I am sure many people believe this is true of Facebook. I have friends and family members who refuse to use social media entirely. Of course, there are groups that seem to wallow in the mundane, and people whose arrogance and dismissive attitudes drive us away. However, social media is a powerful tool that Christians must learn to use wisely.
I often say that the churches should teach how to use social media to educate, inspire, encourage, and graciously correct. Sadly, some use social media to sermonize and to deliver a substantial portion of negative judgements. The negativity does not reflect well on people of faith.
There is a tendency to shun those with whom we disagree and to create echo chambers in which we can discuss pet ideas, political leanings, or debate finer points of theology. Personally, I do not find echo chambers to be helpful because I want to hear opposing views, especially if they are well-articulated, and empirically sound.
Recently there has been a sizeable uptick in the number of comments at this blog. I appreciate the thoughtful comments of many readers, and I attempt to respond to all of them.
However, blogs are not the best interactive platforms. Therefore, I encourage you consider joining the international Facebook group The Bible and Anthropology. The conversations there are fascinating!
Many of the members are respected scholars in Biblical Studies, Archaeology, Comparative Linguistics, Ancient Civilizations, Paleoanthropology, DNA Studies, and Kinship Analysis.
The forum members are respectful, thoughtful, and generous when it comes to differences. We learn from one another. It has been that way since the group began almost 8 years ago. Please take a moment to view the content, and comment to your heart's desire!
I hope your days are full of God's love and a growing confidence in God's promises.
Alice C. Linsley
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