Some chewier reflections on new media

Hey! You over there with the iPad. What theological framework shapes your use of new media?

A prayerful texting pose, by Lars Plougmann on Flickr (CC BY-SA 2.0)

I have the answer.

No I don’t, of course.

But several people I know have waved their arms excitedly about the New Media Project and I’d like to commend it to you as well. Founded in 2010 and based at the Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis, the New Media Project aims to “[help] religious leaders become theologically savvy about technology.”

I don’t know about you, but I’ve found that the web has no shortage of snappy top ten lists for how churches can use new communications tools. Some of these are really useful, but there seems to be a shortage of deeper reflection about how Christians should understand and use technology.

I’d say the New Media Project is for those who have studied theology or are curious about it. I’d also note that the site is ecumenical, focused on the American context, and there may be ideas here that rankle some. However, the New Media Project  is definitely worth exploring. Here are some highlights.

• The blog is a good first step to see the ideas. Recent posts cover prayer and social media and social media as alternative liturgy.
• Venturing a little deeper, there are interesting case studies and theological essays.

Here’s an example of the content. In the essay “Practicing virtue with social media,” Jason Byassee looks at how digital technology can both “save” and “damn” us, but ultimately, God’s salvation should shape our use of these communication tools.

Oh, and if you’re trying to carve out time to slow down and get into this content, here are some good suggestions for how to focus.

Also, as I described in a previous blog, if you’re looking to make time for reflection, the book Living into Focus by the Rev. Dr. Arthur Boers has some great ideas.