I am growing more and more agitated, though, by those who overstate the power and propriety of the medium. Have they learned nothing from phenomena such as televangelism? Do they not perceive the numbness and deep cynicism most people have adopted as a defensive measure against the bombardment of messages via various media? Do they seriously think folks are seeking a watered down version of the consumer experience when they go to church? Have they even heard of Marshall Mcluhan?

I am here to say that, if the Church fails, it will not be because it neglects the new media. I see too many churches squandering time and resources on new technology that fails in any real way to extend or deepen their ministries. I see those in ministry who need to learn what it means to follow Christ, to die to self, before they take another step following the crowd in the direction of "relevance" (which too often encompasses fame). As Clifford Stoll would say, I see way too much "silicon snake oil" being peddled.

At every turn in the Bible, God's love, power and wisdom are delivered through man's weakness and folly. Most mass media are created for projecting man's power and stroking man's vanity. It is very difficult to exhibit the brokenness of a Christ follower through a medium designed to suit the power structure of our day.

thanks for chiming in on the ongoing discussion of the role that technology and the internet should play in the Church

from your comment, it sounds like you are against the Church's use of technology and the internet. but since you are engaging in this conversation online and have your own blog, I will assume that is not the case. i suspect you are suggesting that Church should be mindful of how it uses these tools and with that I agree

i probably caused some confusion with the way I worded the question in the post – Is the Future of the Church Online?

I still strongly believe the answer to that question is 'Yes', but if the question were asked, "Is The Future of the Church 'Only' Online?", the answer is definitely 'No'

you stated that people "hunger to see integrity and love walking around on two feet". you are so right and that is why I'm going to spend some time in July sharing the love of Christ in a slum of San Jose, Costa Rica

can the Church be the Church both on digital screens around the world and on the dusty streets of a slum in Costa Rica? absolutely

Ponder, too, the efficacy of a technology harnessed in large part to indulging our desire to be entertained, to embrace celebrity and to consume for conveying a message of self-denial, a Gospel manifested most powerfully through our weaknesses.

The Gospel is not just another product to be marketed. It is a life to be lived. Even the most tech-saturated people are able to distinguish in some fashion–however diminished–between "life" online and life in the flesh. They are not thirsty for more entertainment, more fame, more stuff, more cheap flattery. They are justifiably leery of messages they receive via the media, no matter how novel that media might be. They hunger to see integrity and love walking around on two feet, to encounter the living God on His terms, not theirs.