Facebook has become a real sensation. My experience has been a very positive one over all. Early on, I was forced to limit my time on facebook, as it could easily consume my time if I let it. For the most part I now "check in" two or three times a day, giving a quick read of status updates, recent photos and such. It's a great way to stay somewhat personally in touch with so many folks at all varying levels of relationship with me, from casual acquaintances to good friends, to dearly loved family members and church members.
Before heading home for lunch, I logged on to facebook to "catch the latest," and something hit me that I hadn't really thought of before, that being the points of common interest. For instance, moms with young kids tend to post status updates, pictures, and comments that revolve almost entirely around their children. Adults in general tend to talk about their favorite TV shows and hobbies. Guys (who do not frequent facebook as much as girls) usually talk about sports - whether it's one they're actually playing or watching on television.
But what I really noticed today was how one or two political topics have a way of drawing attention. With all the national and global news that inundate us each and every day, I'm amazed at how just one or two items in particular become the subject of conversation. Today, the two "hot topics" - at least in my facebook sphere - President Obama's speech at Notre Dame, and Miss California's statements regarding gay marriage. (The discussion on the second issue isn't so much about her original comments that were said some time ago, but the discussion that has ensued since then.)
One former church member who moved out west wrote for his status update:
"So let me get this straight, Obama wants a change in tone over the abortion debate. Basically what he is saying is, there will be no problems if you just agree with him. So everyone, let's just believe everything he believes and then there will be no more problems! Obama is nuts!"
Another facebook friend, a prestigious Presbyterian pastor down south, posted the following quote by radio Bible teacher Nancy Leigh DeMoss concerning Carrie Prejean:
"... while I applaud her courage, I also believe some of her choices and public actions, past and present, are representative of many women who consider themselves Christians, but who lack clear biblical thinking and conviction on such matters as virtue, womanhood, beauty, modesty, and discretion."
In response to that quotation, one of the pastor's friends noted,
"On Hannity recently, Mrs. California said that 'in California, a bathing suit is no big deal.' In other words, 'we are accustomed to revealing bathing suits, appropriate or not.' I really hate that this young lady has gotten nailed for her comments on gay marriage but, she needs to mature some.'"
Facebook is a marvelous tool, so long as it is used properly in terms of time, manner of communication, and other considerations. Other Christian bloggers have offered some good practical counsel on this issue (such as Dr. Albert Mohler); my point isn't to do that here. I simply noticed that facebook gives us a personal glimpse into the thoughts, daily activities, and interests of others. But that also means that it gives others a glimpse into our own thoughts, opinions, daily activities and such. To me, this is a positive occurrence overall. It's simply a reality we need to be aware of, and to be careful and conscientious in using facebook to reflect our authentically Christian views and lifestyles.