What do you think?
Rate this book
Posting Peace: Why Social Media Divides Us and What We Can Do about It
"Why is everyone so angry online? Pastor and former radio host Douglas Bursch provides a spiritual examination of why social media divides us and how Christians can address polarization through a ministry of peacemaking. Unpacking how technology radically changes our communication, Bursch offers practical examples of how to handle online conflict in redemptive, reconciling ways"--
202 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 20, 2021
19 people are currently reading
161 people want to read
About the author
Douglas S. Bursch
2 books14 followersDouglas S. Bursch is a writer, minister and speaker. He is married to his lifelong sweetheart, Jennifer. They enjoy raising their four children together and ministering as a team. Doug pastored Evergreen Foursquare Church in Auburn, Washington for 24 years. Doug served on the Doctrine Committee and Education Commission of The Foursquare Church and taught theology courses as adjunct faculty for Life Pacific College and Life Ministry Institute. Doug received his Master of Divinity at The Assemblies of God Theological Seminary and his Doctor of Ministry at Portland Seminary of George Fox University. Doug produced and hosted over 1,200 Christian radio broadcasts. His podcasts and blogs are available at fairlyspiritual.org.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
May 12, 2021
Summary: A discussion of the nature of online media, why it divides us, and how Christians can have a reconciling and redemptive presence.
I’m not sure if social media platforms were ever idyllic places, although my son tells me that it was a lot better before my generation got on Facebook and Twitter. In recent years I’ve seen both the delightful and disturbing parts of this media. On the delightful side, I host a book page with over 10,000 followers with fascinating discussions around books and the bookish life of bibliophiles. Then there are mean-spirited and outright false postings, sometimes in repeated comments that, in one instance, led to blocking someone I considered a good friend. I felt I was being used rather than engaged and that what I did was right but I am still disturbed about it, five months later.
Douglas S. Bursch saw plenty of angry in talk radio, where he worked as a host, trying to elevate the show to thoughtful discussion. He explores the peculiar nature of online media, its “always on” nature and how easy it is to post half-formed, often emotional responses to those we don’t even know. We may have thousands of connections and yet feel strangely anonymous, even as are those on our friends list. He calls this “networked individualism” where we are loosely connected to many people but deeply tied to few. Many really exist to meet some need of ours, and when they don’t, they are dispensable. We become numb to relationships. Part of what encourages this is that the media fosters “disincarnate communication.” We show what we want others to see as do they in curated versions of who we really are. Furthermore, social media facilitates a tribal mentality both through our willed choices of who to like and follow and the algorithms that track our behavior and show us who and what we want to see and read. Often, our own tribe has no motive to resolve conflict–we so affirm each other, and those on the outside, in the security of their tribe, are so odious that why bother. Unlike a real world situation where we do have to live with different people, we don’t on social media, and sadly learn ways of relating that translate into the real world as well.
Bursch, a middle child (like me) describes the theme of peacemaking and reconciliation in his life that came to fullest fruit in coming to faith in Christ who reconciled him to God and others. He presses out the implications of this for the online behavior of those who count themselves Christ-followers. He argues that bringing people closer to God and one another ought be a way of life online (and in real life). He proposes five questions that ought to be part of our peacemaking plan:
Is reconciliation my motivation?
Are people my priority?
Am I communicating truth with love?
Where is the grace?
What is the Spirit saying?
He even presses this out into the unpleasant encounters we have with internet trolls, who he reminds us are actually people (unless they are bots).
He also addresses something I’ve always wrestled with as a peacemaking middle child. There are some things we cannot make peace with. Deliberate falsehoods. Racism. Sexual predation. Unjust systems. One of the constructive things he commends is the platforming of the marginalized, particularly by those of us who are socially dominant. It may be that instead of spouting our own ideas, we invite the ideas of those pushed to the margins.
Bursch believes in the power of posting peace. He describes a woman by the name of Freedalyn who, when COVID broke out, went silent, until some discovered she used libraries for internet access. Many had been concerned because they had experienced her quiet, caring presence online. He concludes the book with ways we might make room for the Lord in our online engagement.
At the end of each chapter, Bursch provides questions for reflection and exercises that include the assignment to post online with the hashtag #PostingPeace. The combination of a theology of reconciliation with concrete practices that runs through this book offers the chance of helping us more intentionally and charitably engage online. It has been of growing concern to me that there are no winners in the divisive discourse we see and sometimes join online. Furthermore, when Christians join in such discourse, we turn many against Christ. The warning of Matthew 18:16 haunts me and I don’t want to go swimming with a millstone around my neck! Douglas Bursch not only helps us understand the challenges of online media but offers hope that we can pursue a better way that makes a difference.
____________________________
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
I’m not sure if social media platforms were ever idyllic places, although my son tells me that it was a lot better before my generation got on Facebook and Twitter. In recent years I’ve seen both the delightful and disturbing parts of this media. On the delightful side, I host a book page with over 10,000 followers with fascinating discussions around books and the bookish life of bibliophiles. Then there are mean-spirited and outright false postings, sometimes in repeated comments that, in one instance, led to blocking someone I considered a good friend. I felt I was being used rather than engaged and that what I did was right but I am still disturbed about it, five months later.
Douglas S. Bursch saw plenty of angry in talk radio, where he worked as a host, trying to elevate the show to thoughtful discussion. He explores the peculiar nature of online media, its “always on” nature and how easy it is to post half-formed, often emotional responses to those we don’t even know. We may have thousands of connections and yet feel strangely anonymous, even as are those on our friends list. He calls this “networked individualism” where we are loosely connected to many people but deeply tied to few. Many really exist to meet some need of ours, and when they don’t, they are dispensable. We become numb to relationships. Part of what encourages this is that the media fosters “disincarnate communication.” We show what we want others to see as do they in curated versions of who we really are. Furthermore, social media facilitates a tribal mentality both through our willed choices of who to like and follow and the algorithms that track our behavior and show us who and what we want to see and read. Often, our own tribe has no motive to resolve conflict–we so affirm each other, and those on the outside, in the security of their tribe, are so odious that why bother. Unlike a real world situation where we do have to live with different people, we don’t on social media, and sadly learn ways of relating that translate into the real world as well.
Bursch, a middle child (like me) describes the theme of peacemaking and reconciliation in his life that came to fullest fruit in coming to faith in Christ who reconciled him to God and others. He presses out the implications of this for the online behavior of those who count themselves Christ-followers. He argues that bringing people closer to God and one another ought be a way of life online (and in real life). He proposes five questions that ought to be part of our peacemaking plan:
Is reconciliation my motivation?
Are people my priority?
Am I communicating truth with love?
Where is the grace?
What is the Spirit saying?
He even presses this out into the unpleasant encounters we have with internet trolls, who he reminds us are actually people (unless they are bots).
He also addresses something I’ve always wrestled with as a peacemaking middle child. There are some things we cannot make peace with. Deliberate falsehoods. Racism. Sexual predation. Unjust systems. One of the constructive things he commends is the platforming of the marginalized, particularly by those of us who are socially dominant. It may be that instead of spouting our own ideas, we invite the ideas of those pushed to the margins.
Bursch believes in the power of posting peace. He describes a woman by the name of Freedalyn who, when COVID broke out, went silent, until some discovered she used libraries for internet access. Many had been concerned because they had experienced her quiet, caring presence online. He concludes the book with ways we might make room for the Lord in our online engagement.
