Social Media in the New Evangelization

By Miriam Westen, MEd, MTS, MA.Th. PhD (Cand)

Presented and Published with the Fellowship of Catholic Scholars Canada, 2013

Social Networking has become the popular phrase this year. New networks are springing
up with exponential growth. What does this mean for the Christian of today? The New
Evangelization of the Year of Faith has inspired a new impetus to social media technologies for
evangelizing.
In his introductory catechesis to the Year of Faith, Pope Benedict XVI stated, “The 50th
anniversary of the opening of the Second Vatican Council is an important opportunity to return
to God, to deepen our faith and live it more courageously, and to strengthen our belonging to the
Church, “teacher of humanity”. (Pope Benedict XVI, General audience, “The Year of Faith.
Introduction,” 2012, available at
http://www.annusfidei.va/content/novaevangelizatio/en/benedetto-xvi/catechesi/20121117.html)
Communication with large groups of individuals on a world-wide scale is now made possible for
the average person. The transmission of the truths of the Faith is now energized via an
abundance of new communication media. The broad global aspect of these media provides for a
propagation of teachings of the Church to the world.
This year’s message from Pope Benedict XVI for the “World Day of Communications”
highlighted the importance of social networking:
Social networks, as well as being a means of evangelization, can also be a factor in human
development. As an example, in some geographical and cultural contexts where Christians feel
isolated, social networks can reinforce their sense of real unity with the worldwide community of
believers. The networks facilitate the sharing of spiritual and liturgical resources, helping people
to pray with a greater sense of closeness to those who share the same faith. (Jan. 24, 2013/47th
World Communications Day Message)
This paper will examine the various popular networking sites, examine statistics, show
ways to incorporate social networking and elucidate the various Vatican documents on the
subject.

Top Social Networking sites

 A plethora of Social Networks have emerged in the last decade. They continue to grow
and expand. There are too many social networking sites to enumerate here. However, some of
the most notable ones are mentioned below.
FACEBOOK has become the largest social networking platform in history. This network is
being used by extensively by Catholics: Cardinals, Bishops,
Priests, Deacons, Brothers, Nuns, Dioceses, and Laity. Famous Catholics including, Fr. Frank
Pavone, Fr. Mitch Pacwa, US Conference of Catholic Bishops, EWTN, Bishop Anthony Fisher,
Bishop Julian Porteus, Scott Hahn, Johnette Benkovic, and many others all use Facebook on a
regular basis to connect with their flock and audience. Pope Benedict XVI has encouraged these
forms of communication:
When people exchange information, they are already sharing themselves, their view of the world,
their hopes, their ideals. It follows that there exists a Christian way of being present in the digital
world: this takes the form of a communication which is honest and open, responsible and
respectful of others. To proclaim the Gospel through the new media means not only to insert
expressly religious content into different media platforms, but also to witness consistently, in
one’s own digital profile and in the way one communicates choices, preferences and judgements
that are fully consistent with the Gospel, even when it is not spoken of specifically. (Pope
Benedict XVI, Message for the 45th World Communications day, Available at:
http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/messages/communications/documents/hf_ben-
xvi_mes_20110124_45th-world-communications-day_en.html
(Image Source: facebook.com – USCCB) Facebook has become a multi-purpose tool for
evangelization. It is a free multi-use network sharing platform. Here one can connect across
countries, religions, and races. One can create a profile with images, education, work experience
and personal information. There are controls as to who can see this information. Most people use
FB to connect with relatives, school associates, co-workers, religious members and business
audiences. Facebook is translated in over 70 different languages. Perhaps, the broad appeal of
Facebook is that members can connect seamlessly with nearly the entire world and control what
is posted.
Another social networking site is LINKEDIN.COM. It provides a thorough showcase for
one’s credentials, work history and publications. This site offers a more professional scale of
networking. Here many companies, organizations, universities and corporations have profiles.
zJob posts are readily available that match the talents of those enrolled. One can display a
resume, publications and work on the profile for easy access by potential employers. Linkedin is
growing more and more popular among those who have higher education or lucrative careers.
TWITTER.COM is probably one of the next most popular social networking sites. This
site relies mainly on short messages. The Holy Father has a Twitter account called @pontifex
which has over 2 million followers. From these Twitter accounts the Pontiff sends messages in
various languages, including Latin. Twitter is used extensively by media institutions to provide
up to the minute coverage of situations. The short messages of Twitter can be transmitted
instantaneously.
ACADEMIA.EDU has become the social amphitheater for those in academia. This site
has over 3 million listed users and is growing in memberships. It provides a profile with storage
for a Curriculum Vitae and the storage of academic papers. Those enrolled can become enriched
with the latest research findings by those in academic circles. Benefits include a job board
specifically geared for those in the higher academic world.
BLOGGER.COM provides a free platform for the production of blogs. Here opinion,
research, videos, photos, and stories can be shared either privately or publically. People can
respond with comments.
YOUTUBE.COM is a video social networking interface. Here users explore the latest
videos of contemporaries. Many churches have Youtube accounts and make videos related to
their churches.
GODTUBE.COM is a Christian alternative to Youtube and provides inspirational videos
to the public. Anyone can create an account and add video content along the guidelines of the
Christian founders.
PINTEREST.COM and INSTAGRAM are picture sharing sites. Here millions of
members create categories of pictures that are meaningful. Some share some profound
information via graphs, charts, statistics with these tools. The colloquial saying “a picture is
worth a thousand words” is evident on these sites.
XT3.COM is a Catholic Networking site that was developed in Australia for World
Youth Day. It still is in use with thousands of members.
Other countries employ different networking sites all with varying capabilities. There are
too many social networks to enumerate in this essay but these listed are some of the most
popular.

