Biblically Orthodox in an Online World

Mar 30, 2020 by

by F Capitanio, AAC:

At a time when churches are scrambling online to serve the faithful, we are grateful for technological advancements that allow us to come together despite our isolation. Many churches are pushing back the darkness of anxiety and despair through innovative ways to care for their members. Hopeful stories of encouragement, outreach, and service are rising to the surface of an atmosphere otherwise permeated by fear. The online community and our household technologies are a part of those stories. Our ability to hear and absorb the Word of God through these times is what keeps us grounded; without it, we cannot find the hope we need through uncertainty. The clarity, authority, and integrity of the Scriptures are what we must have to be a light in the darkness, and the tools provided by technology can help us maintain our connection to Truth as we continue to be in quarantine.

As good as online resources are, however, we must remember that relating as human beings holistically, physically and spiritually, is what we were created to do. This is a temporary and helpful measure we share as we look forward to the days we can embrace one another and learn in one another’s presence again. During this pandemic, remaining physically separated makes it easier to lose touch with our brothers and sisters who have encouraged us in the past and with our clergy who shepherd our souls and help maintain the unity of the faith. We are at a point where biblical orthodoxy becomes even more difficult to guard. In a state of crisis, humans turn to fulfilling basic needs and then, after those needs are met, to relational needs. Arguably, theological needs fall far below these other priorities. Isolation can keep us from hearing the Word of God, from talking with our spiritual advisors, from celebrating the Christian feast days together, and from hearing the Truth about who God is and what He has done. Unless individuals take the initiative to engage online, at least to listen to liturgy and participate in some degree of worship, the faith of many may grow weaker over time. In addition, many sources of false teaching are now more readily accessible online as internet traffic increases and new ways of thinking theologically begin to take root.

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