At the end of each chapter, Bursch provides questions for reflection and exercises that include the assignment to post online with the hashtag #PostingPeace. The combination of a theology of reconciliation with concrete practices that runs through this book offers the chance of helping us more intentionally and charitably engage online. It has been of growing concern to me that there are no winners in the divisive discourse we see and sometimes join online. Furthermore, when Christians join in such discourse, we turn many against Christ. The warning of Matthew 18:16 haunts me and I don’t want to go swimming with a millstone around my neck! Douglas Bursch not only helps us understand the challenges of online media but offers hope that we can pursue a better way that makes a difference.
____________________________
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
May 10, 2021
This book came at an excellent time for me- getting out more now that I’ve been vaxed, and therefore having more in person relationships again...and it is the opposite of what this past year has been online, in a year of such cultural turmoil. I found Doug walking through how vastly different online interactions vs in person interactions are (it’s obvious information, but really played out in front of me as I’ve been reading this.). I greatly appreciated his words in speaking to us being ministers of reconciliation as Christians, and the 5 steps to think through prior to posting. I think it was helpful to address how justice isn’t the absence of conflict, and appreciated how Doug laid out how to do this - again, with a spirit of reconciliation- and when it’s better to “dust off your sandals” so to speak. All of this book is very practical wisdom to engaging both online and in person interactions, and I highly encourage all people to read it- but I think it would be especially helpful for pastors to read it, and encourage their congregation to read through it as well. It would be a great book to have done in churches as a book study/discussion time. As my pastor has said as Christians, we should be “recruiters”, and I think Doug’s book practically speaks to this same message.
June 2, 2022
Philosophical and practical.
This book helped me frame a few new principles around my engagement with social media, but also wider relationships. It helped define why a few of the principles I already followed by instinct were a good idea, and it helped challenge a few of my entrenched assumptions.
I return to this again as a manual for engaging in dialogue in the modern world.
This would be an excellent "flight pick" for The Life We're Looking for by Andy Crouch, also read recently. If you'll only read one, this is the one as it is thoughtful, but leans more pragmatic vice Crouch, who leans more philosophical.
This book helped me frame a few new principles around my engagement with social media, but also wider relationships. It helped define why a few of the principles I already followed by instinct were a good idea, and it helped challenge a few of my entrenched assumptions.
I return to this again as a manual for engaging in dialogue in the modern world.
This would be an excellent "flight pick" for The Life We're Looking for by Andy Crouch, also read recently. If you'll only read one, this is the one as it is thoughtful, but leans more pragmatic vice Crouch, who leans more philosophical.
July 6, 2021
Doug Bursch recognizes both the power of social media to shape us and the potential for us to shape our online engagement thoughtfully, deliberately, and well. In Posting Peace, he offers a vision for what social media can be as part of our God-given ministry of reconciliation--to be peacemakers in our face-to-face interactions and online. As he seeks to live this out, Doug invites readers to join him, and I gladly accept!
February 6, 2021
This book had me the first half. I couldn't put it down. The information, the perspective, the advice was great and hitting home for me.
About halfway through, it lost me. The author seemed to be lecturing and I felt like a teenager being given a weekend long speech from my parents after bringing the car home late.
About halfway through, it lost me. The author seemed to be lecturing and I felt like a teenager being given a weekend long speech from my parents after bringing the car home late.
April 8, 2021
Posting Peace put words to what I’ve seen; the good, the bad and the ugly of why and how we use these digital platforms – and its impact on our relationships. Bursch then calls the church (me) back to Jesus, offering insight into how social media can be used to love others as Jesus loved us. This book offers hope that this destructive tool can instead be an instrument of peace.
March 1, 2023
A great book on how to live with the Internet in a godly way.
May 15, 2021
We’ve seen it more times than we care to count. Someone puts out their opinion (sometimes stating it as fact) on social media, then within minutes snarky replies show up in the comments. The snarky begins to devolve into snide, then spiteful, and finally an outright extreme verbal cage fight. The saddest part is that maybe some of the combatants claim to be Christians or are people we know. This scene has become so endemic that social media and verbal fisticuffs have become synonymous. Therefore, Douglas S. Bursch, copastor of Evergreen Foursquare Church in Auburn, Washington, former newspaper columnist and talk radio host, has presented a timely work addressing this exact phenomenon. “Posting Peace: Why Social Media Divides Us and What We Can Do About It” is a 208-page paperback that delves into the way we are online, its consequences, and how to approach our internet presence with a whole new set of methods. The author’s premise is that “social media platforms are structured to separate us from some of the most basic interactions we need to establish strong relationships. The online medium fosters and exaggerates non-reconciling behavior” and it “normalizes and codifies bad behavior” (5). The book is a much-needed work, and worth the time to engage.
Bursch is writing specifically for Christians, since we’re expected to magnify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ in all we do. As the Apostle Paul states it, “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. Give no offense to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God. (1 Corinthians 10:31-32). The author takes this position seriously and demonstrates (1) the ways we easily defy the biblical injunction, and (2) numerous behaviors we can practice that embody this Scriptural directive. For example, because of the kind of people we’re supposed to be, then sometimes “this requires that we step away from the trending chaos of the online crowd to pray, read God’s Word, and find God’s heart. Too often the immediacy of social media keeps us from pausing to consider the perspective of our reconciling Savior. How many conflicts could be handled better if we first took time to find the heart of God before we post, tweet, or hit send” (126)? This volume is full of challenges to our “normal” practices, and encouragements us to inhabit a new normality.
One of the author’s principal perspectives is that social media is shaping us, molding our characters, and forming our relational interactions. He states clearly that what “becomes normalized in our social media practices becomes standardized in our marriages, families, and friendships. What we do online and how we do it online have consequences that go far beyond the online world” (28). Readers will face this concept from one end of the book to the other and will be met with their habitual online traits. The way out to go further up and further on is to see ourselves as peacemakers. Thus, for “us to be peacemakers we must intentionally humanize every online interaction” (120). This is not a go-along-to-get-along approach, but a perspective, an aim, an endeavor we should be reaching for, even when we are addressing real injustices and inequities.
The book is stuffed full of material from other sources, studies, and analysis. Though a reader may periodically come to a different conclusion than the author regarding one of the studies or other, nevertheless, this volume is not simply the writer’s opinion. There are enough references and reports to cause one to slow down and take stock. I found the endnotes useful in tracing down a few of findings for an adult class I’m teaching in my church that relates to this work.
My only disappointment was the way the book addresses injustice, and the idea of white privilege. For example, while untangling the messiness of online arguing, the author addresses the reaction of avoidance and disengagement. His remedy is to refute conflict avoidance and extrication from social media skirmishes and to encourage readers to get in there and mix it up, because true “societal transformation comes through challenging the injustices of society and the people who promulgate those injustices” (75). It struck me as an oddity in the book that was all about peacemaking. Truly, there is a place when addressing a wrong might be right, but there are other times where taking the slow, nearly silent approach seems more biblical and beneficial. I’m thinking of our Lord’s direction to talk with a person privately first and try to resolve the situation at the lowest level of relational engagement (Matthew 18:15-20). One could (and should) peruse Proverbs and notice how often silence, calmness, slowness to respond is the epitome of God-fearing wisdom. The writer develops his position more fully in a later chapter, “When Justice Demands Conflict” (146-161) in which he assumes conflict avoidance comes from white privilege. I had a hard time stomaching that chapter.