Cultivating Social Networking in Society

Society naturally cultivates social networking through its advertisements and marketing.
Many are encouraged to engage in various social milieus of note. It is amazing to see how well
secular marketers evangelize their products with the latest technologies. Catholics can learn from
the various advertising techniques that are utilized in today’s market.
 Within the Church setting it is important for Church leaders to engage in social media to
propagate the truths of the Faith. Clergy and religious can begin by starting social media
accounts for themselves and for their parishes. Activities can be planned and coordinated through
social networks.
A global perspective shows that many countries employ social media.

The populations of Internet users across the world (amounting to 2.4 billion users) were as
follows: Asia: 1.1 billion Internet users, Europe: 519 million, North America: 274 million, Latin
America / Caribbean: 255 million, Africa: 167 million, Middle East: 90 million,
Oceania/Australia: 24.3 million. China had 565 million Internet users—more than any other
country in the world.

(Garibian, Lenna,  World Internet Stats: Websites, Email, Social Media, and More. Available at:
http://www.marketingprofs.com/charts/2013/10002/world-internet-stats-websites-email-social-
media-and-more) Having lived in Europe and travelled in Asia; I myself have seen the growing
social media in other countries. One might think that due to the extreme poverty in 3rd world
nations social media would prohibit the poor from accessing technology. However, contrary to
perceptions, social media is very popular in poorer countries since it is often offered at low costs.
Many of the poor have cheap cell phones that utilize the latest social networks. Truly, social
networks reach the greater portion of the global society.

Social networks are so popular that it is inevitable that the messages transmitted will
reach a large audience. A message is being diffused to the public through social networks
whether, good or bad. Therefore, it is important for those with Faith to employ these
technologies to transmit the Truth. Veritas Vos Liberabit, however, people need to be shown the
truth in a medium that is accessible to them in modern society.
Social networking answers the call to preach to all nations and all peoples. “The internet
brings together peoples and cultures and ideas in ways that truly manifest the global Body of
Christ, far better than had been done previously.” (Bennett, p. 20-21) With these added
recommendations it is clear that social media networking is crucial for modern day
evangelization.
Thoughts on Social Networking from the Pontiff

