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CI

History

CHRISTIAN RESPONSES TO PRE-INTERNET COMPUTING TECHNOLOGIES

While the modern internet is a relatively recent phenomenon, its roots lie deeper in earlier computing technologies dating from the early twentieth century. As military-developed computing capability became integrated into business and governmental operations in the post-World War II era, this use of data processing and computerized record keeping by the US Government was the occasion for the first significant public reaction to computer technologies by Christian groups in the United States. Concerns over the collection and use of data were occasionally mentioned as part of the larger Christian critique over the use of governmental power, particularly in relation to protests during the Vietnam War, as well more general theological critiques of "technical" society. However, computing was not a central topic for Christian public witness in the United States until late in the twentieth century.

US CHRISTIANITY AND THE INTERNET

The underlying framework of the internet was developed along with the spread of data-processing technologies to academic, governemental and business settings. These larger-scale computing centers communicated through a shared network, however, through the 1960s and 1970s, these technologies were largely inaccessible to the general public. By the late 1970s and early 1980s, as personal computers became increasingly popular and affordable, computing's integration into daily life created a demand for additional functionality. The release of Web browsers in the early 1990s, screen interfaces and network routing also enabled average users to enter addresses and access material on other computers.

These developments initially received a mixed response from Christian denominations and churches in the United States. Denominations and individual Christian leaders offered cautionary statements on the impact of the internet, recognizing its power but reacting with deep concern over the online context as a conduit for pornography and exploitation, particularly of children and youth. These concerns remain pertinent because of the power of online communication to challenge traditional boundaries and privacy norms, particularly in light of developments in mobile technology.

At the same time, however, Christian groups have increasingly been active users of the internet, developing web pages and online communities in an effort to remain visible and relevant. This engagement with the technology has raised new questions concerning the possible scope of online ministry, in particular whether church participation and sacrament can be fully lived out through an online connection. Evangelical Christian groups, particularly parachurch organizations, as well as youth-oriented ministries across the theological spectrum, have been especially active in adopting more recent social media technologies and as a way of building and reinforcing community and discipleship. However, churches in the United States as a whole have taken steps to use the internet as a medium of proclamation and visibility, and online engagement is now largely a norm for demonizations and churches. Christians, as well, report levels of online participation very similar to those of the American public more generally.

Historical

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Denominations

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