This is well-written and I appreciate someone bringing light to this! We now attend an Anglican church that is very traditional in format, liturgy and environment. But when we were attending non-denominational churches, the lights would often be dimmed and I would often see someone on a smartphone. They may have gone on there for the Bible app but then got distracted by other things. Or they were simply on their phone to online shop, respond to texts, etc. It was very distracting for me. However, the lighting was often so dim that I could understand why someone would use their phone so they could read along with the Bible references. When I would bring my physical Bible (which was every week), I eventually needed to bring a book light to light up the page for myself. The church we are part of now has normal lighting with windows letting in lots of daylight and no dimming of lights. We also sit in pews very close to one another so you would be able to notice easily if someone was on their phone. I think the lighting along with sitting closely helps keep people accountable. Plus, people just generally want to be there and you have to remain active during the service. There's not much time to sit except for during the homily which is about 15 minutes. Otherwise, you have to stand, kneel, or sing. My theory is that with the bright lights, pews with tight seating, no screen with the Bible references or lyrics to music, and active participation, that all adds up to limit people looking at their phones. Just a theory though!
Thank you! I love this perspective and I think you are probably on to something. I've been thinking more about sanctuaries that have windows verses those that don't. This gives me more to mull over on that topic!
Thank you for bringing these views together. The threats to kids today, both physically and spiritually, seem to be coming at them culturally from all angles.
Keeping things simple and safe is indeed a challenge for modern families and parents. 🔥Grace & 🕊️Peace to you: faith hope love endure. ☦️🕯️📿 📖 🔔 ⛪ ♥️
I love the way you wove together these two resources. It's amazing to see another publication calling for no smart phones for kids and teens! You're doing amazing work.
Great article! I agree with everything said. My personal favorite is the quote from CS Lewis, "Focus on the worship and preaching like your life depends upon it." Wow! Keep up the great writing and advocacy Emily!
Thank you!! I'll check it out. I'm working on a review of Haidt's book as well and pushing back on two of his norms. ;) Hope you'll subscribe to my Substack and follow along!
This is well-written and I appreciate someone bringing light to this! We now attend an Anglican church that is very traditional in format, liturgy and environment. But when we were attending non-denominational churches, the lights would often be dimmed and I would often see someone on a smartphone. They may have gone on there for the Bible app but then got distracted by other things. Or they were simply on their phone to online shop, respond to texts, etc. It was very distracting for me. However, the lighting was often so dim that I could understand why someone would use their phone so they could read along with the Bible references. When I would bring my physical Bible (which was every week), I eventually needed to bring a book light to light up the page for myself. The church we are part of now has normal lighting with windows letting in lots of daylight and no dimming of lights. We also sit in pews very close to one another so you would be able to notice easily if someone was on their phone. I think the lighting along with sitting closely helps keep people accountable. Plus, people just generally want to be there and you have to remain active during the service. There's not much time to sit except for during the homily which is about 15 minutes. Otherwise, you have to stand, kneel, or sing. My theory is that with the bright lights, pews with tight seating, no screen with the Bible references or lyrics to music, and active participation, that all adds up to limit people looking at their phones. Just a theory though!
Thank you! I love this perspective and I think you are probably on to something. I've been thinking more about sanctuaries that have windows verses those that don't. This gives me more to mull over on that topic!
Thank you for bringing these views together. The threats to kids today, both physically and spiritually, seem to be coming at them culturally from all angles.
Keeping things simple and safe is indeed a challenge for modern families and parents. 🔥Grace & 🕊️Peace to you: faith hope love endure. ☦️🕯️📿 📖 🔔 ⛪ ♥️
I love the way you wove together these two resources. It's amazing to see another publication calling for no smart phones for kids and teens! You're doing amazing work.
Thank you!! :)
Excellent!
Great article! I agree with everything said. My personal favorite is the quote from CS Lewis, "Focus on the worship and preaching like your life depends upon it." Wow! Keep up the great writing and advocacy Emily!
Hello Emily,
This is an interesting read.
I think you would like Katherine Birbalsingh, she's taken this up successfully at her free school in Britain. I learned about her on Jordan Peterson's podcast who kindly dubbed her "a force of nature." She even challenges one of Haidt's assumptions. https://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/2017/jun/16/britains-strictest-school-gets-top-marks-from-ofsted
Thank you!! I'll check it out. I'm working on a review of Haidt's book as well and pushing back on two of his norms. ;) Hope you'll subscribe to my Substack and follow along!