“New Pioneer Times”
I just added a link in the sidebar to a really interesting blog post about the blessing the Internet can be, especially in furthering the Lord’s work. The author of the post shares many thought-provoking quotes and thoughts. Consider the following, for example:
I believe this modern explosion of inventions and technology really puts us in “new pioneer times.” In 1862, President Brigham Young said, “Every discovery in science and art, that is really true and useful to mankind, has been given by direct revelation from God. … We should take advantage of all these great discoveries … and give to our children the benefit of every branch of useful knowledge, to prepare them to step forward and efficiently do their part in the great work.” (Deseret News, 22 October 1862, 129)
He also asks some questions, some of which I include below:
• Are you using the Internet, cell phones, and other communication devices just to manage schedules and information, or are you taking advantage of these [G]od-given miracles to share your stories and your testimony of the gospel with others?…
• Are you using the miracle of computers to write your family history and…what you believe? Then do you post it on your family Web site so others can read it?…
• Are you writing your testimonies in blogs? ……Posting your thoughts, testimony, and views on life on the Internet is a way to share them with millions of people. Your story may be read by someone in a high-rise apartment building in Chicago where missionaries can’t get in. Maybe it will be read by a young person in China who is desperately seeking an answer to the purpose of life.
He concludes by saying:
These are ways to be a pioneer—to use the God-given miracles of technology to share your testimony with the world without ever leaving your home. No one at any time in the history of the world has been able to do this. But you can do it, if you want to be a pioneer. May we all be modern pioneers and use the God-given miracles of technology around us to fulfill the Lord’s purposes.
How do you see the Internet facilitating God’s work? How has the Internet helped you personally in your own spiritual life?
August 11th, 2006 05:28
Michelle, thanks for this post, and for the link. I know that blogging on religious subjects has been something that has enriched my spiritual life.
Reading and commenting on the Bloggernacle for over a year left me with the impression that it was mostly people with doubts (including both members and former members) who were voicing their opinions on the Internet. I think we need more blog posts written by members with strong testimonies to make their voices heard in this medium–precisely for the reasons mentioned in the linked post. We never know who might come upon our testimonies as they are surfing the Web, or as they are perusing LDS websites while looking for answers to personal questions.
I have surely felt a witness of the Spirit to truths as they have been articulated on this blog, as well as other LDS blogs. The Lord can inspire us as we both read and write posts and comments.
The other ideas you quoted in your post have spurred me to be sure that I mention spiritual experiences as well as family news when I talk on my cell phone or write family emails.
I think it’s exciting to consider being pioneers in this new way–while not neglecting to pray for opportunities to share the Gospel with those we personally meet in our every-day activities.
August 11th, 2006 10:07
RoAnn,
Thank you for your comment. I have had some similar experiences as I have participated in discussions in various places. (In fact, ironically, I was quite discouraged about this more negative element of the internet last nite…even wrote about it.) I found it interesting to stumble on that blog post when I was feeling discouraged…as a sort of reminder that we can be proactive to focus on light.
It also made me grateful for Roxcy, where our goal is to build faith and share testimony.
August 11th, 2006 14:43
I agree with both of you. I have often come away shaking my heads at some of the blogs I come across. When I started looking for sites of LDS members there seemed to be so few that were strong in testimony and power of the gospel. I cling to those I have found and stay away from the ones that seem to damper my soul.
As far as the internet, I wish I could say that it has helped me with genealogy but it really hasn’t. I find that I still have the best luck doing research the hard way. The computer on the other hand has made organizing those records much easier, and so much easier to share. I look forward to the many new changes coming with family search, they are bound to be a blessing.
August 15th, 2006 05:26
I think there is good and bad that comes with the internet. I have been able to foster relationships and keep in touch with people who have been curious about how their “mormon friend” turned out, and therefore I’ve been an example with a platform to share the gospel. There is a plethora of information and resources helpful to gospel study and sharing. However, the internet is also exposing controversy about the church in a forum that lacks the spirit.
August 15th, 2006 10:31
Jen, I agree with you 100%, on both sides. Thanks for chiming in.