HisBook appears to be the latest attempt at creating a "Facebook for Christians" type social media network platform. I clicked on an ad in Facebook and had a wee nosy around. The site looks fab... is really well designed and has a really nice UI. It is really aimed at its target audience and will definitely meet their needs... as a means of connecting with other likeminded people... and enabling discussion in a "speak easy" environment. For that, I commend them.
However... whilst it is attractive - all shiny & new - I haven't joined it and won't join. I know for some of my fellow followers of Jesus it will work... but it doesn't work for me. Why?
Those who know me will know that I am allergic to anything that separates us from people who do not follow Jesus. I take seriously the words of Jesus in the early part of Matthew.
"Here's another way to put it: You're here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We're going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don't think I'm going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I'm putting you on a light stand. Now that I've put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you'll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven."Matthew 5: 14-16
I am open, out and public about my faith in all spheres of my life and seek to be the same to everyone who I am connected with. We need to be out there with the light we have been given... and not seek to contain this wonderful gift within wee private members clubs where obeying "the rules" becomes paramount.
I don't want to seem critical to the folks who have done a fab job in making HisWord happen... but surely that effort could have been better channelled into improving Facebook / Bebo?
That's what I think anyway... thoughts anyone?
Tx
1 comment:
When I started to read this I thought you were going to whole heartedly back a site like this as a really good idea. So I was pleased when your put across your point of view.
As you say I'm sure this will be great for some people. To be honest though I just don't see the point with the creation of these Christian versions of things like this. All it does it reinforce a separation between Christians and the 'real' world. Also there is the danger of living a dualistic life we act one way on 'Hispace' and another way on Myspace in the same way that we can act one way in our Sunday world and another way one Monday morning.
I agree with your point about being salt and light. I think we should put ourselves in secular environments but live differently in them.
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