In an effort to continue building off of the topics I mentioned in my first post, I thought I would attempt to tackle this issue of distraction and the Christian Life. As I have done in my two previous posts, I will begin with a disclaimer: I by no means claim to be an expert on these issues. I am still not as well read in this area as I’d like to be (which we’ll discuss in the paragraphs below), and my comments at this juncture come from my own personal experience and observations. My personal experience should by no means be taken as evidence for fact. “My truth” is not truth. Truth is truth. But, we’ll handle that elephant in another post later on. My point here is this: I want to begin this discussion. As I read and learn and come to a better understanding, I’ll write a new post. This is the fun thing about blogging on heavy topics – we’re always learning! But, for this first foray into this topic that has already been written about extensively over the last decade or more, let’s simply touch on two areas of digital distraction and the Christian life, especially in how they have personally impacted me:
- Digital Distraction and the Problem of Reading Well
- Digital Distraction and Worship
Before we dig in, I’m going to make two bold claims on these topics that will probably anger some readers (which is fine, let’s have a respectful dialogue!), or cause some to simply think I am ignorant and could just turn off the device. The latter group is probably right… to a degree. However, here are my bold claims that will hopefully guide our discussion:
- It’s not as easy to turn off the device as we might think
- Online worship is not worship
Digital Distraction and the Problem of Reading Well
Let’s tackle this one first as I foresee it being the lesser of two “evils” in the minds of most. This issue also builds into the second when it comes to worship. Again, this is simply coming from my own experience and observations.
It is well documented that our devices are quite possibly causing more harm than good. The link provided is simply one of many that you can find through a simple google search, but the argument is valid nonetheless. Our phones, social media, even “regular” forms of media, are designed to constantly keep our attention and to keep us coming back for more. Studies have shown that, through intentional design, social media pages and even our smart devices trigger the reward/pleasure center of our brains when we receive that notification, all for the purpose of keeping us mindlessly scrolling. As the last decade and a half have unfolded since the introduction of social media and the smartphone, our attention spans have dropped, our memory retention has decreased, and our lives are less and less private – all for the purposes of marketing and the almighty dollar.
“So what?” you might ask, “you can choose not to use those products!”
That’s a valid question, but let me answer it by asking another – Can we? Social Media is one thing… but most of our lives are “connected” to the internet. Most people pay bills, watch television, conduct business, and go to work and school … all online. Like most products, these things can be put on a time limit or simply cut out – but we cannot cut them out completely. At the time of writing this post, COVID19 is still a raging pandemic and has caused massive shutdowns and isolation. The psychological effects of this pandemic will be studied for generations. But, to the topic at hand, because of the pandemic we are even more online – especially for work, school, and shopping. So, what does this have to do with reading?
Everything! I love to read, but I find myself constantly distracted after a few pages. I began Bullet Journaling a few years ago, dropped it, and then picked it up in early Autumn last year. This year, I’ve intentionally scheduled time for myself to write and read. I have to, or I simply won’t do it… because I’m distracted. After a few pages, I feel myself drawn to check my email, socials, or even just scroll the news apps. And it frustrates me.
This is not an attempt to shift blame. I’ll take all the blame that is due unto me. Yes, it is my fault for allowing myself to become this addicted to my device, but I’ve become addicted by design. As a Christian and as a pastor, I am geared toward the desire to learn, understand, and know. Furthermore, I find personal delight in learning. This device addiction is a plague upon me. Which in many ways makes keeping and promoting a blog somewhat ironic.
But, I see this as a plague upon the church as well. We in the West (especially in the US) have long spent too much time cultivating the idea that the best things are the most simple and least complicated. This can be true in some respects, but in my experience as a pastor living in the south, this has led to the idea that, to think deeply on biblical truths and Christian realities complicates the Gospel too much and therefore these things should be shunned. This didn’t happen because of the digital age, but the digital age has made it worse. I can’t tell you the number of times that I have had church members text, scroll social media, and play games on their phone while listening to the sermon all because they were bored and could not concentrate on one thing at a time. (In fairness, this could say a lot about my preaching and less about them, but that’s a different post for a different time).
What’s my point? For the sake of space and this first post on this topic, my thesis here is simply this: It is long past time for Christians to consider not a retreat from technology, but rather learning how to be better disciplined with technology. It is long past time to begin the discipline of fasting from technology.
Digital Distraction and Worship
Let’s move on to the point that will be most upsetting for some, specifically in the age of COVID19. I have already mentioned in the previous section the concern of distraction in worship by having my own church members play on their devices while “listening” to the sermon. But that’s not my focus here. My focus is rather on the gathering of the church.
