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You, Your Family and the Internet (Updated version): What every Christian in the digital age ought to know

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Updated with revised statistics and brand new chapter on reaching the millennial generation - Reaching the interconnected disconnected…
How may Christians better understand the dangers and opportunities offered by the Internet? This book resource, written by an expert in the field, explains and illustrates what the technologies are and guides readers to draw on biblical principles (such as self-control and accountability) to help them to apply these to the dangers at hand. It also encourages believers to make the best use of opportunities that arise from judicious use of the World Wide Web.

oday some two billion people around the world use the Internet. Almost 80% of North Americans are connected to the web. But even as we use it, few of us understand the dizzying array of its applications and implications. David Clark guides us through the complexities of the Internet with simple, clear explanations. Even better, he unveils the spiritual implications of the Internet, both positive and negative. Pastors, parents, and teachers will greatly appreciate this book, as will the everyday Christian who, like me, is struggling to keep up with the ever-expanding universe of cyber-space, desiring to use it to God’s glory and the welfare of our families and Christ’s church.

Dr. Joel Beeke, President, Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary, Grand Rapids, Michigan

Much has been written about living as Christians in this digital world; much more will be written in the days and years to come. The unique strength of David Clark’s contribution is in his application of key biblical principles that will guide our use of these technologies and inform our dedication to them.

Tim Challies, Author and Blogger, Ontario, Canada

This excellent little book should be in every Christian home. Christians would also do well to share copies with their unbelieving friends. David Clark masterfully takes us through the various aspects of the bewildering world of Internet technology, shows the dangers associated with each, and gives commonsense advice for avoiding those dangers. His ‘Five Principles to Learn From’ and ‘Five Principles to Run With’ (chapters 11 and 12) provide extremely valuable ways for Christians to get a handle on the Internet.

Roger Ellsworth, Pastor with an itinerant ministry, and author of over thirty books

You, Your Family and the Internet, written by David Clark, is an excellent book. This is a must-read for every Christian; it is a must-read for every parent, and it should be read by every teenager who is being bombarded by the technology of the internet and the mass media. I have reviewed this book, and as a pastor will have my entire congregation read this as a part of their discipleship and Christian growth. Although this book is informative, practical, and encouraging, it also serves as a warning of the dangers that lurk in the murky modern world of computers and the Internet. David Clark points out the many benefits and blessings of the internet, but also educates his readers of the realities of its dangers. The book discusses such topics as internet browsing, Facebook, Twitter, internet games and many other relevant subjects. I highly recommend this book as a helpful tool for parents and pastors alike to enable them to disciple their families and their churches.

Bob Dickie, author and pastor

If you or your children use the Internet, buy and use this book! David Clark combines his expert technical knowledge of the field with a sensitive use of biblical principles to help us navigate the pitfalls and garner the benefits of the technology which we use every day. The result is a skilful blend of useful information and wise Christian counsel.

128 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 15, 2012

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About the author

David D. Clark

7 books2 followers
Librarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.

David D. Clark is a Senior Research Scientist at the MIT Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Lab and a leader in the design of the Internet since the 1970s.

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Profile Image for Keiki Hendrix.
231 reviews522 followers
September 30, 2012
A short but fascinating read, this book presents the history of the internet and a great deal of statistical data that will make you think twice. Almost every chapter ends with two discussion questions prompting the reader to dig into the bible to discover more about the chapter topic.

My favorite chapter was "If It's Free, Then You Are The Product ..." which delves into the marketing value of offering free items. Since I post several free books on The Vessel Project, this chapter was of particular interest. I don't collect the data for use with any other program but the discussion in this chapter helped me understand that nothing is truly free in the world of the internet.

The book is well referenced and indexed with several very beneficial links to more resources making it very helpful. I enjoyed the personal stories of the impact of the internet and social media on all aspects of our lives. The author did an excellent job of first describing these dangers and then citing biblical references and what our responsibilities are as Christians.

Reviewed by: Keiki Hendrix
Reviewed for: The Vessel Project
Profile Image for Harold Cameron.
142 reviews20 followers
December 31, 2012
“What every Christian in the digital age ought to know”

“How may Christians better understand the dangers and opportunities offered by the Internet? This excellent resource, written by an expert in the field, explains and illustrates what the technologies are and guides readers to draw on biblical principles (such as self-control and accountability) to help them to apply these to the dangers at hand. It also encourages believers to make the best use of opportunities that arise from judicious use of the World Wide Web.” (From the Day One Publications Website)

About the Author: David Clark was born and brought up in a missionary family working in France. A Bible believing Christian since the age of 15, he is active in his local Evangelical and Reformed church in England, where he lives after spending a number of years in the USA. He has worked with computer technology for over 30 years, has a degree in Computer Science and Electronics, and carried out Postgraduate research into the uses of Artificial Intelligence in the design of silicon chips. He owns and runs a consultancy company that carries out technology related work for the UK and US governments. He has published a number of technical papers at various conferences, ranging from the use of Artificial Intelligence, to Risk Analysis. He has also served on the boards of Evangelical Times and Evangelical Press, as well as working in publishing in the Russian and Chinese languages.

