Please don't clog up facebook with things like:
Sally Field is reflecting on the Cross
Tom Carmichael is delighting in God's grace as found in Ephesians 3
Kate Bilson a church planter is lead by God's Spirit and motivated by God's grace
Everyone just wants to hide your updates but they feel guilty because they're all so horribly spiritual. All we want is for you to tell us you are eating a cupcake or that you have "Man in the Mirror" stuck in your head.Tom Carmichael is delighting in God's grace as found in Ephesians 3
Kate Bilson a church planter is lead by God's Spirit and motivated by God's grace
It's not trite, it's called conversation and like it or not whether online or off a large part of conversing with people is sharing the little things in our lives. You can be my friend if you care about me, even the little things in my life.
[Edit: see Part II - Positive ideas about using Facebook Updates]
22 comments:
Very interesting Mikey.
i just farted
where's the 'like' button?
I'm not one to make those types of comments because I feel it can lead to some kind of hypocrisy, personally.
However you may be being a little harsh. Maybe people are just expressing how they genuinely feel and haven't thought through the ettiquette like you have? and maybe their friends don't want to hide the updates, perhaps they are acutally encouraged by such updates and help them be reminded of God's goodness?
Also, is there a rulebook on how status update's should be used?
Hey Geoff. Yes, you're right, I've overstated the case to make an eyecatching post.
I think these kinds of updates can be great in moderation. But too many of them and they are painful and impersonal.
I fear that some well-meaning Christian thinkers have actually promoted this type of status update as a Christian way to use Facebook and I think that is misguided.
Interesting post. When I first read it I wasn't sure if you were trying to make a point or just being unbelievably snotty. I'm glad I decided to reserve judgement, though, after reading your clarifying comment.
One question. You said:
"I think these kinds of updates can be great in moderation. But too many of them and they are painful and impersonal."
How quickly do we write people off as attention-seeking, holier-than-thou, or try-hard?
I understand the concern; I often find trite "spiritual" statuses distasteful. But then I think: why?
What if the reason I don't like them is that they prick me? Do I delight in God's grace as found in Ephesians 3 (or Genesis 3, or Hezekiah 11)?
Do I reflect on the Cross enough?
Do I let God's grace motivate me?
It's good to avoid "hyper-spiritual mush" (as a friend put it). But why shouldn't amazement and pleasure with the grace of God, His love, and character spill over into this conversation less than any other?
for me hezekiah 11 is the bomb!!
I think these kinds of updates can be great in moderation. But too many of them and they are painful and impersonal.
I fear that some well-meaning Christian thinkers have actually promoted this type of status update as a Christian way to use Facebook and I think that is misguided.
These are some really good points worth discussing.
My first reaction was for those poor old sods who update there status like that getting lambasted for what could possibly simply be genuine...or if you're right mistaken.
I just love the fact that you posted this on Christian Reflections...and the point is basically that you dont want people have "Christian Reflections" on fb status updates.
Some seem to work - Fi led us through a journey of her opinions of the Anabaptists for example.
If its genuine, if its in the same voice that you normally use, and if its the kind of thing you'd say to acquantances at a party - I have no problem with it you nasty old man :-)
I wholeheartedly agree with you mate. I also find many status updates trite and uninteresting.
But you are indeed a braver man than I for saying so.
Yeah, I agree. I think you want to be trying to glorify God in all areas of your life... but that definitely doesn't mean 'christian-izing' your status updates. Be yourself and don't be a pratt.
Be yourself and don't be a pratt.
I have to say I'm somewhat confused. I have my concerns, but surely not everyone who writes such things is being disengenuos or pratt like?
@geoffc - I think Mikey has already addressed this in previous comments. Sure, not everyone who says stuff like the examples cited is being disengenuos (or a pratt). The point is that people shouldn't feel like they have to make 'christian-ey' status updates all the time to justify using facebook. Like in any conversation, it's about being yourself. Someone who feels like they have to say spiritual stuff all the time for the sake of others is at risk of coming across as 'holier than thou'.
The kind of updates mentioned are great if they come out of the overflow of a joyful and godly heart and in the context of loving conversation (incl facebook). If you do it for the wrong reasons or in an insensitive and inappropriate way then I would say you are being a pratt!
The thing I like about fb is the opportunity to blather about all sorts of (hopefully interesting) mundanities, including spiritual/Christian stuff (!).
When I post about this stuff it's because it was on my mind. I'm not trying to make some profound point, or change people's lives - it's just part of my ordinary everyday stuff in the same way as "I just want to dance" or "I stole the cat's seat".
But I do pray that seeing how the spiritual side of things fits into the boring details of my life has a profound impact on people.
I now feel released from the guilt of having to write 'christian' comments to be a 'good christian' not that I ever won't but I remember when I read it being suggested - it brought levels of discomfort.
wow. so much fun on this one! I might just go update my profile: "I am enjoying Christian fellowship in the blogosphere!"
Hmm, I have some mixed feelings on this one.
On one hand, I have to admit that if someone's status is some kind of reflective Christian status I tend to scan over and move on - then get more intrigued about Fiona stealing the cat's seat - but they don't bother me.
Personally I probably won't ever do this kind of reflecting on Facebook as I have various workmates, clients, and other associated acquaintances on Facebook that I think I would alienate.
I want them to be able to comment, or when they see me next ask- "how did it go, cooking for a hundred people?" rather than, "I um, see you on facebook...." Silence....
Hezekiah? What Bible are you reading??
Hannah - just trying to be funny be making things absurd, by referring to a non-existent book.
Hmmm...I guess I just don't find it funny to "joke" about the Bible.
I find it extremely interesting that you're a Pastor...and slightly unbelievable.
I find this line of comments so interesting. I occassionally post Christian comments like the ones shown as an example. I have gay friends, work associates who are athiests, and clients who are cleary not Christian. On many occassions, their status updated reflect their beliefs, because it is who they are. On the same note, mine reflect my beliefs because they reflect who I am. There is no alienation. There is mutual respect and understanding. But, if you are "afraid" to alienate the world by professing Christ and His mercy and grace then you may need to examine your heart. Matthew 10:32-33 (King James Version) 32 Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. 33 But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven. My everyday status updates don't always reflect religous thoughts, but certainly everyone of the 700 aquintences, coworkers, family and friends that I have on facebook know where my heart is. Even if I just got done eating a chocolate cupcake while stealing the cats seat. Let's remember what matters...it certainly isn't this world and being of this world. It is eternity. The people that are unsaved that you know on Facebook are headed to an eternity seperated from God. That should grieve you as a Christian. Every single person you meet will someday stand before God...and you have an opportunity..and an obligation to try to touch their lives and to bring them to Christ. If they don't know you are saved, they will never approach you to ask questions or to have discussions that may provide you an opportunity to share the gospel. I am sure that some people trying to look holier than thou...but ya know, God can use all things to His Glory. Even those that are fake and phony are quoting scripture, and the living Word of God does not come back void.
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