Should Christians be on Facebook?

[Buzzardhut]

I assume when you say "...it cannot be misunderstood by others.." you are talking about email and how they are often misunderstood. My question would be why is FB better than Skype or just phoning. I realize we cant personally visit all our old friends due to distance but at least Skype gives you a face to face with the person your talking to. Wouldn't this be better than FB for accurate exchange of ideas and information?
Or even a BB like this provides that opportunity.

Thanks for your thoughts buzzdhut.

I'm referring to in written form where you can articulately express your beliefs, uninterrupted, whereas people you would not normally converse so deeply with can understand your theological position in greater detail.

[Mtown]

I use FB. And this thread has given me some additional thought to what I've already been thinking about in terms of my use of it. I do get tired of the "look at me" posts but I use it for keeping up with articles from CMI, crossfit workouts are posted etc. It is also a good way to tell people about Jesus as it comes up all the time. I find it easier to talk about Jesus on text than face to face(something I need work on I know).

[Longing2cJesus]

As a witness and presenter of Jesus? Of course!


Just good 'ole Sproul trying to drudge up some old fashioned calvinist guilt.

Also a rehashing on the arguments for/against MySpace.

[Nate928]

I'm 20 years old, Facebook is the only way I keep in contact with people from high school which I'm thankful for because we are all so spread out. But I do see a lot of offensive things on there. Most of my posts however are bible verses. And occasionally I'll get into a debate with several people. Witnessing is my main goal everyday on Facebook. There are just too many lost people out there and too little time to not take every avenue available to spread the truth before it too late.

[TimothyK]

If the internet is truly a neutral medium where all manner of material good and bad is about, then Christians are free to espouse their views as any other. The vehicle (FB, Twitter) is irrelevant.

Not a fan myself. But if you so choose this one or any other, more power to you!

Dear Christians if you would use Facebook to that end, Godspeed to you and may our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ bless your efforts with a bountiful harvest for God!

Preach it!

[Anymomentnow]

Not a fan myself. But if you so choose this one or any other, more power to you!

Dear Christians if you would use Facebook to that end, Godspeed to you and may our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ bless your efforts with a bountiful harvest for God!

Preach it!

Amen!

[Deb101]

FB - just think of all the people that can be reached with a word that may be used by the Holy Spirit

On my FB is a running add for Thru The Bible. There are times when a posting for Christ reaches many people because of another's friends who are not saved. I'm not that concerned with how some one else uses FB. How am I using it is the thing.

There are certainly many a wicked thing in this world, how about that one sitting in the pew next to you? How often do we see Paul warning us about what is wrong or the dog that has come into our own churches.

[TimothyK]

FB - just think of all the people that can be reached with a word that may be used by the Holy Spirit

On my FB is a running add for Thru The Bible. There are times when a posting for Christ reaches many people because of another's friends who are not saved. I'm not that concerned with how some one else uses FB. How am I using it is the thing.

There are certainly many a wicked thing in this world, how about that one sitting in the pew next to you? How often do we see Paul warning us about what is wrong or the dog that has come into our own churches.

I'd be the guy in the pew next to you, that dog that happened to wander in. Story of my life. It's Christ in me that says anything better then who I am as a man.

But yeah speaking as a chief among sinners, FB is as nasty a place as anywhere else on the internet. A security risk to your privacy among very many other things. It wouldn't be hard to prove such things.

It's just another place you might be able to reach lost souls for Jesus Christ. To that end, it's just as well as any other.

Biker bar, prison, occupy protests, gay pride/parade events... all these places could do with a Christian witness to the Good News in Jesus Christ.

Those that can and do, Godspeed. May their harvest be grand and may God bless their efforts and keep His own dear children from harm.

May God make me like these great men and women, or else may He use me in the way that is best for Him.

[IMSAVED]

[Jan51]

As an author, I got on FB reluctantly, at my publisher's prodding, but I enjoy it. I'm not concerned about privacy issues because I've had websites for years. Everything I say on FB is "public" so I have no qualms about what they do with my info. (I think they, and "THEY" in the larger sense, already know more about us than we like or can do anything about anyhow.) I've never seen much "evil" on FB, maybe because of the friends I have.

I make sure my postings are not all about me but I make plenty of comments and "likes" under other people's posts. I don't care to post many pictures. I post book stuff, horse stuff, piano stuff, observations about life, articles I've read that I'd like to draw attention to (Christian, evolution, social, political, etc.), funny things that happen, and yes, even my failures, like the day I left to sub at one school but somehow ended up at the wrong school! DOH!

Although I recognize its pitfalls for some people, I think FB is great--it works for me and my purposes. As an introvert, I like being able to throw something out there and know that no one is obligated to read it, respond, or like it. If they want to disagree or discuss, I enjoy that! None of the concerns in the OP need to be concerns for anyone. It works just the same as my "real" life--thinking before I speak, praying for opportunities to say something for the Lord, being kind, tactful, not self-centered. The internet has enriched my life in so many ways--so much information at my fingertips, and so many opportunities to connect with like-minded people in various interest areas of my life. I love the internet!

[TimothyK]

I love the internet!

Be careful. The internet doesn't always love you back.

[Acts5:41]

Well, we can be a light in the darkness.

I am a member of a private group, I am one of the only saved people there. When someone has a crisis, I offer what I feel is Godly advice and offer prayer.

Today, one woman wrote "Where is Heather? I need her advice"

Hopefully they will see fruits in my life, backtrack that to my salvation, and consider giving Him a second look.

I am also very open about the Bible Handouts and such.

[IMSAVED]

Be careful. The internet doesn't always love you back.

You are soooo right.I really can not say that I love anything on this Earth.Now Heaven will be a different story.

[Jan51]

You are soooo right.I really can not say that I love anything on this Earth.Now Heaven will be a different story.

I love many things of this world. God has provided so many things for us to use and enjoy--the creation itself, family and friends, basic needs, pleasures, possessions, conveniences, etc. Yes, many of them have downsides. Cars kill people, medicines have side effects, telephones can be used to accelerate gossip in the church, pumps on wells go out and complicate lives that are based on running water (like ours temporarily went out this morning). We are to use them with wisdom and discretion. But I believe we are to look for God's hand in everything and be thankful and grateful. However, I do not love the godless "world system."

[Anymomentnow]

Thank you to all who have contributed their thoughts on this topic so far.
I must admit there has been some good discussion and I am starting to see a pattern in the responses.

As a tool for evangelism FB would seem to be very good.
As a way to catch up with distant friends and family - also very good.
As a temptation for self indulgence - definitely a problem.
But as the old adage goes, don't throw the baby out with the bath water. Just because some use it for the wrong reason, don't condem all who use it.
Mmmmmmmmmmmmm lots to think and pray about and to reconsider.