Yes. And how do we unplug without going into isolation, which is already too comfortable for introverts and maybe for contemplatives, too. Technology is not bringing out the best in my character. No. I am annoyed that people assume I respond instantly to a text, that I am glued to my screen to SEE their text the moment it arrives, that I am ready to "chat" any time, any where. Last week, I had a person out to see what could be wrong with my garage door. He finally called to say, "Well, I'm down here outside your garage door. I texted you!" He was surprised that I didn't see the text and even more surprised when I didn't HEAR the text come through. He tried to show me how to get notifications on an Android phone but finally gave up. "It's no problem on the I-phone. You should probably switch." I'm going for a walk now . . . to work on my attitude.
Sarah WOW thank you so much for your kindness. It's definitely something I've been doing a lot of thinking / reading about! Would LOVE your thoughts as well!
Aimee Semple McPherson, I recognize that name -- I was raised in Foursquare and am still a part of the Foursquare denomination. Tent revivals were definitely a big part of the early DNA of the movement (and are definitely still talked about). Being more contemplative in a denomination of raging Pentecostals definitely has had me making pro and con lists.
"technology became a mission of faith" really struck me. I started growing up right as the iPhone mania started. I remember getting my first iPod right when I turned 13. Growing up in a time when the goal seemed to be quick, easy, and relevant, embracing the messiness and humanness of the Christian faith sometimes seem to be very much at odds. The fast response-internet-at-my-finger-tip culture I've been introduced to and immersed in definitely clashes with the part of my soul that just really wants to spend my time in quiet and solitude.
YES to this--I think I spent so long mindlessly adopting all new technology because that was what I thought I needed to do in order to make the biggest difference in the world. But now I'm wondering if that is actually what we are being asked to do. Perhaps it is for some to do but not everyone?
Yes. And how do we unplug without going into isolation, which is already too comfortable for introverts and maybe for contemplatives, too. Technology is not bringing out the best in my character. No. I am annoyed that people assume I respond instantly to a text, that I am glued to my screen to SEE their text the moment it arrives, that I am ready to "chat" any time, any where. Last week, I had a person out to see what could be wrong with my garage door. He finally called to say, "Well, I'm down here outside your garage door. I texted you!" He was surprised that I didn't see the text and even more surprised when I didn't HEAR the text come through. He tried to show me how to get notifications on an Android phone but finally gave up. "It's no problem on the I-phone. You should probably switch." I'm going for a walk now . . . to work on my attitude.
Dang, Drew, this is SOOOOO good! I'm so invested and intrigued by your writing and this topic together! Can't wait for the next part!
Sarah WOW thank you so much for your kindness. It's definitely something I've been doing a lot of thinking / reading about! Would LOVE your thoughts as well!
Aimee Semple McPherson, I recognize that name -- I was raised in Foursquare and am still a part of the Foursquare denomination. Tent revivals were definitely a big part of the early DNA of the movement (and are definitely still talked about). Being more contemplative in a denomination of raging Pentecostals definitely has had me making pro and con lists.
"technology became a mission of faith" really struck me. I started growing up right as the iPhone mania started. I remember getting my first iPod right when I turned 13. Growing up in a time when the goal seemed to be quick, easy, and relevant, embracing the messiness and humanness of the Christian faith sometimes seem to be very much at odds. The fast response-internet-at-my-finger-tip culture I've been introduced to and immersed in definitely clashes with the part of my soul that just really wants to spend my time in quiet and solitude.
YES to this--I think I spent so long mindlessly adopting all new technology because that was what I thought I needed to do in order to make the biggest difference in the world. But now I'm wondering if that is actually what we are being asked to do. Perhaps it is for some to do but not everyone?