Is Cyber Space a blessing or a curse for the Evangelical Church?

Evangelicals have become “Pilgrims of Cyberspace” according to Schultze. Some would argue that this is a good thing and that much work can be accomplished through cyber space for the work of evangelism. However some may also argue that the internet is a place where anything goes and where people are free to say, think, and be anything (including things that we shouldn’t surround ourselves with).

Rather than being on one side of the spectrum or the other, I would say my point of view is somewhere in the middle. The internet does have a lot of stuff on it that is not trust worthy, there is a lot of filth, and as Schultze states, “it can introduce Christians to pagan ideas, tempting misbehaviours and destructive communities.” There are many competing religions, ideals, and ways of living that are presented on the internet as well. On the other hand, the internet is also a means by which many people can be reached. It gives the opportunity to be heard and to speak your mind, discovering for yourself (out of all the opinions presented) what it is that you believe. A leader from the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association said, “People don’t have to make themselves very vulnerable to get online and start searching for answers”. This just shows that the internet is one way that people are free to explore and think without as much hesitation as they would have in “the real world”. I would agree with the statement made by editor-in-chief of beliefnet that says that the internet “has a weird combination of anonymity and intimacy” allowing for these types of phenomena.

Although some say that the internet is a negative thing for evangelicals and other believers, it cannot be denied that it is in fact one efficient way to “communicate within congregations, among parachurch networks of believers, and between churches and distant missionaries”. I think relying only on the internet for building your faith is not healthy, but if you completely stay away from it, it can also take away from the amount of effective outreach work and connecting that can occur through this medium. From my point of view, the best option is neither to shun the internet and those who use it nor to become solely dependent on the internet for community and religious growth. Balance is key. We should stick to some traditions while also allowing ourselves to be a witness to the world and to each other through new technologies arise. The way to reach the new generation is through a way they can understand and the way to stay grounded in a solid faith still includes having the real–life church community supporting and strengthening you.