Whether we like it or not, social media is here and its potential for communication and new relationships present Christians with a range of theological issues to ponder.

This is the contention of Baptist minister the Revd Dr Steve Holmes as he looks at the theology of social media to complete a series on the subject for The Baptist Times.

Some of us will embrace it simply because it's new; for others it is more instinctive to oppose it, writes Dr Holmes, who teaches theology at the University of St Andrews.

We need to temper whichever instinct is ours, and come to 'a reasoned and theological account of the real issues'.

With the arrival of the Holy Spirit, the central story of salvation should make us question the claim that, 'theologically considered, true human communication is only possible through physical presence'.
 

Citing the difference between the disciples in the Gospels and in Acts in their understanding of the ways God can act, Dr Holmes notes that only after experiencing something can we begin to understand its possibilities. As the technology becomes more widely adopted, we will discover new ways of living community. 

Given its potential of engaging beyond that which we are physical capable, do we have a responsibility to get on Facebook and Twitter and form new relationships?

However, caution needs to be expressed. For example, while God the Spirit can be present in many places, giving his whole attention to many situations; humans can't - so what are we potentially neglecting if we give our attention to a situation on social media?
 

Dr Holmes also points out the dangers of linking to people just like us - but highlights social media's potential to reverse a social trend of isolationism, because our comments and relationships are more open.

He concludes by posing a series of questions ('old ones, but informed by a realistic understanding of new technologies') that will determine for each of us where, under God, 'our relational responsibilities lie'.

'The choice to engage with social media can bring many goods, but it also comes with many costs, and a proper theological account of social media will acknowledge both.

Every Christian's use of social media will vary, but 'our engagement with it should be shaped by seriously considering such ethical questions.'