The Virtual Body of Christ in a Suffering World

Nonfiction, Religion & Spirituality, Theology, Christianity, Church
Cover of the book The Virtual Body of Christ in a Suffering World by Deanna A. Thompson, Abingdon Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Deanna A. Thompson ISBN: 9781501815195
Publisher: Abingdon Press Publication: November 1, 2016
Imprint: Abingdon Press Language: English
Author: Deanna A. Thompson
ISBN: 9781501815195
Publisher: Abingdon Press
Publication: November 1, 2016
Imprint: Abingdon Press
Language: English

We live in a wired world where 24/7 digital connectivity is increasingly the norm. Christian megachurch communities often embrace this reality wholeheartedly while more traditional churches often seem hesitant and overwhelmed by the need for an interactive website, a Facebook page and a twitter feed. This book accepts digital connectivity as our reality, but presents a vision of how faith communities can utilize technology to better be the body of Christ to those who are hurting while also helping followers of Christ think critically about the limits of our digital attachments.    

This book begins with a conversion story of a non-cell phone owning, non-Facebook using religion professor judgmental of the ability of digital tools to enhance relationships. A stage IV cancer diagnosis later, in the midst of being held up by virtual communities of support, a conversion occurs: this religion professor benefits in embodied ways from virtual sources and wants to convert others to the reality that the body of Christ can and does exist virtually and makes embodied difference in the lives of those who are hurting.
    
The book neither uncritically embraces nor rejects the constant digital connectivity present in our lives. Rather it calls on the church to a) recognize ways in which digital social networks already enact the virtual body of Christ; b) tap into and expand how Christ is being experienced virtually; c) embrace thoughtfully the material effects of our new augmented reality, and c) influence utilization of technology that minimizes distraction and maximizes attentiveness toward God and the world God loves.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

We live in a wired world where 24/7 digital connectivity is increasingly the norm. Christian megachurch communities often embrace this reality wholeheartedly while more traditional churches often seem hesitant and overwhelmed by the need for an interactive website, a Facebook page and a twitter feed. This book accepts digital connectivity as our reality, but presents a vision of how faith communities can utilize technology to better be the body of Christ to those who are hurting while also helping followers of Christ think critically about the limits of our digital attachments.    

This book begins with a conversion story of a non-cell phone owning, non-Facebook using religion professor judgmental of the ability of digital tools to enhance relationships. A stage IV cancer diagnosis later, in the midst of being held up by virtual communities of support, a conversion occurs: this religion professor benefits in embodied ways from virtual sources and wants to convert others to the reality that the body of Christ can and does exist virtually and makes embodied difference in the lives of those who are hurting.
    
The book neither uncritically embraces nor rejects the constant digital connectivity present in our lives. Rather it calls on the church to a) recognize ways in which digital social networks already enact the virtual body of Christ; b) tap into and expand how Christ is being experienced virtually; c) embrace thoughtfully the material effects of our new augmented reality, and c) influence utilization of technology that minimizes distraction and maximizes attentiveness toward God and the world God loves.

More books from Abingdon Press

Cover of the book Song of Silence by Deanna A. Thompson
Cover of the book Genesis to Revelation: Luke Participant Book Large Print by Deanna A. Thompson
Cover of the book The Redemption of Scrooge Youth Study Book by Deanna A. Thompson
Cover of the book Ready-to-Go Devotions for Mission and Service by Deanna A. Thompson
Cover of the book Confronting the Controversies by Deanna A. Thompson
Cover of the book Converge Bible Studies: Fasting by Deanna A. Thompson
Cover of the book Scripture and the Wesleyan Way Leader Guide by Deanna A. Thompson
Cover of the book God in Pain by Deanna A. Thompson
Cover of the book The Concise Dictionary of Pastoral Care and Counseling by Deanna A. Thompson
Cover of the book A Woman Overwhelmed - Women's Bible Study Participant Workbook by Deanna A. Thompson
Cover of the book The Abingdon Worship Annual 2012 by Deanna A. Thompson
Cover of the book More Children's Sermons To Go by Deanna A. Thompson
Cover of the book The Pentateuch by Deanna A. Thompson
Cover of the book A Faith of Her Own by Deanna A. Thompson
Cover of the book Joseph - Women's Bible Study Leader Guide by Deanna A. Thompson
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy