Friday Question: Why Christian Separatism?
Andy over at the the Church Sofa has a post in which he notes a new social networking website called MyBlab, which appears to be a Christian alternative to Facebook.
We already had Chirp – the Christian version of Twitter – and GodTube.
Andy asks:
What’s so bad with Christians being part of Twitter / Facebook?
I would proffer that this is part of a wider trend of some Christians seeking separatism.
I believe this is wrong as we as Christians are generally called to be in the world but not of the world. How else would we love and witness to neighbour?
Having said this, I fully understand the hermetic religious orders and their call to be separate from, but intercede for, the world.
I even understand Christian forums and blogs, but should these platforms exclude non-believers as some do?
What do you think? Do you advocate and see advantages in separation of faith communities from the secular world, or are you quite comfortable engaging in the wider community?
May 6th, 2011 at 12:17 pm
I think the desire to separate is a strong human instinct, especially where others don’t share your views or are openly hostile to you. Increasingly militant anti-Christian rhetoric is probably driving people to seek refuge in spaces like these social media sites. In reality hostility should drive us out to engage more with the world. This was exactly what happened in Acts and look at the results. Our real strength is not found as a community of people (that’s a world view), but only through following the head of the family.
May 6th, 2011 at 6:44 pm
It is not just rhetoric. I saw a post from someone on another site who felt her friends were quite immoral, and wanted to be with Christians so she would not be exposed to such immorality. However it remains true that the Christian message needs to be spread, so some exposure to what atheists for example say can refine the Christian position for the better.
May 6th, 2011 at 7:13 pm
In hoc signo vincesâ€
Christian Separatism in the U.K. not sure what that actually means in practice, but in principle I say yes to the end of the political equality nonsense that has diluted Christianity.
If invited to live in a christian district or town in the U.K. I would accept the offer of sanctuary.