Yet another story appeared this week on how churches are utilizing technology. “‘Godcasts’ Spread the Gospel” appeared in the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review on Sunday. I’m amazed that this continues to be news. Are churches that far out of touch that no one expects us to use technology? Thus churches tapping into new innovations warrants news? Weird.
As cool as technology is (and I admit to being a tech booster), we always need to remember that balance is in order. I love the comment from Rabbi James Rudin, senior inter-religious adviser for the American Jewish Committee:
“Human touch can never be replaced,” Rudin said. “The congregation will always be the sum of its people.”
Oh, and the article quoted some guy named Brad Abare.
cynthia ware
August 17, 2006
I don’t think the point of the article is that it’s such a shock that churches utilize technology (even though we are often thought of as overly traditional, outdated, boring, and at best lagging). I think the point is to what extent, expense and degree are the megachurches and now even smaller congregations embracing new technologies to enhance the relevance of the message. I celebrate these efforts. It’s not that we’re trying to make the gospel appear hip (or as previously noted replace, authenticity with slick). It’s that we are trying to prevent the gospel from getting overlooked by honest seekers due to either boring sermons or bad packaging.
I couldn’t agree with you more about the Rabbi’s message: “Human touch can never be replaced.” As I was praying for a woman in a hospital bed recently she said please have them take the tv out of here.
Keep up the good work.