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Corrina's avatar

I agree with your points, Chris. I get frustrated because it seems so many people are busy busy, it’s hard to connect. I’ve desired deeper Christian friendships and a mentor for so long and have come up mostly empty. Yet I’ve “connected” with people online. I realize it’s backward but am unsure about how to fix it. I’m going to request that my library order your book, I enjoyed Terms of Service.

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Theresa "Sam" Houghton's avatar

Very good points. I think you’re quite right that people, Christians included, avoid real, deep relationships in favor of connecting on the Internet. Internet “friendships“ require less effort, less emotional investment, and less time than real friendships. Cultivating them is as simple as reacting to pr commenting on posts, whereas true friendships require sacrifice, emotional investment, and willingness to set aside one’s own schedule, agenda, or desires.

I, too, have made real, lasting friendships via the Internet, but by and large, I find myself thirsting for the close connections I had with best friends in high school with whom I could discuss anything and to whom I could go at any time. It was much better when we could pick up the phone or go over to each other’s houses and have that real, embodied connection.

It’s essential for Christians to embrace this in church settings and outside of church fellowship with fellow believers. It takes time, but it’s worth it.

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