It’s so sad to hear about the killings that have happened in America with the concerns of racism. The whole situation is more than a single blog article can cover and my sole opinion would not do it justice.
But there is a church technology angle here that is very disturbing.
These stories are more than just eye witness accounts and an article on every major news site. No, they originated with Facebook Live videos where you actually see someone die. The theological question is, what is the impact that this has on our soul?
What Are the Effects?
The visual of someone dying is not something to be taken lightly. The psychological ramifications of seeing a loved one dying can take months and years of counseling as well as time with God and support to overcome.
But then you add a layer of disconnect as we watch from the safety of our own home as someone we do not know passes away from a violent crime and then plays on a loop.
Media channels had the sense to not show the graphic parts. After many hours Facebook finally removed it, but not before many people downloaded the video for others to see on other platforms. All the while we can watch over and over with morbid curiosity.
We justify watching it by saying we need to be informed for our own opinion. We say that it’s okay to see it because of our faith and being okay.
Yet, I wonder if we are desensitizing ourselves.
I fear for our youth who see this.
And I weep for the family and friends who cannot escape it.
But how do we have a discussion (though it feels more like an argument where no one is listening) while seeing the video. Is it wrong to watch? Should we as Christians encourage others to watch it so that “they are informed?”
This Doesn’t Make the Medium Evil
The medium certainly will impact us for years to come and completely change this next generation. That does not mean we need to shun the technology itself. But we also may not sit silently by as it continues to define the next generation.
So how do we walk that line between Luddite and over-saturation in our lives? Do we sacrifice progress for the sake of our soul? Or does it have to come to that?
We Need to Guard Our Hearts
The discussion should start first with our faith. It is hard to talk about having life within if we do not have the One who gives it. We must preach Jesus is Lord and our Redemption from all that is evil. Without this, our words are meaningless noise.
From here, we must have boundaries. By no means do I think that you can or should avoid all media online. But I believe that when you seek it out with unholy and unhealthy intent, spend too much time consuming this content without seeking wisdom from God, and let it consume you, you have gone too far.
Finally, I believe that dialogue, not debate or conflict, is what can help. If you are a youth pastor, discuss anger, sin, and the meaning of life. Associate pastors, create resources for parents to discuss with their children and spouses to share with each other. And senior pastors, do not shy away from the topic. And church techs, be informed Christians on how to protect those who do not want to see it and create safeguards and guidelines within the church that others can look to learn from and possibly emulate.
Kenneth J Rosentrater says
I usually turn away from such opportunities. However, not always, and I find there’s not nearly the empathy and impact as I surely would experience if I saw such an event as it happened, in person. Something about the screen distances us from the reality and from the empathy.
I do not want to be desensitized.