I’m becoming convinced that nothing good comes of priests and bishops becoming big social media stars. And I think this cuts across ideological lines in the church. Whether it’s Fr Martin or Bishop Strickland. The nature of social media, the “hot take” culture, the desire to get likes and retweets, the fact that almost nobody views the c…
I’m becoming convinced that nothing good comes of priests and bishops becoming big social media stars. And I think this cuts across ideological lines in the church. Whether it’s Fr Martin or Bishop Strickland. The nature of social media, the “hot take” culture, the desire to get likes and retweets, the fact that almost nobody views the comments of others charitably, none of it is conducive to spreading the gospel in my opinion.
I know we’ve got to be where the people are but I think this is a real challenge for the church. I’m not sure what the answer is but I really believe that all these social media influencer clergymen guys would be better off if they’d take a lengthy sabbatical from social media.
This is what I came here to say. I don't know the bishop or the diocese, but I do know what social media, especially Twitter, can do. Even the most faithful and well-intentioned can fall. The like-clicks are a drug, and social addiction is possible for the best of characters.
I agree that it can be bad. But I don’t agree that “nothing good comes from it.” Bishop Barron is 100% evangelizing using the internet. I am one of those converts that was influenced by him greatly. I also know that he has helped many to revert and actively practice the faith. Some good can come from it. I however think it takes just the right person. Bishop Barron doesn’t strike me as the type who’s doing it just to get his name out there.
I’m becoming convinced that nothing good comes of priests and bishops becoming big social media stars. And I think this cuts across ideological lines in the church. Whether it’s Fr Martin or Bishop Strickland. The nature of social media, the “hot take” culture, the desire to get likes and retweets, the fact that almost nobody views the comments of others charitably, none of it is conducive to spreading the gospel in my opinion.
I know we’ve got to be where the people are but I think this is a real challenge for the church. I’m not sure what the answer is but I really believe that all these social media influencer clergymen guys would be better off if they’d take a lengthy sabbatical from social media.
This is what I came here to say. I don't know the bishop or the diocese, but I do know what social media, especially Twitter, can do. Even the most faithful and well-intentioned can fall. The like-clicks are a drug, and social addiction is possible for the best of characters.
I agree that it can be bad. But I don’t agree that “nothing good comes from it.” Bishop Barron is 100% evangelizing using the internet. I am one of those converts that was influenced by him greatly. I also know that he has helped many to revert and actively practice the faith. Some good can come from it. I however think it takes just the right person. Bishop Barron doesn’t strike me as the type who’s doing it just to get his name out there.