Nevertheless, even with that disappointment noted, “Posting Peace” is a work worth its weight in gold! My fellow Christian ministers and leaders must snag a copy, pour over it, and employ many of the author’s suggestions. In fact, anyone who finds themselves interacting on social media, and claims to be a Christian, ought to stop posting for two weeks and devote that time to reading this work. The potential consequences for utilizing the concepts in this manuscript would be huge, as we learn to “respond to the instantaneous, polarizing individualism of social media with the thoughtful, self-giving, other-focused reconciling example of Christ” (168). If I could wave a magic wand to get people to purchase and read one book in 2021, this would be the volume!
My deep appreciation goes to IVP for responding to my request for a review copy of the book and sending it. I used it in writing this analysis. I’m also grateful that they made no demands on me, didn’t issue any diktats for me to abide by, and allowed me to pen my own evaluation, which I have freely done.
Bursch is writing specifically for Christians, since we’re expected to magnify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ in all we do. As the Apostle Paul states it, “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. Give no offense to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God. (1 Corinthians 10:31-32). The author takes this position seriously and demonstrates (1) the ways we easily defy the biblical injunction, and (2) numerous behaviors we can practice that embody this Scriptural directive. For example, because of the kind of people we’re supposed to be, then sometimes “this requires that we step away from the trending chaos of the online crowd to pray, read God’s Word, and find God’s heart. Too often the immediacy of social media keeps us from pausing to consider the perspective of our reconciling Savior. How many conflicts could be handled better if we first took time to find the heart of God before we post, tweet, or hit send” (126)? This volume is full of challenges to our “normal” practices, and encouragements us to inhabit a new normality.
One of the author’s principal perspectives is that social media is shaping us, molding our characters, and forming our relational interactions. He states clearly that what “becomes normalized in our social media practices becomes standardized in our marriages, families, and friendships. What we do online and how we do it online have consequences that go far beyond the online world” (28). Readers will face this concept from one end of the book to the other and will be met with their habitual online traits. The way out to go further up and further on is to see ourselves as peacemakers. Thus, for “us to be peacemakers we must intentionally humanize every online interaction” (120). This is not a go-along-to-get-along approach, but a perspective, an aim, an endeavor we should be reaching for, even when we are addressing real injustices and inequities.
The book is stuffed full of material from other sources, studies, and analysis. Though a reader may periodically come to a different conclusion than the author regarding one of the studies or other, nevertheless, this volume is not simply the writer’s opinion. There are enough references and reports to cause one to slow down and take stock. I found the endnotes useful in tracing down a few of findings for an adult class I’m teaching in my church that relates to this work.
My only disappointment was the way the book addresses injustice, and the idea of white privilege. For example, while untangling the messiness of online arguing, the author addresses the reaction of avoidance and disengagement. His remedy is to refute conflict avoidance and extrication from social media skirmishes and to encourage readers to get in there and mix it up, because true “societal transformation comes through challenging the injustices of society and the people who promulgate those injustices” (75). It struck me as an oddity in the book that was all about peacemaking. Truly, there is a place when addressing a wrong might be right, but there are other times where taking the slow, nearly silent approach seems more biblical and beneficial. I’m thinking of our Lord’s direction to talk with a person privately first and try to resolve the situation at the lowest level of relational engagement (Matthew 18:15-20). One could (and should) peruse Proverbs and notice how often silence, calmness, slowness to respond is the epitome of God-fearing wisdom. The writer develops his position more fully in a later chapter, “When Justice Demands Conflict” (146-161) in which he assumes conflict avoidance comes from white privilege. I had a hard time stomaching that chapter.
Nevertheless, even with that disappointment noted, “Posting Peace” is a work worth its weight in gold! My fellow Christian ministers and leaders must snag a copy, pour over it, and employ many of the author’s suggestions. In fact, anyone who finds themselves interacting on social media, and claims to be a Christian, ought to stop posting for two weeks and devote that time to reading this work. The potential consequences for utilizing the concepts in this manuscript would be huge, as we learn to “respond to the instantaneous, polarizing individualism of social media with the thoughtful, self-giving, other-focused reconciling example of Christ” (168). If I could wave a magic wand to get people to purchase and read one book in 2021, this would be the volume!
My deep appreciation goes to IVP for responding to my request for a review copy of the book and sending it. I used it in writing this analysis. I’m also grateful that they made no demands on me, didn’t issue any diktats for me to abide by, and allowed me to pen my own evaluation, which I have freely done.
August 31, 2021
I strongly recommend this book for all Christians who use social media. Change is definitely needed. The author carefully spells out the dangers and misuses of social media and gives very practical and loving solutions. A little bit repetitive in the later chapters, but overall well done.
Here's to peaceful posting.
Here's to peaceful posting.
June 30, 2021
I haven’t always been the best on social media. I need to begin this review by admitting that. Ever since about 2015, social media has been divisive. I mean, life has been divisive. Politics have been divisive. Religion has been divisive. And the way in which we, as a culture and as Christians, navigate those divisions has been divisive. In Posting Peace, Douglas Bursch leads readers into a different path. Not one that avoids controversy or kowtows to criticism, but one that understands how to take a posture of love, concern, and conciliation rather than just attempt to win an argument.
The first couple chapters of Posting Peace seeks to understand what it is about social media that causes us to argue and communicate differently. Part of is that body language and tone is often lost amid the conversation. It becomes harder to engage in the nuances of conversation. Written language is different than spoken language. Speaking for myself, I’ve gotten into conversations where the tone of conversation between myself and another person weren’t aligning, but I didn’t see that until later. There’s also the issue of the conversation being public and easily interjected into. I may post a reply with a certain individual in mind, they may understand it and follow it, but someone else down the line reading may take offense. It’s a complicated process that’s furthered because of how social media depersonalizes and disembodies us. Bursch goes through all of this, then asks readers to consciously view their conversations as taking place in person with that other person.
As the book progresses, Bursch moves from the theoretical backdrop into the practicalities of reality. What can we do specifically to nurture the practice of Posting Peace? At the heart of the answer—and this is still more of a generality—we must embrace the ministry of reconciliation.
Social media polarization will not decrease until individuals begin to wholeheartedly embrace the ministry of reconciliation as a motivating factor for their online interactions…Believers must contend for truth in a way that brings people closer to God and closer to each other.
As he moves into the practicalities, Bursch asks readers to answer the following questions:
1. Is reconciliation my motivation?
2. Are people my priority?
3. Am I communicating truth with love?
4. Where is the grace?
5. What is the Spirit saying?
Understanding those answers will go a long way to shaping what we post and how we post it. Further, each chapter of Posting Peace ends with a series of discussion questions. These questions reflect upon the chapter, really digging into the material and forcing readers to not just gloss over the important points. Bursch doesn’t just tell you what to do, he tells you how to do it and spurs you toward action. Lastly, I appreciated that Posting Peace includes a chapter on how we should be divisive. Bursch recognizes that, yes, sometimes justice demands conflict. But even in the midst of conflict, the purpose is to end in reconciliation.
