Technology and Social Media

FRONTLINE Volume 32 • Number 4

What should you do when Mr. Potshot vents his spleen? What is a meme? What happened in Virginia? How can you use digital technology to share the gospel? What is “FOMO,” and is it catching? When you get right down to it, how is technology affecting us? And does Scripture give us any guidance about how to approach technology and social media?

In this July/August edition of FrontLine magazine, our authors answer these questions and more in ways that will help you minister to others.

The Book of Proverbs imparts wisdom in commonsense ways. These pithy sayings were designed to impart “street smarts” to naïve and foolish people. They contain timeless principles about social interactions that are still relevant to social media. Scientific studies have shown that online social networking can dominate one’s thinking for extended periods of time. The article “Proverbs on Social Media” will help you to learn how to answer fools on Facebook and keep from falling for online flattery. When we are insulted, the Scriptures also teach us how to respond without taking revenge.

Yes, each new day really does seem to bring a puzzling array of new online terms. What is phishing? What do you call those advertisements that look like news articles? What is shadow banning, and who are the SJW’s? Cullen Johnson will give you clear definitions in “A Glossary of Frequently Used Online Language.”

What happened in Virginia? In a remarkable turn of events, conservative Christians were elected to statewide offices in Virginia in 2021. This happened despite the fact that well-funded liberal groups were determined to dominate the state (again). How did this stunning turnaround take place? The editors of FrontLine magazine will introduce you to the pastors and evangelists who made a difference in Virginia. Their practical advice could help you make a difference in your state as well.

Robert Condict will help you step back to look at technology in perspective. Can new technology help you serve others? Are there ways that it could enslave you? “Power and Pitfalls in Using Technology in Ministry” will help you answer the question, “Who is the master and who is the slave?”

And while we are doing tech talk, what about those smart phones we are carrying around? Are we using them, or are they using us? Rodney King reviews the book 12 Ways Your Phone Is Changing You, and you will find his article enlightening. No one can say that the smartphone revolution has not affected humanity. Go to any public place and watch the people who are staring at their phones instead of talking to their friends. What gives? Find out in this interesting review. And what are we to think of the emphasis of those who promote “virtual communion?” Don Johnson gives us some concise points to ponder.

So when you get right down to it, can all this technology be used for good purposes? In his article “The News Is Great—So Innovate!” Jeff Musgrave will show you how others are using digital and online media to share the gospel. The fact is that many ministries are using electronic means with an online presence in powerful ways. What if you could too?

We hope this edition of FrontLine magazine will help you teach others about technology and social media.

Gordon Dickson

Features

PROVERBS ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Gordon Dickson

Can we help the next generation withstand the negative influences of social networking? Yes, the Book of Proverbs shows us how.

A GLOSSARY OF FREQUENTLY USED ONLINE LANGUAGE
Cullen Johnson

A bewildering array of terms confronts and sometimes confuses us in our brave new online world.

WHAT HAPPENED IN VIRGINIA?
FrontLine Editors

What happened in Virginia was a spiritually motivated grassroots effort.

POWER AND PITFALLS IN USING TECHNOLOGY IN MINISTRY
Robert A. Condict

Technology can enhance our service to both God and people, but there are certain pitfalls that need to be identified and avoided.

BOOK REVIEW: 12 WAYS YOUR PHONE IS CHANGING YOU
Rodney King

How has the smartphone affected humanity, and has it affected humanity for the better?

WHAT ABOUT “VIRTUAL COMMUNION”?
Don Johnson

Now that the COVID crisis is winding down, some may still wonder about creating some form of communion for shut-ins and those who can’t attend regular services.

THE NEWS IS GREAT—SO INNOVATE
Jeff Musgrave

The question is not if we should use technology to share the gospel; the question is how should we use it?

Departments

MAILBAG

HEART TO HEART: An Empty Closet
Vera Jones

AT A GLANCE: Prophetic Praying
Layton Talbert

WITH THE WORD TO THE WORLD: Necessary Reminders
Jim Tillotson

ON THE HOME FRONT

NEWS FROM ALL OVER

REGIONAL REPORTS

CHAPLAIN’S REPORT: Rewarding, Fulfilling, and Fruitful
Larry Robbins

BOOK REVIEW: The Trustworthiness of God’s Word
Robert Vincent

EVANGELIST’S PERSPECTIVE: A Solemn Warning
Jerry Sivnksty

Our sincere thanks to Dr. Gordon Dickson for coordinating this issue of FrontLine magazine.

(Originally published in FrontLine • July/August 2022. Click here to subscribe to the magazine.)