CTCR report – ‘A Snapshot of Trending Tools: Christians and Social Media’

The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod’s Commission on Theology and Church Relations in February 2019 issued a report titled A Snapshot of Trending Tools: Christians and Social Media.

In this discussion guide, social media will be considered according to its dictionary definition as “forms of electronic communication (such as websites for social networking and microblogging) through which users create online communities to share information, ideas, personal messages, and other content (such as videos).

These rapidly changing methods of communication are considered indispensable in all areas of life — at home, at work, at all levels of education, in managing health care and providing entertainment. Through social media, people connect with friends and engage with opponents.

How should we as Christians use these social media tools? Will such connections damage the community we share in the Body of Christ or will they build up our relationships as brothers and sisters in the household of God?

In the report, the CTCR considers the use of social media and its impact on life and faith according to seven categories: community, trust, knowledge, influence, identity, temptation and vocation.

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LCMS Commission on Theology and Church Relations

lcms.org/ctcr

CTCR Library — Reports, evaluations, and opinions