Social networks: portals of truth and faith; new spaces for evangelization
Summarized by Fr. Joselito Jopson
You may use this material in developing homilies and points for reflection:
1.
The social networks are the new “agora” and help
foster dialogue and debate that reinforce bonds of unity between individuals
and promote harmony of the human family. Eventually, it is not the ideas and
information that are shared, but ultimately, our very selves.
2.
What social networks are for: to build
relationships, make friends, look for answers to questions, to find
intellectual stimulation, share knowledge.
Communities are also built. They are nourished by the aspirations rooted
in human heart.
3.
A great degree of truth and values is at stake here
vs. popularity, relying on persuasion rather than logic of argumentation. Thus, people should commit to the value of
dialogue, reasoned debate, and logical argumentation; discourse and expression
which appeal to the noblest aspirations of those involved in the communication
process.
4.
The task therefore is how to be inclusive,
benefiting from the full participation of believers who desire to share the
message of Jesus and human dignity. The
Good news at this point is so important, but it may be absent in the experience
of many people in this world. The digital environment runs parallel to the
world, especially the young.
5.
The new language is to be used for the Gospel to
reach the minds and hearts of all. It is
composed of images and sound, imagination and affectivity to invite people to
an encounter with the mystery of God’s love.
The icons are translated to this world to portray the truths of faith.
6.
In social networks, believers show authenticity
by sharing the source of their hope and joy: faith in the merciful and loving
God in Christ Jesus, verified by the witness, through their choices,
preference, judgments fully consistent with the Gospel, eventually confirming
Religion in public debate and life of society.
7.
Love, truth, meaning of life – are found only in
Jesus, in the midst of heated and divisive voices, sensationalism, we are
called to attentive discernment, quoting Elijah who saw the Lord, not in
earthquake or fire, but in a still, small voice.
8.
Social network: a factor in human development,
reinforcing unity in global community., facilitating spiritual and liturgical
resources, helping people to pray with closeness to those who share the faith
to those who are distance from it. There
are direct encounters, experience of the community and even pilgrimages, until
the ends of the earth.
log: Feature
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