My Thoughts About The Book: In the opening of his book, author David Clark writes, “This book is written by a Christian, for Christians. And the book is “first and foremost practical.” I like one other statement he makes about the book and that is, “It is easy to become a scaremonger about Internet technologies, it is much harder to look at these objectively, avoid the very real dangers, and, at the same time, make the most of the amazing opportunities in a wise and productive manner.” Indeed!

In Chapters 2 and 3 of his book author Clark gives us a tour if you will of the Internet revealing to us as we writes, “The Bad, The Good and a Dose of History.” In these chapters he helps us understand where we were technologically in the past and where we are today with the Internet and Social Media. And in Chapter 3 he addresses the issue of “Personalization” and how the Internet has affected our interactions with others – people we know personally as well as people we meet on Social Media on the Internet referred to as “friends” (Facebook) or “followers” (Twitter). At the end of Chapter 3 he closes with a “Biblical Principal,” “Some Practical Advice,” and a section he refers to throughout his book as “For Discussion” where he asks pointed questions about the subject matter at hand as well as shares some Scripture to read and consider.

In Chapter 4 author Clark writes candidly about what is happening on the Internet in the realm of “Communication.” He addresses such issues as texting, emails, and Social Media. His section in the Chapter entitled, “Its all about me” is especially telling and true. The Internet and Social Media has become all about “us” – who we are and what we are doing and has become a tool for far too much self exploitation and even personal glorification in some cases. And again he provides us a helpful “Biblical Principal”, Practical Advice” and questions and Scripture for discussion. Author Clark’s book is not one that is meant to be read solely for someone’s own personal education and edification, although certainly an individual can read it and interact with the material, but rather, is meant to be read and discussed as a family or if you are not married and have a family perhaps with other brothers and sisters in Christ.

In Chapter 5 he writes about the Social Media Phenomenon “Facebook” and what happens when you become a Facebooker (my word to describe someone who is a regular Facebook user)…what happens when you post on Facebook, what a “friend” is and other invaluable helpful information. Facebook is not all it’s cracked up to be or promoted to be if you look behind the veil of all the hype about it. Remaining true to form he closes the chapter with a “Biblical Principal,” “Some Practical Advice,” and a section “For Discussion.”

In Chapter 6 the author tackles the heartbreaking,life-destroying, and ministry ruining impact of Pornography on the Internet. Pornography is no small issue for Christians today as the tentacles of this insidious evil have reached far and deep even into “Christian” pastors and “Christian” family’s homes. Here are a couple of sobering statistics about pornography to consider – “the average age of first exposure to pornography is 11 years old,” and “90 % of 8-16 year olds have viewed porn online mostly while doing homework.” And porn is like chocolate though far more destructive. Give your child some delicious chocolate to enjoy and he is going to want chocolate throughout the rest of his life. Give a young person a look into the so called beautiful and sexy world of Internet Porn and the purveyors of such perversion and filth might just have an addict and a customer for life…or until they realize what they are doing and stop viewing it. I appreciate the “Key Principles,” Practical Advice,” and thoughts and Bible verses for discussion he offers at the end of the chapter.

In Chapter 7 David writes about the fact that “If It’s Free, Then You Are the Product.” There are some very real dangers to taking advantage of so called “Free” offers on the Internet and he shares his thoughts about the matter. And remember one thing about FREE offers on the Internet, “There’s no such thing as something totally and absolutely free,” and “If it sounds to good to be true, it probably is.” You will want to read this chapter.

In Chapters 8 author Clark writes about “Internet Games” which are another source of major troubles for individuals both young and old alike and Chapter 9 he exposes the truth about “Internet Gambling.” Both are forms of entertainment; however, both can become destructively addictive costing the addict more than just their money. In Chapter 10 he writes about the Internet and the news and views of the sources and people that are out there sharing the news…many times from their own particular worldview or slant. In the chapter the reader is provided some very helpful information about the news on the Internet and how to filter it and discern truth from error.

In the last two chapters of his book, the author provides us “5 Principles To Learn From” in chapter 11 one of which is to “Be Prepared;” and “5 Principles to Run With” in Chapter 12, of which one is “Be Real.”

What I appreciate about David Clark’s book is that he has written concerning an issue that is of major significance and importance to us as Christians but he is not “throwing out the bay with the bathwater,” or “crying wolf” with the intent of us not using the powerful and potentially God honoring tool of the Internet at all. No, he just wants us to be “wise as serpents and harmless as doves” as Christians knowing the “bad and the good” about the Internet and how to respond in a Biblical way that brings honor and glory to the name of our great God and Savior.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher, Day One Publications, for reviewing it. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."
4 reviews
June 1, 2020
This was the “updated version” but it was still very dated. We didn’t bother finishing it.
Profile Image for Craig Hurst.
209 reviews21 followers
January 4, 2013
In 1946 the Colossus was built. While it is debated as to whether or not is it the first digital computer, there is no debate as to its size. It weighed 27 tons and took up 680 sq. ft. which would be half the size of the average persons house by modern standards. It was huge, required a lot of people to run, could do very little and there was only one of them. Today, just about anyone can possess a computer. Some, like a smart phone, can fit in the palm of your hand. They are relatively inexpensive, take up very little room and are exponentially more powerful and faster than the first computers.

