Here is what I am actually loving about this discussion: Presbyterians disagreeing about something, and living to tell the tale. All. Too. Rare.
Refreshing, isn't it?
And for the record, I guess I am firmly on the fence. It would not work in most contexts, but I think our moderator does not serve in the "usual" context.
I think twittering MIGHT be a good thing in worship if it is doen in the right way.
Not a good thing if you are tweittering about lunch plans next week or about a project at work.
But if the twitters are connected with the worship then it could be a postive. I am thinking that it might be an electronic version of more participatory worship styles like that often found in Africanp-American congregations where the people activley commonicate with each other and the pastor.
Reading the comments over at GG's blog, there was one that I thought says a lot.
The commenter was explaining why she would not tweet during worship:
"but because I knew that there were those around me who would be distracted and wondering why in the world I had my phone out in church. 50-50 guilt and concern for others."
I have to agree, while you may think that using your phone to send a tweet is an individual action, those around you could be distracted from worship by the use of the cell phone and the flying fingers busily typing away.
Ceemac said: I am thinking that it might be an electronic version of more participatory worship styles like that often found in Africanp-American congregations where the people activley commonicate (sic) with each other and the pastor.Um ... somehow I don't think everyone typing AMEN would have the same impact ;)
I'm not sure. I don't twitter or text so I don't know all the details. I am thinking this MIGHT be a useful resource in worship like hymnal, a sound system, bulletins, good lighting, choirs, video displays etc. Al can be used in porr ways in worship but all can be used to enahnce our worship as well.
I'm wondering if when paper bulletins were 1st introduced folks complained about being distracted by the sound of paper being folded/unfolded?
Here is what I am actually loving about this discussion: Presbyterians disagreeing about something, and living to tell the tale. All. Too. Rare.
ReplyDeleteRefreshing, isn't it?
And for the record, I guess I am firmly on the fence. It would not work in most contexts, but I think our moderator does not serve in the "usual" context.
Point about context well taken.
ReplyDeleteBut that raises all kinds of new questions about the contexts we create and/or accept for ourselves with respect to worship.
I think twittering MIGHT be a good thing in worship if it is doen in the right way.
ReplyDeleteNot a good thing if you are tweittering about lunch plans next week or about a project at work.
But if the twitters are connected with the worship then it could be a postive. I am thinking that it might be an electronic version of more participatory worship styles like that often found in Africanp-American congregations where the people activley commonicate with each other and the pastor.
Reading the comments over at GG's blog, there was one that I thought says a lot.
ReplyDeleteThe commenter was explaining why she would not tweet during worship:
"but because I knew that there were those around me who would be distracted and wondering why in the world I had my phone out in church. 50-50 guilt and concern for others."
I have to agree, while you may think that using your phone to send a tweet is an individual action, those around you could be distracted from worship by the use of the cell phone and the flying fingers busily typing away.
Ceemac said: I am thinking that it might be an electronic version of more participatory worship styles like that often found in Africanp-American congregations where the people activley commonicate (sic) with each other and the pastor.Um ... somehow I don't think everyone typing AMEN would have the same impact ;)
RC,
ReplyDeleteI did say that it MIGHT be useful.
I'm not sure. I don't twitter or text so I don't know all the details. I am thinking this MIGHT be a useful resource in worship like hymnal, a sound system, bulletins, good lighting, choirs, video displays etc. Al can be used in porr ways in worship but all can be used to enahnce our worship as well.
I'm wondering if when paper bulletins were 1st introduced folks complained about being distracted by the sound of paper being folded/unfolded?