Exploring the impact of internet on beliefs and skepticism, seeking mystery in faith, navigating skepticism in the digital age, and nurturing love and faith amidst uncertainty and contradiction.
The internet's contradictions breed skepticism, eroding trust in practical knowledge.
Rediscovering Christian mysticism can combat pragmatic disillusionment and inspire wonder in faith.
Deep dives
Understanding the Effects of Internet Discipleship
The podcast explores how the internet has shaped individuals to expect immediate answers and foster skepticism due to the constant contradiction of facts. It discusses the impact on faith and the human soul, highlighting the challenge of embracing mystery in a world that craves instant solutions.
Challenges to Faith and Accessing God
The episode delves into how the internet's influence has eroded confidence in various aspects of life, including news, finances, and government. It underscores the importance of protecting faith and belief from being undermined by excessive pragmatism and the lack of mystery and wonder in experiences with God.
Rediscovering Christian Mysticism for Spiritual Nourishment
It introduces the concept of rediscovering Christian mysticism as a way to counter the negative impact of internet discipleship. By emphasizing the richness of experiences with God akin to how children and mystics approach life, the podcast advocates for embracing mystery, beauty, and wonder without the need for exhaustive understanding.
As the series continues, John, Alex, and Allen look at how our culture clings to the belief that practical information is the way to salvation. Yet as this information on the Internet is continually contradicted and undermined, we grow more fragile, vulnerable, and cynical. It has made weary skeptics of us all. Even in the area of faith, we try to make God and his kingdom 'practical' by stripping it of all wonder, mystery, and power. Thankfully, there is a way out of the madness.