Is the Internet Good for God?

Christians are struggling to know what to do with the Internet (in my opinion).

One of the things that Christian preachers have enjoyed over the years is that they know more than the congregation do about the Bible and what it says. Some might even argue that they have deliberately kept it that way although I’m not sure that’s true myself. The studies that Clergy undertake are available and have been for a long time to others as well.

However the Internet has opened up a whole can of worms (or should I say Diet of Worms – Luther fans will know what I’m talking about) for Christian leaders.

Now whatever is said in the pulpit can be looked up on the Internet. Some of the information that is presented will be good some will be bad.

What are the consequences and are they good or bad?

The consequences are that no Christian can now make statements about the Christian faith and expect it not to be challenged in some way. It is no longer adequate for preachers to just quote a few verses out of context and not expect to be challenged on the topics raised.

This is bad for those who like to use the Bible as a tool to glorify themselves and to justify bigoted opinions.

This is good for the Christian faith in general.

If Christians believe (as I do) that the Bible is in the inspired word of God then why should we fear being questioned about it?

If the claims of the Christian faith are valid then why fear anyone challenging it?

If people challenging the Christian faith leads to open and honest enquiry then why should anyone be upset?

Do we honestly think that God should be worried because someone somewhere happens to think up an argument that isn’t very nice for Christians?

I believe that there are many answers to the critics of Christianity (search out some apologetics websites if you doubt me).

I also know from experience that most people who challenge the Christian faith (even famous atheists) often do so from a position of ignorance about what Christians claim.

Surely it is far better for Christians to be able to take a good long look at what the Bible says and then to test it and see if it stands up to scrutiny? If this was not to be allowed then why did we ever let it be translated into languages that the average person can understand? This problem was answered back in the days when the printing press was invented it’s just now that it has become even more available.

Of course we need to understand that not every website tells the truth (but this is also true about Christian web sites) but given enough research its possible to have a reasonable go at understanding what God’s will really is as it is revealed in the Bible.

I say the Internet is great for God and the more Christians learn to use this powerful tool for getting our viewpoint across the better.

Of course those preachers/teachers who like to use out of context Bible passages to justify their own viewpoints will be upset by the Internet because it must mean their days are numbered. At last!

What do you think?

Is the Internet good for God – leave your opinion