I am interested to hear the views of Christians about the use of social media and other modern technologies to advertise Church events, to proclaim the gospel, to enter into wider debate on moral issues, etc.
The time of the Reformation was a significant time in world history. Through the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries, there was a massive conflict between those who wished to maintain the medieval religion and those who sought to reform it. One of the most important tools was printing, ie: the use of the latest technology.
The first book to be printed (in 1455) was a Bible. Hitherto, all Bibles were hand copied.
When Martin Luther nailed his ’95 Theses’ to the door of Wittenberg Castle, it was said that it reached the whole of Germany in 2 weeks, and the whole of Europe in a month. The reason was simple: it was printed.
One of my personal heroes is William Tyndale, who produced the first printed English New Testament. He based this on Erasmus’ Greek NT, rather than the Latin Vulgate, which had been the source of previous versions. This ensured a much higher degree of accuracy. His aim, using everyday language, was to produce a Bible than anyone could read; “I wish that the husbandman may sing parts of them at his plough, that the weaver may warble them at his shuttle, that the traveller may with their narratives beguile the weariness of the way.” In course of time, Tyndale had his English NT printed on the continent, and imported into England. Demand was huge, and the availability of the NT in plain English contributed massively to the progress of the Reformation.
Having mentioned Erasmus, his Greek New Testament was, of course, also printed. And many of the theological and moral debates of the Reformation were pursued through books. This gave the protagonists the ability to have their words widely published much more quickly and cheaply than had previously been possible.
Every age has seen technological developments. Genesis 4.21-22 record the use of musical instruments and the creation of bronze and iron tools. Man is an inventor, and always has been. Whether such developments are used for good or evil is the choice of those who use them.
And today is no different. We may bemoan the evil fruit of religious extremism and pornography. But that does not make the technology evil.
My opinion? Simple. Engage with this world using the technology that is available. Be pioneers not hermits. Use the tools available to us; use them in excellent ways; be bold; be creative; be compassionate. Proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ. Stand for truth and mercy in our broken world. Announce your next Alpha course.