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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