Undoubtedly, the Internet is a dangerous place for Christians, or anyone else for that matter. With the unlimited access to pornography, gossip media, etc., there are a plethora of dark avenues that can be traveled while surfing the web. Beyond that, the Internet provides a way to present yourself as something that you’re not, replaces face-to-face relationships, and brings about laziness over hard work. The negatives can go on and on, but the question before us is this:
Is the Internet good for Christianity?
The easy answer is to say “no.” It would be easier and less tempting to avoid it altogether. We could follow the lead of Kirk Cameron in Fireproof and trash our computers. Perhaps that might even work for some. But I submit to you that instead of hiding from the evils of the Internet that seem to be ruled by Satan, we place it under the lordship of Jesus Christ as God surely has (Hebrews 2:8). We are at a point in history where this type of technology has risen beyond a mere invention and into a culture-changing catalyst for the way we communicate and live our daily lives.
Though temptations will always come, the Internet can be (and has been) extremely helpful and beneficial to Christianity. Here the two majors reasons why the Internet has been good for me and can be for you, too:
- Resources – Books are great, I read them all the time. But I must say, I have benefited personally as much or more from online resources like Desiring God, IX Marks, CARM, blogs, articles, and sermon audio and videos. Without the Internet, the world would not be reached for the Gospel in such a massive way. One click of the mouse can do more than a box of tracts could ever do on this massive a scale.
- Social Networking – Though many Christians disagree with me, I am an unashamed (possibly even shameless) advocate of social networking Facebook and Twitter reign supreme right now, and for good reason. They give people opportunities to follow each other’s lives and update family and friends on their lives. What is really encouraging is the way that pastors, churches, and Gospel-centered organizations use these networks to edify and inform the Church universal. Although it should never replace true, day-to-day community in the local church, social networking is a meeting place for Kingdom movements and can be greatly beneficial to the work of God.
Brothers and sisters, the Internet is what we make it. Either you will fall into Satan’s traps or use it for the Kingdom and the good of your soul. You decide.