thursday reflection for week 10

In my last post, I commented that modernity and technology have made life impersonal with things like internet communication and text messaging. As opposed to talking to people on the phone or seeing them in person, we can speak to that person without even using our vocal cords. Furthermore, I said that this impersonality is not conducive for the kingdom of God because the kingdom finds its stronghold within communities. Ryan talked today at the end of class about communities that are built around the global information culture that we find ourselves in. Perhaps, my judgments on what constitutes community was stated too quickly.

According to Ryan, these communities in the global information culture could be centered around common practices that unite the people regardless of the place they occupy or the amount of space between them. Logically then, things like blogs could build communities. Moreover, Ryan gave the example of being connected with people all over the world because of the types of jobs that we have. We might have an opportunity to meet someone in our workplace that lives on the other side of the country. An immediate connection is possible because of the similar practices involved with your work.

This is a great idea to explore, perhaps people are even practicing this as we speak, because whether we like it or not, many of relationships are not face-to-face. I hate that our relationships are not face to face, but this seems to be the situation (story?) we find ourselves in. If we are going to be faithful followers of Christ, then we need to allow the kingdom of God to influence these placeless and spaceless relationships. However, in the process, we must not lose value of physical communities and our face-to-face relationships because these are extremely vital to our well being.

Thanks for a great class, Wes and Ryan. peace