Preamble to the church’s position regarding the use of modern media and related technologies

As with all other aspects of life, modern media and related technologies and their use must be subject to the guidance of God’s Word. This Word calls us to live holily, i.e. separately from the world ^a.  However, man is by nature inclined to all evil and incapable of doing any good. Still, the requirement continues to apply that we must depart from evil.

Much of the content accessible via modern media and related technologies as they exist today is contrary to God’s Word and commandment. However, we must recognize that the use of many forms of modern media and communication technologies is established in our society and among our people. As modern communication methods these technologies are widely used for economic and social purposes.

Considering the above, the use of modern media and related technologies can only be considered acceptable when the precepts of God’s Word are observed and, additionally, it serves a useful purpose. Such a use will be characterized by overall restraint, and by striving for the maximum possible protection from undesirable content, developments and opportunities.

In addition, when using these technologies we must bear in mind the admonition to not be conformed to this world ^b, to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts ^c, to dwell as strangers and pilgrims on earth ^d, to obey the authorities set over us ^e, to be the light of the world, and in general to direct our lives to the honour of God’s Name ^f.  We are to do this while keeping far from all things whereby His Name is blasphemed and His commandments transgressed ^h,i.

a.1 Pet. 2:5; b. Rom. 12:2; c. Tit. 2:12: d. Hebr. 11:13, 1 Pet. 2:11; e. Rom. 13:1; f. 1 Cor. 10:31, Rom 12:1 ; g. H.C. answer 122; h. Prov. 12:13; i. Matt. 5:14

MTAC Notes:

This Preamble sets the general doctrinal framework for the Church to make pronouncements on the use of modern media and related technologies.  As such it is a fairly high level document that is somewhat open to interpretation and will require further clarification, particularly as developments in media and related technologies are frequent and often unforeseen.  Some of these further clarifications occur in the various Synod decisions listed below, which themselves show an evolution of the Church’s policy to reflect social and technological changes.

Church position regarding the use of modern media and related technologies

The Synod of the Gereformeerde Gemeente in Nederland has made the following decisions regarding internet and modern media usage:

• Synod 1997. Considering the dangers (“sinful temptations”) presented by open (i.e. unfiltered) internet access, use of unfiltered internet by members is censurable.  A pulpit message is prepared that states that the use of the internet in families and for private purposes is censurable, particularly as the objections raised in the past against the television are at least as applicable to the amusements provided by the internet.  The message also states a serious warning against the use of the computer for entertainment purposes such as playing of games, watching videos, etc.
• Synod 2001.  Use of the internet is permitted (i.e. “not censurable”) provided use is made of an internet service provider that uses a whitelist (“previously determined sites”) and the use is for business purposes.  Use of email, or internet for either private of business purposes is still discouraged (“dissuaded”).
• Synod 2007. The official position of the church is reformulated.  ‘Out of concern for the congregations, connecting to the unfiltered internet via computers, cellular phones, or other devices is considered censurable, particularly as it exposes users to sinful temptations and useless wasting of time.  Where the use of Internet is unavoidable (for business or study purposes), access should be to a closed (i.e. whitelisted) internet provider.  If more access is required, access should be through such a filter as provides the best protection against unwanted sites.   The use of Internet for private purposes is strongly discouraged. An Internet provider should be used that enables access to only those functions the user needs (e.g. emailing, internet banking).   The use of computers and similar devices for entertainment purposes such as playing games, watching videos, etc. seriously warning against.
• Synod 2010. Use of the Internet must be restricted to that which is useful and necessary for study and career purposes, and to remain engaged in social discourse and commerce.  When members unnecessarily use an internet filter less restrictive than that recommended by the Synod (i.e. KlikSafe), church discipline may be applied.
• Synod 2011. The Church may use the internet if such use is socially or economically necessary (“unavoidable”), and such use is with “necessary restraint”.
• Synod 2013.   A “Preamble” that sets the general doctrinal framework for the Church to make pronouncements on the use of modern media and related technologies is discussed and approved.  The guidelines and discussions stated in previous Synod decisions (i.e. 1997 – 2011) remain in effect.

Media and technology issues are often quite overwhelming for people who are a little out of tune with some of the more recent developments. One resource that can be very informative is TED, a non-profit organization dedicated to spreading modern findings and ideas related to Technology, Entertainment, and Design. TED conferences are held several times a year in various places around the world, and the organization hopes to celebrate its 30th anniversary in 2014 by hosting a special series of talks in Vancouver, from March 17-21. No one from MTAC expects to attend, though, as the visitors must pay a $7500 registration fee and answer questions demonstrating merit as an attendee.

While a lot of TED talks unfortunately show a clear anti-biblical bias, there are some talks visitors will find educational and may want to check out. Below are a few talks that relate to technology and the internet in particular. We may periodically share other relevant talks in the future.

One sobering talk is from Sherry Turkle, a psychologist and sociologist who has studies the impact of mobile devices on our lives, and argues that these have completely changed who we are and how we interact with others: Sherry Turkle: Connected, but alone?

In case you are wondering what the internet really is anyway—which seems a simple enough question but not so easy to explain—have a look at what tech writer Andrew Blum has to say about it: What is the Internet, really?

Most of us know that when you go online you lose all privacy. All your internet browsing is tracked. The extent to which this happened is illustrated poignantly by Gary Kovacs, one of the founders of Mozilla and creators of the popular Firefox search engine, in Tracking the trackers. It makes you wonder who is out there watching what we do when we go online, and why they are so interested.

The first internet viruses were created some 25 years ago, and were pretty basic. Today internet viruses are created by government agencies and used for espionage and terrorism, and can threaten to shut down communication and transportation networks, energy suppliers, national defence systems, and other systems vital to national and international wellbeing.

Computer security expert Mikko Hypponen discusses how far internet viruses have developed over the years in Fighting viruses, defending the net, and argues there are Three types of online attack.

Cyber security expert Ralph Langner has a fascinating talk on how Stuxnet, one of the most complex computer viruses used as a cyberweapon to date, was cracked: Cracking Stuxnet, a 21st-century cyber weapon.

In case you wonder if hackers can compromise and disable other things besides your computers, have a look at what computer science prof Avi Rubin has to say. It turns out virtually every digital device you own can be hacked, including many devices you are not aware had a digital component (your car, your pacemaker, etc.).  Avi Ruben: All your devices can be hacked.

TED has hundreds of interesting, even ‘jaw-dropping’, talks, and it is easy to spend hours watching and learning from them. But there is a danger in that too, as we are to redeem our time and use it prudently. Time is short and we are to strive to take every thought captive.

MTAC