In all fairness, I appreciate the concern over COVID19. My whole family has had it, myself included. Our smell and taste are still muted. And, like most people, we know folks who have lost their lives from COVID19. The virus is real and concerning and we should be cautious. However, allowing virtual church services replace your actual, physical return to worship is nothing short of sinful and egregious. Does this mean that if you cannot physically get out and return to church that you are in sin? I would say no in that case. But, if you are active in every other part of your life, but taking advantage of online “worship” to not go to church, then yes.
That’s a bold claim, isn’t it? How can I make such a claim? Simple: Scripture. The author of Hebrews states in Hebrews 10:24-25 – “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.“
Let’s address this claim of mine by considering this passage, as well as what are valid responses.
First, Online “worship” isn’t worship. This claim assumes that a person cannot worship alone at home, in their car, or wherever they may be physically that is not in the gathering of a local church community. I will concede the fact that I have indeed worshiped while driving down the highway listening to a sermon or song that has stirred my heart to praise. However, the key here is intentionally skipping the gathering of the local church community due to something other than Divine hinderances (sickness, accident, caring for family, even vacation could be thrown in here). Yes, COVID19 is real. But, are you staying home because you’re frightened, or because you’re sick? Are you staying home to play it safe, or because you have family who could be compromised by your going out? This passage from Hebrews states that neglecting to meet together “is the habit of some” – meaning the natural habit, the regular, always assumed, habit of the Christian is to gather with other Christians for the purpose of worship.
Second, Online “worship” isn’t worship because you cannot stir up one another for love and good works through online comments. Let’s be honest, no one wins an argument on social media comments. No one convinces another through social media. We in the US have seen the exact opposite when it comes to social media messaging, and we saw it clearly on Jan 6, 2021. Yes, you can reach out to one another through social media, text messaging, even phone calls, but none of these are viable or appropriate substitutes for gathering, in-person, with the local church.
Third, and I’m just going to put this out there, there are many in certain areas of Christian life in the US who feel as though either this virus or certain politicians are “signs of the end-times.” Like many things, this is a topic for another post. But, in how it relates to this topic is found at the end of verse 25 “as you see the Day drawing near.” This “Day” that the writer is referring to is known as “the Day of the Lord.” Or, to put it more plainly, the day that Christ returns in power and glory and honor and majesty and dominion and authority. So, taking the understanding that online worship is a proper substitute for in-person – how does this text refute that claim? Like this: If Christ is closer to returning today than he was yesterday, would you not want to gather with those whom you love and publicly give Him honor and praise beforehand? All the more as we see the Day drawing near… we are not to neglect the gathered, in-person, worship of the local church.
Let me quickly address a few valid questions that I’ve only alluded to in the previous paragraphs, and then I’ll table this discussion until I’ve become better read on the subject.
- I am caring for a family member on Sundays and cannot make it. Are you saying I am violating a biblical command? Whether it is because of COVID19 that you are staying home to protect a family member who is likely to catch it OR you are staying home because you are caring for a family member who cannot care for themselves, I do not believe that you are violating scripture. Again, my concern comes from personal experience and pastoring. If you are staying home while going about your life in other ways, then yes, I would say that is a neglect of worship.
- I’m terrified of COVID19! I’m terrified of getting it and of giving it to someone else – am I neglecting Scripture? Honestly, I would say yes. Here’s why: God did not give us a spirit of fear (2 Tim 1:7). I understand and sympathize with the fear and concern over COVID19 – but, as we have learned more and more about the virus we know that the best things to do are to wash hands, wear a mask, and keep distant from non-household residents as much as possible. Most churches are accommodating this reality during this time – take advantage of it and go worship.
- I’m searching for a new church/just moved and looking for a new church and we’re checking them out online before hand. Is that neglecting worship? Personally, this one is tricky, in my current (soon to be former) church, we had a family come because of the livestreamed services during the lockdown when no one was publicly meeting. After we regathered for in-person worship, they started coming in person. My answer to this would be, check out the church as much as you are able throughout the week, but if you’re interested, the best thing to do would be to visit on Sunday.
Alright, that’s what I have for now. Share your thoughts and comments below. Rake me over the coals if you must, but do it graciously. Let’s have a constructive conversation on this, with all grace and respect.
Recommended Reading:
- Amusing Ourselves to Death – Neil Postman
- The Pleasures of Reading in an Age of Distraction – Alan Jacobs
- On Reading Well – Karen Swallow Prior
- One Assembly – Jonathan Leeman
“Huxley and Orwell did not prophesy the same thing. Orwell warns that we will be overcome by an externally imposed oppression. But in Huxley’s vision, no Big Brother is required to deprive people of their autonomy, maturity and history. As he saw it, people will come to love their oppression, to adore the technologies that undo their capacities to think. What Orwell feared were those who would ban books. What Huxley feared was that there would be no reason to ban a book, for there would be no one who wanted to read one.”
Neil Postman, Amusing Ourselves to Death
The SouthTown Pastor 
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