Tongue on the net

m10550

THE CUTTING EDGE - The internet and the Christian tongue

First published on Discernet (http://www.geocities.com/heartland/5499)

In reading several Christian boards and forums on the Internet over the last few months, I have made some observations. I would like to list them for you as if I were an alien from outer space, my only exposure to mankind is reading these Christian boards and forums. Just imagine that I am sending a report of my observations back to my superiors on my home planet.

1.Here on this planet there are two types of beings. They call themselves "Lost" and "Christian."

2.Christians disagree often. They don't seem to like each other much. They become obnoxious with one another - very sharp tongued.

3.Christians are very self centered. They drive people away from themselves by their actions and words.

4.Christians confuse the Lost people that ask them questions.

5.Christians say they love one another, but they treat one another as though they are unlovely.

6.When Christians have discussions they dwell on minute detail, while ignoring great vistas of information. They debate and re-debate with a slight twist to attempt to cover up the fact that it is the same debate. The Lost tell me they are foolish, even make fun of their antics.

Let’s elaborate on the above list for just a moment before considering how we can resolve this awful Christian Internet observation. The points mentioned are fairly self explanatory. I have observed rude, obnoxious, and offensive words on these boards, and all in the name of "discussion" or "debate" or "instruction." The problem is that with the attitudes displayed, there is little positive instruction happening.

I observed a new Christian ask a simple question of doctrine. Within three days he was confronted with several very pointed and detailed postings that only caused confusion. When Christian believers enter into these public discussions we need to remember our responses can and probably do affect lives. There are many people reading these boards and not participating - making judgments. Also consider that we are not just crossing swords with another Christian, our blades are hitting those we don't even see.

I’ve also read those passing judgment on one another, telling people they are going to hell because the same detail of doctrine. They might as well say to each other, "go to hell." What kind of public Christian witness is that? We shouldn’t say such things in public - or dare we even think such things in the recesses of our minds.

Why are Christians so viscous when they are shielded from public scrutiny? God knows what is going on even if the people on these boards can't track you down and confront you personally.

THE QUESTION OF CHRISTIAN DISCIPLINE

A divisive person in a local church should be subject to church discipline. In Cyberspace we have no such luxury, we have no recourse concerning the offenders. The only method of confrontation is by posted message. Or is there something more we can do?

I suggest that in the church discipline process, the end result is for the unrepentant person to be cut off from the church body (Matthew 18:15-17). However, in these matters I must be careful not to equate Internet discussion boards with a local church. There is no organized church that can take disciplinary actions on the Internet, but a similar process might used.

In cyberspace we might consider the same biblical principle. First, confront the erring person. If there is no change, then confront them again with witnesses. If still no change, then cut them off - don't read their postings, don't respond to their postings, and don't respond if they email you. I suggest one further step: contact the board operator and ask them to intercede.

Within church discipline there is also the desired process of restoration. Again, following a similar process, a group of regulars should restore to fellowship one that has admitted his error, apologized to the members of the board and sought reconciliation with His Lord.

Again, I would stress that I am not suggesting that these boards/forums are a church, nor do I suggest that any of us has authority over another believer in these public areas - however this discipline principle is a biblical principle. This process may or may not bring them to consider what they have been doing on the net. But whatever process we use, we need to do something to stop the offending that continues every daily. Christian believers are to act appropriately, and when they don’t they need to be called on their error.

CONSIDER THIS

I’ll end with some items for us to consider as we place our thoughts on the Internet. If each of us would give more consideration for our actions we might eliminate some of these problems.

1. Each time I submit a message to a board/forum, do I read it from someone else's viewpoint? From a lost person’s viewpoint? From a new Christian's viewpoint?

2. Am I glorifying God or am I glorifying myself in this posting?

3. Is there anything offensive in this posting?

4. Can I swing this discussion into an area that would be more informative or

edifying?

Please understand, I am not suggesting that we compromise our beliefs as we meet differing beliefs, but we can certainly do it in a much nicer, kinder way.

I trust that we might all mirror the image of Jesus Christ as we interact with each another on the Internet. Our actions could well draw others to our Savior as well - the ultimate prize of Spirit led communications.