We’ve asked a similar question before:
After talking about this question on the podcast, I was personally left with mixed feelings. Both arguments — for and against — resonated with me. Perhaps the question isn’t as black and white as I was hoping.
The question came-up in my mind, again, after seeing this interview of Jack White by Conan O’Brien:
Jack White Doesn’t Want Cell Phones At His Concerts
Some interesting thoughts.
As technology rapidly swallows every facet of our lives, I find it interesting to see the diversity of responses. While this response isn’t an outright denial or suppression of technology altogether, he (and his fans included) recognizes the value of ‘being present’ and ‘in the moment.’
If we’re not ‘being present’ and fully ‘in the moment’ during praise and worship, then what are we doing?
What do you think about using your device to ‘capture moments’ during praise and worship?
Is that a form of ‘being in the moment’ or diversion that prevents us from fully entering into praise and worship?
[via YouTube | Image via Patrick DB via Compfight cc]
Jonathan Ober says
It’s a tricky slope to be on, but I would say it’s a judgement call not to judge others who do it. I get criticize for taking notes on my iPad and tweeting what the pastor says…or at least I used to. My mother-in-law used to say stuff to my wife and I for using our devices during church. But now that she has seen those verses, quotes and story points show up in her newsfeed on Sunday as she now is a missionary in Cambodia, she feels connected to the home church while reading through them. I have also taken video of services, special promos for Mother’s Day, etc and people have said ‘thank you’ for doing so, on those Sundays they are away. I can see instagram (which is one photo) or a tweet as being something helpful for a congregation to look back on to remember a time of worship or something that went on. But then again I am all for tech in church and as part of the service helping to get the message out there on multiple platforms. But I don’t instagram everything.
Eric Dye says
I think using your iPad during the sermon is something entirely different than taking Instagrams during the praise and worship. Also, as you’ve pointed out in your example, you had a specific purpose in recording video during the song service. What if you were simply capturing video to share on Facebook?
Ruben Nunez says
I think its important to be discerning as to the moment and see if its truly necessary, or if you just want to do it because you are bored or not wanting/able to connect with God during the worship moments.
Here’s the thing. Are you an observer or an active participant during worship? If you are actively in worship, it seems crazy to pull out your phone and start taking images. You immediately are breaking the connection you are having in that moment.
It also seems like you are being a distraction to others. If others are in trying to worship and connect with God, (and this can be difficult for many people), by pulling out a camera you are creating not only a strong light source in a dark place (usually), you are also making them self cautious that they are now on camera.
During a sermon, I can understand why someone would want to have their device to take notes. Still, they are still distractions. If someone has a device on, you are most definitely going to draw others eyes to those devices, and away from the Pastor. Taking notes on a notebook is much better in my opinion. They are generally quicker to notate, and if you wish to tweet a quote after the service, you can most certainly do so. Not only that, but it seems like the temptation to check your tweet feed or facebook wall is way to big.
Its totally unnecessary to live tweet a service. Much better to respect others and the Pastor, take notes if you want, and tweet/post those after the service.
Eric Dye says
Using smartphones during a sermon? That’s hardly an issue anymore, considering the number of apps people can use to FURTHER engage in what is being said. I am mostly thinking about praise and worship time in this context. Interestingly enough, you stated, “Are you an observer or an active participant during worship?” I wonder how this bleeds over when an entire generation of smartphone users ARE actively participating because they are using their mobile device during worship? I suppose it all comes down to heart. 🙂