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.
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 language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | Teaching theology in a technological age |
| Editors | Yvette Debergue, James R. Harrison |
| Place of Publication | Newcastle upon Tyne |
| Publisher | Cambridge Scholars Press |
| Pages | 86-112 |
| Number of pages | 27 |
| ISBN (Electronic) | 9781443886703 |
| ISBN (Print) | 9781443882637 |
| Publication status | Published - Dec 2015 |