Posted on 01/24/2013 10:19:51 AM PST by marshmallow
Social media need to promote more logic, kindness and Christian witness than bluster, star-status and division, Pope Benedict XVI has said.
Given that the online world exposes people to a wider range of opinions and beliefs, people need to accept the existence of these other cultures, be enriched by it and offer others what they possess that is good, true and beautiful, the Pope said.
Christians are called to bring truth and values to the whole world online and off remembering that it is ultimately the power of Gods word that touches hearts, not sheer human effort, he said in his message for World Communications Day.
The theme of the 2013 celebration marked in most dioceses the Sunday before Pentecost, this year May 12 is Social Networks: Portals of Truth and Faith; New Spaces for Evangelisation. The papal message was released on the feast of St Francis de Sales, patron of journalists, January 24.
Social media need the commitment of all who are conscious of the value of dialogue, reasoned debate and logical argumentation, the Pope said.
Social forums need to be used wisely and well, which means fostering balanced and respectful dialogue and debate, he said, and paying special attention to privacy, responsibility and truthfulness.
Too often, popularity garnered either from fame or strategic powers of persuasion determines the significance and effectiveness of online communication, not intrinsic importance or value, he said.
Catholics can show their authenticity by sharing their hope and joy, and its source in Jesus Christ. Catholics also should give witness by the way they live their lives and how their choices, preferences and judgments are fully consistent with the Gospel, he added.
(Excerpt) Read more at catholicherald.co.uk ...
Water seeks its own level.
From the Religion Moderator's profile page:
Rules of Engagement for Catholics on the Internet
Toward a Theological Ethic for Internet Discourse
16 Ways to be a better and holier blog commenter
Near as I can figure out what he is trying to say (always a bit of a chore with this Pontiff) we should practice Christian love for others online just as if we met them in the street or in the workplace.
No issues with that certainly.
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