Some thoughts by one recent Facebook returnee ...

Facebook has without question become one of the key places where the world hangs out. (e.g. a recent newspaper article reports that a third of the Australian population now has a Facebook account). So whatever misgivings one may have about Facebook (and I certainly have some), my personal conclusion is that Christians generally, and leaders especially, should be here for the Kingdom's sake.

But questions remain, and here is but one of them. From a Kingdom point of view, what is the most helpful approach to open discussions (such as occur frequently on one of my friends' wall) between members of the Christian community, where folks who may not call themselves Christians are listening in and sometimes participating? Is this the right or best place to discuss especially matters of serious contention between believers? (NB: I'm asking this openly, with no assumed 'right' answer!)

It's not that there needs to be a problem with spiritual seekers seeing that Christians have disagreements. And indeed, thinking in terms of Paul's engagement with the Athenians (Acts 17, second half), there's something potentially very exciting about taking the Gospel and it's ramifications into the public 'marketplace' of ideas.

But one question that arises is the risk of misunderstanding in this very detached medium, where it's no simple matter to convey all the nuances of meaning. e.g. To a listener who doesn't know the wider context or the range of what's assumed among Christians, a positive comment based on an orthodox understanding of the Bible could well read as hopelessly bigoted or arrogant.

Or to look at it another way, if we'd at least think twice before passionately debating it in a café, should we debate it on Facebook?

My purpose is definitely not to draw lines in the sand. But I hope this may generate some thoughtful reflection.