Meet Christian People Online
Single individuals often want to meet Christian people online through a specialized dating service. But they aren't the only ones interested in making new friends with fellow believers. Many individuals who hold God's Word as the truth appreciate the internet communities that can bring them together for fun and fellowship. Creative individuals appreciate the networking opportunities that the internet provides them. Travelers appreciate the internet agencies that package trips and tours catering to their demographic. Even some unbelievers are drawn to faith-based websites to seek answers to difficult questions about the dichotomy of good and evil or suffering or for consolation during tough times. Many faith-based sites provide Bible devotions and studies, articles and commentaries on Biblical passages, and prayer ministries. Surprisingly, some individuals criticize Christian websites. One criticism is that the faith-based websites are too exclusive and intolerant of those with different beliefs. Another criticism is that the websites are using Christianity to make money. The underlying assumptions seem to be two-fold: 1) to meet Christian people online undermines evangelistic efforts; and 2) capitalism is evil.
Both assumptions are faulty. Evangelistic efforts may be part of a faith-based website's mission, but to condemn faith-based individuals for gathering together is silly. What many people may not realize is that the early church gathered together in homes for worship with each other. This was a time for praising God and encouraging one another, especially when facing persecution for their beliefs. The evangelistic efforts were separate from these worship services. Additionally, many individuals are concerned about how immorality pervades so much of culture. Faith-based sites are often considered safe places to meet Christian people online who share similar values and beliefs. Obviously, a single person who is looking for a potential marriage partner wants to meet someone with a similar worldview based on Biblical truths rather than humanistic philosophies. The apostle Paul said: "Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?" (2 Corinthians 6:14). It only makes sense, if a person is going to utilize online dating sites anyway, to sign up with a site that caters to the faith-based community. These types of sites provide an important service and don't deserve this type of criticism.
Neither do the other types of websites that encourage internet users to meet Christian people online. Social networking communities are extremely popular with people of all kinds of beliefs. Lots of individuals create groups based on similar interests, such as book clubs or jazz fans. Similarly, Christians can create groups within those mega-sites, too, based on similar interests. Additionally, some social networking communities are specifically for a faith-based membership. This is no different than networking communities created especially for professionals or for some other target membership. Participating in a faith-based network doesn't mean that Christians aren't involved in evangelistic efforts or are investing time in superficial relationships. All it means is that Christians are like everyone else they enjoy interacting with others who have similar beliefs, values, and interests. They prefer to meet Christian people online in a positive internet environment where individuals can pray for each other and develop deep and lasting friendships.
The other faulty assumption is that capitalism is evil. But capitalism is a monetary system that is neither good nor bad. The criticism seems to be that marketers are shady hucksters who are only concerned about profits. But many Christians are businesspeople, professionals, writers, and musicians. Though some may be more interested in money than ministry, the time spent to meet Christian people online is an investment in relationships, not a way to make a quick buck. Additionally, most Christians understand that gifts and talents come from God. The motive is usually to glorify God through those gifts and talents with income being a secondary motivator. Again, there's nothing wrong with that. Everyone needs an income to take care of themselves and the family. To use the internet as a promotional tool for one's business, professional practice, books, or music is smart marketing. People of faith should be encouraged to support such enterprises. Popular culture certainly can benefit from books, movies, and music that accentuate positive values.
The reasons to meet Christian people online may vary from searching for a potential spouse to participating in a forum with other believers to promoting one's gifts and talents. None of these activities takes away from the responsibility or the ability of Christians to engage in evangelistic efforts. In fact, faith-based opportunities for evangelism can be found on the internet. For example, some Christian travel sites promote short-term mission trips. But evangelism occurs every day as Christians interact with neighbors, retail clerks, delivery people, co-workers, and anyone else they meet. Christians understand that their very lives are a message of hope and faith. Relationships with other believers are necessary to provide encouragement and spiritual growth. These relationships happen best at church and in person. But to meet Christian people online is a great way for making new friends from faraway places. Those who criticize the online Christian community are themselves showing a distasteful intolerance for those who put their faith and hope in Biblical teachings. Their assumptions are faulty and Christians have no need to apologize for participating in faith-based dating sites or networking communities. Neither should Christians feel guilty for supporting believers who are using God-given talents to earn an income.
Both assumptions are faulty. Evangelistic efforts may be part of a faith-based website's mission, but to condemn faith-based individuals for gathering together is silly. What many people may not realize is that the early church gathered together in homes for worship with each other. This was a time for praising God and encouraging one another, especially when facing persecution for their beliefs. The evangelistic efforts were separate from these worship services. Additionally, many individuals are concerned about how immorality pervades so much of culture. Faith-based sites are often considered safe places to meet Christian people online who share similar values and beliefs. Obviously, a single person who is looking for a potential marriage partner wants to meet someone with a similar worldview based on Biblical truths rather than humanistic philosophies. The apostle Paul said: "Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?" (2 Corinthians 6:14). It only makes sense, if a person is going to utilize online dating sites anyway, to sign up with a site that caters to the faith-based community. These types of sites provide an important service and don't deserve this type of criticism.
Neither do the other types of websites that encourage internet users to meet Christian people online. Social networking communities are extremely popular with people of all kinds of beliefs. Lots of individuals create groups based on similar interests, such as book clubs or jazz fans. Similarly, Christians can create groups within those mega-sites, too, based on similar interests. Additionally, some social networking communities are specifically for a faith-based membership. This is no different than networking communities created especially for professionals or for some other target membership. Participating in a faith-based network doesn't mean that Christians aren't involved in evangelistic efforts or are investing time in superficial relationships. All it means is that Christians are like everyone else they enjoy interacting with others who have similar beliefs, values, and interests. They prefer to meet Christian people online in a positive internet environment where individuals can pray for each other and develop deep and lasting friendships.
The other faulty assumption is that capitalism is evil. But capitalism is a monetary system that is neither good nor bad. The criticism seems to be that marketers are shady hucksters who are only concerned about profits. But many Christians are businesspeople, professionals, writers, and musicians. Though some may be more interested in money than ministry, the time spent to meet Christian people online is an investment in relationships, not a way to make a quick buck. Additionally, most Christians understand that gifts and talents come from God. The motive is usually to glorify God through those gifts and talents with income being a secondary motivator. Again, there's nothing wrong with that. Everyone needs an income to take care of themselves and the family. To use the internet as a promotional tool for one's business, professional practice, books, or music is smart marketing. People of faith should be encouraged to support such enterprises. Popular culture certainly can benefit from books, movies, and music that accentuate positive values.
The reasons to meet Christian people online may vary from searching for a potential spouse to participating in a forum with other believers to promoting one's gifts and talents. None of these activities takes away from the responsibility or the ability of Christians to engage in evangelistic efforts. In fact, faith-based opportunities for evangelism can be found on the internet. For example, some Christian travel sites promote short-term mission trips. But evangelism occurs every day as Christians interact with neighbors, retail clerks, delivery people, co-workers, and anyone else they meet. Christians understand that their very lives are a message of hope and faith. Relationships with other believers are necessary to provide encouragement and spiritual growth. These relationships happen best at church and in person. But to meet Christian people online is a great way for making new friends from faraway places. Those who criticize the online Christian community are themselves showing a distasteful intolerance for those who put their faith and hope in Biblical teachings. Their assumptions are faulty and Christians have no need to apologize for participating in faith-based dating sites or networking communities. Neither should Christians feel guilty for supporting believers who are using God-given talents to earn an income.
Meet Christian People Online
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