It seems there are always those who contemplate the effects of new technologies (and now, social media) on our lives and our faiths.

We could begin with the Amish, who make careful, and what to outsiders seem arbitrary and irrational, decisions about technology.

Then there’s Johann Hari pleading for real books against the distractions of ebooks and the internet.

Someone asks what sort of Christians does contemporary worship create.

Jason Byassee encounters texting while teaching a Sunday School class and wonders how leaders should deal with the presence of smartphones and the like in church services or other meetings.

James Martin comments on the use of the web by Catholic organizations.

And Elizabeth Drescher identifies elements of the Digital Reformation. Based on the results of a Pew survey, she observes:

While participation in digital social networks does not cause participation in religious groups, digital social engagement parallels local religious engagement. Where these two paths intersect would seem to be a particularly fruitful locale for socio-spiritual encounter.