Posting Peace is an important book for this digital age. Bursch manages to make his points clearly and concisely, navigating divisive issues without getting bogged down into them. And that may be the most important part of the book. Bursch’s balance means that he doesn’t point the finger to any one group and claim that “they started it.” He doesn’t justify or condone any of it. His examples and anecdotes span the political and religious spectrum. And in such, it can be a call to unify. Posting Peace leads us toward a better way of communicating, one that sheds light instead of bringing heat, one firmly rooted in the ministry of reconciliation and devoted to the art of peacemaking.
The first couple chapters of Posting Peace seeks to understand what it is about social media that causes us to argue and communicate differently. Part of is that body language and tone is often lost amid the conversation. It becomes harder to engage in the nuances of conversation. Written language is different than spoken language. Speaking for myself, I’ve gotten into conversations where the tone of conversation between myself and another person weren’t aligning, but I didn’t see that until later. There’s also the issue of the conversation being public and easily interjected into. I may post a reply with a certain individual in mind, they may understand it and follow it, but someone else down the line reading may take offense. It’s a complicated process that’s furthered because of how social media depersonalizes and disembodies us. Bursch goes through all of this, then asks readers to consciously view their conversations as taking place in person with that other person.
As the book progresses, Bursch moves from the theoretical backdrop into the practicalities of reality. What can we do specifically to nurture the practice of Posting Peace? At the heart of the answer—and this is still more of a generality—we must embrace the ministry of reconciliation.
Social media polarization will not decrease until individuals begin to wholeheartedly embrace the ministry of reconciliation as a motivating factor for their online interactions…Believers must contend for truth in a way that brings people closer to God and closer to each other.
As he moves into the practicalities, Bursch asks readers to answer the following questions:
1. Is reconciliation my motivation?
2. Are people my priority?
3. Am I communicating truth with love?
4. Where is the grace?
5. What is the Spirit saying?
Understanding those answers will go a long way to shaping what we post and how we post it. Further, each chapter of Posting Peace ends with a series of discussion questions. These questions reflect upon the chapter, really digging into the material and forcing readers to not just gloss over the important points. Bursch doesn’t just tell you what to do, he tells you how to do it and spurs you toward action. Lastly, I appreciated that Posting Peace includes a chapter on how we should be divisive. Bursch recognizes that, yes, sometimes justice demands conflict. But even in the midst of conflict, the purpose is to end in reconciliation.
Posting Peace is an important book for this digital age. Bursch manages to make his points clearly and concisely, navigating divisive issues without getting bogged down into them. And that may be the most important part of the book. Bursch’s balance means that he doesn’t point the finger to any one group and claim that “they started it.” He doesn’t justify or condone any of it. His examples and anecdotes span the political and religious spectrum. And in such, it can be a call to unify. Posting Peace leads us toward a better way of communicating, one that sheds light instead of bringing heat, one firmly rooted in the ministry of reconciliation and devoted to the art of peacemaking.
Read
July 26, 2021A BOOK REVIEW
I anxiously pause and read, then pause and read again, carefully trying to parse the verbiage, analyze the tone, determine the intent, decipher the meaning, and find a way forward through the ever-expanding social media battlefield. People attack, misinterpret, and spew hatred, death threats are made.
Why are we so angry online? Why are we so divided? Galatians 5 says to us: "If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other?"
Our response to a worldwide pandemic poignantly exemplified and exaggerated the most troubling aspects of our social media communication. While the world engaged in social distancing and at-home sheltering to stop the deadly spread of the covid-19 VIRUS, the most divisive aspects of social media communication went viral. Angry partisan divisiveness and wild, unfounded conspiracy theories spread and continue to spread rapidly through social media platforms.
Dr. Bursch suggests through the Christian faith ways we can approach social media, bring it into a way of reconciliation. Christ's ministry was one of reconciliation. He suggests the following:
1. Pray: "Rejoice in the Lord always! Take time and remember that the ministry of Jesus is one of reconciliation, and we are called to follow Jesus!
2. Practice mindfulness: Take time to be mindful in posting, pause, be aware of what you are saying, how it will affect others.
3. Tear down the walls: Refuse segmentation. : You are not an algorithm. Remember we are Spirit-led children of God, let the Spirit of love lead.
4. Trend, trend, relational: Watch commenting on local trends, they come and go.
5.Build Relationships and not a following: Build relationships on all levels, not staying in your tribes. Discuss, learn, argue, but do so in love.
6. Engage your prophetic imagination: Let your imagination proclaim a prophecy in which social media is a tool for the reconciling love of Jesus of Nazareth, one in which that love reaches beyond the computer screens to loving our neighbor in real life.
Reconciliation is the central theme of the Gospel! Make room for the presence of the Divine, however you experience the Divine and walk-in love and reconciliation of one another!
-------------------------------------------
Fr. River Damien Sims, sfw
P.O. Box 642656
San Francisco, CA 94164
www.temenos.org
415-305-2124
April 21, 2021
Vivid, well constructed--a practical and balanced book for peacemaking in the divisive world online.
I’ve lost track of how many years it’s been since I started following Doug Bursch on Twitter – at least three, probably more. His threads drew me in because I saw in him an engaging, personable, and consistently positive online presence. I’ve seen Doug interact with consideration, kindness, and good humor toward all, even when confusion and conflict were in the mix. He has given us a trustworthy track record of practicing what he preaches. If that weren’t the case, I wouldn’t be reading or reviewing his book about peacemaking on social media.
Posting Peace: Why Social Media Divides Us and What We Can Do About It is well constructed and vividly written. I see Doug’s heart for pastoral care and spiritual formation in how he conscientiously leads us into the difficult terrain that is social media. He presents us with the core problems, carefully defines relevant terms, and summarizes key communication and media theories. He lays out insightful examples – personal, historical, current, biblical – that illustrate both issues and solutions. I especially appreciated seeing how cross-culturally aware and trauma-informed Doug is, as these are core aspects in productive ministries of reconciliation these days.
Doug’s study questions and practical #PostingPeace exercises with each chapter give us a chance to plum our own motives, face our fears, consider customized ways to embrace and embody the better way of Jesus. Posting Peace also keeps in positive tension the needs and challenges in being kind online and not merely “nice” – yet not avoiding conflict, because that often unlocks the way for people to change.
I came away with a strong sense of both the why-for’s and how-to’s of becoming a constructive ambassador of Christ and His Kingdom in the often divisive minefield of social media. The reading experience gave me a clearer picture and concrete ways for how I can do better online in bridging between polarized camps and creating space for those who are opposed. This is a balanced guidebook, full of wisdom for such a time as this, and I highly recommend it!
Disclosure: I received a digital ARC/Advanced Reader Copy and a print book as part of Doug’s launch team.
I’ve lost track of how many years it’s been since I started following Doug Bursch on Twitter – at least three, probably more. His threads drew me in because I saw in him an engaging, personable, and consistently positive online presence. I’ve seen Doug interact with consideration, kindness, and good humor toward all, even when confusion and conflict were in the mix. He has given us a trustworthy track record of practicing what he preaches. If that weren’t the case, I wouldn’t be reading or reviewing his book about peacemaking on social media.
