5 Reasons Not to Leave Facebook for Lent

There is much justified outrage about Facebook’s bigotry against the conservative and/or Christian viewpoint. The reactions have been swift and decisive. Many good, Christian people are once again discerning whether or not to stay with Facebook – even if just for Lent.

On the surface, the  decision seems rather obvious. After all, Facebook is not a necessity. Unlike utilities, corporations, food suppliers, and myriad of other necessary businesses, Facebook is optional entertainment. Right? It may be an entertaining method of networking and socializing, but it’s not vital to our lives. I find myself in a quandary, however, about leaving. After much prayer and discussion – on Facebook, of course – I have discerned that I will remain. Here’s why:

1. The way I see it, sometimes when on Facebook or in the comboxes, we’re in the gutter with the poor, hopeless sinners. We minister to them by sharing the Gospel. If we don’t go where they are, how would we ever encounter them IRL (in real life)? I see Facebook, if used properly, as a powerful tool for evangelization.

2. I will not leave, because by remaining I may have the opportunity to sustain others who have similar missions. The more the Gospel message is validated, in the minds of others, the more it is shared. The Word of God becomes more widespread the more of us continue to share it. There is too much work to be done and electronic media has been encouraged by the Holy Father.

3. I have personally seen much good come out of dabbling in Facebook ministry – both in strengthening faith and in promoting a Culture of Life. With our help, people are getting braver about posting things they were formerly unwilling to share. I have been blessed to see the fruit of this with people I know in real life, just this week. We are the tide and it’s turning.

4. Sometimes it is difficult to be out in the evangelizing trenches – even in cyberspace. Sharing the burden with like-minded souls, eases the strain a bit. When I begin to feel alone in a world run amok, I find my compatriots to be a soothing balm of faith. It helps me to realize that I am a part of the Church Militant, battling for the glory of God.

5. We have the option of using Facebook to our own purposes. With a fully formed conscience and purity of objective, we are able to discard the objectionable and use the good to the advantage of Faith. One thing I plan to do is to cut down on the entertainment aspect of Facebook – especially for Lent.