A "Race" to Self-Destruct

Humanity, that species of vast intellect, incredible physical capacity to build and create, and the greatest cluster of stupidity and self-destruction. Don't agree? you might be part of the problem (either that or you are a hermit living by yourself and no internet).

Looking at Facebook today I was bombarded with the insanity of humanity. People accusing and demanding justice even when they were not present and do not have the evidence in hand. All because some deemed it necessary to cry "racism", when in fact it is the one's crying out that are the racists. They accuse at the drop of the hat; not even taking the time to see the situation or the actions of the "victim". Now people are threatening to kill white people because the courts have declared a man innocent. They would rather that the man be thrown in jail over a flimsy accusation than to actually seek justice.

Paula Dean has been the victim of such a mentality, rejected for a mistake made over a decade ago and put to social shame and financial ruin for the sake of some being "politically correct". This foolishness is destroying our country from the inside out. The hearts of the people are set on themselves and cry out for rights that are not their own and demand recompense for deeds that cost them nothing.

It appears that "feelings", whims, and self-centered, victim mentalities are now what drive the actions of this once great people rather than logic, determination, and respect. For our country to grow and prosper we need to learn to look before we act and think before we speak. Stop being offended over every little thing, stop being hypocrites who punish for actions that you yourself are doing, and learn to respect your brothers and sisters in humanity.  

Stay Connected

It's the 21st Century! We have advanced in technology and technology makes the world a better place!

Or does it???

It is easy for one to argue either way. One aspect of technology that I want to focus on, however, is that which connects us and keeps open multiple lines of communication. Today we are all consistently aware of what others are saying, thinking, and doing by way of Facebook, Twitter, and various forms of social media, as well as having cell phones that keeps our friends and family just a few short rings away at all times. Many would think of this as a wonder that has brought progress and advancement to the world, and they would be right in saying so! But what else have these things brought us?

I don't think we realize the problems that have also been wrought by our so called "advancements". For one, technology has led to the depersonalizing of relationships. Certain social networks have taken away the risk in relationships, as well as devalued the meaning of the word "friend". Today, everyone is automatically a "friend" so long as they have sent a friend request. No one personally shares their stories with there friends. Instead they pour it out for everyone to see/read.

Boundaries are broken because of the advancement of technology. Privacy is invaded, and people are quicker to speak without thinking first. Many people make statements online that, if they were in the presence of all the people they have "friended", would think twice about saying and ultimately choose not to say. Emotion and personality are significantly reduced by the use of texting and social networks.

Ultimately, one could argue that we are in fact LESS connected because of advancement. When communication is reduced to short, emotional-driven statement made in haste and without discernment as to whom is reading, then we are left with relationships that are raped by emotions and by cold, unforgiving delusions of popularity and friendship.

Also, I question the value in people also being contactable? This severely affects the much needed solitude and silence that are needed for one's psyche. These are two spiritual disciplines that are all but lost because of all that I have mentioned above. With the presence of cell phone, people suddenly are loaded with false obligations and responsibility. How many of you have been reprimanded for not answering your phone? Or for not responding to a text fast enough? Is it your responsibility to do so? There is no scripture that says "Thou shalt make yourself as available as possible for others" or "If thou art within the reach of one's voice, then thou shalt heed it!" No, this is not a Bible taught concept. Again, this is a violation of privacy and of personal boundaries. Too much "communication" can be bad, especially since these forms have overridden true quality time with other members of humanity.

Don't get me wrong. I am grateful  for technology and I am grateful for what cell phones and social media can do to better our lives; to ease our lives. I simply am stating that we need to be aware of the problems that can incur because of it and work to keep these from affecting us, our relationships, and the unity of the Church.

Peace be upon you all,

Stephen

"Christian" Facebook

Recently I was talking to a friend over coffee that I greatly respect. I was sharing some things that were on my heart that was bothering me, and at one point we began talking about some of my blog posts and Facebook statuses; I found myself being humbled at my friends rebuke of a couple of immature and disrespectful posts. I had vented on one of my posts (removed the day of said conversation) in which I had been careful not to mention names, but had been ruthless and cold in other respects. People still knew who I was talking about in the post regardless of whether I put the names in there or not, and I had failed in my attempt to be "sensitive" in how I presented my thoughts. I failed to take my Christian beliefs and ethics and apply it to my everyday life. In addition to this I had done something similar with a Facebook status in which I did mention the name (also, now removed) that was even more rude and disrespectful. At this revelation I apologize to those I have disrespected and offended in my immaturity.

We have a responsibility to one another, even more so if one is a Christian, to be loving and respectful of others. We must seek to display maturity and professionalism when we display things for all the world to see. Facebook is dangerous in that we can be far to bold in our speaking, in a way that we wouldn't if the person was present. In fact it is almost cowardly to post on Facebook what one is unwilling to say to a persons face. Through Facebook there is a break down of privacy and intimacy, both of which are components of life that are extremely necessary to our growth and our stability as human beings. Emotional and mental health demand a certain level of intimacy and privacy.

My belief, my faith, my religion, and my God demand that I bring all of my life under the submission of the Holy Spirit and the Word of God almighty. This means reading my posts twice, and twice more, to make sure that I am displaying Christ-like character and love. What I did was not biblical by any means. I must continually check my heart and my attitude and seek the guidance and moving of the Holy Spirit within me. I must "become all things to all people" by tempering my soul with prayer and meditation so that I will have no malice and bitterness to be poured out into my writings. "Out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks."  So, therefore, I must change my heart, but more importantly I need to seek God to have my heart changed.

Lets all learn to do this, and maybe Facebook, Blogger, Google+, and all those other forms of social media can become a better tool for community and the Gospel and not something that utterly destroys them...