Redeeming Technology: A Christian Approach to Healthy Digital Habits” has just been released by Concordia Publishing House. Written by Brian Smith, a psychiatrist, and Trevor Sutton, a pastor, this release could not be more timely.
Whistleblower Francis Haugen testified yesterday before a Senate consumer protection subcommittee. “I’m here today because I believe Facebook’s products harm children, stoke division and weaken our democracy. The company’s leadership knows how to make Facebook and Instagram safer but won’t make the necessary changes.” Lawmakers “asked how Facebook had amplified dangerous speech leading to the Jan. 6 Capitol riot, how misinformation about the coronavirus and vaccines spread on its services, and how false information contributed to ethnic violence in Ethiopia and Myanmar” (New York Times, October 6; A1, 22). “Ms. Haugen’s documents show that Facebook understands its impact on teens but has done little about it. According to its internal research, 82% of teens experienced emotional issues in the last month, including poor body image, anxiety and depression” (Wall Street Journal, October 6; A16).
It’s high time for church people to get earnest and study the impact of digital communication upon us. Think it doesn’t influence you? “Technology affects us all. We are all citizens of a brave new world. No one is impervious to the influences of technology and nonstop media stimulation. Even if you are a Luddite, technology is still influencing your mental, physical, and spiritual health. Not only is modern technology profoundly shaping the world, but it is also rapidly altering bodies and souls—transforming brains, relationships, religion, communication, families, and communities. Like the proverbial frog in the pot, we are marinating in a digital media environment, largely unaware of the temperature rising around us until we are boiled. Like it or not, we are all in the pot together” (“Redeeming Technology,” 16).
The impact upon our religious life is profound. To put it in old-fashioned language, this is affecting the salvation of souls for whom Christ gave His life and now gives His Spirit to have life and have it abundantly. Yesterday I gave a copy of this new book to each of the students in my preaching class. May every pastor and every caring Christian have this on their radar screen. Thank you, Concordia Publishing House.