Orthodox Health Antisocial Media & The Health of the Soul (Psyche)
Has social media taken over your spiritual life?
In this episode of the Orthodox Health Podcast, Dr. Michael Christian & co-host John explore the impact of screens & social media on spiritual life. We discuss the importance of silence & stillness, the dangers of comparison & identity distortion through social media, & the role of confession in fostering authenticity & connection with God.
We also emphasize the need for discernment in navigating digital distractions, while maintaining a focus on spiritual growth & true communion with God & others. Additionally, we explore Orthodox theology & the challenges posed by the digital age, the importance of embodied presence, & the need for practical steps to establish digital boundaries.
The conversation emphasizes the spiritual warfare for your attention in a hyper-connected world & concludes with a challenge to you to help reconnect with God, one's neighbor, & oneself.
Takeaways:
- The modern health paradigm often overlooks spiritual dimensions.
- Screens & social media can distract from spiritual practice.
- Silence & stillness are essential for spiritual growth.
- Social media fosters comparison & envy, harming mental health.
- Authenticity in relationships is diminished by digital interactions.
- Confession is vital for personal responsibility & spiritual health.
- Attention is a battleground for spiritual life.
- The internet can be a tool for good if used wisely.
- Gratitude is foundational for prayer & spiritual well-being.
- Silence is about the presence of God in the soul.
- Real communion requires being fully present.
- The Incarnation affirms the importance of the body.
- Digital communication often lacks depth & nuance.
- Embodied worship engages the whole self in communion with Christ.
- Digital boundaries are essential for spiritual health.
- Fasting from technology can lead to freedom & clarity.
- Christ is Risen!
Chapters:
00:00 Opener
01:30 Introduction & Holy Week/Pascha Recap
04:06 The Impact of Screens on Our Lives
05:12 Social Media is Not Completely Value Neutral
06:36 Stillness, Silence, & the Plugged in Mind
08:41 Digital Distraction & Its Effects on Prayer
12:58 The Distortion of Identity in the Digital Age
17:21 False Realities & AI Demons
18:04 The Incarnational Nature of Orthodox Life
20:59 Discernment in the Digital Age
23:26 The Invitation to Relationship
24:49 Finding Wholeness in Silence
26:01 Embodied Presence in a Digital Age
29:00 The Importance of Communion and Ritual
32:34 In Defense of Mel Gibson
34:30 Vulnerability and Healing in Community
36:41 Establishing Digital Boundaries Through Fasting
38:55 A Quick Appreciation for the Amish
39:03 Understanding the Impact of Social Media
42:23 Navigating Social Media Intentionally
44:54 Replacing Digital Distractions
46:46 Final Thoughts and Challenges
49:16 Conclusion: Invitation to the Listener
49:25 Outro
Work with Dr. Mike: https://www.OrthodoxHealth.com
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Intro & Outro Music: St. John of Chicago Orthodox Church Choir (Arkansas) - Please support their building fund by buying the whole album here:
https://stjohnorthodoxchurch.bandcamp.com/album/come-ye-faithful-building-fundraiser