To say that we have come a long way in the development of the computer is an understatement. The more computer technology changes the faster it can change. While so many people try desperately to keep up with the changes, thus having to have the newest technological gadget, what goes virtually unnoticed is the constant effect our consumption of technology has on us, its users. Akin to the Industrial Revolution and it changes upon modern society at the time “the major impact of our current technological revolution come not so much from new technology or the latest gadgets but are found in the way people interact and live.” (p. 18) This is the observation David Clark makes in his book You, Your Family and the Internet: What Every Christian in the digital age ought to know.

David Clark is uniquely suited to write this book as he is a Christian who has been working with technology for over 30 years on things like Artificial Intelligence for the government in both the UK and US. He both knows his technology and knows Scripture and presents a clear and informative picture of the changes within technology and how to think about them as Christians.

Throughout the twelve short chapters, Clark covers technological issues like social media, pornography, communication, internet gaming and the news. Each chapter is filled with examples of how the technology under discussion began and has changed – for both the good and bad. Along with examples Clark provides a slew of statistical data regarding the growth and use of technology. Sometimes the numbers are staggering and hard to comprehend. For example, spam accounts for 90% of all email traffic which is why it is so important to have filters and other protective programs one you computer (p. 36). Following this information Clark closes each chapter with solid Biblical advice on how Christians should evaluate a given technology and their use of it. Along with this advice are discussion questions surrounding Scripture to help the reader continue to think about the text as it can be applied to technology.

Clark is not against technology but he is against the mindless and blind use of technology that so many Christians exhibit today. As with many other things, many technologies are good but give it time in the hands of sinful people and it can wreck havoc on a person. The final two chapters of the book offer helpful lessons to learn from as a result of evaluating the use of technology as well as useful guides to help for further use with technology.

In You, Your Family and the Internet, David Clark helps us navigate the vast and constantly changing world of technology with clarity, excellence, knowledge of the field and an ability to help us see it all through the lens of Scripture. This is a book every Christian can benefit from and would make a great book for families to read together as they use their new technology they probably received for Christmas.

NOTE: I received this book for free from Day One Publications through Cross Focused Media. I was under no obligation to provide a favorable review and the words and thoughts expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Jimmy Reagan.
883 reviews64 followers
December 30, 2012
How would you like a sensible, balanced book on the internet for you and your family? This slender volume by David Clark and published by Day One fills a real need. It doesn’t just slam the evils of the internet, but shares its good in light of the fact that it is here to stay. His premise is that the internet is a part of our lives that can neither be ignored nor underestimated. It has the potential for such good and for such bad.

I especially enjoyed the chapter that explained what the internet really is, how it started, and how it grew into what it is today. It was particularly enlightening to me, as for some reason, I knew so little about it.

The author did a good job explaining how social media has changed the way we relate to each other. Most revealing was how teenagers look at things now so differently than previous generations because of it. It’s almost redefined what “friend” even means.

As you might expect he has one chapter on pornography, its dangers, the needed filters, and how that it is all about money. He warns that all including children will likely see such images at some point and he gives balanced advise on protecting yourself and your family.

The chapter on “If It’s Free, Then You Are The Product” is eyeopening! I’ve always wondered how the internet was free. This lays out that it makes people money that I am on the internet. This doesn’t make me decide that I must get off the computer, but it helps me be a little less likely to be used.

He gives sound counsel on games and gambling and closes the book with “Five Principles To Learn From” and “Five Principles To Run With”, and for my money they are spot on. As I said before, he is balanced and I recommend this book to individuals and families everywhere.

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
Profile Image for John Brackbill.
274 reviews
January 28, 2014
This is the first book I have read focused on our digital age. It is brief and gives an overview of some important issues that have arisen for Christians in this age.

There were times when I was not really sure where the flow of the book was going, but overall it is a brief primer that made me think. I find the topic of the internet and the warp speed of technological advances in our culture to be highly interesting. Even though I found David Clark's writing style to be a bit distracting, the topic held my attention.

Ironically, as it was being discussed that technology is constantly changing, David Clark mentioned Google Latitude-something that is now already no longer in existence!

So what did I take away from the book?
1. Be aware of how addictive facebook, smartphone, browsing can be.
2. Be aware that all that you do is being tracked.

I look forward to reading other books of this type and am glad I read this one. However, my hunch is that I will find certain other such books more helpful than this volume.
Profile Image for Eric Durso.
379 reviews20 followers
October 19, 2012
Easy to read and informative. Nothing ground shattering, but a good reminder to be thoughtful and strategic with the barrage of new technologies.
Profile Image for John.
33 reviews10 followers
February 21, 2014
Practical, helpful, short - a must read for families!
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