"Faith, Facebook, and the Fine Line of Preaching in Public Spaces"
Dear Mr. Hancock,
Years ago, I raised a concern about preaching evangelicals using platforms like Facebook to share their messages with audiences who may not have consented to such content. It’s a complex topic—faith and social media don’t always blend seamlessly. While many people express dissatisfaction with Facebook as a venue for this, it’s essential to remember that it’s an open platform. Anyone can blog, vlog, or share their views here.
We’ve all witnessed heated debates online, whether political, personal, or spiritual, and they often spiral out of control. So, where does religion fit in this mix? Is it appropriate to weave sermons into spaces where people primarily share family updates, personal experiences, and connections with friends?
Personally, I enjoy religious blogs that emphasize unity, compassion, and inclusivity, particularly when supported by meaningful biblical texts. But let’s be honest—daily sermons full of shaming language can be grating. Quotes like “The devil loves to keep us busy self-promoting ourselves, mentally assessing the mistakes of others,” can feel more condemning than uplifting. Ironically, preaching against judgment while passing judgment is a contradiction that doesn’t go unnoticed.
Here’s the truth: most people I see on Facebook are genuinely doing good—raising families, contributing to their communities, or simply sharing their lives. They don’t need a sermon on how they’re falling short, especially from someone claiming moral superiority. Yes, evangelism has its place, but maybe that place isn’t a friend’s timeline or a public forum where the tone feels more scolding than inspiring.
The God I know is unique—He supports and encourages us in our individual journeys, meeting us where we are. He’s inclusive, adaptable, and understanding of the times we live in. Faith should be about enlightenment, not alienation; it should empower people to draw strength and confidence to continue their path, not shame them into feeling less-than.
There’s no harm in sharing your spiritual journey—after all, faith is deeply personal—but the approach matters. Blasting sermons on public platforms can feel invasive, especially when they lack balance or come across as self-righteous. Let your actions and kindness be the sermon; that’s often more impactful than any string of quotes.
In conclusion, let’s aim to inspire rather than alienate. Share faith with the intention of building bridges, not burning them. After all, we’re not in Kansas anymore—we’re navigating an interconnected world where understanding and respect go further than judgment.
Respectfully,
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