I just recently read a new book by Shane Hipps titled “Flickering Pixels.” The book has caused quite a stir already after Shane Hipps was on a video on the Out of Ur blog saying he didn’t think anything online was true community (watch that video HERE).

His book focuses on how technology is shaping the faith of Christian believers. In all honesty, I got the book for free, but I also truly believe that it is one of the books that will shape conversations on this topic for years to come. If you want to know more about the book here is a great interview with him and Rob Bell about the book.

One of my favorite parts of the book is in chapter 11. Shane goes into what it means that today people value online community more than face to face community. It is something I hadn’t given much thought. The obvious reason that we do is convenience. It is easier to email someone or talk over instant messenger than it is to drive across town to meet.

But what are the side effects of that decision? Here is what Shane says:

“Virtual community is infinitely more virtual than it is communal…It’s a bit like cotton candy: It goes down easy and satiates our immediate hunger, but it doesn’t provide much in the way of sustainable nutrition. Not only that but our appetite is spoiled. We no longer feel the need to participate in authentic community” (pg.114).

“I find it troubling that so many communities of faith are in hot pursuit of these technologies. The internet is seen as the Holy Grail of “building community.” However, churches will find the unintended consequences of this medium coming back to bite them” (pg.115).

So friends, I pose this question to you:

What are the side effects of focusing on online community instead of face to face community?

(You can read some other reviews/discussions HERE)