Netbook

At a snail's pace, and kicking and screaming most of the way, I'm edging into the technology age. This week-end I bought a Netbook. I've had a laptop for a long time, but this lightweight computer makes airport screening easier and keeps me connected to the Internet in lots of places. Smartphones are great, I know, but I can't quite bite that much of a bullet at this point.

This whole electronic connectivity deal is not second nature to me as it is to many, especially younger folks. But I do sense a re-shaping of the concept of community which has implications for Christian faith-sharing. The Facebook and Twitter phenomena are, no doubt, just the tip of the iceberg as people expand their personal contacts and widen their interests. We are in a global environment.

The coffee shop, once known for its relaxed table conversations, is now a place where those conversations may take place in person, or via text message, video feed or phone call -- and all at the same time! Churches, too, have capitalized on this technology to share information among congregation members, to raise awareness of particular needs for benevolence, to instruct and inspire, to maintain close and current contact with constituents and friends.

But there's something about a handshake, a pat on the back, a smile. Maybe the disciple today is challenged to put feet in both worlds: techno and personal. Those worlds are coming much closer together all the time.