A few weeks ago I finished reading Flickering Pixels: How Technology Shapes Your Faith, by Shane Hipps. I must say this was the perfect book for me. First it was a relatively short read with 184 pages, but more importantly each chapter was byte sized 
I didn’t get overloaded in the middle of a chapter. Secondly the content of the book is about Faith and Technology, two things that are near and dear to me. Finally it was a book that really made me think and taught me some things. In the end, I understand better how media (and its history) affects the way we see life, including God. It was very informative. And while I agree with some of the observations Shane Hipps makes, I don’t agree with how he applies some of his conclusions to the Christian community. Everyone should read this book.
My take away: In the end we must realize that the way we see things through the medium of television, internet, and mobile devices affects not only what we learn, but how we learn. At the end of the day; all of this technology should simply be an extension or supplement to our real lives. Facebook should supplement our REAL relationships, not become the relationship itself. Current technology trends can undermine reality in that we actually become isolated individuals who miss living in the moment with the people that we love, opting to connecting with “friends” who themselves keep others at a safe distance. I don’t think we really want people to get close. For me it’s easier to not let people know the real me. If I do that I’ll have to spend hours explaining to them why I have all these quirks so that they will understand and accept me. Real relationships are messy, but virtual ones can be nice and orderly. None of us want to be rejected so we accept facebook invitations and hope to go over 1000 friends. Remember in 1 Corinthians 6:12 Paul said;
“Everything is permissible for me” –but not everything is beneficial. “Everything is permissible for me” — but I will not be mastered by anything.
We should use the technology of today and leverage it for God’s Glory and the good of humanity. But when the technology starts to master us (be the center of our money, time and attention) we need to reevaluate. After all we will stand in God’s presence one day and face Him in all of his reality. There will be no texting and the secrets of our hearts will be revealed. Go find people that love you. Let them know your joys and your pain and experience the reality of true friendship.
Very Well Said, TD !!!!