The latest message for “World Communications Day” emitted by the Vatican elucidated
the importance of social networking in the Church. The message released on May 12, 2013 was
entitled, "Social Networks: portals of truth and faith; new spaces for evangelization." This
was written by Pope Benedict XVI and released during the reign of Pope Francis. Benedict
XVI speaks of a new agora or public square coming from the ancient Greek culture. The
Pope Benedict XVI noted that, “These spaces, when engaged in a wise and balanced way, help
to foster forms of dialogue and debate which, if conducted respectfully and with concern for
privacy, responsibility and truthfulness, can reinforce the bonds of unity between individuals and
effectively promote the harmony of the human family.” (Benedict XVI, Pope, World
Communications Day Message. May 12, 2013)

The pontiff noted the great value of consideration for others. It is important for the people
of God to examine the values and thoughts of those around us. Social networks provide a theater
for the display of thought, opinion and research. These networks can help people showcase their
insights in a non-threatening way. The networks give public space for people to publish their
findings in life and allow others to examine them without intrusion or conflict.
It is also valuable to contemplate and be able to communicate with people who have
diverse opinions. Social networks help to promote “the infinite richness of the Gospel to find
forms of expression capable of reaching the minds and hearts of all.” (Benedict XVI, Pope,
World Communications Day Message. May 12, 2013)
Of immanent importance is the ability of social networks to highlight the need for religion in
public debate. Pope Benedict released this blessing with the promotion of Social Networking and
said, “I cordially impart my blessing to all of you, that you may be true heralds and witnesses of
the Gospel. “Go into all the world and preach the Gospel to the whole creation” (Mk 16:15).
(Benedict XVI, Pope, World Communications Day Message. May 12, 2013)

The New Evangelization

 In the Year of Faith, the emphasis on the New Evangelization has captured the hearts of
the faithful. Pope Benedict XVI established a new council for the promotion of the New
Evangelization. The vitality of the Church in the sphere of the modern era is integral for survival.
Thus, Benedict says, “the mission of evangelization, a continuation of the work desired by the
Lord Jesus, is necessary for the Church: it cannot be overlooked; it is an expression of her very
nature.” (Benedict XVI, Pope, General audience, “The Year of Faith. Introduction,” 2012,
available at http://www.annusfidei.va/content/novaevangelizatio/en/benedetto-
xvi/catechesi/20121117.html)
This mandate is an extension of the Second Vatican Council’s central themes. The conciliar
documents elucidate the necessity of evangelizing people from the current time period. It is
helpful to reach those “who have a certain faith but an imperfect knowledge of the foundations of
that faith,” as explained in Apostolic Exhortation Evangelii Nuntiandi, n. 52. Also the Church
“must constantly seek the proper means and language for presenting, or representing, to them
God’s revelation and faith in Jesus Christ” (ibid., n. 56). (Benedict XVI, Pope, General
audience, “The Year of Faith. Introduction,” 2012)
Article 3 of the New Evangelization provides a specific directive, “4º. to study and to encourage
the use of modern forms of communication as instruments for the new evangelization.”
 Pope Benedict XVI has provided great encouragement:
Without fear we must set sail on the digital sea facing into the deep with the same passion that
has governed the ship of the Church for two thousand years. Rather than for, albeit necessary,
technical resources, we want to qualify ourselves by living in the digital world with a believer’s
heart, helping to give a soul to the Internet’s incessant flow of communication” (Benedict XVI,
Pope, Address to Conference of Digital Witness. 2010”

We as Christians are called to proclaim the Gospel to all nations. Therefore, may you be
inspired in this special year to open your heart to the world through social networking and thus,
bring the “Good News” to all peoples. Let us be motivated by Pope Benedict’s exhortation, “It is
a duty of the Church to transmit the faith, to communicate the Gospel, so that the Christian truths
may be a light in the new cultural transformations and that Christians may be able to account for
the hope that is in them (cf. 1 Pet 3:15). ((Benedict XVI, Pope, General audience, “The Year of
Faith. Introduction,” 2012)
Popular Opinion on Social Networking