Posting Peace: Why Social Media Divides Us and What We Can Do About It is well constructed and vividly written. I see Doug’s heart for pastoral care and spiritual formation in how he conscientiously leads us into the difficult terrain that is social media. He presents us with the core problems, carefully defines relevant terms, and summarizes key communication and media theories. He lays out insightful examples – personal, historical, current, biblical – that illustrate both issues and solutions. I especially appreciated seeing how cross-culturally aware and trauma-informed Doug is, as these are core aspects in productive ministries of reconciliation these days.
Doug’s study questions and practical #PostingPeace exercises with each chapter give us a chance to plum our own motives, face our fears, consider customized ways to embrace and embody the better way of Jesus. Posting Peace also keeps in positive tension the needs and challenges in being kind online and not merely “nice” – yet not avoiding conflict, because that often unlocks the way for people to change.
I came away with a strong sense of both the why-for’s and how-to’s of becoming a constructive ambassador of Christ and His Kingdom in the often divisive minefield of social media. The reading experience gave me a clearer picture and concrete ways for how I can do better online in bridging between polarized camps and creating space for those who are opposed. This is a balanced guidebook, full of wisdom for such a time as this, and I highly recommend it!
Disclosure: I received a digital ARC/Advanced Reader Copy and a print book as part of Doug’s launch team.
April 18, 2021
Written with passion and energy about Christian engagement with social media and especially about our need to ‘Post Peace’ rather than contribute to the increasingly divisive nature of the world of the internet. It’s a worthy project, both in the US where the book originates and in other parts of the world like the UK, where I live. We can, all too easily, find examples of increasing hostility, hate and division, fed by social media. And some of them we write ourselves.
It is to this that the author, with his experience in things techy has paid attention. He has reflected on the bible and shared his testimony in the hope that we, his readers, will take up his challenge to Post Peace.
The book is full of sound material and each chapter ends with helpful questions for the reader’s reflection as well as two challenges to Post Peace. Although I’ve not yet tried any of them, I have been changed and challenged by the book. Firstly, I am more attentive to the thoughts and feelings that my engagement with social media evokes. I notice what makes me sad, angry, confused or hopeful. I enjoy being part of Mushroom Twitter and have learnt how to recognise many fungi as a result of my engagement with social media. But is that enough?
Here in the UK we also have #BLM and #MeToo. Recent examples of violence against women, particularly the death of #SarahEverard mean I cannot with integrity remove myself from social media use. Doug has helped me to consider how God is calling me to use the space for reconciliation: it’s a work in progress as far as I’m concerned. In this respect I’d have found it more helpful to have chapter 10, on justice and reconciliation, nearer the front of the book.
During the COVID19 pandemic the global connections of social media have enriched my life. I will continue to reflect on the need to Post Peace and enjoy following the author and others, not only people I agree with. If you are also concerned for the polarisations seen on social media and are looking for a nudge towards a greater awareness and practice of reconciliation on line, then I commend this book to you.
April 24, 2021
I have listened to Doug Bursch’s radio show for several years enjoying his refreshing, no-holds-bar commentary. He has visited as guest pastor to my church, and I have read his previous book, The Community of God, with delight and awed comprehension.
Posting Peace came at the right time to smooth my confused, ruffled feathers. The completed election process, the attempted realignment of parties, the Covid-19 stand of vax or no vax, and all the social injustice stories that are still plaguing our country have muddied, scorched, even evaporated my belief in the goodness of the human race.
Doug has shown a bright light on the problem, offered solutions, and given me hope for the future of our country, world and even the whole human race,
Infodemic and its overabundance of misinformation have stirred, blurred, and rewritten everyone’s lines of belief and reestablished what hill they are willing to die on.
Doug’s urging for us ‘to refuse to participate in the devouring spirit of our age, even as will fulfill our calling to fight against injustices.’
His inclusion of chapter questions and challenges greatly increased my current understanding of me and a path toward realignment with the Savior.
Chapter 4, Never Fully Present, gave me a better understanding toward my teenage children and their generation along with talking points toward living a life online.
Reconciliation, grace, and the Holy Spirit lead us to our positions, presence, and actions regarding social media and in Posting Peace, Doug shares five key questions he uses to assess online communications.
A path for transformation frequently necessitates conflict, yet Doug whole-heartedly shares his avoidance with conflict and Jesus’s use of it to success.
Posting Peace allows you to self-discover, realign, renew, and grow closer toward God in our age of social media, trolls, misinformation, contention, deceit, and the triumphs of human emotion.
I invite you to really read this book, answer the chapter questions and accept the challenges. No need to speed through this book. Enjoy the ride that Doug takes you on as you see social media your presences there.
Posting Peace came at the right time to smooth my confused, ruffled feathers. The completed election process, the attempted realignment of parties, the Covid-19 stand of vax or no vax, and all the social injustice stories that are still plaguing our country have muddied, scorched, even evaporated my belief in the goodness of the human race.
Doug has shown a bright light on the problem, offered solutions, and given me hope for the future of our country, world and even the whole human race,
Infodemic and its overabundance of misinformation have stirred, blurred, and rewritten everyone’s lines of belief and reestablished what hill they are willing to die on.
Doug’s urging for us ‘to refuse to participate in the devouring spirit of our age, even as will fulfill our calling to fight against injustices.’
His inclusion of chapter questions and challenges greatly increased my current understanding of me and a path toward realignment with the Savior.
Chapter 4, Never Fully Present, gave me a better understanding toward my teenage children and their generation along with talking points toward living a life online.
Reconciliation, grace, and the Holy Spirit lead us to our positions, presence, and actions regarding social media and in Posting Peace, Doug shares five key questions he uses to assess online communications.
A path for transformation frequently necessitates conflict, yet Doug whole-heartedly shares his avoidance with conflict and Jesus’s use of it to success.
Posting Peace allows you to self-discover, realign, renew, and grow closer toward God in our age of social media, trolls, misinformation, contention, deceit, and the triumphs of human emotion.
I invite you to really read this book, answer the chapter questions and accept the challenges. No need to speed through this book. Enjoy the ride that Doug takes you on as you see social media your presences there.
April 5, 2021
I appreciate how social media (mostly Facebook) helps me stay in touch with friends and family. However, there are times when I am ready to call it quits and delete my fb account due to the seemingly constant torrent of anger, slander, fear-mongering, misinformation, and other filth. And it grieves me that many of my fellow Christians seem to be just as caught up in the war of words as anyone else. Rather than “keeping in step with the Spirit” by demonstrating godly character and motivations (love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control – Galatians 5:22-23), far too many of us engage in the kind of speech that we are told has no place in our life (bitterness, rage, anger, brawling, slander, malice – Ephesians 4:31). This timely book addresses these concerns.
The first part of the book focuses on how online communication shapes our interaction with others, with heavy emphasis on the distance it puts between us and the tendency to tribalization. This is followed with advice on how to overcome pitfalls and use social media for good. Throughout the book, the author strongly emphasizes Christians’ responsibility to be peacemakers who make room for reconciliation (among people as well as between people and God).
