When technology becomes a burden

As a nosy journalist, Memory Gongwa is always on her toes searching for and gathering information that will translate into public knowledge, education and entertainment.

Gongwa strives to keep Malawians abreast of current issues even if that means denying herself rest.

However, the busy schedules have forced the Matindi FM reporter to stop attending church services as she used to before joining the career.

“I don’t even remember the day I lasted attended services at my church—Anglican Church,” Gongwa confessed.

The journalist disclosed that she has been spiritually hollow since she started missing church.

With little success, she sometimes tries to make up for the lost time by joining a group of residents in fellowship prayers every Tuesday and Thursday.

But even then, Gongwa fails to concentrate on worshiping God as she divides her attention between prayers and attending to “important phone calls” from sources.

“And this usually happens when I am anticipating important calls. Otherwise, I keep the phone in my bag while praying and attend to the missed calls later,” she said.

Of all the areas directly impacted by new technology, religion is not one most people would think about right away.

This is because religion, for most people, generally revolves around their particular relationship with God.

However, Pastor Tutuzga Nyirenda of Chipangano Church in Mzimba said technology is affecting religion in ways many people may not know.

“And this is in both negatively as well as positively. One of the most profound ways in which technology is impacting religion is by making it more accessible, which means religious ceremonies and rituals can be broadcast over television and people can even watch on their computers, phones or handheld devices,” said Nyirenda in a telephone interview.

The cleric said technology has made it possible for believers to communicate with members of their faith, church leaders and other people via social networking sites.

“The net effect has been an increase in religious participation in virtually all developed nations. One very noticeable aspect of such new technology is the growth in size of independent churches that broadcast their services,” said Nyirenda.

There is no denying, however, that technology has its own negative impact on religion.

A study by the Indiana University in the USA established that the sidebar regarding technology is that as people become more educated, the less likely they are to believe in God.

The researchers said people who are exposed to new technology tend to spiritualise and idolise the technology, thereby reducing their fear of God.

So, how should Christians handle their Smartphones when in church?

“Keep the phones at home until you are done with religious ceremonies or services. This is the only way a believer can concentrate on worship,” said Nyirenda.

But Gongwa believes this may not necessarily achieve believers’ undivided attention in prayer houses because some would still be thinking about who might be calling them at the time they are in church.

“It’s possible to leave your phones behind, but remain mindful of what sort of business you are missing while attending the service. In this case, leaving your gadgets behind may be meaningless,” she said.