Do you think modern life makes it harder or easier to build real community?

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We have technology that lets us connect instantly with people everywhere, yet many people still talk about loneliness and disconnection.

Do you think modern life has strengthened community, weakened it, or maybe both in different ways?

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You’re making an important observation here. I think the answer has to do with God’s all-encompassing design. There is a “gathering together” principle that reflects God’s heart and intentions for His people.

In the very beginning He tells us that being alone isn’t good. Company is designed to be fully experienced in person. Written communication is essential (consider the stone tablets and the New Testament letters), and today we can interact that way with incredible ease.

We can also send videos and recordings, and we collectively do so millions of times each day. We can amass countless likes and clicks that are usually meaningless. The downside to such easy communication is the extent to which mere opinion, misinformation and conspiracy theories flow everywhere fast!

But if God’s people communicate primarily in these ways they will miss a crucial part of God’s inherent design for true community. Of course, good company isn’t guaranteed because we mix in person with others. Far from it! But by design mingling with others meets needs that online communication can’t. And we cannot fully experience church life without it.

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As @Stenos said

Just like anything else, the Internet is a tool. It can be used for good or evil. To bless, or curse. To come together with fellow believers, or fall into the traps of the enemy. We must be cautious. This is growing and one of the most seductive idols. The idol of self. You need nothing and no one. You are not only enough, but you are the best. Most important. You are a “god.” Sound familiar?

“How you are fallen from heaven,
O Day Star, son of Dawn!

How you are cut down to the ground,
you who laid the nations low!

You said in your heart,
‘I will ascend to heaven;
above the stars of God

I will set my throne on high;
I will sit on the mount of the assembly
in the far reaches of the north;

I will ascend above the heights of the clouds;
I will make myself like the Most High.’

But you are brought down to Sheol,
to the far reaches of the pit.

Those who see you will stare at you
and ponder over you:

‘Is this the man who made the earth tremble,
who shook kingdoms,

who made the world like a desert
and overthrew its cities,
Who did not let his prisoners go home?’ Isaiah 14:12-17

“You said in your heart, ‘I will ascend to heaven; above the stars of God I will set my throne on high; will sit on the mount of assembly in the far reaches of the north; will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.’” Lucifer, as he was known then, wanted to be the most important. He wanted people to bow down in front of him. Worship him. Look what he said to Jesus.

“Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. And he said to him, “All these I will give you if you will fall down and worship me.” Matthew 4:8-9

This is what he tempted Adam and Eve with.

“But the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” Genesis 3:4-5

Look what society tells our kids. “There is no god.” “You only live once.” “You are special, and you are in control of your future.” “Look out for number one.” If you put yourself out there, social media and such, you could be the next big thing.” “The next influencer with thousands of followers.” Sound familiar?
Peter

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I think it has done both in different ways. For example, I like how Facebook groups provide connection with like-minded people. Or even this forum! But the internet/social media can also be distracting and makes it easier for me to waste time—time that would probably be better spent connecting with people in real life. Whenever I do make the time and effort to connect face-to-face with people these days, it always seems extra special. Just having friends over for dinner, going to church in person, or going on a walk with a friend is so important to me. As embodied creatures, I think we are always going to need connection with people face-to-face.

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Another well written response @Stenos.

J.

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In full agreement @DaughterOfEve24.
I am housebound so I gym frequently and love my spacious backyard.

J.

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