Online Communities and Radical Reformation Perspectives
Today the Urban Connection of the Mennonite Mission Network has published an article on web communities. I am really excited about the article, Online Finds: Web Leads to Real Communiy by Ryan Miller, for a couple reasons. First it shows that the Anabaptists are also asking questions about the global information culture and implications for the church. And second, Ryan interviewed me and used some of our conversation in the article!
Here are a couple interesting quotes from the article (these are not mine!):
In ages past, religious seekers might have gathered in caves, public squares or cloisters to talk about faith. Their theology developed in upper rooms, sanctuaries, meetinghouses, restaurants and cafés.
Add the Internet to that list of holy places.
Blogs and forums can provide support, challenge ways of thinking, worship God and offer inspiration the same things found in most physical communities. Which leads to a question: Can virtual communities be a substitute for the physical world?
Where two or three are gathered is church. I think its an important outlet for people who are part of local communities to share their perspective, find support and hear what others have to say,?? Nafziger wrote in an e-mail. On the other hand, I dont think its reached the point where our interactions are sustained or deep enough to replace face-to-face meetings.??
Every word we write should be part of the mortar that holds the stones in place,?? wrote John Ballard, who responded to a question posted at young.anabaptistradicals.org. It may not be possible to feed, house or medicate the physical body over the Internet, but reaching out to someone’s spiritual health is absolutely possible. So to that end, we have as Christians another tool in our toolbox. To the extent we learn to use it well, we can advance the Great Commission.
This article, and the various sites it points to, is evidence of the growing conversation among the Radical Reformation believers over these very important issues.
So if you haven’t gone there yet – check it out now.
Other sites associated with the article:
Young Anabaptists Radicals
Jesus Radicals
Amosis16
Anabaptist Network
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