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Nathan Webb's avatar

Disappointed that Jonathan Haidt shows up in this post. I understand he is a leading voice, but his fearmongering is unhelpful and misleading. Glad that you approached it differently, still. I agree with where you land, but I wish I could stop seeing Haidt's name appear in these conversations. Would love to have more conversations on digital religion and the loneliness epidemic.

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Michael Adam Beck's avatar

Nathan, Haidt is now assigned reading in undergrad sociology. I appreciate his research, not because I agree with all his applications, but because it helps us understand better the dangers of technology. In the long run, this actually helps us cultivate incarnational communities in digital space. So excited you will be teaching us at FX National Gathering this year!

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Jess's avatar

So over churches streaming their worship services and calling that online church. Thank you!

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Chris J's avatar

I'm not convinced that "online church" really provides the depth of relationship people need.

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Nathan Webb's avatar

Like Michael alludes to in the post -- we've associated online church incorrectly. Most of what we consider is actually church online (in that order). I'm biased, but can always point to the work being done in Checkpoint Church. It's not for everyone, but it's precisely what some need for deep relationships.

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Matt L's avatar

Technology is definitely a double-edged sword, thanks for the reflection on tech in the Bible. Never thought of it that way.

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