F&M I: Unprecedented Possibilities

"Modern technology places at our disposal unprecedented possibilities for good, for spreading the truth of our salvation in Jesus Christ and for fostering harmony and reconciliation. Yet its misuse can do untold harm, giving rise to misunderstanding, prejudice and even conflict" (39th World Communications Day, Pope John Paul II).

I believe that it's become strikingly obvious that the misuse of media can have a negative impact on society and the world, as noted in the second half of this quote. We've seen a rapid increase in immorality, the acceptance of it, and even the promotion of it in the name of "freedom." Security and privacy have become issues as more and more information is provided and asked for online. Sex is not treated as sacred, is equated with love, and is constantly the subject of all forms of media, desensitizing the human mind and eye to what should be left private and a mystery.

The "unprecedented possibilities for good" seem to be harder to actualize. However, we have a tendency to see only the bad, the taboo, the emotional. In the same World Communications Day message, JPII says:

"The media can teach billions of people about other parts of the world and other cultures. With good reason they have been called 'the first Aeropagus of the modern age...for many the chief means of information and education, of guidance and inspiration in their behavior as individuals, families, and within society at large' (Redemptoris Missio, 37). Accurate knowledge promotes understanding, dispels prejudice, and awakens the desire to learn more. Images especially have the power to convey lasting impressions and to shape attitudes. They teach people how to regard members of other groups and nations, subtly influencing whether they are considered as friends or enemies, allies or potential adversaries" (2).

This gives us a huge task, a giant and honorable responsibility. Is it sometimes easy to shy away from the particularly repulsive media? Yes. What about the not-so-repulsive-but-probably-still-not-good? Ehh, a little harder. But our responsibility as Christians goes beyond not doing things. Just as Christ did not banish the old law but fulfilled it, explaining that we are still to keep the commandments but also LOVE God and one another, so also does our responsibility lie not just in avoiding bad media but in actively using it for the glory of God.

It is absolutely imperative that we are aware of what we listen to. This is probably one of the most important points to make because it is easier to recognize pornographic sex scenes in a movie than it is to really listen to what the rappers are rapping. The overused line "I don't listen to they lyrics, only the music" is getting a little old, and frankly, it isn't true. What goes into our minds affects our hearts, and what's in our hearts comes out of our mouths. It's a cycle, and as we positively change our media intake we will find our hearts softened to living a life full of God's grace. Likewise, if we consistently compromise our consciences our hearts will harden and we will lose our ability to see and follow the light of Christ.

The living Word of God is the single most important object of our desire. Christ alone feeds us with the bread from heaven, and our intake of his Word, his body, and his Spirit will transform our hearts and lead us to "go and make disciples of all nations" with the unprecedented possibilities of mass communications at our fingertips.