May 29 2018 37 mins
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat as the ubiquity of social media expands, we are drawn, whether unwittingly or not, into their orbit a relentless cycle demanding as much of our time, energy, and attention we choose to offer. For human beings who are created in the image of our triune creator and share His characteristic impulse toward relationship, social media provides an avenue for both knowing and being known for community. Whether its finding a niche Facebook group for a particular hobby or life experience, connecting with people otherwise unknown via Twitter, or watching distant friends raise their family on Instagram, each creates opportunities to create long lasting community. Yet a growing number of people, both Christian and non Christian alike, are increasingly wary about social medias promise of providing a meaningful community. We need the church, and the particular relationships created within, to offer true north in the midst of an increasingly transient and digital world. The community of the church provides a number of essential resources for us as we go out into the world. The church offers a place of safety and security in which its people can be truly vulnerable as they confess their individual and collective need for grace. This Postmodern Realities episode is a conversation with JOURNAL author Kyle A. Keating about his Volume 41, No. 2 Postmodern Realities article, Cream or Sugar? Fostering Authentic Community in the Expanding Age of Social Media