While I strongly agree with most of the author’s main points, some of his presentation felt muddled and imprecise. Criticism of those who are divisive is followed by admonition to use social media to confront injustice. Triumphalist declarations of how we can use social media to transform society are followed by warning that the task is impossible and full peace comes only when Christ returns. Verses about the Gospel reconciling people to God are used to talk about the social justice kind of reconciliation. None of these are necessarily complete contradictions, but I don’t think that the author explained with enough nuance or provided enough concrete examples to avoid confusion. Instead, I think he relied on discussion questions and writing assignments at the end of each chapter to try to get readers to think it through for themselves. While that approach might be great in a classroom setting, I find it less useful in book form (and, unfortunately, I have been seeing it increasingly often in “applied theology” kind of books).
Overall, even though the book could have definitely used more concrete examples and clearly nuanced explanations, it is well worth reading for Christians who frequently engage with social media. Let’s post peace rather than engage in trolling! (3.5 out of 5 stars)
The first part of the book focuses on how online communication shapes our interaction with others, with heavy emphasis on the distance it puts between us and the tendency to tribalization. This is followed with advice on how to overcome pitfalls and use social media for good. Throughout the book, the author strongly emphasizes Christians’ responsibility to be peacemakers who make room for reconciliation (among people as well as between people and God).
While I strongly agree with most of the author’s main points, some of his presentation felt muddled and imprecise. Criticism of those who are divisive is followed by admonition to use social media to confront injustice. Triumphalist declarations of how we can use social media to transform society are followed by warning that the task is impossible and full peace comes only when Christ returns. Verses about the Gospel reconciling people to God are used to talk about the social justice kind of reconciliation. None of these are necessarily complete contradictions, but I don’t think that the author explained with enough nuance or provided enough concrete examples to avoid confusion. Instead, I think he relied on discussion questions and writing assignments at the end of each chapter to try to get readers to think it through for themselves. While that approach might be great in a classroom setting, I find it less useful in book form (and, unfortunately, I have been seeing it increasingly often in “applied theology” kind of books).
Overall, even though the book could have definitely used more concrete examples and clearly nuanced explanations, it is well worth reading for Christians who frequently engage with social media. Let’s post peace rather than engage in trolling! (3.5 out of 5 stars)
April 20, 2021
Social media…..a neutral tool or so they claim, yet an extremely powerful communications tool providing us with an incredibly effective conduit for sharing ideas, thoughts and emotions, and this is where it gets explosive, under the control of such emotional beings as ourselves these seemingly neutral platforms (and I say that with caution) can become such a hazardous ‘open forum’ minefield of division. The degree of anonymity and distance which social media provides can if we not very, very careful lead us down precarious paths where we may not have gone, nor ever wished to go in any other circumstance that we might find ourselves.
What Doug has accomplished with this book is to deftly navigate this minefield of a subject from the perspectives of a believer in Christ and as an accomplished teacher of the Word of God and with grace, authority and clarity he has brought to us a volume of teaching from which we can all learn to apply Biblical truth and gracious, Christlike living to our own social media output. Doug’s thorough research into and experience of the subject is evident to see right from the first few pages and his masterful, witty application of that knowledge and his own experiences on social media bring us, chapter by chapter, to a very sound footing on how we might to bring light not heat, unity not division to our own social media experience. Social media like any other media where brothers and sister in Christ interact with one another and with the wider world can be a powerful force for good, an incredible tool for the encouragement of others and for the propagation of the gospel, and Doug understands this exceptionally well. In the language of minefields as we’re treading very carefully, Doug’s learning, experience and teaching give us an incredible and I’d even say essential resource from which we can each learn to watch where we’re putting out feet.
What Doug has accomplished with this book is to deftly navigate this minefield of a subject from the perspectives of a believer in Christ and as an accomplished teacher of the Word of God and with grace, authority and clarity he has brought to us a volume of teaching from which we can all learn to apply Biblical truth and gracious, Christlike living to our own social media output. Doug’s thorough research into and experience of the subject is evident to see right from the first few pages and his masterful, witty application of that knowledge and his own experiences on social media bring us, chapter by chapter, to a very sound footing on how we might to bring light not heat, unity not division to our own social media experience. Social media like any other media where brothers and sister in Christ interact with one another and with the wider world can be a powerful force for good, an incredible tool for the encouragement of others and for the propagation of the gospel, and Doug understands this exceptionally well. In the language of minefields as we’re treading very carefully, Doug’s learning, experience and teaching give us an incredible and I’d even say essential resource from which we can each learn to watch where we’re putting out feet.
May 2, 2021
In his new book, Posting Peace: Why Social Media Divides Us and What We Can Do About It, Doug Bursch challenges the idea that social media must be a hostile environment. His call to action—become a peacemaker to make the Internet and world a better place—is one we all need to hear and heed.
In this engaging, balanced, and well-written treatise, Doug lays out the existing state of social media, and shows its toxicity. Along the way he includes relatable anecdotes from his own experience, along with vivid examples from current events and history, that illustrate his points with humor and heart. I found insightful his analogy of every person on social media as a talk show host, each cultivating their own audience.
I especially appreciated Doug’s insight that the toxicity of social media transforms even those who don’t use it because it is fundamentally changing how we treat others. This turns on its ear the notion that those who don’t directly use social media aren’t part of the problem. It reveals to me that refusing to engage on Facebook in the past year is not solving anything.
Doug lays out a vision for a future state of social media with examples, and leads us on a path to get there. Thought-provoking study questions at the end of each chapter encourage the reader to examine their own online behavior. The #PostingPeace exercises offer opportunities to embrace peacemaking and take steps to be part of a positive change.
In Posting Peace: Why Social Media Divides Us and What We Can Do About It, Doug Bursch makes a solid case for becoming a peacemaker. I highly recommend the book. It has made me reflect on a lot of my own social media habits, and it will make you reflect on yours as well.
One final note: if some existing suspicion of Christian authors makes you hesitant to buy and read this book, I ask you to give it a chance. Doug’s anedotes in the first chapter pointing out divisive behaviors among Christians may surprise you.
In this engaging, balanced, and well-written treatise, Doug lays out the existing state of social media, and shows its toxicity. Along the way he includes relatable anecdotes from his own experience, along with vivid examples from current events and history, that illustrate his points with humor and heart. I found insightful his analogy of every person on social media as a talk show host, each cultivating their own audience.
I especially appreciated Doug’s insight that the toxicity of social media transforms even those who don’t use it because it is fundamentally changing how we treat others. This turns on its ear the notion that those who don’t directly use social media aren’t part of the problem. It reveals to me that refusing to engage on Facebook in the past year is not solving anything.
Doug lays out a vision for a future state of social media with examples, and leads us on a path to get there. Thought-provoking study questions at the end of each chapter encourage the reader to examine their own online behavior. The #PostingPeace exercises offer opportunities to embrace peacemaking and take steps to be part of a positive change.
In Posting Peace: Why Social Media Divides Us and What We Can Do About It, Doug Bursch makes a solid case for becoming a peacemaker. I highly recommend the book. It has made me reflect on a lot of my own social media habits, and it will make you reflect on yours as well.
One final note: if some existing suspicion of Christian authors makes you hesitant to buy and read this book, I ask you to give it a chance. Doug’s anedotes in the first chapter pointing out divisive behaviors among Christians may surprise you.
April 20, 2021
I’ve followed Doug Bursch on social media for quite a while because of his consistently genuine and encouraging thoughts, as well as his willingness to poke fun at himself. So, I was glad to hear about his book Posting Peace and looked forward to reading it.
