Reading the Culture: Social media and the revolution in Egypt

The Egyptian revolts were begun by a dead man. Police reportedly beat to death Khaled Said last summer. A Facebook page bearing the name of the young businessman has been a driving force behind a movement that has riveted the world’s attention. The page’s administrator, Wael Ghonim, initially went by the handle El Shaheed (“martyr”). He played a critical role in organizing the demonstrations, but for a while no one knew his identity.

“The Political Power of Social Media” is a fascinating essay in the January-February edition of Foreign Affairs. Clay Shirky, professor of new media at New York University, documents examples of social revolution fomented by social media:

• In 2001, text messages produced a million-person crowd in Manila, forcing the removal of Philippine President Joseph Estrada.

• In 2004, demonstrations organized by text messaging led to the ouster of Spanish Prime Minister Jose Maria Aznar.

• In 2009, massive protests coordinated by social media caused the downfall of the Communist Party in Moldova.

• In 2009, the Green Movement in Iran made global headlines, fueled by social media.

Communication technology long has been used to change history. The Protestant Reformation would have been impossible without the printing press; the American Revolution was advanced by the postal service Benjamin Franklin designed. There is a two-step process by which public opinions are formed. First, events and opinions are reported to the people. This historically has been the role of conventional media. Second, they are echoed and modified by friends, family members, colleagues and other people we trust. This is the stage social media greatly enhances.

I see three implications of this phenomenon for Christian ministry. First, discipleship can be made more effective by using social media to teach and discuss spiritual truth. Paul encouraged Timothy: “The things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable men who will also be qualified to teach others” (2 Timothy 2:2). We can imagine young Timothy today armed with Facebook and Twitter, discipling those under his leadership, while Paul texts Timothy with his support.

Second, social media can enable anonymous evangelism. Blogs, Facebook pages and tweets can be forwarded by Christians to non-Christian friends. Biblical truth can be disseminated to people who never would listen to our sermons but would follow us on Twitter.

Last, social media can empower intercession. Paul used the technology of his day in urging the Romans to “join me in my struggle by praying to God for me” (Romans 15:30). Wouldn’t he use new technology in the same way today? If an anonymous Facebook page could spark a revolt in Egypt, what could the Holy Spirit do with new technology in the hands of God’s people?

Jim Denison is president of the Center for Informed Faith (www.informedfaith.com) and theologian-in-residence with the Baptist General Convention of Texas.