Spiritual Emphasis Week 2016: Social Media
We are looking forward to Spiritual Emphasis Week, happening September 27 – 29th. This year’s focus is “Social Media: The Good, The Bad, and the Beautiful” and will feature David Balzer, Assistant Professor of Communications and Media at Canadian Mennonite University in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
He is in demand as a public speaker, addressing new media, communication theory, alongside topics such as Christianity and the mass media in Canada. Mr. Balzer will give three chapel addresses, an evening address for parents and constituents, and will also visit classes during his time here.
Here is a summary of each of addresses:
SOCIAL MEDIA: THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE BEAUTIFUL
Session 1: “Selfies just might be God’s idea”
When we hear the words ‘social media’, we often think of our most recent Android, iPhone or Instagram post. Could it be that our fascination with selfies may actually have gotten its start when God created the world? Turns out, selfies are very spiritual.
Session 2: “Remember, you are smarter than your smartphone”
It is no surprise that social media is attractive, we love it because we love connecting with people. But let’s face it, not everything about social media is life-giving. Attraction can turn into distraction, posts can turn into pain. That means we’ll need to be wise.
Session 3: “What if virtue went viral?”
What might become of the world if we chose to adapt rather than adopt what social media has to offer? We have the privilege of becoming producers instead of carefree consumers. To make something beautiful of the world we need more social media, not less.
What is Spiritual Emphasis Week?
Rockway’s Spiritual Emphasis Week is a time where the Rockway community intentionally focuses on a topic that is timely to our current age. An off campus speaker provides the input for three extended chapels, class visits and a parent session. Rockway students have the opportunity to explore the chosen topic through Biblical study as well as through practical education and application.
All students and parents are invited to an evening session on Wednesday, September 28th at 7 p.m. where David Balzer will give a summary of his three addresses and facilitate a discussion on social media. We are grateful for Mennonite Church Eastern Canada, who are sponsoring the evening session.
Please consider joining us!
