Eschatechnology
We live in amazing times. Technology is advancing in amazing ways, and it has profound implications for how we live our lives. The very fact you are reading this is proof. I really love keeping up with the latest news; new gadgets, widgets, social-technology in particular has been something that I find fascinating. In some ways I suppose its a throwback to my geekdom, but maybe there is something more.
There are more ways for us to be and do the work of the church every day in this fast-paced world. We seem to be moving toward a persistent connection, an “eternal communion” of the saints.
Let’s call this “eschatechnology.”
I’ve written on technology before, and recently I’ve been tossing around ideas regarding how faith communities can discover and collaborate with each other in ways never before thought possible. Blogs of course have already become part of the strategy, as have social networks. (We recently set ours up for the organic network we’re a part of in Chicago.) Wikis have become the new church councils, where doctrine and theology are discussed and discoveries are made.
I was reminded of this as I was reading 1 Cor 16 this morning on YouVersion, an online bible and reader community. Paul is suggesting a method for the Corinthian disciples to give generously to the Jerusalem church who was in need. He mentioned sending off not only the donations but also some ambassadors from Corinth to greet and encourage the Jerusalem community. Paul even mentioned that if schedules worked out, those Christians could come along with Paul for the journey.
Talk about a visual for the blood of Christ flowing through his body! No amount of technology, blogs, online social presences, Second Life profiles, webcasts or whatever can take the place of flesh and blood relationship. It’s a beautiful thing when disciples can connect together and share in true fellowship. When a handfull of hard-earned cash can exchange hands rather than be sent through a Paypal account, when a full embrace replaces a “facebook poke,” when a fireside chat is chosen over a chatroom.
That said, let’s not drop the tools we have to connect throughout the rest of our lives. I’m excited to see how Christians in our organic network begin to work together, creating events, serving the poor, training leaders, and sharing resources through technology. I’ll be sure to report back here (on my blog) what we find! 
