Religious Blogpost: Social Networking Sites – A Double-Edged Sword

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A Social networking website is a platform to build social networks or social relations among people who, for example, share interests, activities, backgrounds, or real-life connections. A social network service consists of a representation of each user (often a profile), his/her social links (i.e. “friends”), and a variety of additional services. Most social network services are web-based and are accessible via the internet. The internet is an open virtual world. Social networking websites attract people since it is where people can socially interact with each other through the internet. This brings forth many benefits, such as easier and faster delivery of messages, real-time conversations of distant peoples, and faster dissemination of vital information such as news. These benefits are very crucial in our fast-paced modern world. There are, obviously, downsides in using (especially too much use) social networking websites.

Downsides of These Websites

These websites, being open in nature, can have serious privacy issues. If your privacy settings are not set correctly, your photos and other vital information placed in your profile might be seen by untrustworthy eyes. In countries where identity theft is common, privacy should be taken seriously.

Christian Perspectives

Christians should be imitators of Christ. (Read my blog post titled “Jesus, the Perfect Example for Christians”). Our good example can help convert non-believers into believers. However, our missionary work is not limited to being a good example as Jesus also ordered the early disciples to go forth and spread the gospel. This “Great Commission” is stated in Matthew 28:19-20, Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen. [New KJV] We should try to preserve the word whenever the situation seems fit. The word has been planted to the Christians; however, it seems that the world has diluted the strength of many Christian believers. This is why constant renewal of Christian values should be done by preachers. Does that mean that all of us should get our Bibles and preach in the world of social networking sites? St. Paul says in Romans 10:9, And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!" (Rom 10:15 NIV) Quoting him again, he said: Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? 30 Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret? (1 Corinthians 12:29-30 NIV) Not all have been sent. We must be careful in sharing what appears to be a word of God.

An example of this is the so-called “Satan’s Headache”, a popular post which circulates in Facebook. It depicts Satan as having a headache whenever a Christian believer opens the Bible. Another variant states that when we show Satan the Bible, he flees. Is Satan somehow afraid of the Bible? No! The Gospel of Matthew has this story to tell: Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. ⁶ "If you are the Son of God," he said, "throw yourself down. For it is written: "'He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.'" (Mat 4:5-6 NIV) Even Satan quotes scripture! His ministers do the same in their attempt to disguise themselves as ministers of God. For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. ¹⁴ And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. ¹⁵ Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works. (2 Corinthians 11:13-15 KJV) Therefore it is somehow presumptuous to assume that Satan gets a headache whenever a Christian opens and reads the Bible.

Even supporting false religions in social networking sites, either by sharing, retweeting, reblogging, and/or even liking such false beliefs is disappointing. It’s like you’re supporting hypocrites. (Mga hipokrito ang isa sa mga kinasusuklaman ng mga Kristiyano.)

Another “dangerous” activity that can be done in social networking sites is debating between diverse religious beliefs. We are lucky to have this means of communication since during the Apostolic Age, it was more dangerous to debate especially against zealous people. St. Paul (then called Saul) has his own shares of death threats because of his disputes with believers of false beliefs. And he spoke boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus and disputed against the Hellenists, but they attempted to kill him. (Act 9:29 NKJ) Debates are always present in localized Facebook groups. Some of these were even created for the purpose of having a decent debate forum. This could be a chance for Christians to convert non-Christians so as long as their careful in sharing the words of God from the sent preachers. St. Paul exhorted Timothy to preach the word: Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. (2 Ti 4:2 NKJV) I recommend that the elders of the church should be the ones who will defend the faith. St. Peter said: Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; 3 nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock; (1Pe 5:2-3 NKJV) They should lead by example especially in debates.

Sometimes, abuse of social networking can cause further isolation and loneliness. Even some scholars believe that nothing beats face-to-face interpersonal contact. Such contact in a small group setting provides a good atmosphere in which people can develop long-lasting relationships with other believers.

Lastly, we must also forgo ego-centric and prideful actions in the world of social networking. That is why social networking is a double-edged sword; it can do great good and great harm. John the Apostle said, Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. ¹⁶ For all that is in the world-- the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life-- is not of the Father but is of the world. (1 John 2:15-16 NKJV) Let us stop posting nonsense and instead focus on spreading the Good News of Christ. We need to use social media as a way of instigating connections with both Christians and Non-Christians. Instead of focusing on their connection to you, redirect that focus on the idea that such connection may ultimately connect them to Christ.

As a final reminder, I quote the Epistle of James: Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you. (Jam 1:21 NIV)