1 minute read
From the editor
Carson cobbles together a couple of sentences, a mostly cohesive thought, before slipping back to his iPhone for a dopamine hit before returning to his editorial writing. “Maybe I’ll snap a quick selfie before, though, for the’ gram.” He thinks.
My attention is constantly divided. Do you ever feel that way? I bounce from task to task with a robust social media break in between. I must have accomplished so much in 2002 before the smartphone entered my life.
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This past week social media giant Meta launched Threads, its Twitter killer. Within a day, 30 million people signed on to the platform. As of today, Threads has over 100 million users. For the record, I signed up this past Thursday. Add Threads to my long list of online distractions.
Why do we need these virtual environments so desperately? Why do we replace our real-world connections with digital relationships? And why do we keep going back to them even when these platforms prove to be toxic and harmful?
“What if the very nature of the smartphones’ effect on our brains— the quick access to distraction, entertainment, social engagement, and interruptions—is the very thing that robs us of a deeper, life-giving connection with Jesus?” asks Vic Neufeld. His “Gods of Instagram” sermon series asks us to consider what twenty-first-century idols have put a wedge between God and us. Vic graciously permitted MB Herald Digest to run a synopsis of that sermon series on page 14. I took my time reading and re-reading it—I recommend you consider doing so as well.
We continue our monthly prayer focus on page 18: ONMB interim director Ryan Jantzi brings us “Holy Spirit—Fill us with your goodness.” And on page 20, the National Faith and Life Team concludes our miniseries on the on the revised “Article 1: Explanatory Notes.” of the MB Confession of Faith.
I extend thanks to this month’s contributors and you, Herald reader. Sorry for cutting this month’s editorial short, but it’s been 10 minutes since I last checked my phone—I’ve got to go! If only I were joking.
With respect, Carson
CARSON SAMSON Communications director
