Info-tech Sabbath
As someone who has been deeply involved with modern technologies for over a decade, I know how powerful tools like the Internet can be for evangelization and apostolic works. However, that power cuts two ways, as technology can also take over someone’s life. That is why rule #6 of my Rules of Engagement for Catholics on the Internet is “Take at least one day off a week from the Internet.” Taking a day off allows one to refocus on what is truly important in life (hint: it’s not email).
Joe Carter over at First Things has come to a similar conclusion:
I never find the time to be alone with God during the week, so I’ve dedicated this Sunday afternoon to prayer. But before I do I should check my e-mail so I won’t be distracted. It won’t take long before. . . Thirty-two new messages, including one from the boss? I better reply right now. They might be important.
Some invitations from Facebook. Those are easy to clear out so let me accept them and I’m . . . hmm, I didn’t realize I had more notifications. Looks like Stacy finally launched a blog; I’ll just click through really quickly to check it out. Some great stuff. I really should add her blog to my RSS reader before I forget. What, “More than 100+ items”? Didn’t I just check this yesterday? I should really whittle these down a bit before it gets worse.
Wow, here I was about to focus on prayer and Bible study and my favorite theology-blogger has an excellent post on spiritual disciples. I have to share that with my own blog readers. That’s a topic that’s really on my heart today, and it won’t take long.
Hmm, looks like some comments are hung up in our spam filter again. Better fix that, or people will be discouraged from commenting. Oh man, does this guy misrepresent what I wrote. I can’t let that go unchallenged. Readers might be led astray. It won’t take long.
OK, now I need to buckle down and pray. Let me check the time on my iPhone—no way, it’s been four hours?—and who are these voicemails from?
Modern technology, which was supposed to simplify our life and give us more leisure time, has in many ways done the opposite. We Christians need to be careful not to let it become our god, demanding all our time and attention.
