At the beginning of Great Lent, the Faculty of Orthodox Theology in Cluj-Napoca shared a series of reflections on Christian mission in the digital space, written by Rev. Professor Cristian Sonea.
“Digital platforms can be ‘Jacob’s Ladder,’ a means of guiding people toward a real encounter with Christ in the Church, but they cannot replace the Eucharist, which is the core of Christian life,” stated Fr. Sonea.
Opportunities
Rev. Professor Cristian Sonea affirmed that the Christian mission is possible in the digital realm, but it must remain connected to the Eucharist and the life of the Church.
Online platforms provide an opportunity to share the Gospel with those who do not attend church and to offer theological resources and support to those in distress. However, these digital tools must be used with discernment.
“Online platforms offer valuable opportunities to transmit the truth of the Gospel, especially to those who do not attend church, such as those estranged from faith or living in isolated areas. They can also facilitate access to patristic resources, biblical commentaries, and church traditions for those in suffering,” Fr. Sonea explained.
Risks
However, he warns of significant risks if faith is reduced to a digital product, consumed passively without real engagement:
“There are major risks: reducing faith to a passive act of consuming Christian content, fostering individualism, and creating the illusion of spirituality without real communion. The Orthodox Church emphasizes a life lived in community and physical presence at the Holy Mysteries, something digital interaction cannot replace,” he wrote.
Christ as the Model of an Embodied Faith
According to Fr. Sonea, while the virtual environment can facilitate access to information, an authentic spiritual life must be lived within the reality of the Church and the Christian community.
“Christ is the Incarnate God, so our spiritual life must take place primarily in the reality of the embodied world rather than in the virtual space. Therefore, for online mission to be authentic, it must serve as a bridge to liturgical life, not as a substitute for it.”
Responsibility in Online Mission
Christian mission in the digital space must be carried out responsibly, encouraging participation in the Divine Liturgy and engagement in parish life. Fr. Sonea warns that online mission must uphold the integrity of Church teaching and avoid turning the Gospel into a mere “consumer product.”
“Online broadcasts and discussions should encourage participation in the Divine Liturgy and involvement in real parish life. Furthermore, the online mission must preserve the integrity of theological truth, support continuous repentance, and avoid transforming the Gospel into a ‘consumer product,’” he stated.
In conclusion, Fr. Sonea emphasized that while digital platforms can help people draw closer to Christ, they cannot replace the Eucharist, which remains the heart of Christian life.
Photo: Renașterea Radio
