The Next Story
The Next Story, by Tim Challies (2011)
In this work, Tim Challies sets out to consider the implications of the digital age for Christian believers. He maintains an important clarity and appreciation for technology itself, recognizing the legitimate good of it. He offers many helpful insights on the day-to-day dynamics that digital technologies bring. Furthermore, Challies provides a sound Biblical basis on relevant topics such as communication, mediation and identity, distraction, information, truth and authority, and visibility and privacy (chps 4-9). Challies’ transparency, himself a participant in the digital age, learning and striving for faithfulness, gives voice to his authenticity. And, in perhaps his main distinction, Challies writes with an essentially pastoral concern; his consistent purpose throughout is that believers be equipped and encouraged to honor God by the ways they live in this new environment, engage with digital technologies and improve upon the opportunities afforded.
The Next Story opens with a portrayal of the scope of the digital explosion (which scarcely can be overstated), and then approaches the subject in different regards: theoretical, theological and experiential. It’s clearly important to understand something of all three in order to function with understanding, discernment and faithfulness in our new environment – the digital age.
With the pace of technological change so rapid, it might be that the situational aspects of Challies’ work would soon sound dated. But I don’t think that liability will be too big, since he’s writing more toward the principle effects of digital technologies and the character of faithful dispositions. I don’t think the value or benefit from this work would diminish much at all as updates and renovations to technology proceed.
My wife and I are reading together now Amusing Ourselves to Death (1985), which I had seen referenced in many other works over the past several years, and which Challies cites in The Next Story, as well. The most basic and preliminary benefits from that work might be simple awareness – just to be mindful of the ways technologies and communication mediums in particular effect not only how we communicate but also what we communicate and eventually also how we think. Challies’ work carries those same strengths of awareness, and then more.
The day after I finished reading The Next Story, I upgraded my own technology to include an iPhone. So far, I really like the convenience and functionality. And although distraction and fragmented attention spans already heavily characterized our culture, in these few short days with my new device, I’ve seen first hand how new technologies and enhanced connectivity can quickly amplify the powers of distraction to blur our thought. I think one of the corresponding distinctive needs of our age will be (already is) for sustained focus and clarity of thought. Challies’ book effectively articulates most of the dangers, but it can be so easy to just move on when the environment we live in so subtly yet consistently undermines the messages themselves.
The Next Story is substantive and worthy of some sustained attention. But it is not academic (not that such a quality is bad or unhelpful), and it is not overly challenging. I think it’s worth recommending to many and using in discipleship or teaching, especially those my age or younger. I hope many will thoughtfully engage with the book.
Good thoughts Michael. This book has looked interesting to me, but I haven’t got the chance to read it yet. I love that you and Amber are reading Amusing Ourselves to Death. It’s one of my favorite books. It’s so fascinating. I look forward to your thoughts on it.