Since social networking and religion is a new and burgeoning field relatively little has
been written on the subject. However, some authors have begun to embrace this new and
canonically approved form of evangelization.
In the book, Habits of the High-tech heart, by Quentin Schultze new technology is compared to
earlier discoveries for travel, “Like earlier innovations in transportation, from the steamship to
the locomotive and airplane, cyber-technology makes it easier for us to move quickly from place
to place without knowing the natives.” (Schultze, Quentin, p. 171) Certainly, the Internet enables
the Church at large to reach foreign lands at an accelerated pace.
One author suggests that the internet has become, “an increasingly popular platform for
social religious interaction, and looks for the consequences of the changes for churches and other
religious organizations.” (Cheong, Pauline, Digital Religion, Social Media and Culture, p. 293)
It is important to realize that we are transmitting eternal truths therefore, “Our message must
never change, but the way we deliver that message must be constantly updated to reach each new
generation.” (Hipps, Shane, The Hidden Power of Electronic Culture, p. 29)
If we consider this new technology from a biblical perspective one might consider Jesus’
actions, “Jesus understood the intimate connection between the medium and the message, the
container and the content. He tells us a new container (wineskin) must bear with it new content
(wine); so also old methods (worn garments) will retain an old message (worn patch).” (Hipps, P.
89) This quote reminds us that Christ’s message was also meant for today’s audience and should
be delivered in a “skin” that is comprehensible to modern society.

Personal Experiences in Evangelization through Social Networking

My first experiences with social networking began with a Master’s Level course at
Athabasca University. This University offered my program completely online; therefore modes
of the New Evangelization were already incorporated and in general use. I took a course which
required students to explore and utilize the latest Internet Technologies for university level
application. This enabled students to develop skills in these media for the academic environment.
 While researching in groups many social media were examined that were just being
founded on the Internet. These included virtual reality environments, course management
systems, and varied social media. The level of interaction during these research periods was
extensive in the online environment. Our studies included synchronous and insynchronous online
communications. Synchronous online communication involves collaboration during the same
time period. Insynchronous online communication involves interaction during different time
periods by leaving material that is posted by individuals at their own time.
These two forms enabled individuals to connect at their leisure or during set periods.
Such flexibility of time provided for an optimal online environment that could potentially meet
the needs of most students.
The level of interaction was enhanced by the numerous media involved. Social tools
included the use of cell phones for texting, video, and photo sharing. Most communication
involved online conferencing with live video streaming. The virtual reality environment provided
atmosphere which simulated a real-time surrounding.
As a youth minister and a music minister in the Roman Catholic Church I have employed
social networking extensively. I have spent 15 years in ministry; some before the advent of social
media and some post the social media development. As I compare the years with social media
and those without I find a pattern of behavior among people. The majority were willing to
participate if it became socially acceptable to do so among their friends. Thus, social media
facilitated the group participation in activities and alerted people to events with greater
efficiency. I have created websites, Facebook Pages, Groups, Blogs, and Twitters sites for
ministry in the Church. Success has varied depending on the location, age range, number of
people and context in general. Looking at my experiences on a macro-level I would say that
social networking has benefited the Church in terms of ministry.
Overall, as a student and as a teacher I am amazed at the opportunities that are awakened
through the explosion of social media in society. I understand the apprehension that many feel
with the loss of privacy and the possibility for evil. However, it must be noted that the possibility
for evil to occur can happen anywhere. The medium itself is not evil however; those who use it
for evil will be held accountable to Divine judgment. Therefore, a wholesale condemnation of
Internet technologies is not beneficial towards the promotion of the Gospel. It is hoped that those
with Faith are able to utilize this media in such a way as to overcome the evil. Perhaps, those of
Faith can witness with social media so as convert those who use it for evil.

