that no one can add to our understanding?
At least, our comprehension of the truth will be enriched by the thoughts of others. At most, those differing views may persuade us that we, not they, are in error. Let us never allow our pride to come between us and a fuller knowledge of Jesus.
Third, we must beware of the potential for online miscommunication. Researchers report that most interpersonal communication is nonverbal. In face-to-face discussions, we learn as much from others' tone, expression, and posture as we do from their words.
By contrast, online engagement consists of nothing but words. Nonverbal cues on which we normally rely are absent. Consequently, it's easy for our words to go astray. What we intend as a gentle admonition may come across as a harsh rebuke, and a statement that we mean to be ironic may be read as tone-deaf earnestness.
We do well, then, to choose our words with even more care online than we use when expressing ourselves in person. It never hurts to read through what we have written twice or three times before hitting "Post" or "Reply." We also need to master the knack of seeing what others will perceive rather than merely what we intend. Even this level of care will not eliminate online misunderstanding, but it will reduce its frequency considerably.
Finally, we must recognize when internet discussions will be unfruitful. Too many on social media, both inside and outside the church, are more interested in expressing their own opinion than in attaining true spiritual understanding (Proverbs 18:2 may have something to say about such people). There is no point in going round and round with such individuals. No matter what we say to them, we won't persuade them, and we are likely to grow angry and give an opportunity to the devil.
When no good can come from engagement, we ought not to engage. There is no shame in letting somebody who is loud, proud, and wrong have the last word. Indeed, it is often true that an audience will give more weight to our civility and forbearance than to their strident insistence on being right.
All of the above should make clear that being a faithful disciple of Jesus while online is not easy. It requires moderation, self-control, good judgment, and commitment to godliness. In short, it is no different from being a faithful disciple of Jesus anywhere and everywhere! The same virtues that stand us in good stead in the rest of our lives will prove useful on social media, too, and when practiced, they will provide us with another opportunity to glorify God. For all the spiritual problems evident on the internet, we ought not to concede this domain to the devil. Indeed, the darker it becomes, the more brightly it will allow our light to shine.
Author Bio: Matt has worked with the Jackson Heights church in Columbia, TN for two years. He and his wife, Lauren, have two children. The church website is thebibleway.org. His Bible study website is hisexcellentword.blogspot.com. He can be reached at mandlbassford@gmail.com.
