Developing personal resilience in a dangerous virtual world: historical, social, biblical and theological perspectives

James R. Harrison

    Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

    Abstract

    This article explores “resilience” against the backdrop of the relational challenges posed by online community and “trolling” on cyber social networks. It is argued that while Christianity as a
    movement was always on the cusp of technological revolution in its propagation of the faith, Christians have nevertheless shown
    caution and discernment in the adoption of new media. After distilling recent research relating to the benefits and deficits of online communities, including the dark cyber world of “trolls” and
    “haters”, a biblical, theological, and historical analysis of
    “resilience” is undertaken, focusing on the “image of God” and its
    restoration in Christ, and exploring the Christian understanding of “gracious” speech in its Graeco-Roman context. The final section provides a Christian perspective on how we should respond and minister to “trolls”, “haters” and their victims.
    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publicationTeaching theology in a technological age
    EditorsYvette Debergue, James R. Harrison
    Place of PublicationNewcastle upon Tyne
    PublisherCambridge Scholars Press
    Pages86-112
    Number of pages27
    ISBN (Electronic)9781443886703
    ISBN (Print)9781443882637
    Publication statusPublished - Dec 2015

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