After reading his book, I can say he’s modeled the very things he wrote about. More than that, his book isn’t just a collection of his thoughts about social media but is well-thought out and researched. This was especially helpful as Doug builds his case for why there’s a need for Christians to be better witnesses of their faith online in social media.
Doug doesn’t pontificate but shares personal stories to illustrate what he wants to address within a chapter. I found his stories engaging because they were honest, personal glimpses into Doug’s heart, faith, and life. His vulnerability helps lower whatever defenses a person might have and reveals why he was motivated to write this book.
I also appreciate the follow up questions and applications at the end of each chapter. Each chapter has a main thrust and these questions help with processing and reinforcing each chapter’s main points. The #PostingPeace challenges, I call them applications, are simple, pointed, and provide a practical step for how to be someone who posts peace rather than stir up strife.
Doug’s faith shines through his writing without being preachy and self-righteous. If even half the Christian believers posting on social media read and followed Doug’s constructive guidance on being a peacemaker online, I believe it would dramatically change the tone of much that’s written online.
One more thought… if you think you don’t need to read this book, well, you most likely do!
After reading his book, I can say he’s modeled the very things he wrote about. More than that, his book isn’t just a collection of his thoughts about social media but is well-thought out and researched. This was especially helpful as Doug builds his case for why there’s a need for Christians to be better witnesses of their faith online in social media.
Doug doesn’t pontificate but shares personal stories to illustrate what he wants to address within a chapter. I found his stories engaging because they were honest, personal glimpses into Doug’s heart, faith, and life. His vulnerability helps lower whatever defenses a person might have and reveals why he was motivated to write this book.
I also appreciate the follow up questions and applications at the end of each chapter. Each chapter has a main thrust and these questions help with processing and reinforcing each chapter’s main points. The #PostingPeace challenges, I call them applications, are simple, pointed, and provide a practical step for how to be someone who posts peace rather than stir up strife.
Doug’s faith shines through his writing without being preachy and self-righteous. If even half the Christian believers posting on social media read and followed Doug’s constructive guidance on being a peacemaker online, I believe it would dramatically change the tone of much that’s written online.
One more thought… if you think you don’t need to read this book, well, you most likely do!
April 20, 2021
Posting Peace is a really helpful book on improving our interactions on social media. The author points out problems that are arising from typical social media use - being detached from in-person interactions, being negatively influenced by the medium of social media, increased polarization, etc. and he helps us think through ways to be more thoughtful as we use social media.
The title may give the impression that the goal is mere conflict avoiding peace, but we are encouraged to pursue a more holistic peace that includes reconciliation and conflict resolution. We are encouraged to pursue justice as we pursue peace and reconciliation. I thought this was a great quote:
"Peacemaking is not the avoidance of conflict, but the confrontation of sin and injustice with the reconciling good news of Jesus Christ. Peacemakers bring people into alignment with Christ through opposing their rebellions. They facilitate environments that change the fundamental thinking, feelings, and actions of others. They call people to genuine repentance expressed through transformed behaviors and visible deeds. When peacemakers confront the rebellion of others, they produce conflict."
The author gives us really helpful questions at the end of each chapters and gives us challenges for each chapter.
This is a great book for anyone who wants to grow in love for others who they interact with online. And I think it can help us grow in loving others in all our interactions.
(I received a pre-release copy to facilitate my review)
The title may give the impression that the goal is mere conflict avoiding peace, but we are encouraged to pursue a more holistic peace that includes reconciliation and conflict resolution. We are encouraged to pursue justice as we pursue peace and reconciliation. I thought this was a great quote:
"Peacemaking is not the avoidance of conflict, but the confrontation of sin and injustice with the reconciling good news of Jesus Christ. Peacemakers bring people into alignment with Christ through opposing their rebellions. They facilitate environments that change the fundamental thinking, feelings, and actions of others. They call people to genuine repentance expressed through transformed behaviors and visible deeds. When peacemakers confront the rebellion of others, they produce conflict."
The author gives us really helpful questions at the end of each chapters and gives us challenges for each chapter.
This is a great book for anyone who wants to grow in love for others who they interact with online. And I think it can help us grow in loving others in all our interactions.
(I received a pre-release copy to facilitate my review)
April 29, 2021
I was pulled in from the start. Bursch shares his own experiences with the increasingly polemic, radicalized, and vitriolic world of social media. As he does, he expresses my own sense of heaviness and foreboding. Even my relationships with those I tend to agree with have become strained and tenuous in this atmosphere: when will they turn and pounce on me? It is helpful—first of all—that Bursch expresses the problem with humility and in a relatable way; we’re in this together. And as bad as the situation may be, he maintains an optimism that we can have an effective role to play against the angry, bullying tides of social media.
The first half of the book digs in the recent history, and developing destructiveness of social media. He shows how this runs contrary to the Christian call to promote reconciliation and peace. But even in this early part, at the end of each chapter, he provides questions to dig deeper, and simple exercises to immediately begin promoting peace through social media.
The second half lays out how we can individually and together create a new dynamic, a new tide, within social media over and against the rancor and divisional nature of social media.
This is a great book for individuals wondering “how should a Christian ‘be’ and speak online”? It would be a great book for small group study. It would be a great resource for ministerial groups as well. I highly recommend POSTING PEACE!
The first half of the book digs in the recent history, and developing destructiveness of social media. He shows how this runs contrary to the Christian call to promote reconciliation and peace. But even in this early part, at the end of each chapter, he provides questions to dig deeper, and simple exercises to immediately begin promoting peace through social media.
The second half lays out how we can individually and together create a new dynamic, a new tide, within social media over and against the rancor and divisional nature of social media.
This is a great book for individuals wondering “how should a Christian ‘be’ and speak online”? It would be a great book for small group study. It would be a great resource for ministerial groups as well. I highly recommend POSTING PEACE!
April 19, 2021
A lot of books are okay. Some books are pretty good. This book is excellent.
Doug Bursch clearly has a burden for human reconciliation, and in Posting Peace, that burden is focused on the online world of Social Media. Bursch examines the effect of online interaction from myriad angles, looking at how it affects not only our relationships with one another, but also our own psyche. When the dominant communicative model for an individual is online interaction, that reality impacts one's cognative, social, and emotional worldview.
Ultimately, the online environment enables us to dehumanize others just as it allows them to dehumanize us. When the friction of discontent arises, we can respond to that with no more concern than we have about wadding up scrap paper and throwing it into the fire. We discard avatars/profiles (people) easily and quickly because there is an abundance of online personas lined up to slip into the slot of the discarded.
In the end, Bursch demonstrates that healthy social media communication is possible by embracing our call to be ministers of reconciliation. Rather than a combative posture, Bursch demonstrates how we can embrace a redemptive posture.
Truly, a worthwhile read.
Doug Bursch clearly has a burden for human reconciliation, and in Posting Peace, that burden is focused on the online world of Social Media. Bursch examines the effect of online interaction from myriad angles, looking at how it affects not only our relationships with one another, but also our own psyche. When the dominant communicative model for an individual is online interaction, that reality impacts one's cognative, social, and emotional worldview.
Ultimately, the online environment enables us to dehumanize others just as it allows them to dehumanize us. When the friction of discontent arises, we can respond to that with no more concern than we have about wadding up scrap paper and throwing it into the fire. We discard avatars/profiles (people) easily and quickly because there is an abundance of online personas lined up to slip into the slot of the discarded.
