In response to a question, I want to write a little more about surfing the web as Christians. I’ve been surfing the web for years, reading, writing, debating, and blogging about spiritual things. Just as there are foul sites that represent the worst depths of human depravity, there are those that honor the Lord, means of proclaiming and discussing the gospel. It’s pretty easy to discern the difference between a pornographic site and one belonging to a church, but you might find it more difficult to decide if you should spend time on socially acceptable sites, and even more difficult to know whether a so-called Christian website is actually feeding you truth. Here are some tips.
Social networking sites like MySpace and Facebook have millions using them to keep up with friends and acquaintances. I have a Facebook page and use it to maintain contact with hundreds of people, and as a way to draw readers to my blog (joshualpappas.blogspot.com) or to the church website. A word of warning is appropriate, though. These sites expose who you really are! That’s actually a good thing when you think about it, but I’ve been disappointed to see Christian brothers and sisters appear in pictures (usually posted by their friends) at bars engaging in licentious behavior and obvious drunkenness (1Corinthians 6:9-10). Also, the language some Christians use (or allow to remain posted on their profile pages by others) on these sites is just not good. OMG means “oh my God,” and amounts to taking the Lord’s name in vain (Exodus 20:7). So, by all means Facebook away, but live by the same standards on the net that you do at church.
As for religious websites, read and read some more. “Truth will out,” and “will always shine forth in the light of inquiry.” I don’t have any fear of critical-thinking people reading whatever religious points of view someone may proffer. But, please do think critically! Look for statements of faith on so-called Christian websites and see where the authors stand. Keep that in mind as you read, listen to, or watch the material on their sites. Of course, I’d urge you to major in sites put together by members of churches of Christ and minor in others, but use your discretion. Two warnings and we’ll call this one complete: There are brothers within churches of Christ who seem critical of everything we do and believe. Be careful of what they say. There are also brothers who want to box us in, binding where God hasn’t bound. Be on guard (Galatians 2:4-5; 1Timothy 6:3-5; Titus 3:9-11). Next week, Lord willing, I’ll review some specific sites.
—JLP