Respond to the following prompts with 275 words each using Turabian format, no exception. Be succinct and free of grammatical errors. The source for the book written by Steve and Mary Lowe, Ecologies of Faith in a Digital Age.
Prompt 1 (BCollier)
The topic of online community and school has always been interesting to me. I began college after joining the military, so I never attended a brick-and-mortar school. From my experiences thus far, engaging with faculty and fellow students has presented itself no different than had we been in person. When shifting the focus towards our spiritual growth as distant learners or congregants, I also feel the same way. However, I do feel there is something to be said about connecting via face-to-face and discipling others through life in-person. From my viewpoint, the Holy Spirit has no frame or borders. Lowe and Lowe state, The Holy Spirit carries out his ministries among us when we are gathered and when we are scattered, when we are present with one another and when we are absent from one another[1]. As humans, we are unable to restrict how the Holy Spirit works through us and connects us with others. In regard to face-to-face interaction however, I enjoy it much more because of my personality. Being more extroverted helps one feel more comfortable in that environment. It is important to remember that this will vary based upon each members personality traits.
Another argument that I would have for someone who feels Christians cannot grow spiritually in a digital age, is based around the use of social media. I do not utilize any form of social media, but I understand that most of our world does. With that, every day, members of our society connect with others on different topics such as sports, entertainment, and more. If one is unable to connect with others utilizing the digital platforms that are in place today, then how is it possible to do so for the topics mentioned above? Lowe and Lowe bring up a good point that states, The more connected we are to one another through reciprocal interactions, the greater the likelihood for continued growth and development of the whole person[2]. This statement helps validate the use of social media for users to connect regarding whichever topic they prefer, so why not also for Christians who want to spiritually grow utilizing the digital platforms available? I find it hard to support that in 2022, where we have established digital means of work, communication, and school, that we are only limited to spiritual growth via face-to-face contact.
[1] Stephen D. Lowe and Mary E. Lowe. Ecologies of Faith in a Digital Age (Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic, 2018), 74.
[2] Lowe and Lowe, Ecologies of Faith in a Digital Age, 131.
Bibliography
Lowe, Stephen D. and Mary E. Lowe. Ecologies of Faith in a Digital Age. Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic, 2018.
Prompt 2 (BRead)
Many Christians fail to see the value of technology. There is a common misconception that digital/online platforms create informal relationships and disconnected communities. Because of this, there is a belief that spiritual development and intimate connection is only possible when human beings meet personally, face-to-face. However, the digital world also helps shape the way believers grow and develop in a variety of ways. As Lowe and Lowe state, The presence of digital ecologies is already shaping how people develop spiritually.[1] Not only has the world been transformed by the influence of the digital age, but the church has also begun to embrace the online environment.
In response to the COVID-19 crisis, many churches were forced to move their services online. Although the COVID pandemic bans and restrictions have been lifted and congregants are now able to gather in person, statistics show that many adults are still utilizing digital resources for their spiritual development. According to Lowe and Lowe, More than 50% of Christian millennials watch online videos with faith content. An increasing number of millennials are searching online for a place of worship, and some are attending that place online.[2]
The digital world gives disciples greater access to a wider variety of resources. Those seeking information are no longer bound by location and proximity, they now have access to sermons, articles, conferences, workshops, and services from all over the world. This unlimited wealth of information allows people to be shaped by many different perspectives which will help to provide a more thorough and well-rounded development. For those that believe spiritual formation only happens through face-to-face encounters, consider looking to the letters of the Apostle Paul.
Although he was not present physically, Paul felt there was great value in writing to the churches he helped to establish. In his New Testament epistles, the Apostle Paul is offering instruction to believers at various locations (Ephesus, Corinth, Thessalonica, etc.). The connection that Paul had with his churches had been previously established, however, he was able to effectively impact the spiritual formation of these believers though he was not present physically.
Simply confining our ability to grow and mature as spiritual beings to physical encounters would be denying the ecological realities of whole person development. As stated by Lowe and Lowe, If growth and development are as significantly affected by social networks as we think they might be, and if spiritual formation follows the same path of development as the rest of the person, it stands to reason that we can measure our own growth and development, as well as others, by assessing the health, location, and number of relationships in our social network.[3] This means we must have a wide range of interactions and connections that shape and inform us, this can not be limited to physical, face-to-face encounters.
[1] Lowe, S. D., & Lowe, M. E. (2018). Ecologies of faith in a digital age: spiritual growth through online education (p. 115). IVP Academic.
[2] Lowe, S. D., & Lowe, M. E. (2018). Ecologies of faith in a digital age: spiritual growth through online education (p. 115). IVP Academic.
[3] Lowe, S. D., & Lowe, M. E. (2018). Ecologies of faith in a digital age: spiritual growth through online education (p. 130). IVP Academic.
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