YOU, YOUR FAMILY AND THE INTERNET
What every Christian in the digital age ought to know
By David Clark. Day One. 108 pages. £6.00
ISBN 978 1 846 253 409
Just where can you start with such a vast topic? By reading this clear and accessible book. In his introduction, the author explains that his book is neither prescriptive nor philosophical, but ‘first and foremost practical’. Then, in approximately 100 pages, he sets out to identify, explain and explore how different internet technologies affect our lives.
Clark is surely right to note that, after the original internet explosion, the more recent impact has come through personalisation. And, given our deep-seated selfishness, many new technologies and applications are poised to feed our desire to be at the centre of our universe. We can tell our world we have just eaten pizza — and hope, within seconds, to be ‘liked’ for it!
Each chapter describes a topic (the author’s technical roots are shown by the detail) and then develops the pros and cons before laying out biblical principles and practical steps.
The last two chapters lay out good practical advice: be realistic, disciplined, prepared, structured, informed, real, opportunistic, involved, converted and ready to think big.
I would judge the book accessible to everyone. If more of us apply the key biblical principles of self-control, transparency and discernment, our families will see more of the pros and less cons from the digital world.
Andrew King,
http://www.highburybaptistchurch.org
