I don't think technology can be value-neutral. With the use of technology and computers in its most basic form, one almost takes for granted that everyone has ready access. In many instances this is not the case. Hence there is a social stigma placed on those who have and those who do not have access to computers and technology. Are members of a congregation going to feel inferior if they do not have access to the same power point programs used in the parish?
In the article, 'How the Internet Shapes Religious Life, or the Medium is Itself the Message', van der Laan discusses the use of resources on the Internet for sermon preparation. With the use of the Internet, are we short-changing ourselves by not using the time-honored tradition of exegisis, or is it simply another means of finding commentary? I think the problems arise when the use of others' ideas and ready-made sermons are out there for the taking, or buying. Does this cheapen grace? And, who's to say that the message in those sermons is theologically what the congregation needs? Hopefully the pastor can see though the artificial and find reliable sources with which to produce his or her sermon. The church can use technology, but must do so in a responsible manner and resist the temptation to be controlled by the web, and instead, control the use of the web.
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To add further to your comment "And who's to say that the message in those sermons is theologically what the congregation needs?" Who also is to say that these messages provide what the congregation needs emotionally or mentally? Often times these pre-fab sermons are so vague that they have nothing of substance of all. Hence, I would agree with the fact that these sermons do cheapen faith. The make it so basic that nothing is truly required of a person; they are not held accountable for any actions they commit, which also runs the risk of falling into the Universalist mindsets. Nonetheless, you raise some very interesting points.
ReplyDeleteI had a similar reaction to the article that talked about the use of pulling sermons off the Internet. A few months ago I was facing one of "those weekends" in which I needed to prepare a sermon for a wedding on Saturday and preach at a local church for the Sunday worship service the next day. I commented on my plight to a colleague who made the rather flippant reply, "Just get a wedding sermon from the Internet. They won't be listening to you anyway." I didn't like the suggestion, and didn't do it. Just because you can pay for something doesn't make it "right."
ReplyDeleteA pastor in my presbytery recently lost his call because his congregation caught him preaching word-for-word sermons from the internet! How is this feeding one's own soul. Good research and study feeds US, I think, often more than the flock.
ReplyDeleteIf we have been called then aren't we given all that we need to discern the Word through prayer, meditation, study, reflection,and experience with others. I think any resource is just that, and any pastor should recall their call before using another person's work without attribution. We are given all by God. This has been my experience: Limited as this view now seems to be. God is good and faithful if only we trust all will be as God wills it, if only for just one member of the congregation. I could be wrong though.
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