I know it's been about a month since I've written, but it's been difficult to focus on something to say. After reading the message from the pope for the 43rd World Day of Communications in a document titled, "New Technologies, New Relationships: Promoting a Culture of Respect, Dialogue and Friendship," I realized that blogging is something that can be very helpful to building knowledge and relationships if it is done in a respectful way. There is truly "extraordinary potential of the new technologies, if they are used to promote human understanding and solidarity." I was motivated by the pope's remark that, "these technologies are truly a gift to humanity and we must endeavour to ensure that the benefits they offer are put at the service of all human individuals and communities, especially those who are most disadvantaged and vulnerable." I felt like the pope's words were spoken directly to me. This is an important time in the transference of ideas and information, and I have the motivation and the personal interest to have this blog. I have been experiencing a writers block recently; partiality a psychological block from being called an unthinking bigot a time too many, and partly because I felt like I had nothing worthwhile to write about. Now I know that the sharing of information and respectful exchange are important means of building friendships and delving ever deeper into the mystery of the human intellect and spirit.
I am newly resolved to join "all people of good will who are active in the emerging environment of digital communication to commit themselves to promoting a culture of respect, dialogue and friendship."
You can read the whole message from Benedict XVI here. If you just want the general drift, take a look at the last paragraph:
"I would like to conclude this message by addressing myself, in particular, to young Catholic believers: to encourage them to bring the witness of their faith to the digital world. Dear Brothers and Sisters, I ask you to introduce into the culture of this new environment of communications and information technology the values on which you have built your lives. In the early life of the Church, the great Apostles and their disciples brought the Good News of Jesus to the Greek and Roman world. Just as, at that time, a fruitful evangelization required that careful attention be given to understanding the culture and customs of those pagan peoples so that the truth of the gospel would touch their hearts and minds, so also today, the proclamation of Christ in the world of new technologies requires a profound knowledge of this world if the technologies are to serve our mission adequately. It falls, in particular, to young people, who have an almost spontaneous affinity for the new means of communication, to take on the responsibility for the evangelization of this "digital continent". Be sure to announce the Gospel to your contemporaries with enthusiasm. You know their fears and their hopes, their aspirations and their disappointments: the greatest gift you can give to them is to share with them the "Good News" of a God who became man, who suffered, died and rose again to save all people. Human hearts are yearning for a world where love endures, where gifts are shared, where unity is built, where freedom finds meaning in truth, and where identity is found in respectful communion. Our faith can respond to these expectations: may you become its heralds! The Pope accompanies you with his prayers and his blessing."