In the end, Bursch demonstrates that healthy social media communication is possible by embracing our call to be ministers of reconciliation. Rather than a combative posture, Bursch demonstrates how we can embrace a redemptive posture.
Truly, a worthwhile read.
May 28, 2021
In this latest work, Bursch (The Community of God) takes on the societal polarization endemic in social media, from a Christian perspective. The author, co-pastor of Evergreen Foursquare Church in Auburn, WA, is a former conservative talk radio host who became disenchanted with the format because of the behavior of some of his audience: "During my five years on Christian radio, some of the meanest, angriest, harshest words came from Christians." Drawing on research from experts in the field, Bursch argues that social media, by its very nature, tends to isolate its users from meaningful interactions, and that online connections are by nature superficial and transient. He uses Biblical allusions to support his assertion that Christians should value demonstrating the love of God in their social media interactions more than the "rightness" of their convictions. He concludes each chapter with discussion questions and suggestions for positive posting, hoping his readers will commit to incorporating these into their social media to "put peacemaking into practice."VERDICT A timely reminder of the need to model the behavior we hope to see in others, this text could easily be the basis for group study.
April 20, 2021
I know most of us feel the tension of living in this incredibly divided world. In my counseling practice, I have had a front row seat to the havoc these divisions have caused in our relationships. I have watched parents at war with their adult children, couples arguing endlessly, and friendships dissolving (in a weird mix of social media mutes, blocks, and unfriending). It is heart-breaking.
Posting Peace is a beautifully researched and written book. Doug is able to not only describe this tumultuous sea in which we are all treading water, but also light a pathway to calm, peace, and reconciliation, especially when it comes to social media. I had no idea how desperately I needed this book. He dissects the complex world we now live with such wisdom and grace. It is so encouraging, convicting, and life-giving. And I just love the practical challenges he give us at the end of each chapter. I am recommending it to all my clients!
Posting Peace is a beautifully researched and written book. Doug is able to not only describe this tumultuous sea in which we are all treading water, but also light a pathway to calm, peace, and reconciliation, especially when it comes to social media. I had no idea how desperately I needed this book. He dissects the complex world we now live with such wisdom and grace. It is so encouraging, convicting, and life-giving. And I just love the practical challenges he give us at the end of each chapter. I am recommending it to all my clients!
April 2, 2021
I just had the privilege of reading “Posting Peace” by Douglas S. Bursch. This book was a well written thought provoking piece. There were times that I was laughing out loud and other times I was brought to tears. By nature I am a peacemaker. However, this book challenged my thinking on peacemaking. Like the author explained in Chapter 10, I also avoid conflict and hate heated arguments. But this is not necessarily peacemaking as I once thought. "Sometimes we must speak knowing our voice will cause conflict, division, and even the severing of relationships." "The path of transformation frequently necessitates conflict." However, it is how you walk into your internet interactions that matter. We must be mindful and intentional. We must "make room for the Lord, He knows you by name." I highly recommend this book!
July 8, 2021
Reconciled Online
Reading the first couple of chapters of this book I felt I was being inundated with virtual negativity. The author presented the dark side of being online. It took perseverance to get past that darkness to see the light. Once I was able to wade through the first few chapters the purpose of the book was revealed. Douglas Bursch makes it apparent that darkness is overtaking the light on social media because followers of Jesus are not acting any different than the world. We are commanded and commissioned to live according to Christ’s teaching whether in the digital or physical world. So, the author provides practical guidance on how to be more Christlike online. I would recommend this book to anyone wanting to make a positive difference in our tech based world.
Reading the first couple of chapters of this book I felt I was being inundated with virtual negativity. The author presented the dark side of being online. It took perseverance to get past that darkness to see the light. Once I was able to wade through the first few chapters the purpose of the book was revealed. Douglas Bursch makes it apparent that darkness is overtaking the light on social media because followers of Jesus are not acting any different than the world. We are commanded and commissioned to live according to Christ’s teaching whether in the digital or physical world. So, the author provides practical guidance on how to be more Christlike online. I would recommend this book to anyone wanting to make a positive difference in our tech based world.
Read
April 16, 2021From the beginning, through the middle, through the end, this book is AMAZING! So well thought out. So prayerfully molded. At times I felt as if the author were describing me exactly. He then steps in further and write things about me and my SM habits that even I hadn’t recognized yet. There are times when it’s a fabulous sermon, when I can hear his Pastor voice and I feel the LORD’s compassionate conviction. But then, it’s a textbook of scientific evidences of truth and love.
Uhm, yes, I’ll read it again because it also contains its own workbook! Then it’s a theology manuscript and I'm reminded of why Christ calls us to do what we do. On it goes till it’s just Glum…until HOPE bursts through like joy in the morning! Very powerful. Very evenhanded. Very lovingly created.
Uhm, yes, I’ll read it again because it also contains its own workbook! Then it’s a theology manuscript and I'm reminded of why Christ calls us to do what we do. On it goes till it’s just Glum…until HOPE bursts through like joy in the morning! Very powerful. Very evenhanded. Very lovingly created.
April 20, 2021
Posting Peace: Why Social Media Divides Us and What We Can Do about It I highly recommend this book! It's like sitting down with a good friend for a life-giving and redemptive conversation. Each chapter concludes with practical questions and #postingpeace challenge that takes you beyond the theoretical and into practical ways you can be a part of influencing peace and reconciliation in your social media interactions.
April 20, 2021
I found this book to be a helpful reset as I consider how I use social media. There are lots of ways and reasons to use the various online platforms, and even my use varies from day to day, but the particular emphasis of situating our use of social media within the framework of the reconciling work of Christ was challenging and helpful. It’s easy to pursue the mic-drop, the slam-dunk, the airtight argument, but here we are challenged to, instead, “make room for the reconciling presence of Christ.” And that’s the more worth-while, life-giving pursuit.
(I received a pre-release copy to read as part of the Launch Team)
(I received a pre-release copy to read as part of the Launch Team)
May 2, 2022
Overall the book was pretty good and had really great challenges when it came to being a peacemaker on social media. However, when I got to chapter 10 I was so disappointed to see the author falling into the unbiblical social justice movement, pointing out that his "white privilege" distorts his understanding of conflict and reconciliation. This was written in 2020-2021 so I'd like to try and give this pastor the benefit of the doubt... Maybe he was feeling pressured to talk about privilege in the heat of the culture during his writing. I'd like to hope that he looks back now regretting adding that to his book. Totally unbiblical view of justice.
April 23, 2021
Doug Bursch is a loving voice of compassion and understanding teaching us all how to be better community-builders and peace-makers with "Posting Peace."
With empathy and gentleness, Doug shows us how, as followers of Christ, we can communicate with grace and truth to our online neighbors. His research and viewpoint is timely and relevant to our day.
I'm now using this book to educate my children on the proper foundations needed to use and participate in social media -- but more importantly, to reflect Christ in our relationships online to the glory of God.
With empathy and gentleness, Doug shows us how, as followers of Christ, we can communicate with grace and truth to our online neighbors. His research and viewpoint is timely and relevant to our day.
I'm now using this book to educate my children on the proper foundations needed to use and participate in social media -- but more importantly, to reflect Christ in our relationships online to the glory of God.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews