Tuesday, November 10, 2015

Let’s have a Conversation about Conversation Part 4 by Pastor Michael Podhaczky

In the last blog I began looking at some of the personal and social implications of not using the communication technology for the glory of God. In this blog I would like to continue that conversation. I would like to suggest some ways to glorify Him in the ways that we communicate.


a.    Stalking or trolling via Social Networks: Like Facebook, Myspace, Twitter, YouTube etc
Stalking involves continually following a victim using a social medium and publishing statements or other material on their personal page, with the intention of causing fear or harm to the victim. This can done through using communication devices (carriage devices) to menace, harass, or cause offence via Social Networks.

Don’t get caught up in trolling! This is the anti-social act of causing interpersonal conflict and shock-value controversy online. It is purposely showing hatred, bigotry, racism, or simply bickering with others. Trolls themselves are emotionally-immature users who thrive in any environment where they are allowed to make public comments, such as blog sites, news sites, discussion forums, and game chat.

Social Networks are in fact amoral; it is what is done with them that can make them either moral or immoral. They are a great way to stay in touch with and encourage friends and family. You can choose to be someone who uses the Social Network to strengthen, encourage, and comfort others. Regardless of how others use it, as a Christ-follower you can speak with a sweet spirit.

b.    Pornography and Child pornography
Pornography is any picture, video or story which depicts a person who is, or appears to be, involved in any sexualised position, content, activity or state of undress. Child pornography is classed as,
“Any picture, image, video or story which depicts a person who is, or appears to be, under 18 years of age involved in any sexualised position, content, activity or state of undress is automatically deemed to be child pornography.”[1]
Porn of any kind does devalue and degrade a person. Remember, the person being communicated about is made in God’s image and should not be devalued or degraded. But there is a better way; Paul tells Christ-followers that,
24 “Having put on your new nature, having been created to be like God i.e. truly righteous and holy… 32 be kind to each other, tender-hearted! Be freely forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has freely forgiven you” (Eph 4:24,32).


Pause in His presence for a moment and think this over… To be continued.



[1] “Criminal Code Act 1995.” https://www.comlaw.gov.au/Details/C2013C00366 (21st October 2015)

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