Statistics

The statistics prove that online social communication is growing exponentially. There are
over 1 billion people on social media. This involves a good portion of the entire global
population using online media. With this large number of people interacting it is imperative for
the Church to become involved and use this tool for evangelization.
It is important to analyze the actual statistical information that has emerged from the
arena of internet communications. The latest stats show that Facebook has over 1 billion
registered users, Twitter has 517 million users, GOOGLE+ has 400 million users, Linkedin 175
million users, Instagram 100 million users and Pinterest 25 million users (Visual.ly, “100 Social
Networking Statistics and Facts for 2012”, http://visual.ly/100-social-networking-statistics-facts-
2012). The startling reality of these figures is further supported by the daily usage figures. 552
million people use Facebook on a daily basis. 75 million use Google + daily and 25 million use
Linkedin daily users (Visual.ly, “100 Social Networking Statistics and Facts for 2012”,
http://visual.ly/100-social-networking-statistics-facts-2012). On a general scale there are more
women who use social networking than men. However, the statistics prove that people are
communicating with greater frequency on social networks than face to face interaction.
Among the youth social networking has begun to grow exponentially. This has truly
become a way to reach the young at a level which is popular. However, older members of society
also use social networks on a grand scale. Following the documents of Vatican II engaging the
modern world at their level is essential for evangelization. Thus, participating in online
environments is a beneficial means of spreading the Gospel to current society.

Negative Aspects of Social Media

Social media can also involve negative aspects. Issues of privacy and ethics continue to
occupy the realm of Internet technologies. The massive transfer of images on social networks
impacts the notion of privacy. Many people post photos without permission. Secrets and private
affairs are often revealed without the knowledge of those involved. Marriages have been broken,
friendships lost and families torn apart. Also those in the work force need to be careful in order
to keep their employment. At times employees and employers alike will post gossip, anger,
hatred and other material that offend. This can result in firing and tragic workplace situations.
While it is true that evil situations occur using social media we must realize the potential
for good or evil is possible almost anywhere in society. “The attempts to place the Internet as
either good or bad, and desire simply to give up and name it as both, are evidence that the
internet itself is a power, which marks it not only as part of Gods good creation, but also fallen.”
(Bennett, Jana, Aquinas on the Web, p. 106) This quote provides a truthful analysis of the
potential evils that one can encounter within any circumstance.
The sacraments cannot be administered online. This fact has come into question with the
possibility of online confessions. However, there are physical forms required in the
administration of sacraments. “The internet is not likely to be a proper site for participating in the
sacraments or other physical forms of materiality that signify God’s grace, but that does not
mean that the internet is incapable of offering some fruitful theological discourse and signs of
beauty.” (Bennett, Jana, Aquinas on the Web, p. 49) It is integral to our Faith that Jesus the Word
made flesh uses physical elements for the diffusion of his super-natural graces. This fact was
clarified in an article quoting the statement of the president of the Pontifical Council for Social
Communications. It states that “The sacrament of confession, by which the Roman Catholic
faithful receive pardon and absolution for their sins, must always take place in "the sacramental
context of a personal encounter," Archbishop John Foley, the president of the Pontifical Council
for Social Communications, told the Italian Catholic news service SIR.”
(http://www.pcworld.com/article/51923/article.html)

Conclusion

This paper has shown the benefits of social media in the New Evangelization. There has been an
explosion of internet technologies over the past 2 decades that has impacted the very nature of
human beings on the planet. Modes of communication have been redefined to encompass news
spheres of interaction. Advice of the Pontiffs, popular opinion, statistics have all have been
reflected within the boundaries of this paper. It is important to examine the negative impact that
social media can have. However, given that more than half the population of the world now uses
internet technologies it is imperative that Church leaders and laity expand their evangelizational
tools to include the internet and social media in particular. Let us then “set sail on the digital sea”
bringing the Truth that will set mankind free from the evils of sin. May our good witness be so
strong that it overcomes the evils that are present.
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