Hello Wanda,
Indeed, none is to assume that spiritual formation happens just because believers come and have
fellowship in person or online. As Lowe claims, spiritual formation happens when “reciprocity,
mutual assistance, and trustworthiness (Lowe & Lowe. 2018, p. 78) develop between people in a
face-to-face or in a social network scenario. Online learning gives people an environment in
which spiritual growth can occur as believers are able to share their faith, convictions, and
feelings in an environment that is equal to all. In this “ecologies of faith” (86) one finds a
platform in which real spiritual formation can be fostered.
I believe that spiritual formation can happen in this digital world as the believer takes into
consideration the historical tradition of the individual’s community, core values are respected and
abide by, genuine media negotiation related to what is the new technology about and its
relationship to the core values and the history that makes the community what it is, also, how the
technology will be used according to what best serves any given community of believers.
(Campbell & Garner, 2016, p. 63). I concurred with your final statement, if the believer is able to
find a balance between face-to-face and online interaction with other believers genuine spiritual
formation will be able to grow.
Reference:
Campbell, H. A., & Garner, S. (2016).
Networked theology: negotiating faith in digital culture.
Baker Academic Group.
Lowe, S. D., & Lowe, M. E. (2018).
Ecologies of faith in a digital age.
IVP Academic
.
