Oh the Technology!

Another early Sunday morning in the sanctuary. The inside of the building is hot and many people use their programs to fan themselves. The service begins and everyone stands and sings. Mr. Fancy tightens his tie and clears his throat and joins in with the worship song. He stands with perfect posture and is dressed in black slacks with a dark blue dress shirt and a crisp red tie. Observing him throughout the service, I notice a few things. 

While singing, or listening to the preacher, he is constantly on his phone. His mind seems to be somewhere else. I also notice this stressed look on his face appears every time he picks up and looks at his phone. This makes me think about how technology, and not only that, but social media and how much it distracts us and pulls us away from reality. 

I pull my focus away from Mr. Fancy and my eyes wonder around the building full of mass goers. It really hits me how many people are not here mentally, and how they are being pulled away by their phones, or their tablets. They sit in the pew with minds elsewhere, in the digital world. It makes me wonder, how many people are really listening to the sermon?

The pastor preaches the word and gives his all into what he believes, and to teaching the others about God. His puts his life into spreading the word to these people, like I said, who all is really listening. 

There is not one specific age group that were consumed by technology. It was all ages ranging from a small two year old up to some who looked to be exceeding the age of fifty. But one age group in particular seemed to be glued to their technology devices the most, can you guess? If teenagers popped into your head as you’re initially answer, then Bingo! You’re correct. Although it ranged, I could notice that it seemed to be young people from say around eleven to about twenty-four. Our generation is so consumed by technology that it is pulling us away from our everyday lives, our routines, and even our education and religions.

Religion, according to the book, is “ideas and practices that postulate reality beyond that which is immediately available to the sense.” (Bowen 2008) Religion connects people with their inner self and who they really are and what they believe in. That is why I believe these people are going to church, to make a relationship with God and to be a better person. But, I feel as if technology is interfering with that relationship and preventing it from going any further.

I’m not going to lie, yes I have been consumed with my phone during my attendance at church. Also, I will admit that those days were technology distracted me, I left with no stronger relationship, and with a lesson from the sermon unknown. It is interesting to see how on spends their time in church whether it is down on their knees praying, worshiping God, speaking in tongues under ones breathe, or on one’s phone the whole time. I feel that you can tell where someone is at in their life and if they are ready or not to start their relationship with God based on what they are doing during the service.