Forbidden Apps: A Church’s Struggle to Control its Members’ Digital Lives
The Technology Committee of the Church of God in Christ Mennonite recently released a comprehensive report on social media usage within the church community, providing an overview of various platforms and their potential risks to the church. The Holdeman Reporter has obtained a copy of this report, which gives an interesting insight into the church’s stance on social media and technology. This report reveals a seemingly controlling and infantilizing attitude towards church members, as it attempts to dictate what they can and cannot access online.
The report acknowledges the difficulty in rating social media platforms as good or bad, as things change over time, and platforms once considered safe could become dangerous in the future. The key concern is the potential for these platforms to be misused, which could lead to a weakening of the church’s core values, such as separation from the world. A significant quote from the report states, “Each platform has its own set of risks and rewards, and it is essential for our members to approach these platforms with spiritual discernment.”
The document classifies social media platforms into three categories: those that should be avoided, those that can be used cautiously, and those that are relatively safe.
- Platforms to Avoid:
- Telegram: The report cites privacy concerns and the platform’s use by extremist groups as reasons to avoid Telegram. A quote from the report says, “While Telegram promotes privacy, it also shelters those who use it for nefarious purposes, making it unsuitable for our community.”
- Snapchat: According to the report, Snapchat’s focus on ephemeral content encourages superficial connections and inappropriate behavior. The report states, “Snapchat’s disappearing messages create a false sense of security, potentially leading to unwise communication choices.”
- Twitter: The report criticizes Twitter’s character limit and the prevalence of negative discourse, arguing that it contributes to the “spread of misinformation, anger, and conflict.”
- TikTok, Instagram, and Reddit: These platforms are grouped together in the report, which expresses concern about the addictive nature of their content and the potential for exposure to inappropriate material.
2. Platforms to Use with Caution:
- YouTube: The report acknowledges the educational potential of YouTube but warns of the “vast amount of unwholesome content and the risk of falling into a rabbit hole of time-wasting videos.” It recommends using parental controls and monitoring usage.
- Facebook: While Facebook can help members stay connected, the report cautions against the “potential for addiction, superficial connections, and the spread of misinformation.” It recommends using the platform sparingly and with discernment.
- Pinterest: Although the report recognizes Pinterest’s potential for finding inspiration and sharing ideas, it warns that it can “become a time-consuming distraction and expose users to questionable content.”
3. Relatively Safe Platforms:
- CloudVeil Messenger: The report praises CloudVeil Messenger for its focus on privacy and security, making it a preferred platform for communication within the church community.
- WhatsApp: Similar to CloudVeil Messenger, the report considers WhatsApp relatively safe due to its end-to-end encryption and widespread use for communication.
Despite the categorization of these platforms, the report acknowledges that even the safest platforms can become a snare when used to satisfy carnal desires. The responsibility for ensuring proper usage lies with the individual, and it is crucial for church members to maintain their spiritual discernment when navigating these platforms.
However, this approach by the church raises concerns about the infantilizing and controlling nature of attempting to dictate what members can access. For example, the report praises CloudVeil Messenger for its focus on privacy and security, making it a preferred platform for communication within the church community. Yet, CloudVeil Messenger is built using the same software platform as Telegram, which the report criticizes for sheltering those with nefarious purposes. This irony highlights the selective and controlling nature of the church’s recommendations.
It is essential to recognize that people have agency in their decisions and actions. While the Technology Committee’s report serves as a guide, ultimately, individuals should have the freedom to decide how to engage with social media platforms in a way that aligns with their values and faith. The church’s controlling approach may hinder members from developing the necessary skills to navigate the online world independently and responsibly.
In conclusion, the Church of God in Christ Mennonite’s Technology Committee report provides an overview of social media platforms and their potential risks, but its controlling and infantilizing approach raises concerns. Members of the church should be allowed the freedom to make their own informed decisions about their online presence, rather than relying solely on the guidance of a report.
Following is the complete report.
