“The increased availability of the new technologies demands greater responsibility on the part of those called to proclaim the Word, but it also requires them to become more focused, efficient and compelling in their efforts. Priests stand at the threshold of a new era: as new technologies create deeper forms of relationship across greater distances, they are called to respond pastorally by putting the media ever more effectively at the service of the Word.” - Pope Benedict XVI (44th WCD)
Pastors and Church leaders who refuse to use new media technologies in their ministries are not just missing out, they are shirking a responsibility. “To whom much is given, much shall be required” (Luke 12:48). God has given us some very powerful tools. If we let them sit unused or drag our feet in learning how to responsibly use them, we are not embracing these God-given gifts like we should. And not only should the Catholic Church be using these tools, but we should be leaders in using them…across the board, from the top to the bottom.
I think fear and ignorance are two primary reasons many of our leaders fail to do so. Fear of the unknown, to leave their comfort zone, and to embrace something they are not naturally good at. And ignorance as to how much more powerfully and effectively these technologies can proclaim the Word. Neither this fear, nor this ignorance, is invincible. They just need to step up and accept their responsibility. And we need to lovingly help them.
I think a more important point the Pope is making here is not only that our leaders need new media technology. It’s that new media technology needs our leaders! It needs our priests. It needs our bishops. It needs their pastoral leadership.
We need the leaders of the Church to help guide the way with new media. We need them to make sure we are applying these new things in a moral and healthy way to our lives. We need them to help us make sure we are putting “the media ever more effectively at the service of the Word.”
Just like every new advancement or shift in human living - whether scientific, technological, social or whatever - we need the Church to understand it as well as anyone else so that they are able to help guide us through it and employ these technologies effectively and morally. This, according to Pope Benedict, “demands greater responsibility on the part of those called to proclaim the Word.” To whom much is given, much will be required.
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Matthew - I love this post! It was reinforced with Pope Benedict XVI’s comments this weekend - “Without fear we must set sail on the digital sea facing into the deep with the same passion that has governed the ship of the Church for two thousand years. Rather than for, albeit necessary, technical resources, we want to qualify ourselves by living in the digital world with a believer’s heart, helping to give a soul to the Internet’s incessant flow of communication”.”
Keep up the great work!
On the responsible use of technology, we are agreed. However, I believe both the article and the post are partially mistaken. Clearly there is no fear of the damage irresponsibility will cause others, whereas the Holy Father recognizes that real fear and its effect on both children and the faithful.
Ultimately, however, we need living witnesses of the Gospel. The Apostles didn’t need the internet. They could speak on a single day and bring 3000 people to Christ. People leave the Church in spite of technology’s use. People leave because of the spoken words of people, or the unloving behaviors of people in the Church. Most people do something or not, because of whom they know, rather than what they know.
Further, we need to teach people that fear is real and good (especially since it is a REAL and lived experience by every human! To say otherwise is incredulous!). But, like every good, can be perverted. Our real fear should be that we become paralyzed by fear. Jesus was afraid at Gethsemane, and so would any person who knew their death was imminent. It is the response Jesus gives the Father that should empower us, “Not my will, but your will be done.” Jesus looks at the fear and essentially communicates the following: “Look, I am scared to die! I don’t want to die! But, my Father’s Love is greater than fear and death. So, in spite of my fear, I will continue towards my Father’s Love.”
Jesus doesn’t tell us “Do not be afraid” because we should expect no fear in our lives in following Him. No, he tells us “Do not be afraid” because we absolutely do experience the vividness of the fear, and we should move towards Him in spite of the fear. Jesus basically tells us, “Yes, I know you are afraid. But, manage that fear with the help and grace of my Spirit, and I will bring you closer to myself and grant you greater life and joy.”
Moreover, what happens to the person who buries the talent given him? (Mt 25:14-30) He is rebuked, released from the Lord’s service and thrown into suffering (presumably eternal). He was given a gift, and was expected to produce. Surely we must see that it is a good fear to be concerned about what a person is not doing with the gifts given. If we do not have fear of the Lord, both concern for our salvation and awe of his majesty, then we will surely not live up to our responsibilities the Lord has requested of us. We should be afraid of the consequences of failing to be responsible! ““Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.” Wow!!
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